Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Protects C2C12 Myotubes against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress.

The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense systems leads to macromolecule and tissue damage as a result of cellular oxidative stress. This phenomenon is considered a key factor in fatigue and muscle damage following chronic or high-intensity physical exercise. In the present study, the antioxidant effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) was evaluated in C2C12 myotubes exposed to an elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) insult. The capacity of the extract to influence the myotube redox status was evaluated through an analysis of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione homeostasis (GSH and GSSG), total free thiols (TFT), and thioredoxin (Trx) activity, as well as the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and transferase (GST). Moreover, the ability of MOLE to mitigate the stress-induced peroxidation of lipids and oxidative damage (TBARS and protein carbonyls) was also evaluated. Our data demonstrate that MOLE pre-treatment mitigates the highly stressful effects of H2O2 in myotubes (1 mM) by restoring the redox status (TFT, Trx, and GSH/GSSG ratio) and increasing the antioxidant enzymatic system (CAT, SOD, GPx, GST), thereby significantly reducing the TBARs and PrCAR levels. Our study provides evidence that MOLE supplementation has antioxidant potential, allowing myotubes better able to cope with an oxidative insult and, therefore, could represent a useful nutritional strategy for the preservation of muscle well-being.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Upregulates Nrf2/HO-1 Expression and Ameliorates Redox Status in C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal plant with numerous health benefits. In skeletal muscle cells, Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) acts by increasing the oxidative metabolism through the SIRT1-PPARα pathway. SIRT1, besides being a critical energy sensor, is involved in the activation related to redox homeostasis of transcription factors such as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the capacity of MOLE to influence the redox status in C2C12 myotubes through the modulation of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione levels, Nrf2 and its target gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, as well as enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and transferase (GST). Moreover, the impact of MOLE supplementation on lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage (i.e., TBARS and protein carbonyls) was evaluated. Our results highlight for the first time that MOLE increased not only Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels in a dose-dependent manner, but also improved glutathione redox homeostasis and the enzyme activities of CAT, SOD, GPx and GST. Therefore, it is intriguing to speculate that MOLE supplementation could represent a valuable nutrition for the health of skeletal muscles.

HPTLC-PCA Complementary to HRMS-PCA in the Case Study of Arbutus unedo Antioxidant Phenolic Profiling.

A comparison between High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out by performing a combined metabolomics study to discriminate Arbutus unedo (A. unedo) plants. For a rapid digital record of A. unedo extracts (leaves, yellow fruit, and red fruit collected in La Maddalena and Sassari, Sardinia), HPTLC was used. Data were then analysed by PCA with the results of the ability of this technique to discriminate samples. Similarly, extracts were acquired by non-targeted LC-HRMS followed by unsupervised PCA, and then by LC-HRMS (MS) to identify secondary metabolites involved in the differentiation of the samples. As a result, we demonstrated that HPTLC may be applied as a simple and reliable untargeted approach to rapidly discriminate extracts based on tissues and/or geographical origins, while LC-HRMS could be used to identify which metabolites are able to discriminate samples.

Myrtus communis Liquor Byproduct as a Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The fatty acid (FA), polyphenol content and evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of exhausted Myrtus communis berries (EMB) resulting from the production of myrtle liqueur were assessed. All parts of the exhausted berries exhibited high concentrations of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and phenolic compounds. The lipid fraction contained a high amount of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly represented by linoleic acid (>70%). Of the phenolic acids evaluated by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, ellagic acid was the most predominant (>50%), followed by gallic and quinic acids. Quercetin and quercetin3-O-rhamnoside were the most abundant flavonoids. The seed extracts showed a higher antioxidant potential than the pericarp extracts; the same trend was observed for total phenolic compounds evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. The overall high content of bioactive compounds and the high antioxidant potential of this byproduct sustain its suitability for a number of industrial applications, such as a food ingredient in novel foods, an additive in cosmetic formulations or a component of animal feed formulations.

Glucoraphanin and sulforaphane evolution during juice preparation from broccoli sprouts.

Broccoli sprouts are considered functional food as they are naturally enriched in glucoraphanin (GR) that is the biological precursor of the anticancer compound sulforaphane (SFN). Due to its health promoting value, also broccoli sprout juice is becoming very popular. The present study aimed to quantitatively assess the conversion of GR to its hydrolysis products, SFN and SFN-nitrile, during the juice preparation process. We demonstrated that SFN plus SFN-nitrile yield from glucoraphanin is quite low (≈25%) and that some SFN is lost during the juice preparation partially due to the spontaneous conversion to sulforaphane-amine or conjugation to GSH and proteins naturally present in the juice. Our results demonstrate that the detection of the sole SFN free form does not provide reliable information about the real concentration of this functional compound in the juice.

Valorizing coffee pulp by-products as anti-inflammatory ingredient of food supplements acting on IL-8 release.

Coffee is the second traded food commodity in the world. Beyond roasted seeds, the most part of the original fruit -and in particular pulp- is discarded as waste, with severe environmental and economic consequences in many developing countries. Our research focused on developing an eco-friendly extraction protocol of phytocomplexes from coffee pulp and evaluating their bioactivity and beneficial effects to human health as food supplements. Antioxidant activity assays (Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH assays) were adopted to select the most effective extraction technique and results show antioxidant activity of coffee pulp extracts. After analysis of cytotoxicity on human epithelial gastric cells, measurements of IL-8 release of treated or pre-treated cells were performed. Results showed that the use of soft technical equipment and sustainable solvents (i.e. maceration process, aqueous extraction) can extract phytocomplexes with antioxidant properties. Moreover, IL-8 measurements showed impairment of this chemokine release at concentrations that may be reached in vivo in the gastrointestinal tract, following consumption of reasonable amount of extract. Pre-treatments analysis demonstrated the ability of coffee pulp extracts to prevent IL-8 release by gastric epithelial cells. Chemical evaluation performed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry showed that quinic acid derivatives are abundant in coffee pulp extract together with procyanidins derivatives: those compounds might be responsible for the high biological activity. This evidence supports future applications of coffee pulp extracts as food supplement with high added value, starting from a waste that can be valorized through simple yet efficient extraction methods.

Gender-related metabolomics and lipidomics: From experimental animal models to clinical evidence.

Lipidomics and metabolomics have emerged as important tools for the characterization of specific physiological and pathological traits. The selection of the analytical approaches and the choice of a targeted rather than an untargeted strategy in metabolomics find their reasons in the driving hypothesis of the study, sample features and instrumental availability. Moreover, in the last years, -omics approaches have found their application in the study of sex-related dimorphism. In this review, lipidomic and metabolomic analyses are presented in a biomedical perspective. Here, we provide an updated overview covering recent applications of metabolomics and lipidomics in the area of sex-related differences in human and preclinical models. Experimental evidence underlines that sex is one of the most relevant biological variables significantly influencing metabolomic and lipidomic profiles. This knowledge can be exploited for the identification of novel sex-specific biomarkers and innovative targets relevant for gender medicine.

Nutraceutical Improvement Increases the Protective Activity of Broccoli Sprout Juice in a Human Intestinal Cell Model of Gut Inflammation.

Benefits to health from a high consumption of fruits and vegetables are well established and have been attributed to bioactive secondary metabolites present in edible plants. However, the effects of specific health-related phytochemicals within a complex food matrix are difficult to assess. In an attempt to address this problem, we have used elicitation to improve the nutraceutical content of seedlings of Brassica oleracea grown under controlled conditions. Analysis, by LC-MS, of the glucosinolate, isothiocyanate and phenolic compound content of juices obtained from sprouts indicated that elicitation induces an enrichment of several phenolics, particularly of the anthocyanin fraction. To test the biological activity of basal and enriched juices we took advantage of a recently developed in vitro model of inflamed human intestinal epithelium. Both sprouts' juices protected intestinal barrier integrity in Caco-2 cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor α under marginal zinc deprivation, with the enriched juice showing higher protection. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the extent of rescue from stress-induced epithelial dysfunction correlated with the composition in bioactive molecules of the juices and, in particular, with a group of phenolic compounds, including several anthocyanins, quercetin-3-Glc, cryptochlorogenic, neochlorogenic and cinnamic acids.

Metabolomic study of wild and cultivated caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from different areas of Sardinia and their comparative evaluation.

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae), also known as caper, is widely known for its very aromatic flower buds (capers),that are largely employed as a flavouring in cooking. Capparis species are regarded as a potential source of important bioactive compounds, in fact, due to their botanical relationship with Brassica species; they contain glucosinolates, secondary plant metabolites, that have been studied for their potential anticarcinogenic properties. In addition, the presence of other numerous beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, alkaloids, lipids, vitamins and minerals have been reported. The aim of this study was to individuate and determinate the principal bioactive compounds occurring in different part (leaves, buds and flowers) of wild and cultivated C. spinosa collected from different area of Sardinia (Italy). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry methods were used for identification and simultaneous determination of 27 bioactive molecules. Analysis of different samples revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in the content of flavonoids, glucosinolates, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. In particular, glucocapparin resulted the most abundant with values ranging from 112 to 364 mg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW); followed by rutin with highest value of 126 mg/100 g FW, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin with highest value of 42 mg/100 g FW and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside with highest value of 24 mg/100 g FW. Based on this metabolomic targeted approach, quantitative results were treated by principal component analysis to explore and visualise correlation and discrimination among collections of C. spinosa samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Profiling and Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Anthocyanins in Wild Myrtus communis L. Berries from Different Geographical Areas in Sardinia and their Comparative Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) is a self-seeded shrub, widespread in Sardinia, with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and balsamic properties. Its berries, employed for the production of sweet myrtle liqueur, are characterised by a high content of bioactive polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins. Anthocyanin composition is quite specific for vegetables/fruits and can be used as a fingerprint to determine the authenticity, geographical origin and quality of raw materials, products and extracts. OBJECTIVE: To rapidly analyse and determine anthocyanins in 17 samples of Myrtus communis berries by developing a platform based on the integration of UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative data and multivariate analysis with the aim of extracting the most information possible from the data. METHODOLOGY: UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods, working in positive ion mode, were performed for the detection and determination of target compounds in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Optimal chromatographic conditions were achieved using an XSelect HSS T3 column and a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the quantitative data to correlate and discriminate 17 geographical collections of Myrtus communis. RESULTS: The developed quantitative method was reliable, sensitive and specific and was successfully applied to the quantification of 17 anthocyanins. Peonidin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant compound in all the extracts investigated. CONCLUSION: The developed methodology allows the identification of quali-quantitative differences among M. communis samples and thus defines the quality and value of this raw material for marketed products. Moreover, the reported data have an immediate commercial value due to the current interest in developing antioxidant nutraceuticals from Mediterranean plants, including Sardinian Myrtus communis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Improvement of the nutraceutical quality of broccoli sprouts by elicitation.

Epidemiological studies show an inverse association between Brassica consumption and chronic diseases. Phytochemicals are thought to be beneficial for human health and therefore responsible for this protective effect. Increasing their levels into Brassica food is considered an expedient nutritional strategy that can be achieved through the manipulation of growth conditions by elicitors. In this work we systematically evaluated the influence of treatment with different elicitors (sucrose, mannitol, NaCl, 1-aminocyclopropane-L-carboxylic acid, salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate) on the phytochemical composition of broccoli sprouts. The content of total and single glucosinolates, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, vitamin C and E and ß-carotene was assessed. The exposure to different elicitors produced concentration- and elicitor-dependent specific changes in the content of all the phytochemicals considered. Sucrose, identified as the most effective elicitor by principal component analysis, induced a significant increase of total and specific glucosinolates, vitamin C, total anthocyanins and polyphenols. Sucrose is likely to represent an effective tool to increase the nutritional value of broccoli sprouts.

Variability of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils between Myrtus communis var. Leucocarpa DC and var. Melanocarpa DC.

Essential oils (EOs) from several individuals of Myrtus communis L. (M. communis) growing in different habitats in Sardinia have been studied. The analyses were focused on four groups of samples, namely cultivated and wild M. communis var. melanocarpa DC, characterized by red/purple berries, and cultivated and wild M. communis var. leucocarpa DC, characterized by white berries. Qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrated different EO fingerprints among the studied samples: cultivated and wild leucocarpa variety differs mainly from the melanocarpa variety by a high amount of myrtenyl acetate (>200 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL in leucocarpa and melanocarpa varieties respectively). Conversely, the wild group is characterized by a higher amount, compared with the cultivated species, of linalool (about 110 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL respectively), linalyl acetate (about 24 mg/mL and about 6 mg/mL respectively) whereas EOs of the cultivated plants were rich in pinocarveol-cis compared with wild plants (about 2 mg/mL and about 0.5 mg/mL respectively). Principal component analysis applied to the chromatographic data confirm a differentiation and classification of EOs from the four groups of M. communis plants. Finally, antioxidant activity of the studied EOs shows differences between the various categories of samples.

Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Predominant Alterations in Lipid Metabolism Following Light Exposure in Broccoli Sprouts.

The consumption of vegetables belonging to the family Brassicaceae (e.g., broccoli and cauliflower) is linked to a reduced incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The molecular composition of such plants is strongly affected by growing conditions. Here we developed an unbiased metabolomics approach to investigate the effect of light and dark exposure on the metabolome of broccoli sprouts and we applied such an approach to provide a bird's-eye view of the overall metabolic response after light exposure. Broccoli seeds were germinated and grown hydroponically for five days in total darkness or with a light/dark photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle). We used an ultra-performance liquid-chromatography system coupled to an ion-mobility, time-of-flight mass spectrometer to profile the large array of metabolites present in the sprouts. Differences at the metabolite level between groups were analyzed using multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and correlation analysis. Altered metabolites were identified by searching publicly available and in-house databases. Metabolite pathway analyses were used to support the identification of subtle but significant changes among groups of related metabolites that may have gone unnoticed with conventional approaches. Besides the chlorophyll pathway, light exposure activated the biosynthesis and metabolism of sterol lipids, prenol lipids, and polyunsaturated lipids, which are essential for the photosynthetic machinery. Our results also revealed that light exposure increased the levels of polyketides, including flavonoids, and oxylipins, which play essential roles in the plant's developmental processes and defense mechanism against herbivores. This study highlights the significant contribution of light exposure to the ultimate metabolic phenotype, which might affect the cellular physiology and nutritional value of broccoli sprouts. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of an unbiased omics approach for the comprehensive study of the metabolism.

Protective effects of Brassica oleracea sprouts extract toward renal damage in high-salt-fed SHRSP: role of AMPK/PPARα/UCP2 axis.

OBJECTIVES: Renal damage precedes occurrence of stroke in high-sodium/low-potassium-fed stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). We previously reported a marked suppression of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) upon high-salt Japanese-style diet in SHRSP kidneys. Vegetable compounds are known to exert protective effects in cardiovascular diseases. We aimed at evaluating the impact of Brassica oleracea sprouts juice toward renal damage in Japanese diet-fed SHRSP and exploring the role of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα)/UCP2 axis. METHODS: SHRSP received Japanese diet for 4 weeks. A group of SHRSP received Japanese diet and B. oleracea. A third group received Japanese diet, B. oleracea, and PPARα inhibitor (GW6471). A group of SHRSP fed with regular diet served as control. RESULTS: Japanese diet induced marked increases of oxidative stress, inflammation, and proteinuria, along with glomerular and tubular damage, as compared with regular diet. A significant suppression of AMPK/UCP2 pathway was observed. Despite Japanese diet feeding, concomitant administration of B. oleracea prevented oxidative stress accumulation, inflammation, renal damage, and proteinuria. All components of the UCP2 regulatory pathway were significantly increased by B. oleracea. Superoxide dismutase 2 and phosphoendothelial nitric oxide synthase were also stimulated. Addition of PPARα inhibitor to B. oleracea and Japanese diet significantly reduced the B. oleracea beneficial effects. SBP levels were comparable among the different groups of rats.In vitro, UCP2 inhibition by genipin offset the antioxidant effect of B. oleracea in renal mesangial and proximal tubular cells. CONCLUSION: B. oleracea administration prevented renal damage in salt-loaded SHRSP, independently from SBP, with parallel stimulation of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α/PPARα/UCP2 axis. Stimulation of the latter mechanism may provide relevant renal protective effect and play a therapeutic role in target organ damage progression in hypertension.

'Moringa oleifera: study of phenolics and glucosinolates by mass spectrometry'.

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant and an excellent dietary source of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and health-promoting phytochemicals (phenolic compounds, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates). Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates are known to possess anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant effects and have attracted great interest from both toxicological and pharmacological points of view, as they are able to induce phase 2 detoxification enzymes and to inhibit phase 1 activation enzymes. Phenolic compounds possess antioxidant properties and may exert a preventative effect in regards to the development of chronic degenerative diseases. The aim of this work was to assess the profile and the level of bioactive compounds in all parts of M. oleifera seedlings, by using different MS approaches. First, flow injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (FI-ESI-MS) fingerprinting techniques and chemometrics (PCA) were used to achieve the characterization of the different plant's organs in terms of profile of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates. Second, LC-MS and LC-MS/MS qualitative and quantitative methods were used for the identification and/or determination of phenolics and glucosinolates in M. oleifera.

Absorption, metabolism, and effects at transcriptome level of a standardized French oak wood extract, Robuvit, in healthy volunteers: pilot study.

The consumption of wine and spirits, traditionally aged in oak barrels, exposes humans to roburin ingestion. These molecules belong to a class of ellagitannins (ETs), and their only known source is oak wood. Very little is currently known about roburin bioavailability and biological activity. We reported for the first time human absorption of roburins from a French oak wood (Quercus robur) water extract (Robuvit) by measuring the increase of total phenols (from 0.63 ± 0.06 to 1.26 ± 0.18 µg GAE equiv/mL plasma) and the appearance of roburin metabolites (three different glucoronidate urolithins and ellagic acid), in plasma, after 5 days of supplementation. Robuvit supplementation induced also the increase of plasma antioxidant capacity from 1.8 ± 0.05 to 1.9 ± 0.01 nmol Trolox equiv/mL plasma. Moreover, utilizing a combined ex vivo cell culture approach, we assessed the effect of Q. robur metabolites (present in human serum after supplementation) on gene expression modulation, utilizing an Affymetrix array matrix, in endothelial, neuronal, and keratinocyte cell lines. The functional analysis reveals that Robuvit metabolites affect ribosome, cell cycle, and spliceosome pathways.

Glucosinolates redox activities: can they act as antioxidants?

Glucosinolates are a class of secondary plant metabolites particularly occurring in Cruciferae with potential health-promoting properties, as their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates, possess chemopreventive and antioxidant activities. In the present study, we systematically studied the in vitro redox behaviour of 15 glucosinolates, by using a range of analytical methods measuring different activities: (i) radical scavenging activity toward peroxyl and toward ABTS radical (chain-breaking activity); (ii) capacity in modulating the in vitro resistance of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) catalysed by copper (chelating and chain-breaking activity). Data obtained from different assays were compared and analysed by principal component analysis (PCA). PCA allowed us to identify a big cluster of glucosinolates (10 out 15 tested) that do not possess any antioxidant capacity; while, the other five glucosinolates showed moderate and specific antioxidant capacity. Notably, sinalbin and gluconasturtiin were highly active in scavenging ABTS radical and in protecting LDL from copper-catalysed oxidation, respectively. The overall results of this study indicate that just few glucosinolates can act as antioxidants.

Saponin inventory from Argania spinosa kernel cakes by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

INTRODUCTION: Argania spinosa kernel cakes, obtained from argan oil extraction process, are known to contain large amounts of saponins. Only a few have been characterised previously, due to the use of pure ethanol as extracting solvent. The use of aqueous 50% ethanol improved the extraction of more polar saponins. OBJECTIVE: Identification of polar saponins in kernel cakes of Argania spinosa by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and NMR techniques. METHODS: Defatted kernel cakes were first extracted with ethanol and then twice with 50% aqueous ethanol. Individual crude extracts were analysed with an ion-trap mass spectrometer in negative mode electrospray MS and MS/MS modes. NMR experiments were run under standard conditions at 300 K on a Bruker DRX-600 spectrometer. RESULTS: The LC-MS base peak chromatogram of saponins from pure ethanol extract was dominated by 11 large and several small peaks but the UV chromatogram showed only two peaks, corresponding to the main neutral saponins found previously in Argania: arganine A and B. In 50% aqueous ethanol extracts, numerous other saponins were detected. Many of them were glucuronide oleanane-type triterpene carboxylic acid 3,28-O-bidesmosides (GOTCAB saponins). The assignments of (1) H- and (13) C-NMR spectra of the four most abundant GOTCAB saponins confirmed the MS results. CONCLUSION: Four GOTCAB saponins were structurally identified by NMR analysis in the 50% aqueous ethanol extract. Furthermore, LC-MS analyses showed the presence of at least 19 additional polar saponins in these kernel cakes.

Determination of six steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) from different geographical origin by LC-ESI-MS/MS.

Liquid chromatography electro-spray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS) was applied to the determination of sweet glycosides (steviol glycosides), and toxic aglycon steviol in 24 samples of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) aerial parts, which had been experimentally cultivated in Italy, although derived from seeds of different geographical origin. On the basis of the specific fragmentation of these compounds, an LC-MS/MS method was developed with the aim of quantifying analytes in plant material. Although toxic steviol was not detectable in all the samples, the samples with the highest levels of steviol glycosides were identified. Analysis of the different samples revealed that they were good quality samples, quality being directly linked to the presence of sweet glycosides in the plants cultivated in Italy, although there were differences in the content of these compounds according to the origin of the seeds, and in particular, a major concentration of compounds with major sweetness activity and minor toxicity was found in the population coming from Brazil (for example: sample 10, stevioside content 15.74±2.0% p/p and rebaudioside A content 3.09±0.39% p/p of dried plant). Finally, based on this metabolomic targeted approach, the results obtained for the samples were treated by Principal Component Analysis, identifying specific genotypic differences based on the geographic origin of the seeds.

Effects of olive polyphenols administration on nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse brain.

OBJECTIVE: Polyphenols are chemicals derived from plants known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. High intake of fruit and vegetables is believed to be beneficial to human health. Various studies have suggested that dietary polyphenols may protect against cancer and cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are neurotrophins that play key roles in brain cell development, growth, and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not administration of olive (Olea europaea L.) polyphenols could have an effect on NGF and BDNF content and the expression of their receptors, TrkA and TrkB, respectively, in the mouse brain. METHODS: NGF and BDNF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TrkA and TrkB were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: We found NGF and BDNF elevation in the hippocampus and olfactory bulbs and a decrease in the frontal cortex and striatum. These data were associated with potentiated expression of TrkA and TrkB in the hippocampus and olfactory bulbs but no differences between groups in the striatum and frontal cortex. Polyphenols did not affect some behavioral mouse parameters associated with stressing situations. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, this study shows that olive polyphenols in the mouse may increase the levels of NGF and BDNF in crucial areas of the limbic system and olfactory bulbs, which play a key role in learning and memory processes and in the proliferation and migration of endogenous progenitor cells present in the rodent brain.