Influence of diverse natural biopolymers on the physicochemical characteristics of borage seed oil-peppermint oil loaded W/O/W nanoemulsions entrapped with lycopene.

Borage seed oil (BSO), peppermint oil (PO) and lycopene (LC) have accomplished a lot of interest due to their therapeutic benefits in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. However, their employment in functional food products and dietary supplements is still precluded by their high susceptibility to oxidation. Thus, the encapsulation can be applied as a promising strategy to overcome these limits. In the present study, doubly layered water/oil/water (W/O/W) nanoemulsions were equipped using purity gum ultra (PGU), soy protein isolate (SPI), pectin (PC), whey protein isolate (WPI) and WPI-PC and SPI-PC complexes, and their physico-chemical properties were investigated. Our aim was to investigate the influence of natural biopolymers as stabilizers on the physicochemical properties of nanoemulsified BSO, PO and lycopene thru W/O/W emulsions. The droplet size of the fabricated emulsions coated with PGU, WPI, SPI, PC, WPI-PC, and SPI-PC was 156.2, 265.9, 254.7, 168.5, 559.5 and 656.1 nm, correspondingly. The encapsulation efficiency of the entrapped bioactives for powders embedded by PGU, WPI, SPI, PC, WPI-PC, and SPI-PC was 95.21%, 94.67%, 97.24%, 92.19%, 90.07% and 92.34%, respectively. In addition, peroxide and p-anisidine values were used to measure the antioxidant potential of the entrapped bioactive compounds during storage, which was compared to synthetic antioxidant and bare natural antioxidant. The collected findings revealed that oxidation occurred in oils encompassing entrapped bioactive compounds, but at a lower extent than for non-encapsulated bioactives. In summary, the findings obtained from current research prove that the nanoencapsulation of BSO surrounded by innermost aqueous stage of W/O/W improved its stability as well as allowed a controlled release of the entrapped bioactives. Thus, the obtained BSO-PO-based systems could be successfully used for further fortification of food-stuffs.

Nutrigenomics: Epigenetics and cancer prevention: A comprehensive review.

Due to change in lifestyle and food habits, people are more at risk of diet-related diseases and cancers. It is also established that dietary modifications significantly reduce the risk of diseases. Nutrigenomics is relatively fresh discipline, but possess an enormous potential that can apply for prevention and management of certain carcinomas and diseases. This review enables us to generate useful information for scientists and health professionals regarding the role of Nutrigenomics in the prevention of diet and lifestyle-related diseases like cancer. It influences health conditions of individuals and susceptibility of disease by defining the metabolic response and gene expression. Epigenetic modifications can perform a significant role in disease occurrence and pathogenesis. DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling are the most common epigenetic mechanisms. Omega 3 fatty acids are the best example of nutrients and gene interaction not involving DNA methylation while certain bioactive food compounds have a proven role in cancer prevention through an epigenetic mechanism. Dietary polyphenols substantially take part in prevention of oral, breast, skin, esophageal, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers. Moreover, minerals and vitamins involve regulatory processes. Zinc, Selenium and folate involve in DNA repairing process have anticancer properties. Consumption of multivitamins prevents methylation of cancer cells.

Effect of fermentation on water mobility and distribution in fermented cornmeal using LF-NMR and its correlation with substrate.

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) was utilized to ferment cornmeal by solid state fermentation. The main objective of this study was to investigate effect of fermentation on the dynamic state of water and microstructure distribution of water within cornmeal with Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as the effect on composition and microstructure properties. The spin-spin relaxation time (T2) showed significant changes in solid-state fermented cornmeal. Principal component analysis further revealed that the variations within different fermentation stage could be discriminated by the T2 parameters. Bulk water (T22) was the main form of water present and lost in substrates. The weights of different indicators, as assessed by multiple regression analysis, demonstrated that there was a strong correlation between starch and T2 relaxation. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that fermentation can cause the appearance of micropores. The longer relaxation time of T22 during logarithmic period can be interpreted as a loosening of the structure at the starch hydrolysis, introducing more water into the structure. Thus, the differences in composition and structure of the substrate at different fermentation time produce different T2 values.

Multi-frequency sono-fermentation with mono and co-cultures of LAB synergistically enhance mulberry juice: Evidence from metabolic, micromorphological, sensorial, and computational approaches.

The effect of multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted (20/28/40 KHz) lactic acid bacteria (LAB- Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus helveticus) fermentation (mono and co-cultures) on the metabolic, structural, micromorphological, and sensorial properties of mulberry juice were evaluated. Results indicated that multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted fermentation significantly modified the microstructure of mulberry juice powder, resulting in more porous and rougher surfaces with irregular indentations. Total phenolic content in the best-performing sample (S10) increased to 365.36 mg GAE/mL, while total flavonoid content rose to 139.20 mg RE/mL (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, also showed considerable improvement, with DPPH scavenging activity increasing to 87.45 % and FRAP-value to 3.27 mM TE/mL (p < 0.05). Additionally, HPLC-UV analysis revealed that the amendment in the concentrations of cyanidin-3-rutinoside (47.47 mg/L) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (66.86 mg/L) in the S2-based sample. E-nose analysis demonstrated intense flavor profiles in fermented samples, particularly in sample S15. Sensory evaluation also highlighted that the fruity and floral aromas in co-culture fermented samples were enhanced, notably in S10, S7, and S14. Thus, combining multifrequency ultrasonication and fermentation significantly enhances the antioxidants capacity, flavor profile, micro-morphology, and overall quality of mulberry juice.

Unveiling the Chemistry of Citrus Peel: Insights into Nutraceutical Potential and Therapeutic Applications.

The recent millennium has witnessed a notable shift in consumer focus towards natural products for addressing lifestyle-related disorders, driven by their safety and cost-effectiveness. Nutraceuticals and functional foods play an imperative role by meeting nutritional needs and offering medicinal benefits. With increased scientific knowledge and awareness, the significance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet, in reducing disease risk is widely acknowledged, facilitating access to a diverse and safer diet for longevity. Plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals are increasingly popular and effectively utilized in disease management. Agricultural waste from plant-based foods is being recognized as a valuable source of nutraceuticals for dietary interventions. Citrus peels, known for their diverse flavonoids, are emerging as a promising health-promoting ingredient. Globally, citrus production yields approximately 15 million tons of by-products annually, highlighting the substantial potential for utilizing citrus waste in phyto-therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. Citrus peels are a rich source of flavonoids, with concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 g/100 g dry weight, depending on the citrus variety. The most abundant flavonoids in citrus peel include hesperidin and naringin, as well as essential oils rich in monoterpenes like limonene. The peel extracts exhibit high antioxidant capacity, with DPPH radical scavenging activities ranging from 70 to 90%, comparable to synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Additionally, the flavonoids present in citrus peel have been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress by 30% and cardiovascular disease by 25%. Potent anti-inflammatory effects have also been demonstrated, reducing inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α by up to 40% in cell culture studies. These findings highlight the potential of citrus peel as a valuable source of nutraceuticals in diet-based therapies.

Germination-induced modifications of starch structure, flour-processing characteristics, and in vitro digestive properties in maize.

Current research on maize germination suffers from long sampling intervals, and the relationship between the starch structure and the processing properties of flour in maize is still unclear. This study observed the effect of germination on the structure and composition of maize starch and the processing properties of maize flour over a 72 h period using a short interval sampling method. At 36 h, the short-range ordered structure, crystallinity, and enthalpy of starch reached the highest values of 1.02, 34.30%, and 9.90 J/g, respectively. At 72 h, the ratios of rapidly-digested starch (RDS) and slowly-digested starch (SDS) enhanced to 29.37% and 28.97%; the RS content reduced to 35.37%; and the flow properties of the starch were improved. This study enhances the understanding of the effects of germination on the processing properties of maize starch and flour, determines the appropriate application, and recommends the use of germination in the food industry.

Synergistic effects of lactobacillus strains and Acetobacter pasteurianus on jujube puree's product functionality and quality.

Commercial lactic acid bacteria strains and indigenous Chinese acetic acid bacterium were co-cultivated bi- and tri-culturally in Junzao jujube puree for the first time to investigate their effects on physicochemical properties and quality attributes. Lactic-acetic acid bacteria co-fermentation was performed at 37 °C for 48 h during the anaerobic fermentation phase and at 30 °C for 144 h during aerobic fermentation. FTIR results showed that predominant wave numbers at 1716-1724 cm-1 and 2922-3307 cm-1 exhibited discernible alterations in the lactic-acetic acid co-fermented jujube purees compared to the control sample. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the flavonoid and flavonol contents were responsible for the enhanced 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activities of the fermented jujube purees. Consequently, fermented jujube puree from tricultures of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Acetobacter pasteurianus gave the best results, with the highest phenolics, flavonoid, and flavonol contents and the most improved antioxidative properties and color. Overall, lactic-acetic acid bacteria co-culture holds significant promise in valorizing Junzao jujube purees for functional ingredient development, paving the way for further research into similar interactions with different food matrices or microbial strains.

Targeted metabolic reveals different part of maize in polyphenolic metabolites during germination and hypoglycemic activity analysis.

In this study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds in the maize germinating seed embryo, radicle, and germ were performed at 0, 48, and 96 h post-germination, followed by the evaluation of their hypoglycemic activity. The results revealed the accumulation of 80 phenolics in different parts of germinated maize, of which 47, 48, and 53 were present in the seed embryo, radicle, and germ. After germination 22, 26, and 34 polyphenols were found to differential accumulate in the seed embryo, radicle, and germ. At 96 h post-germination, the content of monomeric phenols in the germ was higher than that in the radicle and seed embryo. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of polyphenols in the germ towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase was higher than that in the radicle and seed embryo. These results indicate that germination can effectively improve the type and content of phenolic compounds in different parts of maize.

The effect of lactic acid bacteria and co-culture on structural, rheological, and textural profile of corn dough.

This study is aimed at assessing the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on corn flour using dynamic characterization methods including RVA, TPA, Rheometer, SEM, and DSC along with co-culture technique in order to enhance its applicability by evaluating the variations in rheological, textural, morphological, thermal, and structural properties. Our findings suggested that bacterial incorporation both individually and in combination (co-culture) revealed an improved corn dough profile with better properties. SEM showed irregular shape of particles having more grooves, indentations, and cracks. RVA demonstrated different pasting behavior on the dough. Bacterial inoculation in flour attributed to increase the TO (68.61-71.18), TP (73.74-78.42), TC (78.78-85.36), melting temperature (10.17-15.19), and ΔH (2.72-5.40). The hardness of corn was found approximately 75% of native dough. In treated corn, an increase was noted in both loss and storage modulus in correspondence with changes in the starch configuration and leaching of constituents. The results from DSC presented an increased melting temperature range and gelatinization enthalpy owing to bacterial treatment accredited to diversified morphological characteristics. The outcomes concluded in demonstration of a novel influence on structural, thermal, morphological, and rheological capabilities and capacities of corn dough. Lactic acid bacteria hydrolyzed part of the corn and flour had smaller, irregularly shaped particles with more holes in them, resulting in a reduced water retaining capacity. Textural, thermal, and pasting profile has also been improved due to degradation of macromolecules. Furthermore, the insight alterations induce various changes leading to improved corn flour. It may also develop the associations about the upright insurgence in the corn dough profile and its potential usage in industry and homes.

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory study of eight structurally diverse phenolic compounds.

This project was designed to explore the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory mechanism of eight structurally diverse phenolic compounds [quercetin: C1, quercetin-3-rhamnoside: C2, 4, 5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid: C3, 3, 5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid: C4, 3, 4-O-di-caffeoylquinic acid: C5, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (C6), 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid: C7, and caffeic acid: C8]. For this purpose, in-vitro and different computational methods were applied to determine the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory potential of eight structurally diverse phenolic compounds. The results revealed that phenolic compounds (C1-C8) possess strong to weak XO inhibitory activity. These results were further confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and 1H NMR analysis. Furthermore, computational study results revealed that phenolic compounds (C1-C8) bind with the surrounding amino acids of XO at the molybdenum (MO) site. These in-vitro and in-silico results divulge that phenolic compounds have a strong potential to lower uric acid levels via interacting with the XO enzyme and can be used to combat hyperuricemia.

Protective Mechanism of Edible Food Plants against Alcoholic Liver Disease with Special Mention to Polyphenolic Compounds.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one type of liver disease, causing a global healthcare problem and mortality. The liver undergoes tissue damage by chronic alcohol consumption because it is the main site for metabolism of ethanol. Chronic alcohol exposure progresses from alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) to alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), which further lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular cancer. Therapeutic interventions to combat ALD are very limited such as use of corticosteroids. However, these therapeutic drugs are not effective for long-term usage. Therefore, additional effective and safe therapies to cope with ALD are urgently needed. Previous studies confirmed that edible food plants and their bioactive compounds exert a protective effect against ALD. In this review article, we summarized the hepatoprotective potential of edible food plants and their bioactive compounds. The underlying mechanism for the prevention of ALD by edible food plants was as follows: anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, lipid regulation, inhibition of apoptosis, gut microbiota composition modulation, and anti-fibrosis.

Comparative Profiling of Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetes), Possessing Textural, Antibacterial, Elemental, and Antioxidant Properties in Diverse Collections from China.

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is cultured commercially and consumed worldwide for its unique flavor, texture, and culinary qualities. The objective of this study was to assess the textural profile together with the phenolic content and antioxidant, antibacterial, and elemental composition of wild and commercially cultivated A. bisporus from China. Of the six mushroom strains studied, both cultivated strains CCMJ1013 (fresh: 85.8 N/m2; stored: 57.9 N/m2) and CCMJ1343 (fresh: 94.7 N/m2; stored: 52.9 N/m2) recorded elevated hardness. Our results revealed that wild A. bisporus strain CCMJ1363 contained the highest phenolic content (7.840 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g), followed by CCMJ1361 (7.125 mg GAE/g) and CCMJ1351 (6.709 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity was elevated in CCMJ1351 (inhibition concentration at 50% inhibition [IC50] = 1.04 mg/mL) followed by CCMJ1361 (IC50 = 1.67 mg/mL) in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, whereas CCMJ1351 showed the maximum antioxidant activity (353.54 mg Trolox equivalents/g) in the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The maximum 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) di-hydrochloride-induced erythrocyte hemolysis inhibition was found in wild A. bisporus CCMJ1363 (86.09% inhibition) followed by CCMJ1351 (84.45% inhibition). In terms of antibacterial activity, only a wild A. bisporus strain (CCMJ1361) showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus coli and Staphylococcus aureus). Wild strain CCMJ1110 contained the highest level of zinc and magnesium; CCMJ1361 showed higher levels of calcium and iron, and CCMJ1363 contained a comparatively higher composition of nitrogen, sodium, and aluminum. Therefore, the current study lays a foundation for creating high-performance, culinary-quality, and stress-resistant germplasms in breeding for A. bisporus strains.

Effects of heat-moisture, autoclaving, and microwave treatments on physicochemical properties of proso millet starch.

Proso millet starch was modified by heat-moisture treatment (HMT), autoclaving treatment (AT), and microwave treatment (MT). The effects of these treatments on the starch physicochemical, structural, and molecular properties were investigated. The amylose and resistant starch contents were increased by AT and MT, but only slightly by HMT. HMT and AT significantly increased the water-holding capacity, to 172.66% and 191.63%, respectively. X-ray diffractometry showed that the relative crystallinity of the HMT sample decreased by 20.88%, and the crystalline peaks disappeared from the AT and MT sample patterns. The thermal treatments decreased the proso millet starch molecular weight to 1.769 × 106, 7.886 × 105, and 3.411 × 104 g/mol, respectively. The thermal enthalpy decreased significantly in HMT. Modification significantly changed the pasting profiles of the native proso millet starch, and the peak viscosity, setback, and breakdown values decreased. These results clarify the mechanism of starch changes caused by thermal treatment.

Influence of multiple freezing/thawing cycles on a structural, rheological, and textural profile of fermented and unfermented corn dough.

In the current study, the impact of fermentation and freezing/thawing treatment on corn flour was studied. Fermentation revealed an increase (12%) in amylose content, while freezing reflected a loss of amylose. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed more grooves, indentations, and the irregular shape of particles. Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) exhibited different pasting behavior on the dough. The molecular structure had similar profiles but showed several discernible absorbance at the different wavelengths. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed an increase in melting temperature range due to fermentation and freezing/thawing treatment attributed to more heterogeneous morphology. Overall, the results of this research showed the insight alterations that induce the changes in corn flour leading to improvement in some properties and it may enhance the acquaintance about the upright revolution in the profile of corn dough and its potential usage in industry and homes.

Ginsenoside Rg2 inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and suppresses obesity in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice through the AMPK pathway.

Ginsenoside Rg2 is one of the specific ginsenosides in red ginseng, and has been reported to exhibit protective effects against neurotoxicity and memory impairment, and also inhibition of hepatic glucose production. However, the effect of Rg2 on the prevention of obesity has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity and anti-adipogenic effects of Rg2 in high-fat diet-induced obese mice (HFD mice) and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Oral administration of Rg2 (10 mg kg-1) to HFD mice significantly decreased body weight gain, total triglycerides, and free fatty acid levels. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, Rg2 (80 µM) inhibited adipocyte differentiation and reduced the accumulation of intracellular lipids. Quantitative PCR and western blot analysis revealed that Rg2 decreased the expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1-c), and then regulated target genes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Rg2 significantly promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) both in vivo and in vitro, which is known to suppress adipogenesis. It was also found that pretreating with compound C, a typical inhibitor of AMPK, attenuated the inhibitory effect of Rg2 on AMPK phosphorylation. These findings suggested that Rg2-induced activation of AMPK leads to a decrease in the expression of adipogenic transcription factors, and suppression of adipogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Hence, Rg2 has the potential for the development of healthy foods and the prevention of obesity.

Impact of ultrasound and conventional extraction techniques on bioactive compounds and biological activities of blue butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.).

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of ultrasound on bioactive compounds and biological activities of blue butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.). For this purpose, optimized conditions (temperature 50 °C, time 150 min, solid to liquid ratio 1 g:15 ml, 70% amplitude and 240 W, 20 kHz frequency, 3 s on and 3 s off) of ultrasound (US) and conventional extraction (AGE: Agitation, water bath for 150 min, 50 °C at 150 rmp) were used. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) effect of US and AGE on total phenolics (TPCs), flavonoids (TFCs) and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, reducing activity, Cu2+ and H2O2) of butterfly pea flower extract (BPFE). The results showed an increased trend in yield, TPCs, TFCs and antioxidant activities of US treated BPFE with comparison to AGE. However, insignificant (p > 0.05) effect of US and AGE over TFlaCs and PACs were observed. Moreover, the results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed little changes in spectrum and US does not affect the functional group of bioactive compounds structure. Additionally, extracts (500-2000 µg/ml) protect pBR322 plasmid DNA damage induced by (1 mM H2O2 and 1 mM FeSO4), plasma oxidation (induced by 250 µM CuCl2) and inhibit erythrocyte hemolysis (induced by 200 mM AAPH, 34.6 to 66.73%). Sonication can be applied successfully for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials with high biological activities.

A Comparison of the Physical, Chemical, and Structural Properties of Wild and Commercial Strains of Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Agaricomycetes).

Agaricus bisporus is well known for its nutraceutical properties. To meet consumer market demand, there is an urgent need for new strains with disease resistance and a diverse nutrient profile for commercial cultivation. Wild germplasm resources provide a good source for the breeding of new strains for this purpose. In this study, we evaluated the physical, chemical, and structural properties of wild domesticated (CCMJ1351) and major commercially cultivated strains (CCMJ1013, CCMJ1028, and CCMJ1343) of A. bisporus from China. The results showed significant differences among the strains for all parameters measured. In terms of morphological characteristics, CCMJ1351 possessed the highest stipe thickness, fruiting body individual weight, cohesiveness, and springiness; CCMJ1013 demonstrated maximum pileus diameter and thickness; CCMJ1028 exhibited the highest textural hardness and color characteristics; and strain CCMJ1343 had the highest yield. CCMJ1351 ranked top among all the strains for proximate composition, rheological profile, and structural and mechanical properties, containing 21.93% crude protein and the highest dry matter, crude fat, and fiber contents. However, the bioactive chemical constituents present in the four strains were very similar, especially ß-(1→3)-glucan, according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, while some minimal peaks varied among the different strains. Therefore, in combination with previously identified high disease-resistance traits, the wild domesticated strain CCMJ1351 constitutes a good candidate for further exploitation in breeding programs and is suitable for fresh consumption as well as incorporation into various food products.

Optimization of liquid fermentation conditions for biotransformation zein by Cordyceps militaris 202 and characterization of physicochemical and functional properties of fermentative hydrolysates.

Cordyceps militaris 202 is a potential fungus for biotransformation zein, due to its various proteases, high tolerance and viability in nature. In this article, single factor experiment and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the liquid fermentation conditions and improve the ability of biotransformation zein. The optimized fermentation conditions were as follows: inoculum concentration of 19%, volume of liquor of 130mL/500mL and pH of 4.7. Under this condition, the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was 27.31%. The zein hydrolysates from fungi fermentation maintained a high thermal stability. Compared to the original zein, the zein hydrolysates were found to have high solubility, which most likely results in improved foaming and emulsifying properties. Overall, this research demonstrates that hydrolysis of zein by C. militaris 202 is a potential method for improving the functional properties of zein, and the zein hydrolysates can be used as functional ingredients with an increased antioxidant effect in both food and non-food applications.

Antiobesity Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice Mediated by AMPK.

Ginsenosides Rg1 is one of the major pharmacologically active saponins in ginseng, which as an antioxidant reduces oxidative damage in the liver and can also be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, there is no research targeting the effect of lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of Rg1 in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells and HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Administration of Rg1 to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased body weight, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels. In addition to effects in 3T3-L1 cells, Rg1 reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Rg1 exhibits an anti-adipogenic effect via regulation of the expression of the transcriptional factors and lipid metabolism-related genes in vivo and in vitro. We observed that Rg1 administration significantly increased the phosphorylation level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in both epididymal white adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 cells. These results indicated that Rg1 works both in an anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity manner through inducing AMPK activation, inhibiting lipogenesis, and decreasing intracellular lipid content, adipocyte size, and adipose weight.

Effects of cornstarch on the gel properties of black bean protein isolate.

The effects of common starch (CS) and high amylopectin starch (HAS) from corn on the properties of heat induced black bean protein isolate (BBPI) gels prepared by heating at 95°C for 30 min were investigated by using dynamic oscillatory rheometer, texture analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with BBPI alone, the presence of cornstarch (1-4%, wt/vol) could improve storage modulus (G') and textural properties of BBPI (10%, wt/vol) gels. The mixed system of BBPI and 4% (wt/vol) HAS exhibited the highest G' and formed the gel faster and more easily, which resulted in firmer and more elastic gel than BBPI-CS at all starch concentrations. It was possible that HAS had lower pasting temperature and higher viscosity than CS, which was beneficial to the formation of BBPI gel network and strengthened the stability of network structure. Moreover, it might also be related to the synergistic effect between protein and starch. The CS and HAS existed in the BBPI gel network could bind water, leading to the increase in the water-holding capacity (WHC) of mixed gels, especially 4% (wt/vol) HAS, which was related to homogeneous and compact microstructure with small pores.