1,721,014 research outputs found
Abscisic acid identification in Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench): perspective nutraceutical use for the treatment of diabetes
No full textOkra, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench), also known as Lady's Fingers, gombo, or bamje, is an annual plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Traditional olistic medicine since centuries directly associates this plant and its parts to a beneficial health hypoglycemic effect. Since the abscisic acid (ABA) has been associated to an interesting hypoglycemic effect, this triggered us to verify and quantify the presence of the abscisic acid in the okra phytocomplex. In particular, ABA, a plant derived hormone, has been proven by recent studies to be effective on mammals. To determine and quantify the ABA content, different parts of the Okra plant extracts have been evaluated, and HPLC-DAD analysis has been used allowing us to report for the first time the presence of this isoprenoid compound. Bioaccessibility has been also investigated using a simulated gastro intestinal (GI) digestion protocol with the aim of explore the possibility of okra extract as nutraceutical
Olive leaf extract inhibits metastatic melanoma spread through suppression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Full text linkOlive tree leaves are an abundant source of bioactive compounds with several beneficial effects for human health, including a protective role against many types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of an extract, obtained from olive tree (Olea europaea L.) leaves (OLE), on proliferation, invasion, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) on metastatic melanoma, the highly aggressive form of skin cancer and the deadliest diseases. Our results demonstrated that OLE inhibited melanoma cells proliferation through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptotic cell death. Moreover, OLE suppressed the migration, invasion, and colonies formation of human melanoma cells. Similar to our in vitro findings, we demonstrated that the oral administration of OLE inhibited cutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis formation in vivo by modulating the expression of EMT related factors. In addition, the anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects of OLE against melanoma were also related to a simultaneous targeting of mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI3K pathways, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings suggest that OLE has the potential to inhibit the metastatic spread of melanoma cells thanks to its multifaceted mechanistic effects, and may represent a new add-on therapy for the management of metastatic melanoma
Olive leaf extract, from olea europaea l., reduces palmitate-induced inflammation via regulation of murine macrophages polarization
No full textOlive tree (Olea europaea L.) leaves are an abundant source of bioactive compounds with several beneficial effects for human health. Recently, the effect of olive leaf extract in obesity has been studied. However, the molecular mechanism in preventing obesity-related inflammation has not been elucidated. Obesity is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and is associated with an increase of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages infiltration in the adipose tissue. In the current study, we explored Olea europaea L. leaf extract (OLE) anti-inflammatory activity using an in vitro model of obesity-induced inflammation obtained by stimulating murine macrophages RAW 264.7 with high dose of the free fatty acid palmitate. We found that OLE significantly suppressed the induction of pro-inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while it enhanced the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Moreover, we demonstrated that OLE reduced the oxidative stress induced by palmitate in macrophages by regulating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)−Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) pathway. Finally, we showed that OLE promoted the shift of M1 macrophage toward less inflammatory M2-cells via the modulation of the associated NF-κB and proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathways. Thereby, our findings shed light on the potential therapeutic feature of OLE in recovering obesity-associated inflammation via regulating M1/M2 status
Effects of Annurca apple polyphenols on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cell lines: A source of nutraceuticals potentially indicated for the metabolic syndrome
No full textThe influence of polyphenolic extracts from Annurca apple peel and flesh on lipid metabolism in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines was evaluated, and compared with those of other conventional cultivars, such as Red Delicious (RD), Pink Lady (PL), Fuji (F) and Golden Delicious (GD). Annurca flesh revealed the best inhibition capacity against lipase activity, and triglyceride levels in the cell medium increased by almost 20 times above control levels. Incubation with Annurca flesh polyphenols enhanced low-density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor binding activity by 40% and led to an increase in Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) cell expression of 33.3% above control levels. Experimental data would indicate for Annurca flesh polyphenols a significant hypolipidemic potential in comparison with other more common apple cultivars, thus leading to hypothesise a helpful role in the prevention and care of diseases in subjects affected by metabolic syndrome and to propose the possibility of formulating therapeutically useful nutraceutical products. Undoubtedly, further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm such healthy effects through diet. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd
Controlled Cultivation Confers Rhodiola rosea Synergistic Activity on Muscle Cell Homeostasis, Metabolism and Antioxidant Defense in Primary Human Myoblasts
Full text linkRhodiola rosea L. is recognized for its adaptogenic properties and ability to promote muscle health, function and recovery from exercise. The plethora of biological effects of this plant is ascribed to the synergism existing among the molecules composing its phytocomplex. In this manuscript, we analyze the activity of a bioactive fraction extracted from Rhodiola rosea L. controlled cultivation. Biological assays were performed on human skeletal myoblasts and revealed that the extract is able to modulate in vitro expression of transcription factors, namely Pax7 and myoD, involved in muscle differentiation and recovery. The extract also promotes ROS scavenging, ATP production and mitochondrial respiration. Untargeted metabolomics further reveals that the mechanism underpinning the plant involves the synergistic interconnection between antioxidant enzymes and the folic/acid polyamine pathway. Finally, by examining the phytochemical profiles of the extract, we identify the specific combination of secondary plant metabolites contributing to muscle repair, recovery from stress and regeneration
Phoenix dactylifera polyphenols improve plasma lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats and oxidative stress on HepG2 cells
No full textThe anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Algerian date palm fruits of three varieties [Deglet nour (DN), Ghars (GH), Degla baida (DB)] and its influence on oxidative stress were explored in rat models using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). Phenolic profile and total phenolic content of the extracts revealed in vitro antioxidant potential, which was confirmed using HepG2 cells. Reduction of TBARS level and increase in NO levels were observed in cell medium. In vivo assays showed that administration of date extracts influenced the hypolipidemic effect in rats by decreasing total cholesterol (−51% for DB, −31% for GH and −30% for DN), triacylglycerol (−61% for DN, −54% for DB and −32% for GH) and LDL-Cholesterol, while increasing HDL-Cholesterol level, indicating strong cardioprotective properties of date fruit
Genotoxicity assessment of three nutraceuticals containing natural antioxidants extracted from agri-food waste biomasses
Full text linkGrapes and apples are the most cultivated fruits in the Mediterranean basin and their agricultural processing is responsible for the production of a large amount of bio-waste. The reuse of this food biomass would increase the volume of recyclable/renewable biomaterial and lower the environmental impact due to the increasing demand for these biological products. To this purpose, agri-food waste from grape and apple processing have become an important source of phytochemicals, and many pharmaceutical industries are using it as starting material to produce dietary supplements, functional foods, and food additives for human consumption. In virtue of the chemical diversity and complexity of agri-food biowaste, developers and producers of nutraceuticals are advised to assess the safety of their final nutraceutical products, in compliance with European Food Safety Authority regulation. Here, we use the Ames test to assess the mutagenicity of three nutraceuticals obtained from agri-food waste biomasses: Taurisolo® from grape pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv 'Aglianico', AnnurComplex® from Malus pumila M. cv 'Annurca' and Limoncella Apple Extract from Malus domestica B. cv 'Limoncella'. The results showed that all three nutraceuticals were non-mutagenic
Gengricin®: A Nutraceutical Formulation for Appetite Control and Therapeutic Weight Management in Adults Who Are Overweight/Obese
No full textIn the field of nutritional science and metabolic disorders, there is a growing interest in natural bitter compounds capable of interacting with bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) useful for obesity management and satiety control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical formulation containing a combination of molecules appropriately designed to simultaneously target and stimulate these receptors. Specifically, the effect on CCK release exerted by a multi-component nutraceutical formulation (Cinchona bark, Chicory, and Gentian roots in a 1:1:1 ratio, named Gengricin®) was investigated in a CaCo-2 cell line, in comparison with Cinchona alone. In addition, these nutraceutical formulations were tested through a 3-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in subjects who were overweight–obese following a hypocaloric diet. Interestingly, the Gengricin® group exhibited a significant greater weight loss and improvement in body composition than the Placebo and Cinchona groups, indicating its effectiveness in promoting weight regulation. Additionally, the Gengricin® group reported higher satiety levels and a significant increase in serum CCK levels, suggesting a physiological basis for the observed effects on appetite control. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of natural nutraceutical strategies based on the combination of bitter compounds in modulating gut hormone release for effective appetite control and weight management
Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds: A by-product as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties
No full textDate (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds are a valuable and abundant by-product with various potential food applications and a source of functional and bioactive ingredients. In this study, date seeds from eight cultivars (Ourous "OUR", Tazizaout "TAZ", Tazarzeit "TAR", Tazoughart "TAG", Ouaouchet "OUC", Oukasaba "OUK", Delat "DEL" and Tamezwertn'telet "TWT") cultivated in the M'zab oasis (south of Algeria) were analyzed for their chemical and phytochemical compositions, antioxidant capacities and in vitro inhibition of some enzymes. Variations in chemical compositions were observed in the studied date seeds. The greatest contents of total phenolic compounds (476 mg GAE per g dw), total flavonoids (6.52 mg QE per g dw), anthocyanins (1.26 mg Q3GE per g dw), flavonols (3.36 mg Q3GE per g dw), proanthocyanidins (85.13 mg CE per g dw), and ascorbic acid were detected in the seeds of the TAG cultivar. All extracts manifested good antioxidant activities tested by ORAC and FRAP assays. The OUC and OUR extracts displayed the most potent antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 37.30 μg ml-1) and ABTS+ cation radicals (IC50 = 13.89 μg ml-1), respectively. The antioxidant activity evaluated through a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system demonstrated that the TAZ extract was more efficient as a superoxide radical scavenger (IC50 = 9.08 μg ml-1). Date seed extracts (DSE) exhibited inhibitory activities on enzymes, showing substantial potential as skin-whitening, neuroprotective, anti-hyperglycemic or anti-hyperlipidemic agents; the inhibitory potential was tested using tyrosinase (TYR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glucosidase (α-GLU) and lipase. All date seed cultivars were able to inhibit tyrosinase and α-glucosidase in a dose-dependent manner reaching the maximum inhibition
Bioactive Compounds for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: Evidence From Clinical Trials and Putative Action Targets
No full textHypertriglyceridemia refers to the presence of elevated concentrations of triglycerides (TG) in the bloodstream (TG >200 mg/dL). This lipid alteration is known to be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, contributing overall to the onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guidelines for the management of hypertriglyceridemia are based on both lifestyle intervention and pharmacological treatment, but poor adherence, medication-related costs and side effects can limit the success of these interventions. For this reason, the search for natural alternative approaches to reduce plasma TG levels currently represents a hot research field. This review article summarizes the most relevant clinical trials reporting the TG-reducing effect of different food-derived bioactive compounds. Furthermore, based on the evidence obtained from in vitro studies, we provide a description and classification of putative targets of action through which several bioactive compounds can exert a TG-lowering effect. Future research may lead to investigations of the efficacy of novel nutraceutical formulations consisting in a combination of bioactive compounds which contribute to the management of plasma TG levels through different action targets
- …
