In Vitro Assessment of the Bioaccessibility of Zn, Ca, Mg, and Se from Various Types of Nuts.

The bioaccessibility of zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se) from various nuts (Brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, and pistachios) was assessed using a simulated two-phase model of enzymatic digestion in vitro. The levels of Zn, Mg, and Ca were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and Se was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. All tested nuts were good sources of Mg, and most, except macadamia nuts, were also good sources of Zn (the standard portion covers over 15% of NRV-R (UE) 1924/2006). Brazil nuts had the highest Se content. Almonds and Brazil nuts were rich in Ca. Se demonstrated the highest bioaccessibility from nuts (27.7% to 70.65%), whereas Ca exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility (below 9%). Pistachios had the highest Zn bioavailability, while cashews excelled in Mg bioaccessibility. Macadamia and pistachios were top for Ca bioaccessibility, and Brazil nuts for Se. Bioaccessibility is positively correlated with fat (for Zn: r = 0.23), carbohydrates (for Mg: 0.44; for Ca: 0.35), and sugar content (for Zn: r = 0.36; for Mg: 0.46; for Ca: 0.40).

Bee Products and Colorectal Cancer-Active Components and Mechanism of Action.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Lifestyle and eating patterns may have a significant impact on the prevention of this type of cancer. Bioactive food ingredients influence the gut microbiome and can have a protective effect. Bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom) or pharmacologically active fractions obtained from them are widely used in many fields of medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. Some evidence suggests that bee products may have anti-cancer potential. The main bioactive components with anti-colon cancer potential from propolis and bee honey are polyphenols such as pinocembrin, galangin, luteolin, CAPE, Artepilin C, chrysin, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. This review is focused on the new data on epidemiology, risk factors for colon cancer, and current reports on the potential role of bee products in the chemoprevention of this type of cancer.

Polish and New Zealand Propolis as Sources of Antioxidant Compounds Inhibit Glioblastoma (T98G, LN-18) Cell Lines and Astrocytoma Cells Derived from Patient.

Gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytoma, are common brain cancers in adults. Propolis is a natural product containing many active ingredients. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition, total phenolic content and concentration of toxic elements as well as the anticancer potential of Polish (PPE) and New Zealand (Manuka-MPE) propolis extracts on diffuse astrocytoma derived from patient (DASC) and glioblastoma (T98G, LN-18) cell lines. The antioxidants such as flavonoids and chalcones (pinocembrin, pinobanksin, pinobanksin 3-acetate and chrysin) were the main components in both types of propolis. The content of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in MPE was higher than PPE. The anti-proliferative study showed strong activity of PPE and MPE propolis on DASC, T98G, and LN-18 cells by apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest and attenuated migration. These findings suggest that despite their different geographic origins, Polish and New Zealand propolis are sources of antioxidant compounds and show similar activity and a promising anti-glioma potential in in vitro study. However, further in vivo studies are required in order to assess therapeutic potential of propolis.

Body Composition of Young Women and The Consumption of Selected Nutrients.

The choices of food products and their nutritional value have a significant impact on nutritional status and body composition parameters. Popular and low-cost indicators of nutritional status, such as BMI, may not reflect the actual condition of the body. The aim of the study was to assess the consumption of energy as well as selected nutrients, such as protein, fats, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, lactose, starch, and dietary fiber, and to evaluate body mass index (BMI) and the parameters of the body composition among young women. Next, correlations were made between these nutrients and the parameters, such as percent body fat (PBF), visceral fat area (VFA), and fitness score (FS). The study group included 478 young women. To assess their consumption, the participants completed 72 h dietary interviews. In addition, the participants had a body composition analysis performed by bioelectric impedance technology by the InBody 720 Body Composition Analyzer (InBody, South Korea). The average energy value of the diets was about 1480 kcal. Most diets contained adequate portions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The diets were deficient in terms of unsaturated fatty acids and fiber. We showed that up to 37% of women with normal BMI had excess body fat. Moreover, the % energy from plant protein consumption negatively correlated with PBF and BMI (r = -0.10, p = 0.029, r = -0.10, p = 0.037, respectively) and dietary fiber with PBF, BMI, VFA, and FS (r = -0.17, p = 0.0003, r = -0.12, p = 0.01, r = -0.18, p = 0.0001, r = 0.09, p = 0.041, respectively). Education on the proper consumption of basic nutrients, including plant-based protein and dietary fiber, seems to be essential in preventing overweight and obesity.

Chemical Composition and Protective Effect of Young Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Dietary Supplements Extracts on UV-Treated Human Skin Fibroblasts in In Vitro Studies.

Young barley seems to be a promising material for use as nutricosmetic due to the presence of many biologically active compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Hordeum vulgare L. extracts on human skin fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) radiation. Analysis of the chemical composition showed a predominance of 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid. The quality assessment showed that young barley preparations have high total polyphenolic content (TPC) and favourable total antioxidant status (TAS). They also contain antioxidant elements such as zinc, copper, and selenium. Furthermore, the analyzed products were found to be safe in terms of toxic elements (lead, cadmium and mercury) and lack of cytotoxic effect of young barley extracts on cells. In vitro bioactivity assays showed that young barley extract increased the survival rate and accelerated the migration of fibroblasts in research models with UVB radiation. The application of both extracts caused an increase in DNA biosynthesis, and in the number of cells arrested in S phase. Moreover, an inhibitory effect of the tested extracts on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was observed. The results indicate that young barley extracts, due to protective as well as restorative effect, could potentially be used in the production of nutricosmetics and skin care products.

Mushrooms as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer: Evaluation of anti-glioma effects of Coprinus comatus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lycoperdon perlatum and Lactarius deliciosus extracts.

Cancer incidence rates are on the increase worldwide. The most common brain cancer in adults is glioblastoma. Currently available treatment modalities are limited and natural products such as mushrooms could enhance them. Apart from nutritional value, mushrooms are an excellent source of bioactive compounds and therefore could be used to treat various disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the anti-glioma potential of selected mushrooms on U87MG, LN-18 glioblastoma and SVGp12 normal human astroglial cell lines. The materials were Cantharellus cibarius, Coprinus comatus, Lycoperdon perlatum and Lactarius delicious. Aqueous, 70 % ethanol or 95 % ethanol extracts from mushrooms were used for analysis including assessment of antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, cell viability by MTT assay, DNA biosynthesis by thymidine incorporation assay, activity of metalloproteinase by gelatin zymography and cell cycle assay by flow cytometry. Mushroom extracts influenced the viability and DNA biosynthesis of cancer cells. Activity of ethanol mushroom extracts was stronger than that of aqueous extracts. Anti-glioma mechanism consisted in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis associated with arrest of cells in subG1 or G2/M phase of cell cycle, and inhibition of metalloproteinases activity. Among investigated mushrooms, L. deliciosus and C. comatus showed the greatest anti-glioma potential.