Ingestion of Bean Leaves Reduces Metabolic Complications and Restores Intestinal Integrity in C57BL/6 Mice with Obesity Induced by a High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet.

Consumption of foods with fiber and compounds can promote gastrointestinal health and reduce obesity complications. Therefore, treatment with common bean leaves (BL) against obesity was evaluated in mice with a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) for 14 weeks. The bromatological and phytochemical characterization of BL were determined. Afterwards, the animals were supplemented with BL (10%) or a standard diet (SD) as a strategy to encourage a healthy diet for 12 additional weeks. Changes in body composition, lipid profile, and intestinal integrity were analyzed. The characterization of BL stood out for its content of 27.2% dietary fiber, total phenolics (475.04 mg/100 g), and saponins (2.2 mg/100 g). The visceral adipose tissue (VAT) decreased in the BL group by 52% compared to the HFFD group. Additionally, triglyceride levels were 23% lower in the BL consumption group compared to the HFFD group. The improvement in lipid profile was attributed to the 1.77-fold higher fecal lipid excretion in the BL consumption group compared to the HFFD group and the inhibition of pancreatic lipase by 29%. Furthermore, BL supplementation reduced the serum levels of IL-6 (4.4-fold) and FITC-dextran by 50% compared with those in the HFFD group. Metabolic endotoxemia was inhibited after BL supplementation (-33%) compared to the HFFD group. BL consumption as a treatment in obese mice reduces adipose tissue accumulation and improves the lipid profile. Furthermore, we report for the first time that BL consumption improves intestinal integrity.

Chemical and sensorial characterization of Tejate, a Mexican traditional maize-cocoa beverage, and improvement of its nutritional value by protein addition.

Tejate is a Mexican traditional beverage elaborated with nixtamalized maize (Zea mays L.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) beans, cacao flowers (Quararibea funebris), and mamey sapota fruit seeds (Pouteria sapota) that is considered a refreshing drink with satiety properties. Local formulations show a high content of minerals, but a relatively low protein content. The aim of this study was to identify a standardarized formulation but conserving physicochemical and sensorial ethnic identity of traditional Tejate, and to improve its nutritional value with the addition of protein without modifying its sensorial profile. A 24-1 fractional factorial design with central point was used to vary ingredients concentration and the amount of ash used for maize nixtamalization instead of lime (calcium hydroxide) was 75 g/100 g (w/w) of wood ashes in 2 L water. The standardized traditional formulation (TF) was selected through a sensory analysis with an expert panel: 20 g of cacao flowers, 30 g of mamey sapota fruit seeds, and 100 g of cocoa beans per kg of maize nixtamalized with 6% of ash. Whey protein concentrate (80% of protein) or soy protein isolate (88% of protein) were added to the TF at 1, 2, and 2.5%. The addition of 1% soy protein isolate increased TF protein content without modifying its physicochemical parameters, and improved the beverage stability during cold storage. The protein-rich Tejate formulation could be used as a functional beverage maintaining its ethnic identity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05073-w.

Citrus decoction by-product represents a rich source of carotenoid, phytosterol, extractable and non-extractable polyphenols.

This study aimed to carry out an exhaustive chemical characterization of citrus (orange, mandarin, and grapefruit) decoctions as well as the residues obtained during the decoction process (by-products). The citrus decoctions were rich in hesperidin, naringin, and narirutin, but carotenoids and phytosterols were not detected. Interestingly, these flavanones were found in a higher concentration in the extractable polyphenol fraction of the citrus decoction by-products. Moreover, the greatest content of hesperidin and naringin was found bound to the food matrix by ether/ester bonds. Violaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin were found as major carotenoids in the orange and mandarin decoction by-products, respectively, whereas the grapefruit decoction by-product showed a low content of carotenoids. All citrus by-products showed ß-sitosterol as the major phytosterol, followed by ß-campesterol. Therefore, the by-products obtained during the elaboration of citrus decoctions are rich sources of bioactive compounds that can be used for the development of functional foods or dietary supplements.

Lycopene Improves Diet-Mediated Recuperation in Rat Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the synergic effect of lycopene (LYC) treatment with a dietary control in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model induced with a high-fat diet (HFD). Sprague-Dawley rats were fed during 4 weeks with a normal diet (ND·4w) or an HFD (HFD·4w) to produce an NAFLD model. Then, rats from the ND·4w group continued during 4 weeks with the same diet (ND·8w), and rats from HFD were fed during 4 weeks with an ND (HFD·4w+ND·4w) or an ND plus LYC (HFD·4w+ND+LYC·4w). LYC (20 mg/kg) was administered daily by gavage. ND and ND+LYC diets partially reverted the following alterations due to HFD: liver weight, serum low-density lipoproteins (LDL), hepatic total cholesterol (TC), and catalytic activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as macroscopic and microscopic images of livers. A higher recuperation to reach normality was obtained with ND+LYC in: liver weight, hepatic TC, serum LDL, and, in some instances, macroscopic and microscopic images of livers. Failures to recovery with both NDs were observed for malondialdehyde level and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity. Taken together, the results from this study suggest the potentially protective role of LYC against NAFLD; however, more clinical trials are needed to support this idea.

Salicylic acid elicitation during cultivation of the peppermint plant improves anti-diabetic effects of its infusions.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) infusions represent an important source of bioactive compounds with health benefits, which can be enhanced by applying salicylic acid (SA) during plant cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SA (0, 0.5 and 2 mM) during peppermint cultivation on the chemical profile of saponins and alkaloids, as well as the anti-diabetic properties of the resulting infusions. The results showed that a 2 mM SA treatment significantly improved the chemical profiles of the infusions. Furthermore, the administration of 2 mM SA-treated peppermint infusions for 4 weeks to a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats decreased serum glucose levels (up to 25%) and increased serum insulin levels (up to 75%) as compared with the diabetic control. This can be related to the observed protection on pancreatic ß-cells. Furthermore, 0.5 and 2 mM SA-treated peppermint infusions decreased LDL (24 and 47%, respectively) and increased HDL levels (18 and 37%, respectively). In addition, all groups treated with peppermint infusions had lower serum and liver triglyceride contents, where 2 mM SA peppermint infusion showed the highest effect (44% and 56%, respectively). This is probably caused by its higher capacity to inhibit pancreatic lipase activity and lipid absorption. Moreover, SA-treated peppermint infusions improved the steatosis score in diabetic rat liver and decreased serum transaminase levels, probably as a result of the increase in steroidal saponins and alkaloids, such as trigonellin. Therefore, the application of 2 mM SA during cultivation of peppermint could be used to improve the anti-diabetic properties of peppermint infusions.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities of edible red oak (Quercus spp.) infusions in rat colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

Red oak (Quercus spp.) leaves are traditionally used as food in Mexico, and some of their infusions have potential anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects; however, these properties have not yet been scientifically tested. The aim of this work was to explore the anti-inflammatory activity in HT-29 cells and anticarcinogenic effect in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis of red oak infusions. Quercus infusions were prepared and administered as the sole source of drink to male Sprague-Dawley rats (1% w/v) for the entire 26-week experimental period. On week 4, rats received 8 subcutaneous injections of DMH (21 mg/kg body weight) once a week. The results showed that mean tumor (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 2.6 ± 0.3) and multiplicity (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.23), and ß-catenin protein level (2.2-fold) in adenocarcinomas were significantly lower in Quercus sideroxyla-treated group compared with DMH group. By contrast, Quercus durifolia and Quercus eduardii infusions had no protective effect. Additionally, the experiments in HT-29 cells confirmed that Q. sideroxyla infusion effectively decreased the levels of the inflammatory markers COX-2 and IL-8 by modulating the expression of NF-κB. These results highlight some of the molecular mechanisms related to the chemopreventive effect of Q. sideroxyla infusion and its potential value as a source of bioactive compounds.

Antidiabetic and Renal Protective Properties of Berrycactus Fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans).

Native plants are exceedingly valuable because they are sources of natural products with applications for the treatment of various diseases. Berrycactus fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) has been consumed in Mexico since ancient times due to its sweetness. The hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of this fruit were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by replacing the drinking water with berrycactus juice (2 or 4 g/kg). After 4 weeks of treatment, the diabetic animals showed an improvement in their conditions, as reflected by diminished circulating glucose levels (up to 50%), diminished triglycerides (up to 67%), and diminished total cholesterol (up to 35%) compared with diabetic nontreated controls, and these effects were dose dependent. The dose of 4 g/kg produced the best results. The administration of the juice improved renal function and helped to restore normal levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase in the kidney. The expressions of two transcription factors that are relevant to normal functioning of the kidney changed due to the administration of the juice; compared to the diabetic nontreated controls, the level of nuclear factor kappa of B-cells diminished, and the total level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma increased. The results of this study highlight the importance of the compounds that are present in berrycactus fruit as adjuvants in the treatment of diabetes and its renal complications.

Consumption of Ocimum sanctum L. and Citrus paradisi infusions modulates lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in obese rats.

A high saturated fat and fructose diet leads to metabolic disorders through dysregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism. Consumption of plant infusions reduces these obesity alterations, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of Ocimum sanctum L. (OS) and Citrus paradisi (CP) infusions in diet-induced obese rats. CP and OS infusions suppressed hepatic tissue fat accumulation, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of two hepatic lipogenesis genes: sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) compared with the obese control. Treatment with these infusions up-regulated the hepatic expression of mRNA related to mitochondrial fatty acid uptake: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and the expression of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1a (CPT1a). Both infusions improved insulin resistance, with OS showing the major effect. Consumption of these infusions reduces the damage caused by free radicals, protecting hepatic lipids and proteins. Additionally, plant infusions increase activity of hepatic enzymes: glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT). Our results suggest that the effects of CP and OS infusions on lipid metabolism are related to the down-regulation of genes involved in lipogenesis, particularly for OS, and to the increase in lipid ß-oxidation, especially for CP infusion. In conclusion, the consumption of these plant infusions is a feasible adjuvant therapy for metabolic changes induced by obesity.

Chemical evaluation, antioxidant capacity, and consumer acceptance of several oak infusions.

As part of an ongoing screening on natural products, 4 oak leaves were analyzed as potential nutraceutical beverages. The phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and sensory preferences of leaves infusions from Quercus resinosa, Q. sideroxyla, Q. eduadii, and Q. durifolia in comparison with 2 commercial green teas were investigated. Herbal infusions from oak leaves and Green teas (1%, 80 °C, 10 min) were evaluated for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), HPLC analysis, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), soluble solids, pH, color, and consumer preference analysis. Q. resinosa leaves infusions have shown the highest TPC, TEAC, and ORAC values but they have attained the lowest preference score. Quercus leaves infusions with higher content of gallic acid and catechins showed best antioxidant capacity but lower consumer preference.

Antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antidiabetic activities of edible leaves from Cnidoscolus chayamansa Mc. Vaugh.

UNLABELLED: The methanolic extract of Cnidoscolus chayamansa leaves from Mexico was screened for antioxidant and antimutagenic properties by the DPPH, ABTS, iron chelating, and Kado microsuspension assays, respectively. The hypoglycemic effect was also studied. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as HPLC identification and quantification of protocatechuic acid and rutin were also carried out. The C. chayamansa leaves extract contained 71.3 +/- 1.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 42.6 +/- 3.7 mg (+)-catechin equivalent/g extract of total phenols and flavonoids, respectively. Concentrations of 0.242 +/- 0.001 mg/g and 2.00 +/- 0.097 mg/g were found for protocatechuic acid and rutine, respectively. The extract was capable of scavenging DPPH and ABTS(+) radicals in a concentration dependent manner. The extract was not toxic to TA100 and TA98 strains at the concentrations tested; moreover, the extract at a concentration of 1000 microg inhibited 24% and 39% the mutagenicity induced by 4-nitro-O-phenylenediamine and sodium azide, respectively. An acute hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats was observed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: C. chayamansa has been proposed as an herbal medicine to treat diabetes; however, the reported results are not conclusive and further studies need to be performed. Despite this fact, chaya leaves can be commercialized as tea in a dried presentation since the dried leaves conserve high polyphenol contents.

Composition and chemopreventive effect of polysaccharides from common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on azoxymethane-induced colon cancer.

Common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) contain a high proportion of undigested carbohydrates (NDC) that can be fermented in the large intestine to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and chemopreventive effect of a polysaccharide extract (PE) from cooked common beans ( P. vulgaris L) cv. Negro 8025 on azoxymethane (AOM) induced colon cancer in rats. The PE induced SCFA production with the highest butyrate concentrated in the cecum zone: 6.7 +/- 0.06 mmol/g of sample for PE treatment and 5.29 +/- 0.24 mmol/g of sample for PE + AOM treatment. The number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the transcriptional expression of bax and caspase-3 were increased, and rb expression was decreased. The data suggest that PE decreased ACF and had an influence on the expression of genes involved in colon cancer for the action of butyrate concentration.