Six-month intervention with wild blueberries improved speed of processing in mild cognitive decline: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: As the sector of the population over 65y increases, cognitive decline and dementia become a public health issue. Interventions to improve brain health and thus, quality of life for older adults are needed. OBJECTIVE: It was hypothesized that those consuming a flavonoid-rich, lyophilized wild blueberry powder would evidence improvements in cognitive performance as measured behaviorally and electrophysiologically compared to those consuming a placebo powder across a 6-month intervention period. DESIGN: In a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, participants experiencing cognitive issues as determined by scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were randomized to consume either wild blueberry (n = 44) or placebo (n = 42) powder daily for 6 months. Participants who were not experiencing any cognitive issues were included as a reference group (n = 45). Participants were tested at baseline and outcome on the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and in an electrophysiological paradigm known as event-related potentials (ERP). RESULTS: Tests of specific cognitive abilities using the CANTAB showed speed of processing not only improved in the blueberry intervention group relative to the placebo group across the 6-month intervention, but blueberries also restored speed of processing to the level of the reference group. The ERP results also showed that, relative to those consuming placebo, speed of processing improved for those in the blueberry group; this improvement was most prominent in those 75-80y. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of wild blueberries for six months improves cognitive aging sequelae by improving the speed of information processing in older adults.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01515098.

Protein-binding approaches for improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins.

Color is an important characteristic of food. Over the last 15 years, more attention has been paid to natural colorants because of the rising demand for clean-label food products. Anthocyanins, which are a group of phytochemicals responsible for the purple, blue or red hues of many plants, offer a market advantage. In addition, anthocyanin-rich foods are associated with protection against cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, diabetes, cancer, microbial-based disorders, neurological disorders, and vision ailments. However, the real health value of anthocyanins, whether as a natural colorant or a functional ingredient, is dependent on the ultimate bioaccessibility and bioavailability in the human body. Many animal and human clinical studies revealed that, after intake of anthocyanin-rich foods or anthocyanin extracts, only trace amounts (< 1% of ingested content) of anthocyanins or their predicted metabolites were detected in plasma after a standard blood draw, which was indicative of low bioavailability of anthocyanins. Protein binding to anthocyanins is a strategy that has recently been reported to enhance the ultimate bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of anthocyanins as compared to anthocyanins delivered without a protein carrier. Therefore, in this review, we address anthocyanin properties in food processing and digestion, anthocyanin-protein complexes used in food matrices, and changes in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins when bound into anthocyanin-protein complexes in foods. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects of this delivery system for anthocyanin pigments.

Novel Spray Dried Algae-Rosemary Particles Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage.

The present study investigated the effect of spray-dried algae-rosemary particles against pollution-induced damage using ex-vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). For this, the complexation of hydroalcoholic rosemary extract with Chlorella (RCH) and Spirulina (RSP) protein powders was conducted. The process efficiency and concentration of rosmarinic acid (RA), carnosic acid (CA), and carnosol (CR) phenolic compounds of both products were compared. The RSP spray-dried production was more efficient, and RSP particles presented higher CR and CA and similar RA concentrations. Therefore, spray-dried RSP particles were prioritized for the preparation of a gel formulation that was investigated for its ability to mitigate pollution-induced skin oxinflammatory responses. Taken altogether, our ex-vivo data clearly demonstrated the ability of RSP gel to prevent an oxinflammatory phenomenon in cutaneous tissue by decreasing the levels of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE-PA) and active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as by limiting the loss of filaggrin induced by DEE exposure. Our results suggest that the topical application of spirulina-rosemary gel is a good approach to prevent pollution-induced skin aging/damage.

Oesophageal eosinophilia accompanies food allergy to hen egg white protein in young pigs.

BACKGROUND: Esophagitis with eosinophilia, inflammation, and fibrosis represent a chronic condition in humans with food allergies. OBJECTIVE: In this investigation, we asked whether esophagitis with an eosinophilic component is observed in young pigs rendered allergic to hen egg white protein (HEWP). METHODS: Food allergy was induced in young pigs using two protocols. In one protocol, sensitized pigs were challenged by gavage with a single dose of HEWP. Clinical signs were monitored for 24 hours, and then, gastrointestinal (GI) tissues were collected for histological examination. The phenotype of circulating, ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cells also was examined in HEWP challenged animals. In the second protocol, sensitized animals were fed HEWP for 28 days. Animals were then examined by endoscopy and gastrointestinal tissues collected for histological examination. RESULTS: In pigs challenged by gavage with HEWP, clinical signs were noted in 5/6 pigs including diarrhoea, emesis, and skin rash. Clinical signs were not seen in any control group. Histological analysis revealed significant levels of oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration (P < .05) in 4/6 of these animals, with two also displaying eosinophilic infiltration in the stomach. Eosinophils were not increased in ileum or colon samples. Increased numbers of circulating, OVA-specific CD4+ T cells also were observed in pigs that received HEWP by gavage. In the group of animals fed HEWP, endoscopy revealed clinical signs of esophagitis including oedema, granularity, white spots, and furrowing, while histology revealed oedema, immune cell infiltration, and basal zone hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Food allergy in the pig can be associated with esophagitis based on histological and endoscopic findings, including eosinophilic infiltration. The young pig may, therefore, be a useful large animal model for the study of eosinophilic esophagitis in humans.

Correction to: In vitro mineral nutrition of Curcuma longa L. affects production of volatile compounds in rhizomes after transfer to the greenhouse.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported a formatting error and an error in the figure caption. The original article has been corrected. The details of the errors are as follows.

In vitro mineral nutrition of Curcuma longa L. affects production of volatile compounds in rhizomes after transfer to the greenhouse.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric is a rich source of bioactive compounds useful in both medicine and cuisine. Mineral concentrations effects (PO43-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and KNO3) were tested during in vitro rhizome development on the ex vitro content of volatile constituents in rhizomes after 6 months in the greenhouse. A response surface method (D-optimal criteria) was repeated in both high and low-input fertilizer treatments. Control plants were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, acclimatized in the greenhouse and grown in the field. The volatile constituents were investigated by GC-MS. RESULTS: The total content of volatiles was affected by fertilizer treatments, and in vitro treatment with Ca2+ and KNO3; but PO43- and Mg2+ had no significant effect. The content was higher in the high-input fertilizer treatments (49.7 ± 9 mg/g DM) with 4 mM Ca2+, 60 mM KNO3 and 5 mM NH4+, than the low-input fertilizer (26.6 ± 9 mg/g DM), and the MS control (15.28 ± 2.7 mg/g DM; 3 mM Ca2+, 20 mM K+, 39 mM NO3-, 20 mM NH4+, 1.25 mM PO43-, and 1.5 mM Mg2+). The interaction of Ca2+ with KNO3 affected curcumenol isomer I and II, germacrone, isocurcumenol, and ß-elemenone content. Increasing in vitro phosphate concentration to 6.25 mM increased ex vitro neocurdione and methenolone contents. CONCLUSION: These results show that minerals in the in vitro bioreactor medium during rhizome development affected biosynthesis of turmeric volatile components after transfer to the greenhouse six months later. The multi-factor design identified 1) nutrient regulation of specific components within unique phytochemical profile for Curcuma longa L. clone 35-1 and 2) the varied phytochemical profiles were maintained with integrity during the greenhouse growth in high fertility conditions.

SR-B1 involvement in keratinocytes in vitro wound closure.

Skin represents the most extended organ of human body, having as main function the protection of our body from outdoor stressors. Its protective ability is compromised when the skin is disrupted as a consequence of mechanical insults. For this purpose, cutaneous tissue is equipped with an efficient and fine mechanism involved in repairing the wounded area. Among the numerous players that take part in the wound healing process, SR-B1 has been recently shown to have a role in keratinocyte re-epithelialization. SR-B1 is a mediator of cholesterol uptake from HDLs, whereas it is implicated in other cellular processes such as vitamins absorption, vesicle trafficking or pathogen identification. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in SR-B1 role in skin wound closure. Our in vitro data demonstrated that SR-B1 influenced keratinocyte proliferation and migration through a downregulation of nuclear cyclin D1 levels and active MMP9 expression respectively possibly in an NF-kB-dependent mechanism. In addition, SR-B1 was also able to modulate keratinocyte morphology into a pro-migratory cytoskeleton rearrangement. The present in vitro study suggests a new role of SRB1 as a possible new key player in cutaneous wound healing mechanism.

If Food Is Our Medicine, Then Why Aren't We All Healthy?

No Abstract Available.

One-step isolation of carnosic acid and carnosol from rosemary by centrifugal partition chromatography.

Carnosic acid and carnosol are the main bioactive components responsible for the significant antioxidant activity of Rosmarinus officinalis. Nevertheless, they are known for their instability in solutions. Separation of both compounds from crude rosemary extract was successfully achieved by one-step centrifugal partition chromatography without any degradation. A two-phase solvent system, hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3:2:3:2 v/v) was run on a preparative scale applying the elution-extrusion technique in descending mode. A 900 mg quantity of the crude extract containing 39.7% carnosic acid and 12.3% carnosol was loaded onto a 500 mL column, rotating at 1800 rpm. Carnosic acid and carnosol were obtained at purities of 96.1 ± 1% and 94.4 ± 0.9%, with recoveries of 94.3 ± 4.4% and 94.8 ± 2.3%, respectively. The compounds were identified by mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and comparison with authentic standards.

Metabolic Effects of Berries with Structurally Diverse Anthocyanins.

Overconsumption of energy dense foods and sedentary lifestyle are considered as major causes of obesity-associated insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism. Results from both cohort studies and randomized trials suggested that anthocyanins from berries may lower metabolic risks, however these reports are equivocal. The present study was designed to examine effects of six berries with structurally diverse anthocyanin profiles (normalized to 400 µg/g total anthocyanin content) on development of metabolic risk factors in the C57BL/6 mouse model of polygenic obesity. Diets supplemented with blackberry (mono-glycosylated cyanidins), black raspberry (acylated mono-glycosylated cyanidins), blackcurrant (mono- and di-glycosylated cyanidins and delphinidins), maqui berry (di-glycosylated delphinidins), Concord grape (acylated mono-glycosylated delphinidins and petunidins), and blueberry (mono-glycosylated delphinidins, malvidins, and petunidins) showed a prominent discrepancy between biological activities of delphinidin/malvidin-versus cyanidin-type anthocyanins that could be explained by differences in their structure and metabolism in the gut. Consumption of berries also resulted in a strong shift in the gastrointestinal bacterial communities towards obligate anaerobes that correlated with decrease in the gastrointestinal luminal oxygen and oxidative stress. Further work is needed to understand mechanisms that lead to nearly anoxic conditions in the gut lumens, including the relative contributions of host, diet and/or microbial oxidative activity, and their implication to human health.

Novel strategies for capturing health-protective mango phytochemicals in shelf stable food matrices.

Cost-effective methods for concentration and stabilization of otherwise perishable mango fruit phytoactives into shelf stable high protein ingredients were developed to combat stunting (malnutrition) in rural Africa. Mango juices complexed with sunflower oil and protein-rich legume flours yielded carotenoid-enriched oils and pelleted polyphenol-enriched flour matrices. Carotenoids from juices were concentrated 9-10 times in the fortified sunflower oil. Protein-rich soy and peanut flours captured 2.2-3.2 mg/g polyphenols from the juices. Alternatively, mango juice was sorbed and co-dried with flours, which stably bound the polyphenols, carotenoids, and natural sugars in soy or peanut protein-rich matrices. The concentration of provitamin A carotenoids was almost doubled and total polyphenols were enriched 4-5 times higher in the matrices compared to fresh pureed juice. Both strategies require minimal instrumentation, are compatible with rural village dietary practices; and capture the benefits of otherwise perishable seasonal resources by complexing healthful proteins together with phytoactive compounds.

Cytotoxic effects of ellagitannins isolated from walnuts in human cancer cells.

Walnuts contain many bioactive components that may slow cancer growth. A previous report showed that a diet supplemented with walnuts decreased the tumor size formed by MDA-MB-231 human cancer cells injected into nude mice. However, the mechanism of action was never determined. We characterized the effects of a methanol extract prepared from walnuts on human MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and HeLa cells. The extract was cytotoxic to all cancer cells. We identified compounds from the methanol extract that induced this cytotoxicity. The predominant compounds were Tellimagrandin I and Tellimagrandin II, members of the ellagitannin family. We also show a walnut extract decreases the intracellular pH, depolarizes the mitochondrial membrane with release of cytochrome c and phosphatidylserine flipping. The antimitogenic effects of walnut extract were associated with a twofold reduction of mitochondria respiration. These results suggest impairment of mitochondrial function and apoptosis as relevant mechanism of anticancer effects of the walnut extract.

Phlorotannins from Alaskan seaweed inhibit carbolytic enzyme activity.

Global incidence of type 2 diabetes has escalated over the past few decades, necessitating a continued search for natural sources of enzyme inhibitors to offset postprandial hyperglycemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate coastal Alaskan seaweed inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, two carbolytic enzymes involved in serum glucose regulation. Of the six species initially screened, the brown seaweeds Fucus distichus and Alaria marginata possessed the strongest inhibitory effects. F. distichus fractions were potent mixed-mode inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC50 values of 0.89 and 13.9 µg/mL, respectively; significantly more efficacious than the pharmaceutical acarbose (IC50 of 112.0 and 137.8 µg/mL, respectively). The activity of F. distichus fractions was associated with phlorotannin oligomers. Normal-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (NPLC-MS) was employed to characterize individual oligomers. Accurate masses and fragmentation patterns confirmed the presence of fucophloroethol structures with degrees of polymerization from 3 to 18 monomer units. These findings suggest that coastal Alaskan seaweeds are sources of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory phlorotannins, and thus have potential to limit the release of sugar from carbohydrates and thus alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia.

The protective effects of a polyphenol-enriched protein powder on exercise-induced susceptibility to virus infection.

Prolonged and intensive exercise induces transient immunosuppression and is associated with an increased risk and severity of infections. The goal of this study was to characterize the antiviral and antibacterial properties of the bioactive metabolites of a blueberry-green tea-polyphenol soy protein complex (PSPC) in the serum of supplemented subjects during a 3-day intensified training period. Long-distance runners, randomly divided into two groups, ingested 40 g/day PSPC or placebo (soy protein and colorings) for 17 days, with a 3-day running period inserted at day 14. Blood serum samples were collected pre-14 days and post-14 days supplementation, and immediately and 14 h after the third day of running. The post-exercise serum from both groups significantly promoted the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in culture by 20-70%, but returned to normal levels following recovery. Furthermore, the serum from subjects ingesting PSPC did not display antibacterial properties at any time point. In contrast, there was a significant difference in the ability of serum from PSPC-supplemented versus placebo-supplemented athletes to protect cells in culture from killing by vesicular stomatitis virus following strenuous exercise. In addition, the serum of subjects who ingested PSPC significantly delayed an exercise-induced increase in virus replication. These results indicate that polyphenol complexes containing blueberry and green tea have the potential to protect athletes from virus infections following rigorous exercise.

Anthocyanin profiling of wild maqui berries (Aristotelia chilensis [Mol.] Stuntz) from different geographical regions in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) is a Chilean species which produces small berries that are collected from the wild. Anthocyanins, because of their health benefits, are the major focus of interest in maqui fruit. For this study, we examined anthocyanin and phenolic content of maqui fruits from individuals that belonged to four geographical areas in Chile, and used DNA marker analysis to examine the genetic variability of maqui populations that had distinctly different fruit anthocyanin content. RESULTS: Twelve primers generated a total of 145 polymorphic inter simple sequence repeat-polymerase chain reaction (ISSR-PCR) bands. ISSR-PCR showed different banding patterns for the individuals evaluated, confirming that maqui populations belonged to different genotypes. Maqui fruit from four different geographical regions during two consecutive growing seasons showed high total anthocyanin (6.6-15.0 g cy-3-glu kg⁻¹ fresh weight (FW)) and phenolic (10.7-20.5 g GAE kg⁻¹ FW) contents and different anthocyanin profiles. CONCLUSION: Three maqui genotypes exhibited significantly higher anthocyanin content than the others, as measured by pH differential method and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Significant genetic diversity was noted within each ecological population. ISSR-PCR analysis provided a fingerprinting approach applicable for differentiation of maqui genotypes.

Leishmanicidal activity of a daucane sesquiterpene isolated from Eryngium foetidum.

CONTEXT: Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) is a traditional herb that has been used for numerous medicinal applications, including as a treatment for parasitic infections, especially in the Neotropics from where it originates. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the in vitro leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity activities of isolated compounds based on a bioassay-guided fractionation approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Defatted aerial parts of E. foetidum were subjected to extraction with methanol followed by partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and 50% methanol. Then, the first two fractions were subsequently fractionated by column chromatography and HPLC. Compound identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Leishmania tarentolae (promastigotes) and L. donovani (amastigotes) were used as testing parasites. L6 rat myoblasts were used for cytotoxicity. All extracts and fractions were tested at 20 µg/mL. RESULTS: The initial methanol extract showed 20% growth inhibition of L. tarentolae. Then, the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were also active showing approximately 40% growth inhibition. From these two fractions, the following compounds were isolated: lasidiol p-methoxybenzoate (1), a daucane sesquiterpene; and 4-hydroxy-1,1,5-trimethyl-2-formyl-cyclohexadien-(2,5)-[α-acetoxymethyl-cis-crotonate] (2), a terpene aldehyde ester derivative. Compound 1 inhibited the growth of both L. tarentolae and L. donovani with IC50 values of 14.33 and 7.84 µM, respectively; and showed no cytotoxicity (IC50 > 50 µM). Compound 2 was inactive in the L. tarentolae assay (IC50 > 50 µM). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study presented the bioassay-guided fractionation with the leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity activities of two compounds isolated for the first time from an Eryngium species.

Bioactive capacity, sensory properties, and nutritional analysis of a shelf stable protein-rich functional ingredient with concentrated fruit and vegetable phytoactives.

Well-known health-protective phytochemicals from muscadine grape and kale were stably complexed with food grade protein (soy or hemp protein isolates) to create biofortified food ingredients for use in a variety of convenient, portable food formulations. The bioactive (anti-inflammatory) potential, sensory attributes and proximates of the prepared formulations were evaluated in this study. Anti-inflammatory properties of the protein-phytoactive ingredient particles were contributed by the polyphenolic content (muscadine-protein) or the combination of polyphenol, carotenoid, and glucosinolate content (kale-protein aggregates). Phytoactive compounds from the fortified matrices suppressed at least two biomarkers of inflammation; most notable with the expression of chronic pro-inflammatory genes IL-6 and Mcp1. Sensory analysis suggested both sweet and savory functional food applications for the biofortified ingredients. Proximate analyses determined that fortification of the soy protein isolate (SPI) with muscadine or kale bioactives resulted in elevated dietary fibers, total carbohydrates, and free sugars, but did not increase calories/100 g dry matrix compared to unfortified SPI. Overall protein content in the aggregate matrices was about 37% less (muscadine-SPI, kale-SPI and kale- HP50) or 17.6% less (muscadine-HP50) on a weight basis, likely due to solubility of some proteins during preparation and partial displacement of some protein mass by the fruit and vegetable phytoactive constituents.

Concentrating immunoprotective phytoactive compounds from fruits and vegetables into shelf-stable protein-rich ingredients.

Co-delivery of edible proteins with health-protective fruit (muscadine grape) and vegetable (kale) phytoactive compounds was accomplished in a biofortified ingredient for use in convenient, portable food formulations. Polyphenolics were concentrated (10-42 mg/g range) in dry muscadine-protein matrices. Kale-fortified protein matrices also captured polyphenolics (8 mg/g), carotenoids (69 µg/g) and glucosinolates (7 µmol/g). Neither total phenolics nor glucosinolates were significantly diminished even after long term (6 months) storage at 4, 20, or 37 °C, whereas carotenoids degraded over time, particularly at higher temperatures. Dry biofortified phytoactive-protein ingredients allowed delivery of immunoprotective compounds from fruits and vegetables in a stable, lightweight matrix.

Feeding the Body Through the Skin: Ethosomes and Transethosomes as a New Topical Delivery System for Bioactive Compounds.

Because the feeding of our body through the oral route can be associated with many drawbacks due to the degradation of natural molecules during transit in the gastrointestinal tract, a transdermal delivery strategy, usually employed in the pharmaceutical field, can present an effective alternative for delivery of bioactives and nutrients from foods. In this review, the chance to feed the body with nutritive and bioactive molecules from food through transdermal administration is discussed. Various nanotechnological devices employed for topical and transdermal delivery of bioactive compounds are described. In addition, mechanisms underlying their potential use in the delivery of nutritive molecules, as well as their capability to efficaciously reach the dermis and promote systemic distribution, are detailed.

Colloidal and interfacial properties of spray dried pulse protein-blueberry polyphenol particles in model dispersion systems.

The phytochemical composition and physicochemical attributes of polyphenol-enriched protein particle ingredients produced with pulse proteins (e.g. chickpea protein, pea protein, and a chickpea-pea protein blend) and polyphenols recovered from wild blueberry pomace were investigated for colloidal and interfacial properties. Anthocyanins were the major polyphenol fraction (27.74-36.47 mg C3G/g) of these polyphenol-rich particles (44.95-62.08 mg GAE/g). Dispersions of pea protein-polyphenol particles showed a superior phase stability before and after heat treatment compared to the chickpea pea protein-polyphenol system. This observation was independent of the added amount of NaCl in the dispersion. In general, at quasi equilibrium state, pulse protein-polyphenol particles and parental pulse protein ingredients showed similar oil-water interfacial tension. However, pea protein-polyphenol particles demonstrated a reduced diffusion-driven oil-water interfacial adsorption rate constant compared to the parental pea protein ingredient. Overall, the obtained results suggest application potential of pea protein-polyphenol particles as a functional food/beverage ingredient.