RESUMO
Over the last decades, we have witnessed an increasing interest in food-related products containing vegetable oils. These oils can be obtained either by extraction or by mechanical pressing of different parts of plants (e.g., seeds, fruit, and drupels). Producers of nutraceuticals have ceaselessly searched for unique and effective natural ingredients. The enormous success of argan oil has been followed by discoveries of other interesting vegetable oils (e.g., pomegranate oil) containing several bioactives. This work describes the pomegranate fruit extract and seed oil as a rich source of conjugated linolenic acid as a metabolite of punicic acid (PA), deriving from the omega-5 family (ω-5). Through the chemical characterization of PA, its nutritional and therapeutic properties are highlighted together with the physiological properties that encourage its use in human nutrition. We analyzed the composition of all fatty acids with beneficial properties occurring in pomegranate seed oil using gas chromatography (GC) with flame-ionization detection (FID) analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pomegranate seed oil mainly consists of 9,11,13-octadic-trienoic acid (18:3), corresponding to 73 wt % of the total fatty acids. Nine components were identified by GC in PSO, varying between 0.58 and 73.19 wt %. Using midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy, we compared the composition of pomegranate seed oil with that of meadowfoam seed oil (MSO), which is also becoming increasingly popular in the food industry due to its high content of long chain fatty acids (C20-22), providing increased oil stability. From the results of FTIR and MIR spectroscopy, we found that punicic acid is unique in PSO (73.19 wt %) but not in MSO.
Assuntos
Lythraceae , Punica granatum , Cromatografia Gasosa , Ácidos Graxos/química , Humanos , Ácidos Linolênicos/química , Lythraceae/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Óleos de Plantas/química , Sementes/química , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de FourierRESUMO
The plants belonging to the genus Vicia are of great interest as a source of many bioactive compounds and micronutrients. A snapshot of their cultivation, habitat, main components, from which essential oils can be obtained, is given. The traditional medicinal uses of Vicia plants are also reported, as well as the wide spectrum of the main biological activities attributed to Vicia plants is discussed regarding potential health beneficial properties, in particular anti-Parkinson, anticholinesterase, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antihemolytic, anticoagulant, estrogenic, diuretic, antihypoxic activities.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/química , Vicia/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , HumanosRESUMO
Many plants have been known for centuries to have medicinal importance with potential beneficial effects on health. Phytotherapeutic compounds are well known to play a globally significant role, in particular in the management and treatment of various chronic diseases. Among these, diabetes can cause long term damage to the body other than having a relevant economic burden on society being among the costliest chronic diseases. This motivated the focus of the proposed Special Issue, intended to develop and exploit the potential role of plants in the management and treatment of diabetes. The main topics included are: (i) description and use of medicinal plants for diabetes management; (ii) the elucidation and delineation of their main components, properties (anti-hyperglycaemic, hypoglicaemic, anti-infiammatory, apoptotic agents, etc.), (iii) the mechanism of action (in vitro and in vivo studies); (iv) formulation of nutraceuticals, botanicals, and dietary supplements useful as tools as an alternative or support to anti-diabetic pharmacological therapies; (v) development of new markers.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus/tratamento farmacológico , Hipoglicemiantes/uso terapêutico , Fitoterapia , Plantas Medicinais , HumanosRESUMO
Many statements have been reported in literature from various sources warning of the possible risk to health connected to high salt (as sodium chloride) intake in the everyday diet, and it is increasingly pressing [...].
Assuntos
Cloreto de Sódio na Dieta/efeitos adversos , Dieta , HumanosRESUMO
Introduction [...].
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Doenças Metabólicas/dietoterapia , Estresse Oxidativo/genética , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Suplementos Nutricionais , Humanos , Doenças Metabólicas/genética , Doenças Metabólicas/metabolismoRESUMO
Moderation in the use of salt (sodium chloride) in food and food preparations prevents the tendency of blood pressure to increase with age, and this is documented by many studies in current literature [...].
Assuntos
Dieta Hipossódica/tendências , Cloreto de Sódio na Dieta/efeitos adversos , Cloreto de Sódio/efeitos adversos , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Dieta/métodos , Dieta/tendências , Dieta Hipossódica/métodos , Humanos , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Cloreto de Sódio/metabolismoRESUMO
Fresh and processed food products are rich in bioactive molecules, including polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, antioxidants, phenolics, phytosterols, and novel lipids. Bioactive molecules in food could prevent several diseases (i.e., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.). Thus, consumer awareness is growing about the health-promoting impact of food bioactive molecules. Health claims are essential added-value features, wherein health-enhancing potential of bioactives depend on their chemical structure. On the other hand, the investigation of the structure-function relationship of food bioactive molecules is of importance. In this regard, Molecules is delighted to highlight the importance of food bioactive molecules and their effect on health. In this Special Issue of Molecules, researchers are invited to contribute original research and up-to-date reviews.
Assuntos
Manipulação de Alimentos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Carotenoides/química , Carotenoides/farmacologia , Humanos , Lipídeos/química , Peptídeos/química , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Fitosteróis/química , Fitosteróis/farmacologia , Polissacarídeos/química , Polissacarídeos/farmacologia , Vitaminas/química , Vitaminas/farmacologiaRESUMO
The by-products/wastes from agro-food and in particular the fruit industry represents from one side an issue since they cannot be disposed as such for their impact on the environment but they need to be treated as a waste. However, on the other side, they are a source of bioactive healthy useful compounds which can be recovered and be the starting material for other products in the view of sustainability and a circular economy addressing the global goal of "zero waste" in the environment. An updated view of the state of art of the research on fruit wastes is here given under this perspective. The topic is defined as follows: (i) literature quantitative analysis of fruit waste/by-products, with particular regards to linkage with health; (ii) an updated view of conventional and innovative extraction procedures; (iii) high-value added compounds obtained from fruit waste and associated biological properties; (iv) fruit wastes presence and relevance in updated databases. Nowadays, the investigation of the main components and related bioactivities of fruit wastes is being continuously explored throughout integrated and multidisciplinary approaches towards the exploitation of emerging fields of application which may allow to create economic, environmental, and social value in the design of an eco-friendly approach of the fruit wastes.
Assuntos
Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Frutas/química , Compostos Fitoquímicos/análise , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Resíduos/análise , Fracionamento Químico , Indústria Alimentícia , Estrutura Molecular , Valor Nutritivo , Compostos Fitoquímicos/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Rapeseed meal (RSM), a by-product of oilseed extraction connected to the agri-food and biofuel sectors, is currently used as animal feed and for other low-value purposes. With a biorefinery approach, RSM could be valorized as a source of bio-based molecules for high-value applications. This study provides a chemical characterization of RSM in the perspective of its valorization. A qualitative study of main functional groups by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was integrated with a chemical characterization of macronutrients, minerals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), phenolic acids and lipid components by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), HPLC-diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector (GC-MS/FID). The study, conducted on different lots of RSM collected over a one-year period from an oil pressing factory serving a biofuel biorefinery, highlighted a constant quality over time of RSM, characterized by high protein (31-34%), fiber (33-40%) and mineral (5.5-6.8%) contents. Polyphenol extracts showed a significant antioxidant activity and a prevalence of sinapic acid, accounting for more than 85% of total phenolic acids (395-437 mg kg-1 RSM). Results highlight the potentialities of RSM for further valorization strategies that may lead to the creation of new cross-sector interconnections and bio-based value chains with improvement of the economics and sustainability of the bioeconomy sectors involved.
Assuntos
Brassica napus/química , Resíduos Industriais/análise , Gerenciamento de Resíduos/métodos , Ração Animal/análise , Antioxidantes/química , Biocombustíveis/análise , Brassica napus/metabolismo , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Resíduos Industriais/economia , Minerais/química , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem/métodos , Resíduos/análiseRESUMO
Over the last few years, the application of nanotechnology to nutraceuticals has been rapidly growing due to its ability to enhance the bioavailability of the loaded active ingredients, resulting in improved therapeutic/nutraceutical outcomes. The focus of this work is nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics, terms which stand for the loading of a set of compounds (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics) in nanoparticles that work as absorption enhancers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this manuscript, the main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation. Current research strategies are also discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics. Synbiotic-based nanoparticles represent an innovative trend within this area of interest. As only few experimental studies on nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics are available in the scientific literature, research on this prominent field is needed, covering effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety aspects.
Assuntos
Suplementos Nutricionais , Nanotecnologia/métodos , Prebióticos/administração & dosagem , Probióticos/administração & dosagem , Animais , Humanos , Absorção Intestinal , Nanopartículas/química , Probióticos/metabolismo , Probióticos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
A major hallmark of diabetes is a constant high blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia), resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Transient or prolonged hyperglycemia can cause diabetic vasculopathy, a secondary systemic damage. C-Peptide is a product of cleavage of proinsulin by a serine protease that occurs within the pancreatic ß-cells, being secreted in similar amounts as insulin. The biological activity of human C-peptide is instrumental in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and other vascular complications. The main feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the lack of insulin and of C-peptide, but the progressive ß-cell loss is also observed in later stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus. C-peptide has multifaceted effects in animals and diabetic patients due to the activation of multiple cell signalling pathways, highlighting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½, Akt, as well as endothelial nitric oxide production. Recent works highlight the role of C-peptide in the prevention and amelioration of diabetes and also in organ-specific complications. Benefits of C-peptide in microangiopathy and vasculopathy have been shown through conservation of vascular function, and also in the prevention of endothelial cell death, microvascular permeability, neointima formation, and in vascular inflammation. Improvement of microvascular blood flow by replacing a physiological amount of C-peptide, in several tissues of diabetic animals and humans, mainly in nerve tissue, myocardium, skeletal muscle, and kidney has been described. A review of the multiple cell signalling pathways of human proinsulin C-peptide in vasculopathy protection is proposed, where the approaches to move beyond the state of the art in the development of innovative and effective therapeutic options of diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy are discussed.
Assuntos
Peptídeo C/sangue , Doenças Vasculares/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Sistema de Sinalização das MAP Quinases , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Doenças Vasculares/etiologia , Doenças Vasculares/metabolismoRESUMO
Burn wounds are highly debilitating injuries, with significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In association with the damage of the skin integrity, the risk of infection is increased, posing an obstacle to healing and potentially leading to sepsis. Another limitation against healing is associated with antibiotic resistance mainly due to the use of systemic antibiotics for the treatment of localized infections. Nanotechnology has been successful in finding strategies to incorporate antibiotics in nanoparticles for the treatment of local wounds, thereby avoiding the systemic exposure to the drug. This review focuses on the most recent advances on the use of nanoparticles in wound dressing formulations and in tissue engineering for the treatment of burn wound infections.
Assuntos
Queimaduras/tratamento farmacológico , Nanopartículas/uso terapêutico , Cicatrização , Infecção dos Ferimentos/tratamento farmacológico , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Bandagens , Queimaduras/microbiologia , Queimaduras/patologia , Humanos , Nanopartículas/química , Sepse/microbiologia , Sepse/prevenção & controle , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Pele/microbiologia , Pele/patologia , Engenharia Tecidual/métodos , Infecção dos Ferimentos/patologiaRESUMO
In this work, we developed a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulation with (+)-limonene 1,2-epoxide and glycerol monostearate (Lim-SLNs), stabilized with Poloxamer® 188 in aqueous dispersion to modify the release profile of the loaded monoterpene derivative. We also evaluated the role of SLNs in lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity in a spontaneously transformed aneuploid immortal keratinocyte cell line from adult human skin (the HaCaT cell line). For the cell viability assay, the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used. Lim-SLNs with a loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of 0.39% and 63%, respectively, were produced by high pressure homogenization. A mean particle size of 194 ± 3.4 nm and polydispersity index of 0.244 were recorded for the loaded Lim-SLNs, as compared to 203 ± 1.5 nm (PI 0.213) for the non-loaded (blank) SLNs. The loading of the monoterpene derivative into glycerol monostearate SLNs fitted into the zero-order kinetics, and ameliorated both lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity in a keratinocyte cell line. A promising formulation for antioxidant and anti-tumoral activities is here proposed.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Monoterpenos Cicloexânicos , Queratinócitos/metabolismo , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Monoglicerídeos , Nanopartículas/química , Poloxâmero , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacocinética , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular , Monoterpenos Cicloexânicos/química , Monoterpenos Cicloexânicos/farmacocinética , Monoterpenos Cicloexânicos/farmacologia , Preparações de Ação Retardada/química , Preparações de Ação Retardada/farmacocinética , Preparações de Ação Retardada/farmacologia , Humanos , Monoglicerídeos/química , Monoglicerídeos/farmacocinética , Monoglicerídeos/farmacologia , Poloxâmero/química , Poloxâmero/farmacocinética , Poloxâmero/farmacologiaRESUMO
Carnitine can be considered a conditionally essential nutrient for its importance in human physiology. This paper provides an updated picture of the main features of carnitine outlining its interest and possible use. Particular attention has been addressed to its beneficial properties, exploiting carnitine's properties and possible use by considering the main in vitro, in animal, and human studies. Moreover, the main aspects of carnitine-based dietary supplements have been indicated and defined with reference to their possible beneficial health properties.
Assuntos
Carnitina/análise , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Animais , Carnitina/farmacologia , Bases de Dados Factuais , Humanos , Estrutura Molecular , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are particles within the size range from 1 to 1000 nm and can be loaded with active compounds entrapped within or surface-adsorbed onto the polymeric core. The term "nanoparticle" stands for both nanocapsules and nanospheres, which are distinguished by the morphological structure. Polymeric NPs have shown great potential for targeted delivery of drugs for the treatment of several diseases. In this review, we discuss the most commonly used methods for the production and characterization of polymeric NPs, the association efficiency of the active compound to the polymeric core, and the in vitro release mechanisms. As the safety of nanoparticles is a high priority, we also discuss the toxicology and ecotoxicology of nanoparticles to humans and to the environment.
Assuntos
Portadores de Fármacos/química , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos , Ecotoxicologia , Nanopartículas/química , Nanopartículas/toxicidade , Polímeros/química , Animais , HumanosRESUMO
Essential oils are odorant liquid oily products consisting of a complex mixture of volatile compounds obtained from a plant raw material. They have been increasingly proven to act as potential natural agents in the treatment of several human conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM). DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia closely related to carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism disturbances. In order to explore novel approaches for the management of DM our group proposes the encapsulation of sucupira essential oil, obtained from the fruits of the Brazilian plants of the genus Pterodon, in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), a second generation of lipid nanoparticles which act as new controlled drug delivery system (DDS). Encapsulation was performed by hot high-pressure homogenization (HPH) technique and the samples were then analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for mean average size and polydispersity index (PI) and by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) for zeta potential (ZP), immediately after production and after 24 h of storage at 4 °C. An optimal sucupira-loaded NLC was found to consist of 0.5% (m/V) sucupira oil, 4.5% (m/V) of Kollivax® GMS II and 1.425% (m/V) of TPGS (formulation no. 6) characterized by a mean particle size ranging from 148.1 ± 0.9815 nm (0 h) to 159.3 ± 9.539 nm (at 24 h), a PI from 0.274 ± 0.029 (0 h) to 0.305 ± 0.028 (24 h) and a ZP from -0.00236 ± 0.147 mV (at 0 h) to 0.125 ± 0.162 (at 24 h). The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 99.98% and 9.6%, respectively. The optimized formulation followed a modified release profile fitting the first order kinetics, over a period of 8 h. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed against Caco-2 cell lines, for which the cell viability above 90% confirmed the non-cytotoxic profile of both blank and sucupira oil-loaded NLC.
Assuntos
Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Portadores de Fármacos/química , Lipídeos/química , Nanoestruturas/química , Óleos Voláteis/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Brasil , Células CACO-2 , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Excipientes/química , Humanos , Nanopartículas/química , Tamanho da PartículaRESUMO
First-generation biofuel biorefineries may be a starting point for the development of new value chains, as their by-products and side streams retain nutrients and valuable molecules that may be recovered and valorized for high-value applications. This study provides a chemical characterization of post-fermentation corn oil and thin stillage, side streams of dry-grind corn bioethanol production, in view of their valorization. An overall long-term study was conducted on the two co-products collected over 1 year from a bioethanol plant. Water content, acid value, sedimentation, mineral composition, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed on post-fermentation corn oil. Results highlighted that its acid value was high (19.72-24.29 mg KOH/g), indicating high levels of free fatty acids, but stable over the year due to standardized operating conditions. The fatty acid profile was that typical of corn oil, with a prevalence of linoleic (54-59% of total fatty acids) over oleic (23-27%) and palmitic (12-17%) acids. Macronutrients, fatty acid, and mineral profiles were investigated in thin stillage. Results revealed the acidic pH (4.05-4.68) and high dilution (90-93% water) of this side stream. The dry mass was composed of fats (19-30%), proteins (8.8-12.8%), ash (8.7-9.5%), and fiber (7.3-9.8%). The concomitant presence of a variegate complex of molecules of nutritional interest in corn bioethanol co-products, with several potential high-value market applications, make the perspective of their recovery a promising strategy to create new cross-sector interconnections according to circular economy principles.
Assuntos
Biocombustíveis , Óleo de Milho/metabolismo , Zea mays/metabolismo , Técnicas de Cultura Celular por Lotes , Óleo de Milho/química , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Ácido Linoleico/análise , Minerais/análise , Ácido Oleico/análise , Ácido Palmítico/análise , Zea mays/químicaRESUMO
This review discusses the impact of curcumin-an aromatic phytoextract from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome-as an effective therapeutic agent. Despite all of the beneficial health properties ensured by curcumin application, its pharmacological efficacy is compromised in vivo due to poor aqueous solubility, high metabolism, and rapid excretion that may result in poor systemic bioavailability. To overcome these problems, novel nanosystems have been proposed to enhance its bioavailability and bioactivity by reducing the particle size, the modification of surfaces, and the encapsulation efficiency of curcumin with different nanocarriers. The solutions based on nanotechnology can improve the perspective for medical patients with serious illnesses. In this review, we discuss commonly used curcumin-loaded bio-based nanoparticles that should be implemented for overcoming the innate constraints of this natural ingredient. Furthermore, the associated challenges regarding the potential applications in combination therapies are discussed as well.
Assuntos
Curcumina/administração & dosagem , Curcumina/farmacologia , Nanopartículas/uso terapêutico , Disponibilidade Biológica , Curcumina/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Nanopartículas/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , SolubilidadeRESUMO
This paper proposes a perspective literature review of the antioxidant properties in fruit-based juices. The total antioxidant properties due to compounds such as carotenoids, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins as well as the assessment of interactions between natural active compounds and other food matrix components can be seen as the first step in the study of potential health benefits of fruit-based juices. A brief summary is given on the significance of antioxidant properties of fruit juices, the conventional methods for antioxidant activity evaluation, and on the newly emerged sample analysis and data interpretation strategies, that is, chemometric analysis based on spectroscopic data. The effect of fruit processing techniques and the addition of ingredients on the antioxidant properties of fruit-based juices are also discussed.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/análise , Sucos de Frutas e Vegetais/análise , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Manipulação de Alimentos , Frutas/química , HumanosRESUMO
This review gives an updated picture of each class of phenolic compounds and their properties. The most common classification implies the subdivision of phenolics in two main groups: flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, flavanols, flavanones, flavonols, flavonones, and isoflavones) and non-flavonoids (e.g., phenolic acids, xanthones, stilbens, lignans, and tannins) polyphenols. The great interest in polyphenols is associated with their high potential application for food preservation and for therapeutic beneficial use. The relationship between polyphenol intake and human health has been exploited with special reference to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer. The use of current existing databases of bioactive compounds including polyphenols is described as key tools for human health research.