Carboxymethylated Lycium barbarum seed dreg dietary fiber alleviates high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice via intestinal regulation.

In this study, we investigated the ameliorative gut modulatory effect of carboxymethylated Lycium barbarum seed dreg insoluble dietary fiber (LBSDIDF) on hyperlipidemic mice. After seven weeks of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) intervention, the results demonstrated that IDFs effectively inhibited body weight gain, with slimming and hypolipidemic effects, and improved liver histopathology by decreasing ALT, AST, TNF-α and IL-6, and increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in hyperlipidemic mice. With the increasing diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria and decreasing ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, intestinal flora facilitated cholesterol lowering effects in hyperlipidemic mice. Our research offers a novel concept for the use of LBSDIDF as a prebiotic to improve intestinal dysbiosis or as a preventive measure against obesity and dyslipidemia.

Platycodon grandiflorum saponins: Ionic liquid-ultrasound-assisted extraction, antioxidant, whitening, and antiaging activity.

This study explored the use of ionic liquid-ultrasound (ILU)-assisted extraction to enhance the extraction rate of Platycodon grandiflorum saponins (PGSs), and the content, extraction mechanism, antioxidant activity, whitening, and antiaging activity of PGSs prepared using ILU, ultrasound-water, thermal reflux-ethanol, and cellulase hydrolysis were compared. The ILU method particularly disrupted the cell wall, improved PGS extraction efficiency, and yielded a high total saponin content of 1.45 ± 0.02 mg/g. Five monomeric saponins were identified, with platycodin D being the most abundant at 1.357 mg/g. PGSs displayed excellent in vitro antioxidant activity and exhibited inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. The results suggest that PGSs may have broad antioxidant, skin-whitening, and antiaging potential to a large extent. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the extraction, identification, and bioactivities of PGSs, which could serve as a reference for future development and application of these compounds in the functional foods industry.

Inclusion of reeling wastewater-derived sericin peptides in high-protein nutrition bars for antihardening and storage stability.

The utilization of agroindustrial wastes to enrich food protein resources and the exploration of their broader applications are crucial for addressing the food crisis and achieving sustainable development goals. In this study, reeling wastewater-derived sericin was hydrolyzed using papain and trypsin to prepare sericin peptide (SRP) and was used as an antihardening ingredient of high-protein nutrition bars (HPNBs). The mechanism of the antihardening effect of SRP was elucidated by investigating the content of advanced glycation end products and protein oxidation products (carbonyl and free sulfhydryl), and the molecular weight change of HPNBs during storage before and after the addition of SRP. Our results confirmed the fortification of HPNBs with SRP, which is beneficial for the promotion and expansion of sericin applications in the food industry, with positive implications for the rational utilization of protein resources and the enrichment of food protein sources.

Effects of different chemical modifications on physicochemical and antioxidation properties of Lycium barbarum seed dreg polysaccharides.

Recent studies have witnessed that chemical modification can improve the physicochemical and functional properties of plants' polysaccharides. Herein, we modified the natural Lycium barbarum seed dreg polysaccharides (LBSDPs) by sulfation (S-LBSDPs), phosphorylation (P-LBSDPs), and carboxymethylation (C-LBSDPs), and evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of their derivatives. Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives exhibited typical polysaccharide absorption peaks and characteristic group absorption peaks in FT-IR spectra along with maximum UV absorption. After modification, the total sugar and protein contents of the derivatives were decreased, whereas the uronic acid content was increased. Among the three derivatives, sulfated polysaccharides displayed excellent thermal stability. S-LBSDP and P-LBSDP showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging and reducing power while S-LBSDPs and C-LBSDPs showed better DPPH radical scavenging effect, and P-LBSDPs showed considerable Fe2+ chelating ability. Our data indicate that chemical modifications can impart a positive effect on the antioxidant potential of plant-derived polysaccharides.

Physicochemical and functional properties of carboxymethylated insoluble dietary fiber of Lycium barbarum seed dreg.

Lycium barbarum seed dregs (LBSDs) were used for carboxymethyl modification, resulting in three degree of substitution samples (DS). Based on the substitution degree, samples were designated as low degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (L-IDF), medium degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (M-IDF) and high degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (H-IDF). Physicochemical and functional properties of IDFs were examined in relation to carboxymethylation degree. Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the carboxymethyl group. According to the results, IDF, L-IDF, M-IDF, and H-IDF acquired higher enthalpy changes, and their thermal stability improved significantly. A higher DS resulted in an increase in hydration properties such as water retention capacity and water swelling capacity, as well as functional properties such as glucose adsorption capacity, nitrite ion adsorption capacity, and cholesterol adsorption capacity. As a result, carboxymethylation could effectively enhance the biological properties of L. barbarum seed dreg insoluble dietary fiber (LBSDIDF).

Carbon Dot-Mediated Photodynamic Treatment Improves the Quality Attributes of Post-Harvest Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum L.) via Regulating the Antioxidant System.

Carbon dots (CDs) have been proposed as photosensitizers in photodynamic treatment (PDT), owing to their excellent biological attributes and budding fruit preservation applications. In the present study, CDs (4.66 nm) were synthesized for photodynamic treatment to improve the quality attributes in post-harvest goji berries. The prepared CDs extended the storage time of the post-harvest goji berries by 9 d. The CD-mediated PDT postponed the hardness and decay index loss, reduced the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion (O2•-) significantly, and delayed the loss of vital nutrients like the total protein, phenols, and flavonoids. The CD-mediated PDT improved the catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, but did not improve polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. In addition, The CD-mediated PDT induced the accumulation of ascorbic acid (ASA) and glutathione (GSH). Overall, a CD-mediated PDT could extend the storage time and augment the quality attributes in post-harvest fresh goji berries by regulating the antioxidant system.

Saikosaponin D exerts cytotoxicity on human endometrial cancer ishikawa cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis through MAPK pathways.

Saikosaponin D (SSD) is one of plant secondary metabolic active substance with effective anti-tumor ability; however, the toxicity of Saikosaponin D on human endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells is still unclear. Our results revealed that SSD displayed cytotoxicity on the Ishikawa cell with an IC50 = 15.69 µM, but was non-toxic to the human normal cell line HEK293. SSD could upregulate p21 and Cyclin B to keep cells in the G2/M stage. In addition, it activated the death receptor and mitochondrion routes to induce apoptosis in Ishikawa cells. The transwell chamber and wound healing results showed that SSD inhibited the cell migration and invasion. In addition, we found that it was closely related to the MAPK cascade pathway, and it could mediate the three classical MAPK pathways to block cell metastasis. In conclusion, SSD could be potentially beneficial as a natural secondary metabolite in preventing and treating endometrial carcinoma.

Structural characterization and stability of glycated bovine serum albumin-kaempferol nanocomplexes.

Kaempferol (Kae), a flavonoid is endowed with various functions. However, due to its poor water solubility and stability, its application in the food and pharmaceutical fields remains elusive. Emerging reports have emphasized the importance of bovine serum albumin (BSA), and glycosylated BSA (GBSA) prepared in the nature deep eutectic solvent system as drug delivery system carriers. In our study, ultraviolet and fluorescence spectra revealed the higher interactions of BSA and GBSA with Kae. Through analysis of Z-average diameter, zeta-potential, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC) of BSA-Kae nanocomplexes (NPs) and GBSA-Kae NPs, GBSA-Kae NPs showed a higher absolute value of zeta-potential and lower PDI, while its EE and LC were also higher. Structural characterization and stability analysis revealed that GBSA-Kae NPs had more stable properties. This study laid the theoretical foundation for improving the solubility and stability of Kae during its delivery and transport.

Evolutionary research trend of Polygonatum species: a comprehensive account of their transformation from traditional medicines to functional foods.

With the advances in Polygonatum research, there is a huge interest in harnessing the valuable functional ingredients of this genus with the potential for functional foods. This review emphasizes the different aspects of Ploygonatum based research starting from its bioactive compounds, their structural characterization, various extraction methods, as well as biological activities. In view of its integral use as an essential medicinal plant, our review emphasizes on its promising food applications both as an ingredient and as a whole food, and its improved health benefits with potential for agricultural and environmental relevance are also discussed. As we collated the recent research information, we present the main challenges and limitations of the current research trend in this area which can upgrade the further expansion of Polygonatum-related research that will strengthen its economic and accessible nutritional value in the food and health industries. By highlighting the need for the unattended species, this review not only fills existing research gaps, but also encourages the researchers to find new avenues for the natural production of bio-based functional materials and the development of highly functional and health-promoting foods for disease prevention and treatment.

Lycium barbarum (Goji) as functional food: a review of its nutrition, phytochemical structure, biological features, and food industry prospects.

Lycium genus (Goji berry) is recognized as a good source of homology of medicine and food, with various nutrients and phytochemicals. Lately, numerous studies have focused on the chemical constituents and biological functions of the L. barbarum L., covering phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. We aim to provide exclusive data on the nutrients of L. barbarum L. fruits and phytochemicals, including their structural characterization, the evolution of extraction, and purification processes of different phytochemicals of L. barbarum L. fruit while placing greater emphasis on their wide-ranging health effects. This review also profitably offers innovative approaches for the food industry and industrial applications of L. barbarum L. and addresses some current situations and problems in the development of L. barbarum L. in deep processing products, which can provide clues for the sustainable development of L. barbarum L. industry.

Integrated miRNA and mRNA omics reveal dioscin suppresses migration and invasion via MEK/ERK and JNK signaling pathways in human endometrial carcinoma in vivo and in vitro.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polygonatum sibiricum Redouté (PS, also called Huangjing in traditional Chinese medicine), is a perennial herb as homology of medicine and food. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory "Special Records of Famous Doctors", its functions include invigorating qi and nourishing yin, tonifying spleen and kidney. Traditionally, qi and blood therapy has been believed as most applicable to the treatment of uterine disease. The current research has focused on the effect and mechanism of dioscin, the main active component of PS, on Endometrial carcinoma (EC). AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the efficacy of dioscin on proliferation and migration of Endometrial carcinoma cell line, we conducted experiments by using xenograft model and Ishikawa cells, and explored the potential molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: mRNA and miRNA omics techniques were employed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of dioscin on EC Ishikawa cells. Based on in vivo and in vitro experiments, cell clone formation, cell scratching, Transwell, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, q-PCR, and Western blot techniques were used to determine the molecular effects and mechanisms of dioscin on cell migration. RESULTS: Integrated miRNA and mRNA omics data showed that 513 significantly different genes marked enrichment in MAPK signaling pathway. The in vivo data showed that dioscin (24 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth. The in vitro proliferation and invasiveness of dioscin on Ishikawa cells showed that dioscin could significantly decrease the colony numbers, and suppress the Ishikawa cell wound healing, migration and invasion. Molecular data revealed that dioscin decreased the MMP2 and MMP9 expression in vitro and in vivo. The p-MEK, p-ERK, and p-JNK expression levels were also confirmed to be significantly reduced. Key regulators in the MAPK signaling pathway were further validated in xenograft tumors. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that dioscin inhibited Ishikawa cell migration and invasion mediated through MEK/ERK and JNK signaling. More importantly, screened hub miRNAs and genes can be regarded as potential molecular targets for future EC treatment.

Hydrogen sulfide treatment improves quality attributes via regulating the antioxidant system in goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.).

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as a critical gaseous signaling chemical. Herein, the effects of H2S treatment on the postharvest goji berries and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined. H2S application delayed the decay index, loss of firmness, color, flavor, and total sugars and loss of total protein, betaine and ascorbic acid in goji berries during postharvest storage. Meanwhile, H2S noticeably reduced the MDA, H2O2, and O2- accumulation. Additionally, it was shown that H2S increased the activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while decreased the quantity of lipoxygenase (LOX). The mRNA expression of LDC, DCD, CAT, APX, POD, GR and SOD was up-regulated but LOX, RBOH-b and RBOH-e was down-regulated in goji berries after H2S treatment. Altogether, H2S could efficiently delay the senescence, improves postharvest quality, increase the bioactive compounds accumulation, and boost the antioxidant capacity of goji berries through modulating antioxidant enzyme system.

Effects of Reducing Sugars on the Structural and Flavor Properties of the Maillard Reaction Products of Lycium barbarum Seed Meal.

Lycium barbarum seed meal contains a variety of bioactive compounds, but the use of L. barbarum seed meal in the food industry is rare. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reducing sugars on the structural and flavor properties of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of the Lycium barbarum seed meal hydrolysate (LSH). The results showed that the flavors and tastes of the MRPs were affected by reducing sugars. In comparison to oligosaccharides, monosaccharides were more suitable for the development of MRPs with good sensory qualities. The structural characteristics of L. barbarum seed meal precursor MRPs were also affected by reducing sugars. The MRPs produced with the participation of monosaccharides had higher ultraviolet absorption and browning than the MRPs produced with oligosaccharides. The molecular weights of the MRPs were found to be 128-500 Da and 500-1000 Da. Compared to the MRPs made from other sugars, xylose-meridian products (X-MRPs) had a stronger meaty flavor. The mellowness and continuity of the MRPs made from monosaccharides were superior to those made from oligosaccharides. The MRPs formed by L. barbarum seed meal exhibited the characteristics of umami and meat flavor. MRPs with better flavors may be used to develop new types of seasoning salts.

Transcriptome and proteomics conjoint analysis reveal metastasis inhibitory effect of 6-shogaol as ferroptosis activator through the PI3K/AKT pathway in human endometrial carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

Endometrial cancer remains as one of the widespread female malignancies despite the existing treatment measures mainly surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent times, studies have focused on medicinal plants such as ginger due to its multifaceted characteristics compared to conventional medicine. 6-Shogaol is regarded as the main active compound of ginger participating in pharmacological activities and combating various health disorders, especially cancer. In our study, we compared the effects of 6-gingerol, 6-paradol, and 6-shogaol on Ishikawa cells, and found 6-shogaol as a more effective ingredient against Ishikawa cell proliferation. Moreover, its promoted ferroptosis, as a result, triggered mitochondrial morphologic alternation, as well as changed iron concentration, GSH and MDA levels. Furthermore, 6-Shogaol inhibited cell metastasis by influencing cell invasion and migration. Finally, 6-shogaol could trigger PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo confirmed by western blotting assay and immunohistochemical evaluation. These findings suggest that 6-shogaol can be used as promising functional food component in health diet and in drug target methods for endometrial cancer therapy.

Hydrogen sulfide treatment increases the antioxidant capacity of fresh Lingwu Long Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba cv. Mill) fruit during storage.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as an important gaseous signal molecule in plants. Here, we investigated the effects of H2S on postharvest senescence and antioxidant metabolism of Lingwu Long Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba cv. Mill) fruits (LLJF). Fumigation of Jujube fruits with H2S released from 0.4 mm NaHS could significantly prolong the postharvest shelf life of jujube fruits, reduce the decay rate of fruit, the weight loss of fruit, and inhibit the fruit loss, hardness, color, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. Compared with the control group, exogenous H2S fumigation significantly decreased the loss of chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble protein, ascorbic acid, phenols, and flavonoids in jujube fruits during post-harvest storage. At the same time, H2S could significantly delay the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2 ∙-) and promote catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) activity, and inhibit polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. To summarize, H2S can effectively alleviate postharvest senescence and decay of jujube fruits by regulating the ROS accumulation and antioxidant enzymes, and prolong the storage period of postharvest.

Effects of phosphorylation pretreatment and subsequent transglutaminase cross-linking on physicochemical, structural, and gel properties of wheat gluten.

The presence of a large number of hydrophobic groups and non-polar amino acids in the wheat gluten (WG) is responsible for its poor water solubility, greatly limiting its industrial applications. Our results showed that the solubility and zeta potential of WG were significantly (P < 0.05) improved with the increasing concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), while the average particle size of WG was decreased. After WG was incubated with TGase, phosphorylation pretreatment significantly increased apparent viscosity of WG dispersant solution, suggesting that phosphorylation treatment promoted the generation of cross-linked polymers. In addition, phosphorylation pretreatment enhanced hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bond formation between TGase-induced WG gels, thus leading to a more homogeneous and dense three-dimensional network structure of gel, which was confirmed by SEM micrographs. To summarize, STP can be used as an effective additive for the modification of WG with an improved degree of TGase-mediated cross-linking for better rheological and gel properties.

Gut modulatory effects of flaxseed derived Maillard reaction products in Sprague-Dawley rats during sub-chronic toxicity.

Our study aimed to understand the effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) intake on intestinal health, in vitro digestion, and fermentation metabolites in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. MRPs promoted the digestion of pepsin, but was not conducive to the subsequent in vitro digestion of trypsin. MRPs ingestion increased the propionate in intestine, but it could not change the branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, MRPs ingestion led to an increase in the Lactobacillus abundance in gut. In the high-dose groups, the abundance of genes in partial amino acid and monosaccharide metabolism increased, while in lipid metabolism decreased compared with the middle dose groups. Therefore, the absorption of MRPs was lowered than that of protein and carbohydrates. Through functional predictive analysis, our study could reveal the effects of long-term intake of MRPs on intestinal health in SD rats.

Functional and emulsification characteristics of phospholipids and derived o/w emulsions from peony seed meal.

Peony seed phospholipids (PPLs), a kind of multifunctional plant-like phospholipids were extracted from peony seed meal. We investigated the functional properties of PPLs and compared their emulsification performance in corn oil-peony seed oil o/w emulsion systems with that of soy lecithin (DPLs). The PPLs were characterized with the higher content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) (416 ± 28 mg/g) and lyso-phosphatidylcholine (LPC) (43 ± 14 mg/g) fractions, and lower content of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (71 ± 13 mg/g). The polyunsaturated fatty acids showed higher content (83.25%), with the highest content of linoleic acid (46.05%) in PPLs. PPLs-emulsions showed smaller average particle size and higher loaded peony seed oil content at pH 5, temperature 50 °C, and about 60% corn oil content. PPLs-emulsions imparted better hydroxyl radical scavenging efficiency and reducing power than DPLs. Our results suggest that PPLs can be used as emulsifiers with improved antioxidant properties.

Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Lycium barbarum seed dreg polysaccharides prepared by continuous extraction.

Lycium barbarum seed dreg polysaccharides (LBSDPs) were continuously extracted with four different solvents [hot buffer (HBSS), chelating agent (CHSS), dilute alkaline (DASS), and concentrated alkaline (CASS)]. The present study characterized the physicochemical and anti-oxidant based functional properties of different LBSDPs. The monosaccharide analysis revealed xylose (64.63%, 70.00%, 44.71%, and 66.67%) as the main sugar with the molecular weights of 5985, 7062, 5962, and 8762 Da in HBSS, CHSS, DASS, and CASS, respectively. Among the four polysaccharides, CASS had the strongest DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power; while, CHSS had the strongest ferrous ions chelating ability and HBSS showed the strongest OH radical scavenging ability. In terms of functional properties, HBSS and CASS had better solubility and oil holding capacity, while, CASS and CHSS had higher foam capacity and foam stability. Altogether, the polysaccharides extracted from L. barbarum seed dreg exhibit a potential application prospect in functional food and cosmetics industries.

Analysis of key precursor peptides and flavor components of flaxseed derived Maillard reaction products based on iBAQ mass spectrometry and molecular sensory science.

Flaxseed derived Maillard reaction products (MRPs) have typical meaty flavor, but there is no report on comparison of their amino acids and peptides reactivity. The peptides and amino acids of flaxseed protein hydrolysates were separately collected by G-15 gel chromatography. Taste dilution analysis (TDA) showed that peptides-MRPs had high umami, mouthfulness, and continuity enhancement. Further, LC-MS/MS revealed that flaxseed protein hydrolysates consumed 41 peptides after Maillard reaction. Particularly, DLSFIP (Asp-Leu-Ser-Phe-Ile-Pro) and ELPGSP (Glu-Leu-Pro-Gly-Ser-Pro) accounted for 42.22% and 20.41% of total consumption, respectively. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) indicated that formation of sulfur-containing flavors was dependent on cysteine, while peptides were more reactive than amino acids for nitrogen-containing heterocycles. On the other hand, 11 flavor compounds with flavor dilution (FD) ≥ 64 were identified for flaxseed derived MRPs, such as 2-methylthiophene, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, furfural, 2-furfurylthiol, 3-thiophenethiol, thieno[3,2-b] thiophene, 2,5-thiophenedicarboxaldehyde, 2-methylthieno[2,3-b] thiophene, 1-(2-methyl-3-furylthio)-ethanethiol, 2-methylthieno[3,2-b] thiophene, and bis(2-methyl-3-furyl)-disulfide. In addition, we further demonstrated the flavors formation mechanism of flaxseed derived MRPs.