Myrtus communis leaves: source of bio - actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects / Hojas de Myrtus communis: fuente de bioactivos, uso tradicional, sus propiedades biológicas y perspectivas

Myrtus communis L., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitant s of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This review retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communis leaves, which provides a perspective for further studies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communis leaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights in to the development of these bio - actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Myrtus communis L., comúnmente conocido como arrayán verdadero, es una planta medicinal originaria de la zona mediterránea. Desde la antigüedad, los habitantes de esta zona lo utilizan por sus propiedades culturales y medicinales. Debido a la gran div ersidad de biomoléculas en sus partes aéreas, exhibe varias propiedades biológicas, incluidas propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas. Esta revisión retrospectiva de la investigación sobre la fuente, las actividades biológicas con evi dencia empírica, la composición química, las aplicaciones y los objetivos celulares de los extractos y aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas de M. communis , lo que brinda una perspectiva para futuros estudios sobre las aplicaciones y formulaciones de l os extractos y EO de M. communis . La eficacia de los componentes individualmente, en asociación con otros componentes bioactivos o en combinación con medicamentos comerciales disponibles proporcionaría información sobre el desarrollo de estos bioactivos co mo medicamentos futuros y sus futuras aplicaciones potenciales en las industrias farmacéutica, alimentaria y aromática

Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

In-situ forming carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel containing Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract for mixed infectious vaginitis treatment by reshaping the micro-biota.

Mixed infectious vaginitis poses a serious threat to female reproductive health due to complex pathogenic factors, a long course and easy recurrence. Currently, antibiotic-based treatment methods are facing a crisis of drug resistance and secondary dysbiosis. Exploring effective drugs for the treatment of mixed vaginitis from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., a natural traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use, is a feasible treatment strategy. P. suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract (PLE) has significant anti-bacterial effects due to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The polyphenols in peony leaves have the potential to make carboxymethyl chitosan form in situ gel. In the current study, PLE and carboxymethyl chitosan were combined to develop another type of natural anti-bacterial anti-oxidant hydrogel for the treatment of mixed infectious vaginitis. Through a series of characterisations, CP had a three-dimensional network porous structure with good mechanical properties, high water absorption, long retention and a slow-release drug effect. The mixed infectious vaginitis mouse model induced by a mixture of pathogenic bacteria was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of CP in vivo. The appearance of the vagina, H&E colouring of the tissue and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6) confirm the good anti-vaginal effect of CP. Therefore, CP was expected to become an ideal effective strategy to improve mixed infection vaginitis due to its excellent hydrogel performance and remarkable ability to regulate flora.

Glycerol-driven adaptive evolution for the production of low-molecular-weight Welan gum: Characterization and activity evaluation.

Through adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 31555, fermentation for production of low-molecular-weight welan gum (LMW-WG) was performed using glycerol as sole carbon source. During ALE, GPC-MALS analysis revealed a gradual decrease in WG molecular weight with the increase of adaptation cycles, accompanied by changes in solution conformation. LMW-WG was purified and structurally analyzed using GPC-MALS, monosaccharide composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy, NMR analysis, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, LMW-WG obtains hydration, transparency, antioxidant activity, and rheological properties. Finally, an in vitro simulation colon reactor was used to evaluate potential prebiotic properties of LMW-WG as dietary fiber. Compared with WG produced using sucrose as substrate, LMW-WG exhibited a fourfold reduction in molecular weight while maintaining moderate viscosity. Structurally, L-Rha nearly completely replaced L-Man. Furthermore, LMW-WG demonstrated excellent hydration, antioxidant activity, and high transparency. It also exhibited resistance to saliva and gastrointestinal digestion, showcasing a favorable colonization effect on Bifidobacterium, making it a promising symbiotic agent.

A squalene analog 4,4'-diapophytofluene from coconut leaves having antioxidant and anti-senescence potentialities toward human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves, an unutilized resource, enriched with valuable bioactive compounds. Spectral analysis of purified pentane fraction of coconut leaves revealed the presence of a squalene analog named 4,4'-diapophytofluene or in short 4,4'-DPE (C30H46). Pure squalene standard (PSQ) showed cytotoxicity after 8 µg/ml concentration whereas 4,4'-DPE exhibited no cytotoxic effects up to 16 µg/ml concentration. On senescence-induced WI38 cells, 4,4'-DPE displayed better percentage of cell viability (164.5% at 24 h, 159.4% at 48 h and 148% at 72 h) compared to PSQ and BSQ (bio-source squalene) with same time duration. Similar trend of result was found in HaCaT cells. SA-ß-gal assay showed that number of ß-galactosidase positive cells were significantly decreased in senescent cells (WI38 and HaCaT) after treated with 4,4'-DPE than PSQ, BSQ. Percentage of ROS was increased to 60% in WI38 cells after olaparib treatment. When PSQ, BSQ and 4,4'-DPE were applied separately on these oxidative-stress-induced cells for 48 h, the overall percentage of ROS was decreased to 39.3%, 45.6% and 19.3% respectively. This 4,4'-DPE was found to be more effective in inhibiting senescence by removing ROS as compared to squalene. Therefore, this 4,4'-DPE would be new potent senotherapeutic agent for pharmaceuticals and dermatological products.

Formulation of quinoa oil-alginate loaded nanoemulsion and its anticancer efficacy as a therapy for chemically induced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) have gained interest due to their naturally occurring phytochemicals and antioxidants. They possess potent anticancer properties against human colorectal cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fatty acids in quinoa oil were studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rats were used to test the acute oral toxicity of the nanoemulsion loaded with sodium alginate. The DPPH radical scavenging method was employed to assess the nanoemulsion's ability to scavenge free radicals. It was examined the in vivo anticancer potential of quinoa oil nanoemulsion on rats with breast cancer induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA). DMBA-breast cancer models received daily quinoa oil nanoemulsions for 30 days. The anticancer effect of the nanoemulsion was assessed by measuring ROS, protein carbonyl, gene expression of anti-oncogenes, and histopathological analysis. Supplying quinoa oil nanoemulsion significantly reduced the increase in serum ROS and PC levels induced in breast cancer tissue. The expression levels of antioncogenes in breast cancer tissue were decreased by the quinoa oil nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsions also improved the cellular morphology of breast tumors. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that quinoa oil nanoemulsion has anticancer activity against breast cancer, effectively modulating oxidative stress markers, anti-oncogene expressions, and tissue architecture. It can be inferred from the results that quinoa oil nanoemulsion is a chemoprotective medication that may hinder breast cancer progression in rats.

Antitumor activity and phenolic profile of Melissa officinalis extract against human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

Gastric cancer remains a global health concern, driving the exploration of natural products with anticancer potential. This study investigated the antiproliferative activity and chemical composition of a 70% ethanolic extract from Melissa officinalis L. against human gastric cancer cells. The extract was prepared and evaluated for total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content. The MTT test checked how well it stopped the growth of human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and normal dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Data analysis (SPSS Statistics) determined viable cell percentages and performed regression analysis (p<0.05). The extract exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against AGS cells compared to normal cells (p<0.05), with decreasing IC50 values (564.3, 258.0 and 122.5 µg/ml) over 24, 48 and 72 hours. It also displayed antioxidant activity (IC50=16.8±1.41µg/ml) and contained substantial phenolics (225.76±4.1 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (22.36±2.6 mg RUT/g). This study suggests the 70% ethanolic extract of M. officinalis effectively suppresses AGS cell growth and possesses promising antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a natural source of anticancer and antioxidant agents, deserving further investigation.

Antioxidant potentials of extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau.

The research aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans growing in Vietnam, a member of the Acanthaceae family. The plant's roots, stem and leaves were extracted using 96% ethanol. The antioxidant actions of these extracts were evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay on thin-layer plates and 96 well plates. The extract with the most potent activity was applied for distribution extraction with solvents with different polarities, including dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and water. Dry column vacuum chromatography was utilized to obtain the most antioxidant-potent extract fractions. The stem extract had the lowest IC50 value of 6.85µg/mL, showing the most potent antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate fraction from the stem extract expressed the lowest IC50 value of 9.67µg/mL. Meanwhile, fraction 5, separated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem extract, had the lowest IC50 value of 9.89µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts from different parts of Clinacanthus nutans all expressed antioxidant action at different levels, in which the stem extract, the ethyl acetate fraction and fraction 5 from the ethyl acetate fraction displayed the most effective actions. These findings highlight the promising potential of Clinacanthus nutans in treating oxidative stress-associated diseases, inspiring further research and exploration in this area.

Effects of hydroxytyrosol on post-thaw quality of rooster sperm.

Semen cryopreservation is one of the most important reproduction techniques in the livestock and poultry industry. Cryopreservation induces cold stress, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress causing structural and biochemical damages in sperm. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the hydroxytyrosol (HT), as an antioxidant, at the concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL on post-thaw semen quality metrics in rooster. Semen samples were collected twice a week from 10 roosters (29 weeks), processed and frozen according to experimental groups. Different quality parameters, including total motility, progressive motility, viability, morphology, membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde were measured after thawing. Results showed that 25 and 50 µg/mL of HT produced the highest percentage of total motility (51.01 ± 2.19 and 50.15 ± 2.19, respectively) and progressive motility (35.74 ± 1.34 and 35.15 ± 1.34, respectively), membrane integrity (48.00 ± 2.18 and 46.75 ± 2.18, respectively) as well as viability (53.00 ± 2.17 and 52.50 ± 2.17, respectively) compared with the other groups (p < .05). The group with 25 µg/mL of HT showed the lowest significant (p < .05) MDA concentration (1.81 ± 0.25). Our results showed that the effect of HT was not dose-dependent and optimum concentration of HT could improve functional parameters of rooster sperm after freezing-thawing. These findings suggest that HT may have protective effects on the rooster sperm during the freezing-thawing process.

Exploring the biocompatibility and healing activity of actinobacterial-enhanced reduced nano-graphene oxide in in vitro and in vivo model and induce bone regeneration through modulation of OPG/RANKL/RUNX2/ALP pathways.

BACKGROUND: The development of cost-effective, simple, environment-friendly biographene is an area of interest. To accomplish environmentally safe, benign culturing that has advantages over other methods to reduce the graphene oxide (GO), extracellular metabolites from actinobacteria associated with mushrooms were used for the first time. METHODS: Bactericidal effect of GO against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antioxidant activity, and hydroxyapatite-like bone layer formation, gene expression analysis and appropriate biodegradation of the microbe-mediated synthesis of graphene was studied. RESULTS: Isolated extracellular contents Streptomyces achromogenes sub sp rubradiris reduced nano-GO to graphene (rGO), which was further examined by spectrometry and suggested an efficient conversion and significant reduction in the intensity of all oxygen-containing moieties and shifted crystalline peaks. Electron microscopic results also suggested the reduction of GO layer. In addition, absence of significant toxicity in MG-63 cell line, intentional free radical scavenging prowess, liver and kidney histopathology, and Wistar rat bone regeneration through modulation of OPG/RANKL/RUNX2/ALP pathways show the feasibility of the prepared nano GO. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the successful synthesis of biographene from actinobacterial extracellular metabolites, its potential biomedical applications, and its promising role in addressing health and environmental concerns.

Digestion of whey peptide induces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivity on glial cells: Sequences identification and structural activity analysis.

Whey derived peptides have shown potential activity improving brain function in pathological condition. However, there is little information about their mechanism of action on glial cells, which have important immune functions in brain. Astrocytes and microglia are essential in inflammatory and oxidative defense that take place in neurodegenerative disease. In this work we evaluate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential bioactivity of whey peptide in glial cells. Peptides were formed during simulated gastrointestinal digestion (Infogest protocol), and low molecular weight (<5kDA) peptides (WPHf) attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by hydrogen peroxide stimulus in both cells in dose-dependent manner. WPHf induced an increase in the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) content and prevented GSH reduction induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulus in astrocytes cells in a cell specific form. An increase in cytokine mRNA expression (TNFα and IL6) and nitric oxide secretion induced by LPS was attenuated by WPHf pre-treatment in both cells. The inflammatory pathway was dependent on NFκB activation. Bioactive peptide ranking analysis showed positive correlation with hydrophobicity and negative correlation with high molecular weights. The sequence identification revealed 19 peptides cross-referred with bioactive database. Whey peptides were rich in leucine, valine and tyrosine in the C-terminal region and lysine in the N-terminal region. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of whey peptides were assessed in glia cells and its mechanisms of action were related, such as modulation of antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatory pathways. Features of the peptide structure, such as molecular size, hydrophobicity and types of amino acids present in the terminal region are associated to bioactivity.

Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase or Protamex on technological and antioxidant properties of whey protein hydrolysates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic hydrolysis, performed using Alcalase and Protamex enzymes, on the technological functionalities and the antioxidant capacity of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) to identify the conditions allowing to obtain target functionality/ies. Samples were characterized for hydrolysis degree (DH), molecular weight distribution, structural properties, and food-related functionalities. Free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity significantly decreased with the increase in DH, regardless of the used enzyme. The foaming and antioxidant properties of Alcalase WPHs were higher as compared to those of WPI, reaching the maximum value at DH = 18-20 %, while higher DH resulted in impaired functionality. Gelling properties were guaranteed when WPI was hydrolysed by Protamex at DH < 15 % while foaming and antioxidant abilities were fostered at 15 < DH < 21 %. These results were well correlated with MW distribution and were rationalized into a road map which represents a useful tool in the selection of proper hydrolysis conditions (time, DH, enzyme type) to obtain WPHs with tailored functionalities. Research outcomes highlighted the possibility to drive protein hydrolysis to optimize the desired functionality/ies.

Thermal stability, antioxidant activity and bioavailability of pea protein-naringin Pickering emulsion for enhanced delivery applications.

After successfully addressing to mitigate bitterness of naringin through construction Pickering emulsion using pea protein (PP) and naringin (NG) in our previous study, we now probed thermal stability, antioxidant efficacy, and bioavailability. FTIR analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy indicated predominant interactions between PP and NG were hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated that PP-NG complexes exhibited superior heat-resistance compared to pure PP and NG. Thermal stability assessments indicated a significant retention of NG in the PP-NG Pickering emulsion than the control NG across varied temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, and 65 °C). Moreover, the antioxidant activity of PP-NG emulsion was dependent on the concentration of NG, as evidenced by DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging abilities, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation resistance. Additionally, PP-NG Pickering emulsion exhibited substantially high bioavailability (92.01 ± 3.91%). These results suggest a promising avenue for the application of NG with improved characteristics.

Effectiveness of different antioxidants in suppressing the evolution of thermally induced peroxidation products in hemp seed oil.

Several scientific studies have warned that the ingestion of dietary lipid oxidation products (LOPs) may initiate or exacerbate the development of several chronic non-communicable diseases in humans. Indeed, the constantly increasing consumption of culinary oils by larger global populations indicates the need for scientific techniques to suppress the evolution of LOPs in thermo-oxidised oils. This study employed a 600.13 MHz frequency NMR spectrometer in evaluating the effect of 10, 50, and 100 ppm concentrations of chemical compounds reported to have antioxidant properties in continuously-stirred and thermally stressed polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich hemp seed oil at a frying temperature of 180℃ for 180 min. Research data acquired showed that the antioxidants α- and γ-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol, ß-carotene, eugenol, resveratrol, ascorbyl palmitate, gentisic acid, and L-ascorbic acid all played a vital role in suppressing the evolution of secondary aldehydic lipid oxidation products in hemp seed oil. However, the most ineffective LOP-suppressing agent was L-lysine, an observation which may be accountable by its poor oil solubility. Nonetheless, trends deduced for compounds acting as antioxidants were mainly unique for each class of agent tested. Conversely, the antioxidant capacity of resveratrol was consistently higher, and this effect was found to be independent of its added amounts. This report provides a direct approach in developing scientific methods for the suppression of LOPs in thermo-oxidatively susceptible PUFA-rich cooking oils.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from goji berries: Optimization, bioactivity, and intestinal permeability assessment.

Lycium barbarum L. berries have a remarkable chemical composition and extensive biological activities, being a valuable component of health and nutraceutical practices. Nevertheless, a deep insight on the intestinal permeation of the pro-healthy bioactive compounds is urgently needed to predict the real effects on human body. This study attempted, for the first time, to optimize the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of goji berries using a Response Surface Methodology approach and establish the intestinal permeation of the principal pro-healthy compounds. The optimal extraction conditions were a solid:liquid ratio of 8.75 % for 56.21 min, using an intensity of 59.05 W/m2. The optimal extract displayed a remarkable antioxidant capacity, with LC/DAD-ESI-MS analysis unveiled a diverse phytochemical profile, encompassing different compounds (e.g. glu-lycibarbarspermidine F, 2-glu-kukoamine, rutin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). The intestinal co-culture model demonstrated that glu-lycibarbarspermidine F (isomer 2) (73.70 %), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (52.66 %), and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (49.31 %) traversed the intestinal cell layer, exerting beneficial health-promoting effects.

Lacto-fermented garlic handcrafted in the Lower Silesia Region (Poland): Microbial diversity, morpho-textural traits, and volatile compounds.

The aim of the present study was to provide a first characterization of lacto-fermented garlic manufactured by local small-scale artisanal producers in the Lower Silesia Region (Poland). The lacto-fermented garlic samples showed high nutritional features in terms of antioxidant activity. A total of 86 compounds, belonging to various chemical classes, were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). Most of these compounds belonged to six main classes, being sulfur compounds, esters and acetates, oxygenated monoterpenes, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and alcohols. Aldehydes, acids, ketones, furans, and phenols were also identified. In the analyzed samples, counts up to 8 log cfu g-1 were observed for lactic acid bacteria. Metataxonomic analysis revealed the presence of Levilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus, Weissella, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, Pediococcus, and Lacticaseibacillus among the major taxa. These results were confirmed by the isolation and characterization of viable lactic acid bacteria. Indeed, the presence of the closest relatives to Lacticaseibacillus casei group, Pediococcus parvulus, Levilactobacillus brevis, Levilactobacillus parabrevis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group was observed. A good acidification performance in salty garlic-based medium was observed for all the isolates that, between 8 and 15 days of fermentation, reached pH values comprised between 4 and 3.5, depending on the tested species. Of note, 15 out of the 37 lactic acid bacteria isolates (Levilactobacillus parabrevis, Pediococcus parvulus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group, and Lacticaseibacillus casei group) showed the presence of the hdcA gene of Gram-positive bacteria encoding for histidine decarboxylase. Furthermore, for 8 out of the 37 isolates the in-vitro exopolysaccharides production was observed. No isolate showed inhibitory activity against the three Listeria innocua strains used as surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes.

Solanum nigrum L. berries extract ameliorated the alcoholic liver injury by regulating gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Solanum nigrum L. (SN) berry is an edible berry containing abundant polyphenols and bioactive compounds, which possess antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. However, the effects of SN on alcohol-induced biochemical changes in the enterohepatic axis remain unclear. In the current study, a chronic ethanol-fed mice ALD model was used to test the protective mechanisms of SN berries. Microbiota composition was determined via 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that SN berries extract (SNE) improved intestinal imbalance by reducing the Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio, restoring the abundance of Akkermansia microbiota, and reducing the abundance of Allobaculum and Shigella. SNE restored the intestinal short-chain fatty acids content. In addition, liver transcriptome data analysis revealed that SNE primarily affected the genes involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, SNE ameliorated hepatic steatosis in alcohol-fed mice by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α). SNE reduced the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), which can indicate that SNE mainly adjusted LPS/TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway to reduce liver inflammation. SNE enhanced hepatic antioxidant capacity by regulating NRF2-related protein expression. SNE alleviates alcoholic liver injury by regulating of gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study may provide a reference for the development and utilization of SN resources.

The mechanism of resveratrol stabilization and degradation by synergistic interactions between constituent proteins of whey protein.

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is mainly composed of ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG), α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the influence of WPI and its three main constituent proteins, as well as proportionally reconstituted WPI (R-WPI) on resveratrol. It was found that the storage stability of resveratrol was protected by WPI, not affected by R-WPI, but reduced by individual whey proteins at 45°C for 30 days. The rank of accelerated degradation of resveratrol by individual whey proteins was BSA > α-LA > ß-LG. The antioxidant activity, localization of resveratrol and oxidation of carrier proteins were determined by ABTS, H2O2 assay, synchronous fluorescence, carbonyl and circular dichroism. The non-covalent interactions and disulfide bonds between constituent proteins improved the antioxidant activity of the R-WPI-resveratrol complex, the oxidation stability of the carrier and the solvent shielding effect on resveratrol, which synergistically inhibited the degradation of resveratrol in R-WPI system. The results gave insight into elucidating the interaction mechanism of resveratrol with protein carriers.

Effect of thermal pretreatment and gastrointestinal digestion on the bioactivity of dry-cured ham bone enzymatic hydrolyzates.

This study reports the effect of thermal pretreatment and the use of different commercial proteolytic enzymes (Protamex, Flavourzyme, Protana prime, and Alcalase) on the free amino acid content (FAA), peptide profile, and antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory potential (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay, DPP-IV, ACE-I, and NEP inhibitory activities) of dry-cured ham bone hydrolyzates. The effect of in vitro digestion was also determined. Thermal pretreatment significantly increased the degree of hydrolysis, the FAA, and the DPP-IV and ACE-I inhibitory activities. The type of peptidase used was the most significant factor influencing antioxidant activity and neprilysin inhibitory activity. Protana prime hydrolyzates failed to inhibit DPP-IV and neprilysin enzymes and had low values of ACE-I inhibitory activity. After in vitro digestion, bioactivities kept constant in most cases or even increased in ACE-I inhibitory activity. Therefore, hydrolyzates from dry-cured ham bones could serve as a potential source of functional food ingredients for health benefits.