Nutraceuticals, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 5 articles

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic composition and the efficacy of an innovative formulation based on Mg, Vitamin B6, and water extracts from Vitex agnus-castus, Crocus sativus, Melissa officinalis, Betula pendula, and Betula pubescens developed as an effective tool to face neuroinflammation and depression symptoms occurring in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The formulation was analyzed through colorimetric and liquid chromatography methods for determining the content in phenols and flavonoids. Additionally, scavenging/reducing properties were investigated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH,) 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and horseradish peroxidase assays. The biocompatible limits were determined via allelopathy, the brine shrimp lethality test, and Daphnia magna cardiotoxicity assay. The formulation was then assayed in an experimental model constituted by isolated mouse cortex specimens exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer, a toxic depolarizing stimulus able to reproduce the burden of inflammation/oxidative stress and the increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) impoverishment occurring in different neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that the formulation is rich in benzoic acids, namely gentisic acid (155.31 µg/mL) and phenylethanoid compounds, namely hydroxytyrosol (39.79 µg/mL) that support the antioxidant effects measured via DPPH (IC₅₀: 1.48 mg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀: 0.42 mg/mL), and horseradish peroxidase (IC₅₀: 2.02 mg/mL) assays. The ecotoxicological models indicated the formulation as non-toxic, permitting the identification of a biocompatible concentration (1000 µg/mL) to be used in isolated mouse cortex exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer. In this model, the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1), prolactin receptor (PRLR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and serotonin transporter (SERT) was determined by real-time PCR. In the isolated mouse cortex, the formula reduced COX-2, IL-6, SERT, ESR1, and PRLR gene expression and increased BDNF and IL-10 gene expression. Overall, the study corroborated the use of the formulation as an innovative tool to contrast inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter impairment associated with PMS. Full article

This study investigates the effects of xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, on tumor progression in syngeneic mouse cancer models. Xylitol is known for its dental health benefits, but emerging evidence suggests broader biological roles, including potential anti-cancer properties. We explored xylitol’s impact on two mouse cancer models: 4T1 mammary carcinoma and B16F10 melanoma. Xylitol’s efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell lines and modulating tumor progression was assessed using immunocompetent female mice. The experiments involved intratumoral and peritumoral administration of a 20% xylitol solution in two mouse strains: BALB/c (4T1 mammary carcinoma) and C57BL/6 (B16F10 melanoma). Tumor volume, histopathology, and metabolomic analyses were conducted to gauge xylitol’s influence. The study revealed that xylitol administration initially reduced tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma model, accompanied by alterations in tumor metabolism. However, similar effects were not observed in the 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, and melanoma tumor growth re-commenced in the melanoma model after stroma deterioration caused xylitol solution leakage. These findings suggest that xylitol may have potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, specifically in melanoma. The differential response between the two cancer models underscores the complexity of cancer biology and the need for further investigation into xylitol’s mechanisms of action and its role in cancer therapy. Full article

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes is an ancestral practice that dates back to the earliest times in the history of mankind. Even today the exploitation of plants for medicinal purposes plays a big role for the communities, especially in Africa, despite advances in modern medicine. According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of the population in developing countries use plants for their primary health care. In Niger, the use of medicinal plants is a foundation of traditional medicine across all ages. It remains a very common practice, especially in rural areas. This practice concerns all ages of life, including mother–child care. In infants and young children, mothers use plants as fortifiers for their prophylactic or curative powers, or to facilitate growth and weight gain, and also to fight major causes of infant morbidity and mortality. Mothers also use medicinal plants for their galactogenic power to stimulate lactation. This is even more important in rural areas where breastfeeding is the main source of infant nutrition. Over the years, these medicinal plants have been the subject of chemical and biological investigations to back up their therapeutic potential and virtues. This study aims to summarize current knowledge on the most commonly used medicinal plants in Niger in mother–child care. This helps emphasize the validation of ancestral medicinal plants through the scientific evaluation of the bioactive components and mechanisms. Elements of sustainability are discussed in future developments. Full article

Kale (Brassica oleracea) is recognized as a ‘superfood’ among leafy vegetables due to its high carotenoid content and potential health benefits. This study aims to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to enhance the recovery of carotenoids and other phytochemicals from upcycled kale using response surface methodology. The optimized extraction parameters for carotenoids, i.e., aqueous ethanol as solvent, temperature, and extraction time at a fixed solid-to-solvent ratio, were established using the central composite design. The optimized extraction method was compared with other reported extraction methods for total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) analysis was also performed. Under the optimized UAE conditions of 100% ethanol at 57 °C for 30 min, total carotenoid content of 392 µg/g dry weight (DW) was observed, though the predicted carotenoid content was 550 µg/g DW. Under these conditions, TPC, FRAP, and DPPH were 10.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g DW, 13.9 µmole Trolox equivalence/g DW, and DPPH radical scavenging activity as IC₅₀ of 2.04 ± 0.31 mg/mL, respectively. The UPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the highest total phytochemicals recovered through microwave-assisted extraction, followed by UAE, compared to other tested extraction methods. In conclusion, the established optimized UAE process significantly enhanced the yield and quality of recovered phytochemicals from upcycled kale. Full article

The present study aimed to qualitatively assess the influence of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. varieties (INIAP-Tunkahuan, INIAP-Pata de Venado varieties and Chimborazo genotype), phenological stages (40, 60, and 80 days), and places of cultivation (Pichincha and Chimborazo Ecuadorian provinces) on the leaf and seed phenolic composition and biological properties. Their nutraceutical potential was assessed through qualitative analyses of (i) their polyphenols by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC); and (ii) their free radical scavenging (quenching of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, DPPH^•) and α-amylase inhibitory properties (iodine visualization of starch hydrolysis) by HPTLC–bioautography. Compared to seeds, the quinoa leaf methanolic extracts present a high content of polyphenols with free radical scavenging activity, and compounds with an α-amylase inhibitory property; both biological activities indicate a remarkable potential of quinoa leaves, which may be relevant for the treatment of diabetes but also for the chemoprevention and/or treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress. In quinoa leaves harvested after 80 days of cultivation, regardless of the place of production and the variety, a high content of bioactive compounds was observed. Future research is undoubtedly needed to further promote quinoa leaves as a dietary vegetable or to develop them into a nutritional supplement. This would empower quinoa smallholders in Andean regions to promote the sustainable development of this culture in its places of origin. Full article