ABSTRACT
Nutraceuticals, that include food ingredients and bioactives from natural products, confer physiological health benefits and protection against chronic diseases. Annatto is a tropical shrub grown in Central and South America and parts of India. Its seeds are rich in the edible carotenoid-derived apocarotenoid pigment, bixin, which is used as a natural colorant in food, textiles, and cosmetics, and is now gaining attention for its potential health-promoting attributes. Here, we compared a green solvent (ethyl lactate) based extraction of bixin and associated metabolites in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) with two other conventional solvents (acetone and acid-base). Bixin was characterized in the extracts using UV-visible- and FTIR-spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. The bixin-containing solvent extracts were then profiled for other co-existing metabolites using GC-MS analysis, which were found to be sesquiterpenes, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, and tocotrienols. Their bioactivity was evaluated based on antioxidant and wound-healing efficacies and compared with pure bixin, using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in-vitro. Pure bixin, as well as the annatto solvent extracts, showed strong antioxidant and wound healing properties, wherein pure bixin and green solvent extract (ethyl lactate coat) exhibited higher levels of antioxidant activity, achieving 46.00% and 44.60% reduction in MDA levels, respectively, as well as enhanced wound-healing activity, with 54.09% and 53.60% wound closure within 24 h. The green solvent extracts of annatto seeds revealed: (a) differential bioactive profiles in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) in comparison with other solvents, and (b) strong antioxidant and wound healing properties. Thus, ethyl lactate extraction shows strong potential for sustainable environmental friendly production of functional foods/nutraceuticals from annatto seeds.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae , Carotenoids , Plant Extracts , Seeds , Bixaceae/chemistry , Seeds/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Carotenoids/analysis , Carotenoids/isolation & purification , Mice , Animals , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Solvents/chemistry , NIH 3T3 Cells , Green Chemistry TechnologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: This study examined the effects of tocotrienols (TT) in conjunction with statin on glucose homeostasis, bone microstructure, gut microbiome, and systemic and liver inflammatory markers in obese C57BL/6J mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and assigned into four groups in a 2 (no statin vs. 120 mg statin/kg diet)×2 (no TT vs. 400 mg TT/kg diet) factorial design for 14 weeks. RESULTS: Statin and TT improved glucose tolerance only when each was given alone, and only statin supplementation decreased insulin resistance. Consistently, only statin supplementation decreased serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Pancreatic insulin was also increased with statin treatment. Statin and TT, alone or in combination, reduced the levels of serum IL-6, but only TT attenuated the increased serum leptin levels induced by a HFD. Statin supplementation increased bone area/total area and connectivity density at LV-4, while TT supplementation increased bone area/total area and trabecular number, but decreased trabecular separation at the distal femur. Statin supplementation, but not TT, reduced hepatic inflammatory cytokine gene expression. Neither TT supplementation nor statin supplementation statistically altered microbiome species evenness or richness. However, they altered the relative abundance of certain microbiome species. Most notably, both TT and statin supplementation increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG-006. CONCLUSION: TT and statin collectively benefit bone microstructure, glucose homeostasis, and microbial ecology in obese mice. Such changes may be, in part, associated with suppression of inflammation in the host.
Subject(s)
Bone and Bones , Diet, High-Fat , Dietary Supplements , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Homeostasis , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Obesity , Tocotrienols , Animals , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Tocotrienols/pharmacology , Tocotrienols/administration & dosage , Mice , Homeostasis/drug effects , Obesity/drug therapy , Obesity/metabolism , Male , Bone and Bones/drug effects , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Bone and Bones/pathology , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Bixaceae/chemistry , Mice, Obese , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Glucose/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Insulin Resistance , Blood Glucose , Disease Models, Animal , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Biomarkers , CarotenoidsABSTRACT
The interest in natural colorants derived from sustainable processes has prompted research into obtaining bixin from defatted annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds. Bixin is a compound that imparts yellow-orange-red coloration, known for its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and wide industrial applicability. Meanwhile, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) technology has emerged as a promising method for extracting natural colorants, offering higher yields through shorter processes and minimizing thermal degradation. Although some studies have demonstrated the efficiency of HIUS technology in bixin extraction, research on the effects of acoustic cavitation on the properties of the colorant remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of HIUS-specific energy levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.12, and 0.20 kJ/g) on the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of annatto extracts containing bixin and geranylgeraniol. Single-step extractions of bixin using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated at various acoustic powers (4.6, 8.5, 14.5, and 20 W) and extraction times (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 min) to determine their impact on the yield of natural colorant extraction. Increasing the acoustic power from 4.6 to 20 W and extending the extraction time from 0.5 to 5 min resulted in higher yields of natural colorant, likely due to the effects of acoustic cavitation and increased heat under more intense conditions. However, elevated levels of mechanical and thermal energy did not affect the chemical properties of the colorant, as indicated by UV-Vis and FTIR spectra. Conversely, higher specific energies yielded colorants with a more intense red hue, consistent with increased bixin content, and altered the microstructure and physical state, as observed in X-ray diffractograms. Nevertheless, these alterations did not impact the solubility of the colorant. Therefore, employing a cleaner extraction procedure aided by one-step ultrasound facilitated the recovery of natural colorants and contributed to the biorefining of annatto seeds, enabling the production of a rich geranylgeraniol colorant through a sustainable approach.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae , Carotenoids , Seeds , Ultrasonic Waves , Seeds/chemistry , Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Carotenoids/isolation & purification , Chemical Fractionation/methods , Diterpenes/chemistry , Diterpenes/isolation & purification , Color , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
Since long, medicinal plants or herbs are being used in different traditional treatment systems as therapeutic agents to treat a variety of illnesses. Bixa orellana L., an medicinal plant (family: Bixaceae), is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat dyslipidemia, diarrhoea, and hepatitis since ancient times. B. orellana L., seeds contain an orange-red coloured component known as bixin (C25H30O4), which constitutes 80% of the extract.Chemically, bixin is a natural apocarotenoid, biosynthesized through the oxidative degradation of C40 carotenoids. Bixin helps to regulate the Nrf2/MyD88/TLR4 and TGF-1/PPAR-/Smad3 pathways, which further give it antifibrosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This current review article presents a comprehensive review of bixin as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer,and skin protecting natural product. In addition, the biosynthesis and molecular target of bixin, along with bixin extraction techniques, are also presented.
Subject(s)
Biological Products , Plants, Medicinal , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/metabolism , Bixaceae/chemistry , Bixaceae/metabolism , Biological Products/pharmacology , Biological Products/metabolism , Molecular Structure , Carotenoids , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/metabolism , Plants, Medicinal/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/metabolismABSTRACT
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cochlospermum regium is well-known as "Algodãozinho do cerrado" in folk Brazilian medicine, and is used to fight infections, inflammation and skin disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To identify the phytochemical constituents and the effects of the ethanolic extract of C. regium leaves (EECR) on inflammation and pain, and the effects of C. regium gel (GEECR) on wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were treated with EECR (30-300 mg/kg) or GEECR (1.25 and 2.5%) and studies were conducted using carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema tests, formalin-induced pain model, and excision wound model. RESULTS: In total, 25 compounds, including quercitrin, methyl gallate, and 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylhexose, with highest detectability were identified. The treatments reduced leukocyte migration, nitric oxide production, protein extravasation, edema, mechanical hyperalgesia, pain in both phases (neurogenic and inflammatory), cold hypersensitivity, and improved wound closure and tissue regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings established the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and wound healing potential of the leaves of C. regium, confirming the potential therapeutic effect of this plant.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae , Plant Extracts , Animals , Bixaceae/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/analysis , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Ethanol/chemistry , Inflammation/drug therapy , Pain/drug therapy , Edema/chemically induced , Edema/drug therapy , Carrageenan , Analgesics/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Bixasteroid (1), one new steroid together with five known compounds (2-6), were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract of Bixa orellana fruits. All of these known compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by X-ray crystallographic data analysis as well as by the quantum chemical ECD calculations. All the isolated compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibiting NO release activities in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values of 4.72 ± 0.28 and 5.48 ± 1.48 µM, respectively.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae , Fruit , Bixaceae/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , MacrophagesABSTRACT
Emerging evidence on the potential pro-oxidant effect of carotenoids provokes apoptosis of cancer cells. Bixa orellana L. is native to Central and South America, interestingly, is also cultivated worldwide. Apo-carotenoids present in B. orellana L. are mainly dominated by bixin and norbixin and demonstrate fundamental antioxidant activity. Anti-proliferative activity on human cancer cells is rarely investigated. We isolated bixin from B. orellana L. found in the island of Java using Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography and confirmed the isolated compound using Liquid Chromatography-MS/MS. Bixin and crude extract were examined on human lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and breast cancer (MCF-7). Anti-proliferative activity revealed to be promising on both, the isolated pigment and crude extract. Further investigation on the mechanism of action and effect on other cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo, are required before clinical translation.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Lung Neoplasms , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Bixaceae/chemistry , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Carotenoids/metabolism , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Complex Mixtures , Lung/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/metabolismABSTRACT
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bixa orellana L. is reported to have numerous applications in traditional medicine and pharmacological properties such as wound healing, analgesic, hemostatic, and antioxidant activities. Recently, the literature has shown scientific interest of its antimicrobial properties aiming the development of cost-effective phytotherapeutic agents. However, no literature are available in witch the antimicrobial and technological prospecting are summarized. AIM OF STUDY: This study aimed to systematically review articles and patents related to the antimicrobial activity of B. orellana. METHODS: The review followed the guidelines proposed by The Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two reviewers performed a literature search up to November 2021 in eight databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Scifinder, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. The following databases for the patent search were analyzed: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Google Patents, National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Espacenet (European Patent Office, EPO). The grey literature was searched using the ProQuest Dissertations and Periódicos Capes Theses database. The methodological quality and risk of bias in the included studies were carried out using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3.5. RESULTS: After analyzing the 47 studies and five patents fulfilled all the criteria and were included in the present investigation. The evidence suggests that this herbal medicine is effective against several fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, being more effective to Gram-negative bacteria. Regarding the risk of bias and methodological quality analysis, most studies a high risk of bias related to random sequence generation and allocation concealment. CONCLUSION: Up to now, the evidence in the literature suggests that the use of B. orellana preparations for antimicrobial preparations has some effectiveness. However, further research is needed using standard B. orellana preparations to determine their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents and expanding their application at an industrial level, in addition in vivo studies are needed for this confirmation.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/isolation & purification , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Bixaceae/chemistry , Medicine, Traditional/methods , Animals , Fungi/drug effects , Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Humans , Patents as TopicABSTRACT
Menopause is the leading cause of osteoporosis for elderly women due to imbalanced bone remodelling in the absence of oestrogen. The ability of tocotrienol in reversing established bone loss due to oestrogen deficiency remains unclear despite the plenitude of evidence showcasing its preventive effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-emulsified annatto tocotrienol (SEAT) on bone histomorphometry and remodelling in ovariectomised rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly assigned into baseline, sham, ovariectomised (OVX) control, OVX-treated with annatto tocotrienol (AT) (60 mg/kg), SEAT (60 mg/kg) and raloxifene (1 mg/kg). Daily treatment given through oral gavage was started two months after castration. The rats were euthanised after eight weeks of treatment. Blood was collected for bone biomarkers. Femur and lumbar bones were collected for histomorphometry and remodelling markers. The results showed that AT and SEAT improved osteoblast numbers and trabecular mineralisation rate (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). AT also decreased skeletal sclerostin expression in OVX rats (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). Similar effects were observed in the raloxifene-treated group. Only SEAT significantly increased bone formation rate and reduced RANKL/OPG ratio (p<0.05 vs untreated OVX). However, no changes in osteoclast-related parameters were observed among the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, SEAT exerts potential skeletal anabolic properties by increasing bone formation, suppressing sclerostin expression and reducing RANKL/OPG ratio in rats with oestrogen deficiency.
Subject(s)
Bone and Bones/drug effects , Carotenoids/therapeutic use , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Tocotrienols/therapeutic use , Animals , Bixaceae/chemistry , Bone Density/drug effects , Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/metabolism , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Bone and Bones/pathology , Carotenoids/chemistry , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Disease Models, Animal , Emulsions , Estradiol/deficiency , Female , Genetic Markers , Humans , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/metabolism , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/pathology , Osteoprotegerin/metabolism , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , RANK Ligand/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Tocotrienols/chemistry , Tocotrienols/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) constitute two different metal elements and exhibit relatively superior mechanistic and catalytic efficacies owing to their synergistic functions over monometallic nanoparticles. In the present study various bimetallic Ag-Au, Ag-Pd, Au-Pd nanoparticles were synthesized using a natural biopolymer gum kondagogu (GK) as a reducing and capping agent, by a simple and cost-effective method. The synthesized BNPs when characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy revealed a specific surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) of each nanocomposite. The average particle size of Ag-Au, Ag-Pd, and Au-Pd BNPs was found to be 23 ± 10.3, 21 ± 7.6, and 23 ± 9.4 nm respectively based on transmission electron microscopy analysis. Surface morphology and functional groups on the gum matrix of GK-BNPs were analyzed by XRD and FT-IR respectively. The bimetallic nanocomposites were evaluated for their catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4. The kinetic studies performed, depicted rate constants for Ag-Au, Ag-Pd, and Au-PdNPs as 0.31, 0.39, and 0.28 min-1 respectively. The catalytic efficiencies of three bimetallic nanocomposites were of the following order Ag-Pd > Ag-Au > Au-Pd. This study establishes the catalytic potentials of the three different bimetallic nanocomposites in the reduction of 4-NP an environmental pollutant, and the impact of their synergistic property.
Subject(s)
Aminophenols/chemistry , Biopolymers/chemistry , Bixaceae/chemistry , Metals/chemistry , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Plant Gums/chemistry , Catalysis , Diffusion , Kinetics , Nanocomposites/ultrastructure , Particle Size , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , X-Ray DiffractionABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of co-treatment with purified annatto oil (PAO) or its granules (GRA, Chronic®) with that of testosterone on the orchiectomy-induced osteoporosis in Wistar rats. After surgery, rats were treated from day 7 until day 45 with testosterone only (TES, 7 mg/kg, IM) or TES + PAO or GRA (200 mg/kg, p.o.). The following parameters were evaluated: food/water intake, weight, HDL, LDL, glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alkaline phosphatase levels, blood phosphorus and calcium contents, femur weight, structure (through scanning electron microscopy), and calcium content (through atomic absorption spectrophotometry). Our results show that orchiectomy could significantly change the blood lipid profile and decrease bone integrity parameters. Testosterone reposition alone could improve some endpoints, including LDL, TC, bone weight, and bone calcium concentration. However, other parameters were not significantly improved. Co-treatment with PAO or GRA improved the blood lipid profile and bone integrity more significantly and improved some endpoints not affected by testosterone reposition alone (such as TG levels and trabeculae sizes). The results suggest that co-treatment with annatto products improved the blood lipid profile and the anti-osteoporosis effects of testosterone. Overall, GRA had better results than PAO.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Femur/drug effects , Lipids/blood , Orchiectomy , Osteoporosis/blood , Osteoporosis/etiology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Oils/pharmacology , Testosterone/pharmacology , Animals , Body Weight/drug effects , Drinking Behavior/drug effects , Feeding Behavior/drug effects , Femur/ultrastructure , Male , Protective Agents/pharmacology , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is an isoprenoid compound found in annatto seeds and an intermediate of the mevalonate pathway found within organisms serving various functions. Toxicological studies on its safety profile are not readily available. To assess the safety of GGOH, a molecularly distilled, food grade annatto oil, consisting of approximately 80% trans-GGOH, was subjected to a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test in order to investigate its genotoxic potential and a 90-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study in rats in order to investigate its potential subchronic toxicity and identify any target organs. No evidence of mutagenicity or genotoxic activity was observed under the applied test systems. In the 90-day study, male and female Hsd. Han Wistar rats were administered daily doses of 0, 725, 1450, and 2900 mg/kg bw/day by gavage. Treatment-related adverse effects were observed in the forestomach at all dose levels and in the liver at the intermediate- and high-dose levels. Based on these results, the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for local effects and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for systemic effects were determined as 725 mg/kg bw/day.
Subject(s)
Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Diterpenes/toxicity , Mutagens/toxicity , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Administration, Oral , Animals , Diterpenes/administration & dosage , Female , Male , Mutagenicity Tests , Mutagens/administration & dosage , No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level , Rats , Toxicity Tests, SubchronicABSTRACT
Color is the prime attribute with a large impact on consumers' perception, selection, and acceptance of foods. However, the belief in bio-safety protocols, health benefits, and the nutritional importance of food colors had focused the attention of the scientific community across the globe towards natural colorants that serve to replace their synthetic toxic counterparts. Moreover, multi-disciplinary applications of greener extraction techniques and their hyphenated counterparts for selective extraction of bioactive compounds is a hot topic focusing on process intensification, waste valorization, and retention of highly stable bioactive pigments from natural sources. In this article, we have reviewed available literature to provide all possible information on various aspects of natural colorants, including their sources, photochemistry and associated biological activities explored under in-vitro and in-vivo animal and human studies. However a particular focus is given on innovative technological approaches for the effective extraction of natural colors for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Subject(s)
Food Coloring Agents/chemistry , Food Coloring Agents/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/analysis , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Animals , Anthocyanins/chemistry , Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Color , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Food Coloring Agents/pharmacology , Green Chemistry Technology , Humans , Plant Extracts/chemistryABSTRACT
Tree gums are a class of abundantly available carbohydrate polymers that have not been explored thoroughly in film fabrication for food packaging. Films obtained from pristine tree gums are often brittle, hygroscopic, and lack mechanical strength. This study focuses on the chemical modification of gum kondagogu using long-chain alkenyl groups of dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA), an esterifying agent that introduces a 12-carbon hydrophobic chain to the kondagogu structure. The esterification reaction was confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of nano-cellulose as an additive on various film properties was investigated. The developed films were characterized for their mechanical, morphological, optical, barrier, antibacterial, and biodegradable properties. The inclusion of long-chain carbon groups acted as internal plasticizers and resulted in an amorphous structure with better film-forming ability, improved hydrophobicity, and higher elongation at break values. The modified films exhibited antibacterial properties and excellent biodegradability under aerobic conditions.
Subject(s)
Alkenes/pharmacology , Bixaceae/chemistry , Food Packaging , Plant Gums/pharmacology , Succinic Anhydrides/chemistry , Alkenes/chemical synthesis , Alkenes/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemical synthesis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Biodegradable Plastics/chemical synthesis , Biodegradable Plastics/chemistry , Biodegradable Plastics/pharmacology , Elastic Modulus , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Materials Testing , Plant Gums/chemical synthesis , Plant Gums/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Tensile StrengthABSTRACT
Obesity and its related complications are a world-wide health problem. Dietary tocotrienols (TT) have been shown to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and gut dysbiosis. This study examined the hypothesis that the antioxidant capacity of TT alters metabolites of oxidative stress and improves systemic metabolism. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD control) or HFD supplemented with 800 mg annatto-extracted TT/kg (HFD+TT800) for 14 weeks. Sera from obese mice were examined by non-targeted metabolite analysis using UHPLC/MS. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD+TT800 group had higher levels of serum metabolites, essential amino acids (lysine and methionine), sphingomyelins, phosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids, and vitamins (pantothenate, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, and retinol). TT-treated mice had lowered levels of serum metabolites, dicarboxylic fatty acids, and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers (trimethylamine N-oxide, kynurenate, 12,13-DiHOME, and 13-HODE + 9-HODE) compared to the control. The results suggest that TT supplementation lowered inflammation and oxidative stress (oxidized glutathione and GSH/GSSH) and improved macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates) in obese mice. Thus, TT actions on metabolites were beneficial in reducing obesity-associated hypercholesterolemia/hyperglycemia. The effects of a non-toxic dose of TT in mice support the potential for clinical applications in obesity and metabolic disease.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/administration & dosage , Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Dietary Supplements , Obesity/diet therapy , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Tocotrienols/administration & dosage , Animals , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Inflammation/blood , Inflammation/diagnosis , Inflammation/diet therapy , Inflammation/immunology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Nutrients/metabolism , Obesity/blood , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Tocotrienols/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
To assess the antimicrobial activity and the physical properties of resin-based experimental endodontic sealers with the incorporation of vegetable extracts obtained from Bixa orellana, Mentha piperita, and Tagetes minuta species. The extracts were obtained and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The extracts were individually incorporated into a dual-cure experimental sealer at a mass concentration of 0.5%. A commercial reference RealSeal was used. The sealers were evaluated by measuring the setting time, degree of conversion, dimensional stability, radiopacity, flow, and film thickness of these materials, also and its antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the direct contact test. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. The physical properties were not influenced by the addition of the vegetable extracts (p > 0.05). For S. mutans, only T. minuta and B. orellana groups presented antibacterial activity after 24 h of contact (p < 0.05). All extracts evidenced an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). The experimental sealers hold promise as a novel vegetable sealer with great antimicrobial activity and also great physical-mechanical properties. Nonetheless, more studies are needed.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Root Canal Filling Materials/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Bixaceae/chemistry , Candida albicans/drug effects , Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects , Mentha piperita/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Root Canal Filling Materials/pharmacology , Streptococcus mutans/drug effects , Tagetes/chemistryABSTRACT
Tocotrienol has been shown to prevent bone loss in animal models of postmenopausal osteoporosis, but the low oral bioavailability might limit its use. A self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) could increase the bioavailability of tocotrienol. However, evidence of this system in improving the skeletal effects of tocotrienol is scanty. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of annatto tocotrienol with SEDDS in a rat model of postmenopausal bone loss. Ten-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into six groups. The baseline group was euthanatized at the onset of the study. Four other groups underwent ovariectomy to induce estrogen deficiency. The sham underwent similar surgery procedure, but their ovaries were retained. Eight weeks after surgery, the ovariectomized rats received one of the four different regimens orally daily: (a) SEDDS, (b) annatto tocotrienol [60 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] without SEDDS, (c) annatto-tocotrienol (60 mg/kg b.w.) with SEDDS, (d) raloxifene (1 mg/kg b.w.). After eight weeks of treatment, blood was collected for the measurement of delta-tocotrienol level and oxidative stress markers. The rats were euthanized and their bones were harvested for the evaluation of the bone microstructure, calcium content and strength. Circulating delta-tocotrienol level was significantly higher in rats receiving annatto tocotrienol with SEDDS compared to the group receiving unformulated annatto-tocotrienol (p < 0.05). Treatment with unformulated or SEDDS-formulated annatto tocotrienol improved cortical bone thickness, preserved bone calcium content, increased bone biomechanical strength and increased antioxidant enzyme activities compared with the ovariectomized group (p < 0.05). Only SEDDS-formulated annatto tocotrienol improved trabecular microstructure, bone stiffness and lowered malondialdehyde level (p < 0.05 vs the ovariectomized group). The improvement caused by annatto tocotrienol was comparable to raloxifene. In conclusion, SEDDS improves the bioavailability and skeletal therapeutic effects of annatto tocotrienol in a rat model of postmenopausal bone loss. This formulation should be tested in a human clinical trial to validate its efficacy.
Subject(s)
Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use , Carotenoids/therapeutic use , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/prevention & control , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Tocotrienols/therapeutic use , Absorptiometry, Photon , Animals , Bixaceae/chemistry , Bone Density Conservation Agents/administration & dosage , Bone Density Conservation Agents/chemistry , Bone and Bones/anatomy & histology , Bone and Bones/drug effects , Calcium/metabolism , Carotenoids/administration & dosage , Carotenoids/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems , Emulsions , Female , Humans , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Ovariectomy , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Raloxifene Hydrochloride/therapeutic use , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/therapeutic use , Tocotrienols/administration & dosage , Tocotrienols/chemistry , X-Ray MicrotomographyABSTRACT
The assembly of bio-based macromolecules of gum kondagogu/sodium alginate (KO/SA) was fabricated using glycerol as a plasticiser and their optimum blending ratio was identified based on their physical and chemical, structural, mechanical, barrier, and morphological properties. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis show that both biomacromolecules are well organised due to the hydrogen bond interaction between molecular chains involving the hydroxyl, carbonyl, and acetyl groups. Structural identification was performed by recording X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to identify the distinction between the surface of the films of biopolymers, and their conjugates, where the addition of SA increased the surface homogeneity and smoothness. The water contact angle of the blend films reached up to 81°, although the value for pure biomacromolecule films was very low. The blend films also exhibited high tensile strength (up to 24 MPa) compared to the pure biopolymer films. Investigation of film-forming ability, mechanical strength, permeability, transparency, and biodegradability of the developed KO/SA bio-macromolecular association may be established as green and sustainable food packaging films.
Subject(s)
Alginates/chemistry , Bixaceae/chemistry , Food Packaging , Membranes, Artificial , Plant Gums/chemistryABSTRACT
To compare the encapsulation of annatto extract by external gelation (EG) and internal gelation (IG) and to maximize process yield (% Y), two central composite designs were proposed. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration (0.3-3.5%), alginate to gelling solution ratio (1:2-1:6); acetic acid (CH3COOH) concentration (0.2-5.0%) and alginate to gelling solution ratio (1:2-1:6) were taken as independent variables for EG and IG respectively. Release studies were conducted under different conditions; morphology, particle size, the encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release mechanism were evaluated under optimized conditions. The optimized EG conditions were 0.3% CaCl2 and 1:1.2 alginate to gelling solution ratio, whereas a 0.3% CH3COOH and 1:5 alginate to gelling solution ratio were optimized conditions for IG. When 20% extract was employed, the highest EE was achieved, and the largest release was obtained at a pH 6.5 buffer. The Peppas-Sahlin model presented the best fit to experimental data. Polyphenol release was driven by diffusion, whereas bixin showed anomalous release. These results are promising for application as modulated release agents in food matrices.
Subject(s)
Alginates/chemistry , Bixaceae/chemistry , Carotenoids/chemistry , Phytochemicals , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Polyphenols , Seeds/chemistry , Capsules , Carotenoids/pharmacokinetics , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacokinetics , Polyphenols/chemistry , Polyphenols/pharmacokineticsABSTRACT
Colored Cheddar cheeses are prepared by adding an aqueous annatto extract (norbixin) to cheese milk; however, a considerable proportion (â¼20%) of such colorant is transferred to whey, which can limit the end use applications of whey products. Different geographical regions have adopted various strategies for handling whey derived from colored cheeses production. For example, in the United States, whey products are treated with oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide to obtain white and colorless spray-dried products; however, chemical bleaching of whey is prohibited in Europe and China. Fundamental studies have focused on understanding the interactions between colorants molecules and various components of cheese. In addition, the selective delivery of colorants to the cheese curd through approaches such as encapsulated norbixin and microcapsules of bixin or use of alternative colorants, including fat-soluble/emulsified versions of annatto or beta-carotene, has been studied. This review provides a critical analysis of pertinent scientific and patent literature pertaining to colorant delivery in cheese and various types of colorant products on the market for cheese manufacture, and also considers interactions between colorant molecules and cheese components; various strategies for elimination of color transfer to whey during cheese manufacture are also discussed.