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23 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecklonia cava Polyphenols Have a Preventive Effect on Parkinson’s Disease through the Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Pathway

by Yuri Yasuda, Tamaki Tokumatsu, Chiharu Ueda, Manami Sakai, Yutaro Sasaki, Toshio Norikura, Isao Matsui-Yuasa and Akiko Kojima-Yuasa

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132076 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder defined by the deterioration and loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to a range of motor impairments and non-motor symptoms. The underlying mechanism of this neurodegeneration remains unclear. This research examined the neuroprotective properties of Ecklonia cava polyphenols (ECPs) in mitigating neuronal damage induced by rotenone via the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and PD model mice, we found that ECP, rich in the antioxidant polyphenol phlorotannin, boosted the gene expression and functionality of the antioxidant enzyme NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1. ECP also promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased p62 expression, suggesting that p62 helps sustain Nrf2 activation via a positive feedback loop. The neuroprotective effect of ECP was significantly reduced by Compound C (CC), an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, which also suppressed Nrf2 nuclear translocation. In PD model mice, ECPs improved motor functions impaired by rotenone, as assessed by the pole test and wire-hanging test, and restored intestinal motor function and colon tissue morphology. Additionally, ECPs increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra, indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. These findings suggest that ECP has a preventative effect on PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyphenol-Rich Foods on Human Health and Diseases)

20 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Polyphenolic Extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Reynoutria japonica Houtt. on Erythrocyte Membrane

by Teresa Kaźmierczak, Katarzyna Męczarska, Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska, Sylwia Cyboran-Mikołajczyk, Jan Oszmiański and Dorota Bonarska-Kujawa

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133090 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 61

Abstract

Sea buckthorn and Japanese knotweed are known in many traditional medicine systems to be a great source of bioactive substances. This research aims to compare the bioactivity and protective effects of the phenolic extracts of leaves from sea buckthorn and roots and leaves from the Japanese knotweed on erythrocytes. The polyphenol composition of the extract was analyzed using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. The extracts’ toxicity and impact on the erythrocytes’ osmotic fragility were measured spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was determined based on the inhibition of oxidation of erythrocytes and their membrane induced by 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH),measured spectrophotometrically and using fluorimetry. To find the possible mechanism of the extracts’ action, extract-modified cells were observed under a microscope, and the potential localization of the extract’s phytochemical composition was checked using fluorescent probes. The results showed that the used extracts are not toxic to erythrocytes, increase their osmotic resistance, and successfully protect them against free radicals. Extract components localize on the outer part of the membrane, where they can scavenge the free radicals from the environment. Altogether, the presented extracts can greatly protect living organisms against free radicals and can be used to support the treatment of diseases caused by excess free radicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polyphenols in Human Health (Volume II))

13 pages, 1470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Activity and Phenolic Content of Kombucha Beverages under the Influence of Different Tea Extract Substrates

by Raluca A. Mihai, Nelson S. Cubi-Insuaste and Rodica D. Catana

Fermentation 2024, 10(7), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10070338 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 113

Abstract

In this study, the influence of different tea extract substrates on the biological activities of kombucha beverages was investigated. The variations in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids and their potential health-promoting properties represented by antioxidant activity were analyzed. Our findings shed light on the diverse effects of tea substrates on the production of bioactive compounds and their subsequent impact on the biological activities of kombucha, providing valuable insights for optimizing kombucha production and its potential health benefits. The new tea substrate for kombucha, called horchata, an Ecuadorian tea, shows a similar trend but with a low content of phenolics (4.511 ± 0.111 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW)) and flavonoids (1.902 ± 0.0455 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW), and antioxidant activity (DPPH—33.569 ± 1.377 µmol TROLOX/g DW, ABTS—20.898 ± 2.709 µmol TROLOX/g DW, FRAP—34.456 ± 2.0618 Fe²⁺ mM/100 g DW compared to black and green tea as substrates for kombucha. Through HPLC-DAD, several polyphenols were registered, and homovanillic acid showed the highest concentration (74.45 mg/100 g). Horchata kombucha scored the highest in sweetness and smell, reflecting its popularity among the tasters, making it a valuable candidate as a kombucha substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flavor and Aroma in the Fermented Food)

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20 pages, 1372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities

by Pille-Riin Laanet, Olga Bragina, Piia Jõul and Merike Vaher

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137112 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 214

Abstract

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, is the most widespread vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, using targeted antibiotic therapy is often an ineffective cure. The antibiotic resistance and recurring symptoms of Lyme disease are associated with the formation of biofilm-like aggregates of B. burgdorferi. Plant extracts could provide an effective alternative solution as many of them exhibit antibacterial or biofilm inhibiting activities. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata as B. burgdorferi inhibitors. Hydroalcoholic extracts from three different samples of each plant were first characterised based on their total concentrations of polyphenolics, flavonoids, iridoids, and antioxidant capacity. Both plants contained substantial amounts of named phytochemicals and showed considerable antioxidant properties. The major non-volatile constituents were then quantified using HPLC-DAD-MS analyses, and volatile constituents were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. The most prevalent non-volatiles were found to be plantamajoside and acteoside, and the most prevalent volatiles were β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, and α-caryophyllene. The B. burgdorferi inhibiting activity of the extracts was tested on stationary-phase B. burgdorferi culture and its biofilm fraction. All extracts showed antibacterial activity, with the most effective lowering the residual bacterial viability down to 15%. Moreover, the extracts prepared from the leaves of each plant additionally demonstrated biofilm inhibiting properties, reducing its formation by 30%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Phytochemicals: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Molecular Insights)

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16 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing the Phenolic Composition and the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Two Euphrasia sp. Extracts

by Daniela Benedec, Ilioara Oniga, Daniela Hanganu, Ana-Maria Vlase, Irina Ielciu, Gianina Crișan, Nicodim Fiţ, Mihaela Niculae, Timea Bab, Emoke Pall and Laurian Vlase

Plants 2024, 13(13), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131790 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 128

Abstract

The species of the genus Euphrasia present important medicinal potential according to their traditional uses. However, few studies aim to sustain this fact by scientific evidence. The present study aimed to explore the phytochemical profile and investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential of E. officinalis subsp. pratensis Fr. (EO) and E. stricta J.P.Wolff ex J.F.Lehm (ES). The tested samples consisted of ethanolic extracts. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds were performed using spectrophotometric and LC–MS/MS methods. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the DPPH, FRAP and xanthine oxidase methods. Antimicrobial properties were screened using disk diffusion, broth microdilution and anti-biofilm assays, while antiproliferative potential was assessed on a colorectal adenocarcinoma human cancer cell line (DLD-1). The LC–MS/MS analysis showed chlorogenic acid and rutin as the dominant constituents in the tested extracts. The antioxidant activity assays showed important capacity for both samples; in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties were exhibited, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, and an important inhibitory potential was observed on the proliferation of the DLD-1 cell line. The findings in the present study contribute to the recommendation of EO and ES for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related pathologies, cancer and microbial infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)

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17 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current View on Major Natural Compounds Endowed with Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects

by Roberto Arrigoni, Andrea Ballini, Emilio Jirillo and Luigi Santacroce

Antibiotics 2024, 13(7), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13070603 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Nowadays, infectious diseases of bacterial and viral origins represent a serious medical problem worldwide. In fact, the development of antibiotic resistance is responsible for the emergence of bacterial strains that are refractory even to new classes of antibiotics. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic suggests that new viruses can emerge and spread all over the world. The increase in infectious diseases depends on multiple factors, including malnutrition, massive migration of population from developing to industrialized areas, and alteration of the human microbiota. Alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics and antiviral drugs have intensively been explored. In this regard, plants and marine organisms represent an immense source of products, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, lanthipeptides, and terpenoids, which possess antibacterial and antiviral activities. Their main mechanisms of action involve modifications of bacterial cell membranes, with the formation of pores, the release of cellular content, and the inhibition of bacterial adherence to host cells, as well as of the efflux pump. Natural antivirals can interfere with viral replication and spreading, protecting the host with the enhanced production of interferon. Of note, these antivirals are not free of side effects, and their administration to humans needs more research in terms of safety. Preclinical research with natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds confirms their effects against bacteria and viruses, but there are still only a few clinical trials. Therefore, their full exploitation and more intensive clinical studies represent the next steps to be pursued in this area of medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Antimicrobials in Biomedical Engineering: Recent Advances Proposal)

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16 pages, 1500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foam-Mat Freeze Drying of Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) Pulp: Drying Kinetics, Main Properties and Microstructure

by Radosław Bogusz, Małgorzata Nowacka, Katarzyna Rybak, Dorota Witrowa-Rajchert and Ewa Gondek

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5629; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135629 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 196

Abstract

The kiwiberry is an interesting source of bioactive compounds (micronutrients, polyphenols vitamins and pectins) and enzyme actinidine but has limited durability. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of shelf temperature (10 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C) during freeze drying on the foam-mat kiwiberry pulp drying process and the quality of the obtained material based on analyses such as moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, microstructure and spectral measurement using the FTIR method. The use of higher shelf temperatures during freeze drying positively influenced the drying process, reducing its duration by up to 40.7%. The shelf temperature caused changes in the dry matter content (97.2–99.6%), water activity (0.159–0.221), structure and hygroscopic properties (1.41–4.41 g water/100 g d.m.) of the kiwiberry foam mats. Foam-mat drying at 40 °C exhibited a significantly lower water activity, total porosity and hygroscopicity, providing properties favorable for good microbiological and functional stability during storage. Furthermore, this temperature applied during freeze drying resulted in an increase in the solubility of the obtained material, which indicates its possible use in the matrix of other food products. Full article

23 pages, 2920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Characterization of Moroccan Honey Varieties from the Fez-Meknes Region and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

by Atika Ailli, Khalid Zibouh, Brahim Eddamsyry, Aziz Drioiche, Dounia Fetjah, Fatima Zahra Ayyad, Ramzi A. Mothana, Mohammed F. Hawwal, Mohamed Radi, Redouane Tarik, Abdelhakim Elomri, Aicha Mouradi and Touriya Zair

Metabolites 2024, 14(7), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14070364 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 199

Abstract

Honey, with its varied and extensive characteristics, is a complex and diverse biological substance that has been used since ancient times. The aim of this study is to thoroughly characterize the physicochemical, phytochemical, and biological properties of four floral honey varieties from the Fez-Meknes region in Morocco, with the goal of promoting the valorization of Moroccan honey in skincare and cosmetic products. The analyses of their physicochemical characteristics encompass various parameters such as pH, acidity, density, water content, Brix index, conductivity, ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and color. The levels of polyphenols range from 22.1 ± 0.4 to 69.3 ± 0.17 mg GAE/100 g of honey, measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu method for polyphenol quantification. Additionally, the estimation of flavonoid quantities in 100 g of honey, conducted using the aluminum trichloride method, reveals values ranging from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 7.2 ± 0.6 mg QE. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that honey exhibits high levels of glucose and relatively low concentrations of proteins. The quantitative evaluation of antioxidant effects, carried out through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, highlights the strong antioxidant capacity of multifloral honey, characterized by low inhibitory concentration values (IC₅₀ = 30.43 mg/mL and EC₅₀ = 16.06 mg/mL). Moreover, all honey varieties demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties, with multifloral honey standing out for its particularly pronounced antimicrobial activity. The correlation analyses between phytochemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities reveal an inverse relationship between polyphenols and IC₅₀ (DPPH) and EC₅₀ (FRAP) concentrations of honey. The correlation coefficients are established at R² = −0.97 and R² = −0.99, respectively. Additionally, a significant negative correlation is observed between polyphenols, flavonoids, and antifungal power (R² = −0.95 and R² = −0.96). In parallel, a marked positive correlation is highlighted between antifungal efficacy, DPPH antioxidant activity (R² = 0.95), and FRAP (R² = 0.92). These results underscore the crucial importance of phytochemical components in the beneficial properties of honey, meeting international quality standards. Consequently, honey could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic additives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Animal Nutrition Resources and Animal By-Products)

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22 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soybean Response to Seed Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and/or Nitrogen Fertilization

by Wacław Jarecki, Ioana Maria Borza, Cristina Adriana Rosan, Simona Ioana Vicas and Cristian Gabriel Domuța

Agriculture 2024, 14(7), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071025 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 147

Abstract

Seed inoculation with symbiotic bacteria is a commonly employed practice in soybean cultivation. As a result, nodulation proceeds properly and plants self-supply atmospheric nitrogen, requiring either minimal or no additional nitrogen fertilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of soybeans to the application of the recommended or double dose of commercial inoculants (HiStick^® Soy or TURBOSOY^®) and/or mineral nitrogen fertilization compared to the untreated control. It was demonstrated that a double dose of the tested preparations had the most favorable effect on nodulation. However, the impact of weather conditions modified their effectiveness during the study years, which was especially visible in 2022. Sowing seeds without inoculation (control) resulted in the formation of sparse root nodules and consequently the lowest leaf area index (LAI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) measurements. In addition, the values of SPAD and LAI indices varied across the years of the study, indicating that weather conditions modified nitrogen uptake by plants. Overall, seed inoculation and/or nitrogen fertilization positively influenced the chemical composition of seeds compared to the control. The only decrease observed was in the oil content, while the double dose of HiStick^® Soy preparation reduced the polyphenol content. The double dose of the tested inoculants had the most favorable impact on yield components and seed yield. However, applying inoculation at the recommended dose or in combination with nitrogen fertilization yielded similar or slightly worse results, depending on the year. Therefore, soybean seed inoculation should be recommended, although the effectiveness of the procedure will depend on various factors, including the type of inoculant, dosage, nitrogen fertilization, and weather conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

19 pages, 14085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Functionality of Non-Covalent Ternary Complexes Fabricated with Pea Protein, Hyaluronic Acid and Chlorogenic Acid

by Wenfei Fu, Fujun Liu, Ronglei Zhang, Ru Zhao, Yuxin He and Cuina Wang

Foods 2024, 13(13), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132054 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 235

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize stable non−covalent ternary complexes based on pea protein (PP, 0.5%), hyaluronic acid (HA, 0.125%), and chlorogenic acid (CA, 0~0.03%). The ternary complexes were comprehensively evaluated for physicochemical attributes, stability, emulsifying capacities, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial efficacy. PP-HA binary complexes were first prepared at pH 7, and then CA was bound to the binary complexes, as verified by fluorescence quenching. Molecular docking elucidated that PP interacted with HA and CA through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The particle size of ternary complexes initially decreased, then increased with CA concentration, peaking at 0.025%. Ternary complexes demonstrated good stability against UV light and thermal treatment. Emulsifying activity of complexes initially decreased and then increased, with a turning point of 0.025%, while emulsion stability continued to increase. Complexes exhibited potent scavenging ability against free radicals and iron ions, intensifying with higher CA concentrations. Ternary complexes effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition up to 0.025%, then decreasing with CA concentration. Our study indicated that the prepared ternary complexes at pH 7 were stable and possessed good functionality, including emulsifying properties, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties under certain concentrations of CA. These findings may provide valuable insights for the targeted design and application of protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol complexes in beverages and dairy products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)

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16 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enzymatic Fructosylation of Phenolic Compounds: A New Alternative for the Development of Antidiabetic Drugs

by Karla Damian-Medina, Azucena Herrera-González, Luis J. Figueroa-Yáñez and Javier Arrizon

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133072 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 147

Abstract

Enzymatic fructosylation has emerged as a strategy to enhance the hydrophilicity of polyphenols by introducing sugar moieties, leading to the development of phenolic glycosides, which exhibit improved solubility, stability, and biological activities compared to their non-glycosylated forms. This study provides a detailed analysis of the interactions between five phenolic fructosides (4MFPh, MFF, DFPh, MFPh, and MFPu) and twelve proteins (11β-HS1, CRP, DPPIV, IRS, PPAR-γ, GK, AMPK, IR, GFAT, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-⍺) associated with the pathogenesis of T2DM. The strongest interactions were observed for phlorizin fructosides (DFPh) with IR (−16.8 kcal/mol) and GFAT (−16.9 kcal/mol). MFPh with 11β-HS1 (−13.99 kcal/mol) and GFAT (−12.55 kcal/mol). 4MFPh with GFAT (−11.79 kcal/mol) and IR (−12.11 kcal/mol). MFF with AMPK (−9.10 kcal/mol) and PPAR- γ (−9.71 kcal/mol), followed by puerarin and ferulic acid monofructosides. The fructoside group showed lower free energy binding values than the controls, metformin and sitagliptin. Hydrogen bonding (HB) was identified as the primary interaction mechanism, with specific polar amino acids such as serin, glutamine, glutamic acid, threonine, aspartic acid, and lysine identified as key contributors. ADMET results indicated favorable absorption and distribution characteristics of the fructosides. These findings provide valuable information for further exploration of phenolic fructosides as potential therapeutic agents for T2DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computational Chemistry for Drug Design, Discovery and Screening)

17 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vitamin C, D3, Ca Supplements and Olive Paste Enriched with Mountain Tea on Health Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: A Prospective Interventional Study

by Melina Konstantinidi, Stavroula Stoupi, Ioannis Anastasiou, Vlachos Zounelis Nikolaos, George Tsakotos and Antonios E. Koutelidakis

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135610 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 268

Abstract

Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and magnesium has been associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in several bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers in postmenopausal women with high osteopenia or osteoporosis, followed by a nutritional intervention program. In total, 115 apparently healthy postmenopausal women (52 ± 8 years old) were randomized into four groups: group I (n = 40) received daily 1000 mg vitamin C, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg calcium(Ca) and 300 mg magnesium (Mg); group II (n = 42) received daily 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; group III (n = 18) received daily 5 mg bisphosphonates, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; and group IV (n = 15) received daily about 364 mg polyphenols via an innovative functional food (50 g olive paste enriched with mountain tea extract) along with 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg. Groups I–III received supplementation for a year whereas group IV received supplementation for 5 months. Changes in bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric indices and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention period. The results revealed improved elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 in groups II, III and IV (+3.71% and +1.45% and +5.62%, respectively). Significant positive changes were recorded for whole-body BMD in all four study groups. Significant beneficial changes for total cholesterol were observed in group IV (−2.07%, p < 0.05) and positive changes in group I for HDL biomarkers (+61.62%, p < 0.05). Additional larger-scale clinical trials and intervention studies are considered essential to fully investigate and elucidate associations between dietary components and biochemical indices of bone health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)

21 pages, 5561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanocurcumin-Based Sugar-Free Formulation: Development and Impact on Diabetes and Oxidative Stress Reduction

by Safa Ferradj, Madiha Melha Yahoum, Mounia Rebiha, Ikram Nabi, Selma Toumi, Sonia Lefnaoui, Amel Hadj-Ziane-Zafour, Nabil Touzout, Hichem Tahraoui, Adil Mihoub, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Nawab Ali, Jie Zhang and Abdeltif Amrane

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131105 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 192

Abstract

The objective of this study is the development of innovative nanocurcumin-based formulations designed for the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress and diabetes. Nanocurcumin was obtained through a micronization process and subsequently encapsulated within biopolymers derived from corn starch and fenugreek mucilage, achieving encapsulation rates of 75% and 85%, respectively. Subsequently, the encapsulated nanocurcumin was utilized in the formulation of sugar-free syrups based on Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The stability of the resulting formulations was assessed by monitoring particle size distribution and zeta potential over a 25-day period. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed a particle size of 119.9 nm for the fenugreek mucilage-based syrup (CURF) and 117 nm for the corn starch-based syrup (CURA), with polydispersity indices PDIs of 0.509 and 0.495, respectively. The dissolution rates of the encapsulated nanocurcumin were significantly enhanced, showing a 67% improvement in CURA and a 70% enhancement in CURF compared with crude curcumin (12.82%). Both formulations demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity, as evidenced by polyphenol quantification using the 2.2-diphenyl 1-pycrilhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In the evaluation of antidiabetic activity conducted on Wistar rats, a substantial reduction in fasting blood sugar levels from 392 to 187 mg/mL was observed. The antioxidant properties of CURF in reducing oxidative stress were clearly demonstrated by a macroscopic observation of the rats’ livers, including their color and appearance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Nanoparticles)

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16 pages, 2525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Condensed and Hydrolysable Tannins during the Early Stages of Zebrafish Development

by Alessandra La Pietra, Roberta Imperatore, Elena Coccia, Teresa Mobilio, Ida Ferrandino and Marina Paolucci

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137063 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 169

Abstract

In this study, we present data on the effects of condensed tannins (CTs) and hydrolysable tannins (HTs), polyphenols extracted from plants, at different concentrations on zebrafish development to identify the range of concentrations with toxic effects. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to CTs and HTs at two different concentration ranges (5.0–20.0 μgL⁻¹ and 5.0–20.0 mgL⁻¹) for 72 h. The toxicity parameters were observed up to 72 h of treatment. The uptake of CTs and HTs by the zebrafish larvae was assessed via HPLC analysis. A qRT-PCR analysis was performed to evaluate the expressions of genes cd63, zhe1, and klf4, involved in the hatching process of zebrafish. CTs and HTs at 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μgL⁻¹ were not toxic. On the contrary, at 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mgL⁻¹, HTs induced a delay in hatching starting from 48 h of treatment, while CTs showed a delay in hatching mainly at 48 h. The analysis of gene expression showed a downregulation in the group exposed to HTs, confirming the hatching data. We believe that this study is important for defining the optimal doses of CTs and HTs to be employed in different application fields such as the chemical industry, the animal feed industry, and medical science. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Teleost in Biomedical Research)

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Abstract

Olea europaea L. is the most valuable species of the Olea type, and its products offer a wide range of therapeutical uses. The olive tree has been extensively studied for its nourishing qualities, and the “Mediterranean diet”, which includes virgin olive oil as a key dietary component, is strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and various malignancies. Olive leaves, a by-product in the olive harvesting process, are valued as a resource for developing novel phytomedicines. For this purpose, two ethanolic extracts obtained from Olivae folium from Spain (OFS) and Greece (OFG) were investigated. Our findings contribute to a wider characterization of olive leaves. Both extracts displayed important amounts of phenolic compounds and pentacyclic triterpenes, OFG having higher concentrations of both polyphenols, such as oleuropein and lutein, as well as triterpenes, such as oleanolic acid and maslinic acid. The antioxidant capacity is similar for the two extracts, albeit slightly higher for OFG, possibly due to metal polyphenol complexes with antioxidant activity. The extracts elicited an antimicrobial effect at higher doses, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes. The extract with lower inorganic content and higher content of polyphenols and triterpenic acids induced a strong anti-radical capacity, a selective cytotoxic effect, as well as antimigratory potential on A375 melanoma cells and antiangiogenic potential on the CAM. No irritability and a good tolerability were noted after evaluating the extracts on the in vivo Hen’s Egg Test−Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM). Therefore, the present data are suggestive for the possible use of the two types of olive leaf products as high-antioxidant extracts, potentially impacting the healthcare system through their use as antimicrobial agents and as anticancer and anti-invasion treatments for melanoma. Full article

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