Antioxidants

Research

19 pages, 1298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Extraction Methods Affect Metabolomics and Oxidative Stability of Myrtle Seed Oils Obtained from Myrtle Liqueur By-Products: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry Approach

by Angela Fadda, Paola Montoro, Gilda D’Urso, Nicoletta Ravasio, Federica Zaccheria and Daniele Sanna

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010154 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1840

Abstract

Myrtle liqueur production generates high amounts of by-products that can be employed for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Bio-based, non-toxic and biodegradable solvents (ethyl acetate and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran), and a mechanical extraction were applied to myrtle seeds, by-products of the liqueur production, to extract [...] Read more.

Myrtle liqueur production generates high amounts of by-products that can be employed for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Bio-based, non-toxic and biodegradable solvents (ethyl acetate and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran), and a mechanical extraction were applied to myrtle seeds, by-products of the liqueur production, to extract oils rich in phenolic compounds. The oils obtained were characterized for yield, peroxide value (PV), lipid composition, and total phenolic concentration (TPC). The phenolic profile of the oils, determined by LC-MS, the antioxidant activity, and the oxidative stability were also analyzed. A validated UHPLC-ESI-QTRAP-MS/MS analytical method in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was applied to quantify myricetin and its main derivatives in myrtle oils. The results pointed out clear differences among extraction methods on myricetin concentration. The oxidative stability of myrtle oils was studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy highlighting the effect of the extraction method on the oxidation status of the oils and the role of phenolic compounds in the evolution of radical species over time. A principal component analysis applied to LC-MS data highlighted strong differences among phenolic profiles of the oils and highlighted the role of myricetin in the oxidative stability of myrtle oils. Myrtle oil, obtained from the by-products of myrtle liqueur processing industry, extracted with sustainable and green methods might have potential application in food or cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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15 pages, 1535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Plasma Activated Water Treatment on the Phenolic Profile, Vitamins Content, Antioxidant and Enzymatic Activities of Rocket-Salad Leaves

by Doaa Abouelenein, Ahmed M. Mustafa, Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Silvia Tappi, Juan Manuel Castagnini, Marco Dalla Rosa and Sauro Vittori

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010028 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2885

Abstract

Plasma activated water (PAW) recently received much attention as an alternative food preservation method. However, its effects on food quality are still scarce. This study evaluates the effect of PAW processing time on bioactive compounds of rocket-salad leaves including: 18 phenolic compounds, vitamin [...] Read more.

Plasma activated water (PAW) recently received much attention as an alternative food preservation method. However, its effects on food quality are still scarce. This study evaluates the effect of PAW processing time on bioactive compounds of rocket-salad leaves including: 18 phenolic compounds, vitamin C, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide. Moreover, the impact of PAW on both antioxidant (DPPH) and peroxidase (POD) activities was also investigated. This was performed using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS/MS, and spectrophotometric analysis. All treatments induced non-significant increases in total phenolic contents. However, depending on processing time, significant increases or decreases of individual phenolic compounds were observed. PAW-10 and -20 increased the ascorbic acid content to 382.76 and 363.14 mg/100 g, respectively, compared to control (337.73 mg/100 g). Riboflavin and nicotinic acid contents were increased significantly in PAW-20 (0.53 and 1.26 mg/100), compared to control (0.32 and 0.61 mg/100 g, respectively). However, nicotinamide showed non-significant increase in all treatments. Antioxidant activity improved significantly only in PAW-20, while peroxidase activity was reduced up to 36% in the longest treatment. In conclusion, PAW treatment could be an effective technique for rocket decontamination since it positively influenced the quality of rocket, improving the retention of polyphenols and vitamins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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15 pages, 3338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NMR-Based Characterization of Citrus Tacle Juice and Low-Level NMR and UV—Vis Data Fusion for Monitoring Its Fractions from Membrane-Based Operations

by Martina Gaglianò, Giuseppina De Luca, Carmela Conidi and Alfredo Cassano

Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010002 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1735

Abstract

Tacle is a citrus variety which recently gained further interest due to its antioxidant and biological properties. This study suggests using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging to characterize Tacle juice’s metabolic composition as it is intimately linked to its quality. First, polar and [...] Read more.

Tacle is a citrus variety which recently gained further interest due to its antioxidant and biological properties. This study suggests using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging to characterize Tacle juice’s metabolic composition as it is intimately linked to its quality. First, polar and apolar solvent systems were used to identify a significant fraction of the Tacle metabolome. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity and the total content of flavonoids, polyphenols and β-carotene in the juice were investigated with UV—Visible spectroscopy. Tacle juice was clarified and fractionated by ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes in order to recover and purify its bioactive principles. Finally, the second part of this work sheds light on the spectrophotometric assays and ¹H-NMR spectra of fractions coming from membrane operations coupled with a multivariate data analysis technique, PCA, to explore the impact of UF and NF processes on the metabolic profile of the juice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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17 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Proteomic Approach to Analyze Potential Antioxidant Proteins in Plant against Irradiation

by Ming-Hui Yang, Yi-Shan Lu, Tzu-Chuan Ho, Daniel Hueng-Yuan Shen, Ying-Fong Huang, Kuo-Pin Chuang, Cheng-Hui Yuan and Yu-Chang Tyan

Antioxidants 2022, 11(12), 2498; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11122498 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1656

Abstract

Gamma-ray irradiation is an effective and clean method of sterilization by inactivating microorganisms. It can also be applied to induce anti-oxidants for future application. In this study, the mung bean (Vigna radiata) was exposed to gamma-ray irradiation under the dose of [...] Read more.

Gamma-ray irradiation is an effective and clean method of sterilization by inactivating microorganisms. It can also be applied to induce anti-oxidants for future application. In this study, the mung bean (Vigna radiata) was exposed to gamma-ray irradiation under the dose of 0, 5 or 10 kGy. With increasing irradiation doses, the concentrations of malondiadehyde decreased while the levels of total flavonoids and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity increased. It has been shown that consuming flavonoids can provide protective effects. In addition, proteomic analysis identified several proteins having anti-oxidant activities in the 5 kGy irradiated group. These proteins are Apocytochrome f, Systemin receptor SR 160, DELLA protein DWARF8, DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase 9, ζ-carotene desaturase (ZDS), and Floral homeotic protein AGAMOUS. Our findings indicate that plants contain a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidant proteins which may effectively prevent oxidative stress caused by irradiated peroxidation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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19 pages, 4676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Effects on the Antioxidant Properties of Amino Acid Betaxanthins

by Larissa Cerrato Esteves, Caroline Oliveira Machado, Letícia Christina Pires Gonçalves, Victor Fernandes Cavalcante, Guilherme Obeid, Thiago Carita Correra and Erick Leite Bastos

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112259 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2657

Abstract

Betaxanthins are natural products with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we describe the semisynthesis of twenty-one betaxanthins derived from proteinogenic amino acids, including the elusive betaxanthin of l-cysteine and two betaxanthins derived from l-lysine, and rationalize their antioxidant properties in [...] Read more.

Betaxanthins are natural products with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we describe the semisynthesis of twenty-one betaxanthins derived from proteinogenic amino acids, including the elusive betaxanthin of l-cysteine and two betaxanthins derived from l-lysine, and rationalize their antioxidant properties in mechanistic terms. The antioxidant capacity and redox potential of these betaxanthins were compared to those of model betaxanthins derived from dopamine, l-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), and pyrrolidine and structure–property relationships were established by using matched molecular pair analysis and a model developed using a genetic algorithm. Either a phenol or indole moiety enhance the antioxidant capacity of betaxanthins, which is overall much higher than that of their amino acid precursors and standard antioxidants, except for the cysteine-betaxanthin. The one-electron oxidation of amino acid betaxanthins produces radicals stabilized in multiple centers, as demonstrated by quantum chemical calculations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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15 pages, 6887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Safe-by-Design Approach to “Reef Safe” Sunscreens Based on ZnO and Organic UV Filters

by Mattia Battistin, Paolina Pascalicchio, Beatrice Tabaro, Dritan Hasa, Alessandro Bonetto, Stefano Manfredini, Anna Baldisserotto, Alessandro Scarso, Paola Ziosi, Andrea Brunetta, Fabio Brunetta and Silvia Vertuani

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112209 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

In recent years, the issue of coral bleaching has led to restrictions in some tropical locations (i.e., Palau, Hawaii, etc.) on the use of some organic UV sunscreen filters, such as oxybenzone and ethyl hexyl methoxycinnamate. In contrast, ZnO is considered safe for [...] Read more.

In recent years, the issue of coral bleaching has led to restrictions in some tropical locations (i.e., Palau, Hawaii, etc.) on the use of some organic UV sunscreen filters, such as oxybenzone and ethyl hexyl methoxycinnamate. In contrast, ZnO is considered safe for marine environments and thus is often used without considering its photocatalytic and oxidative activities related to the generation of O₂^•− and HO^•. Moreover, ZnO needs to be used in combination with other filters to reach higher protection factors. Thus, the study of its interaction with formulations and with organic filters is important in sunscreen technology for the development of safer by-design products. In this work, the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxides with different surface areas (30, 25 and 9 m²/g) and their interaction with selected organic sunscreen filters were investigated. In particular, the ZnO photocatalytic kinetics were studied following the photodegradation of Acid Blue 9 (AB9) observing a first-order reaction with a chemical regime. Our evaluations of the selective inhibitions by h_vb⁺ and HO^• demonstrated a substantial predominance of the hydroxide radicals in the expression of the photocatalysis, a trend that was also confirmed by the irradiation of ZnO in an ethanolic solution. Indeed, the formulations containing both ZnO and organic filters defined as “safe” for coral reefs (i.e., Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, DHHB, and Ethylhexyl Triazone, EHT) showed a non-negligible photocatalytic oxidation and thus the combination was underlined as safe to use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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13 pages, 2737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimelanogenic Effects of Fermented Hydroponic Ginseng with Bacillus Strains

by Ji-Young Park, Myung Wook Song, Kee-Tae Kim and Hyun-Dong Paik

Antioxidants 2022, 11(10), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101848 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

Compared with traditionally cultured ginseng, hydroponic ginseng (HG) contains more remarkable bioactive compounds, which are known to exert diverse functional effects. This study aimed to enhance the multifunctional effects, including the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects, exhibited by fermented HG with Bacillus strains, [...] Read more.

Compared with traditionally cultured ginseng, hydroponic ginseng (HG) contains more remarkable bioactive compounds, which are known to exert diverse functional effects. This study aimed to enhance the multifunctional effects, including the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects, exhibited by fermented HG with Bacillus strains, such as Bacillus subtilis KU43, Bacillus subtilis KU201, Bacillus polyfermenticus SCD, and Bacillus polyfermenticus KU3, at 37 °C for 48 h. After fermentation by B. subtilis KU201, the antioxidant activity, determined using ABTS and FRAP assays, increased from 25.30% to 51.34% and from 132.10% to 236.27%, respectively, accompanied by the enhancement of the phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The inflammation induced in RAW 264.7 cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was ameliorated with fermented HG, which regulated the nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6). The treatment with fermented HG inhibited the melanin accumulation in B16F10 cells induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) by controlling the concentrations of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. These results indicate that the HG exhibited stronger antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects after fermentation. Consequently, HG fermented by Bacillus strains can potentially be used as an ingredient in cosmetological and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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9 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Itaconate Isomers in Bread

by Mona Gruenwald, Fangfang Chen, Heike Bähre and Frank Pessler

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071382 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

The naturally occurring isomers itaconate, mesaconate and citraconate possess immunomodulatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. However, it is not known whether they occur in commonly consumed human foods. Considering that they can arise as a result of heat conversion, we tested whether they occur [...] Read more.

The naturally occurring isomers itaconate, mesaconate and citraconate possess immunomodulatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. However, it is not known whether they occur in commonly consumed human foods. Considering that they can arise as a result of heat conversion, we tested whether they occur in bread, representing a commonly consumed baked good. Using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we measured concentrations of the three isomers and their potential precursors, citrate and cis-aconitate, in unbaked sourdough and dough, and in crumb and crust of baked bread. All three isomers were detected at low concentrations (<20 pmol/mg dry weight) in sourdough, dough, crumb and crust. Concentrations of itaconate and citraconate were substantially higher in crust than in crumb of wheat and rye bread, and a modest increase in mesaconate was observed in crust of rye bread. In contrast, cis-aconitate concentrations were considerably lower in crust, which was consistent with the conversion of cis-aconitate to itaconate isomers due to higher temperature of the dough surface during baking. Based on data on the average consumption of bread and related baked goods in Germany, the daily intake of itaconate isomers was estimated to be roughly 7–20 µg. Thus, baked goods constitute a regular dietary source of low amounts of itaconate isomers. In order to enable studies on the impact of dietary intake of itaconate isomers on human health, their concentrations should be assessed in other foods that are subjected to high heating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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18 pages, 2596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prophylactic Anti-Osteoporotic Effect of Matricaria chamomilla L. Flower Using Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis in Rat Model and Molecular Modelling Approaches

by Abirami Raja, Govind Pratap Singh, Sana A. Fadil, Sameh S. Elhady, Fadia S. Youssef and Mohamed L. Ashour

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071316 - 1 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

The anti-osteoporotic activity of ethanol extract from the Matricaria chamomilla L. flower was evaluated using steroid-induced osteoporosis in a rat model for the first time. Biochemical parameters such as serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were assessed. At a 400 mg/kg [...] Read more.

The anti-osteoporotic activity of ethanol extract from the Matricaria chamomilla L. flower was evaluated using steroid-induced osteoporosis in a rat model for the first time. Biochemical parameters such as serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase were assessed. At a 400 mg/kg body weight dose, the extract showed 54.01% and 27.73% reduction in serum calcium and phosphate ions serum levels, respectively. Meanwhile, it showed a 20% elevation in serum magnesium level, compared to the steroid-treated group. It also showed a significant decrease in creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels, by 29.41% and 27.83%, respectively. The obtained results were further supported by biomechanical analyses, which revealed that a 400 mg/kg body weight dose of the flower extract increased bone strength and thickness. At the same time, it does not affect the bone length, compared to the diseased group. Histopathological examination revealed that the extract showed a significant increase in trabecular thickness, and it had restored the architecture of the cortical and trabecular structure with well-organized bone matrix. The possible inhibitory effect of the major phenolic compounds identified from the plant extract on cathepsin K was investigated using molecular docking. Rutin (4) had the best-fitting score within the active site, as evidenced by the free binding energy, (∆G = −54.19 Kcal/mol). ADMET/TOPKAT revealed that the examined compounds had variable pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties that could be improved to enhance the bioavailability during incorporation in various dosage forms. Thus, it can be concluded that this plant extract showed potential therapeutic benefits for osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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19 pages, 6670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sinapicacid Inhibits Group IIA Secretory Phospholipase A₂ and Its Inflammatory Response in Mice

by Aladahalli S. Giresha, Deepadarshan Urs, Sophiya Pundalik, Rajkumar S. Meti, Siddanakoppalu N. Pramod, Ballenahalli H. Supreetha, Madhusudana Somegowda, Kattepura K. Dharmappa, Ahmed M. El-Shehawi, Sarah Albogami, Mona M. Elseehy, Abdullah Alaklabi, Hosam O. Elansary, Alanoud Omur A. Mehder and Eman A. Mahmoud

Antioxidants 2022, 11(7), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11071251 - 25 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2857

Abstract

Human Group IIA secreted phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂-IIA) enzyme plays a crucial role in several chronic inflammatory diseases such asasthma, atherosclerosis, gout, bronchitis, etc. Several studies showed that the antioxidants exert an anti-inflammatory function by inhibiting the sPLA₂-IIA enzyme. [...] Read more.

Human Group IIA secreted phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂-IIA) enzyme plays a crucial role in several chronic inflammatory diseases such asasthma, atherosclerosis, gout, bronchitis, etc. Several studies showed that the antioxidants exert an anti-inflammatory function by inhibiting the sPLA₂-IIA enzyme. Hence, the present study evaluated an antioxidant molecule, sinapic acid, for sPLA₂-IIA inhibition as an anti-inflammatory function. Initially, the antioxidant efficacy of sinapic acid was evaluated, and it showed greater antioxidant potency. Further, sinapic acid inhibited 94.4 ± 4.83% of sPLA₂-IIA activity with an IC₅₀ value of 4.16 ± 0.13 µM. The mode of sPLA₂-IIA inhibition was examined by increasing the substrate concentration from 30 to 120nM and the calcium concentration from 2.5 to 15 mM, which did not change the level of inhibition. Further, sinapic acid altered the intrinsic fluorescence and distorted the far UltraViolet Circular Dichroism (UV-CD) spectra of the sPLA₂-IIA, indicating the direct enzyme-inhibitor interaction. Sinapic acid reduced the sPLA₂-IIA mediated hemolytic activity from 94 ± 2.19% to 12.35 ± 2.57% and mouse paw edema from 171.75 ± 2.2% to 114.8 ± 1.98%, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory efficiency of sinapic acid by in situ and in vivo methods, respectively. Finally, sinapic acid reduced the hemorrhagic effect of Vipera russelli venom hemorrhagic complex-I (VR-HC-I) as an anti-hemorrhagic function. Thus, the above experimental results revealed the sinapic acid potency to be an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic molecule, and therefore, it appears to be a promising therapeutic agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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15 pages, 2382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hop Tannins as Multifunctional Tyrosinase Inhibitor: Structure Characterization, Inhibition Activity, and Mechanism

by Jiaman Liu, Yanbiao Chen, Xinxin Zhang, Jie Zheng, Weiying Hu and Bo Teng

Antioxidants 2022, 11(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11040772 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2929

Abstract

The application of hops could be extended to obtain higher commercial values. Tannins from hops were assessed for their tyrosinase inhibition ability, and the associated mechanisms were explored. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS/MS) revealed that the [...] Read more.

The application of hops could be extended to obtain higher commercial values. Tannins from hops were assessed for their tyrosinase inhibition ability, and the associated mechanisms were explored. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS/MS) revealed that the hop tannins were characterized as condensed tannins with (epi)catechin and (epi)gallocatechin as subunits and an average polymerization degree of 10.32. Tyrosinase inhibition assay indicated that hop tannins had an IC₅₀ = 76.52 ± 6.56 μM. Kinetic studies of the inhibition processes indicated the tannins provided inhibition through competitive–uncompetitive mixed reactions. In silico molecule docking showed that tannins were bound to the active site of tyrosinase via hydrogen and electrovalent bonds. Circular dichroism (CD) observed the structural variation in the tyrosinase after reacting with the tannins. Fluorescence quenching analysis and free radical scavenging assays indicated that the tannins had copper ion chelating and antioxidant activities, which may also contribute to inhibition. The intracellular inhibition assay revealed that the melanin was reduced by 34.50% in B16F10 cells. These results indicate that these tannins can be applied as whitening agents in the cosmetics industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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Review

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23 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances on the Antioxidant Peptides from Nuts: A Narrow Review

by Fanrui Zhao, Chunlei Liu, Laura Bordoni, Irene Petracci, Dan Wu, Li Fang, Ji Wang, Xiyan Wang, Rosita Gabbianelli and Weihong Min

Antioxidants 2022, 11(10), 2020; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11102020 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3524

Abstract

Antioxidant peptides extracted from natural foods have been studied for their potential use in the development of additives, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic agents. Nut proteins are considered an excellent source of plant-derived proteins for the human diet, due to their high protein content and [...] Read more.

Antioxidant peptides extracted from natural foods have been studied for their potential use in the development of additives, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic agents. Nut proteins are considered an excellent source of plant-derived proteins for the human diet, due to their high protein content and digestibility of up to 86.22%. Furthermore, compared with grain and soybean proteins, nut proteins have a special amino acid composition, which makes their protein structure different, and promotes their disparate functional characteristics and great bioactivity potential. This review presents the most remarkable studies on antioxidant peptides from nuts, to gain insights into feasible production methods, different evaluation indexes within in vivo or in vitro systems, high bioavailability, and the complex structure-activity relationship resulting from the particularity of their protein structure and amino acid composition. Previously published studies mainly focused on the effects of the production methods/processes of nut-derived peptides on antioxidant activity, and proved that nut-extracted antioxidant peptides can resist the degradation of acid, alkali, and gastrointestinal enzymes, have high antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, and also have the potential to cross small intestinal epithelial cells in a stable and integral manner. However, the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant peptides from nuts has not been fully established, and the structure information of antioxidant peptides obtained from various nut protein sources is still unclear. The findings presented in this review can be used to provide the theoretical basis for the design and production of nut-derived antioxidant peptides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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17 pages, 2978 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Applications of Lilium Plants in Cosmetics: A Comprehensive Review Based on Research Papers and Patents

by Yuchao Tang, Yijie Liu, Kang Luo, Leifeng Xu, Panpan Yang and Jun Ming

Antioxidants 2022, 11(8), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081458 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5701

Abstract

The application of cosmetics is indispensable in our current society. In recent years, with an increasing awareness of the long-term health benefits of naturally sourced ingredients, plant-based cosmetic products have gained increasing attention. Lilium belongs to the Liliaceae family, which is one of [...] Read more.

The application of cosmetics is indispensable in our current society. In recent years, with an increasing awareness of the long-term health benefits of naturally sourced ingredients, plant-based cosmetic products have gained increasing attention. Lilium belongs to the Liliaceae family, which is one of the main plant families used in cosmetics for skin care treatment. A large number of studies have shown that Lilium plants are rich in components such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, with high potential for cosmetic applications. However, the application of lilies in cosmetics has not been systematically reported. This knowledge gap can easily lead to the neglect of its application in cosmetics because lilies are most familiar as ornamental plants. Integrating academic papers and patent publications, we analyzed the potential cosmetic application ingredients in lily, as well as their applications in cosmetics and related efficacy. Patent analysis showed that applications for lily-related cosmetic patents are mainly concentrated in East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The application of lilies involves all aspects of cosmetics, such as sunscreens, facial cleansers, facial masks, conditioners, and so on. Its functions are also rich and diverse, including antiaging, radiation protective, whitening, moisturizing, freckle removal, acne treatment, and hair regeneration promotion. In addition, lilies are compatible with the application of other herbs. Moreover, with a change in people’s consumption concepts and the consideration of long-term health benefits, lily-based food and medicine innovation with health care and beautification effects may be a promising direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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20 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic Basis and Clinical Evidence for Skin Lightening Effects of Thiol Compounds

by Yong Chool Boo

Antioxidants 2022, 11(3), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030503 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8013

Abstract

Melanin pigment is a major factor in determining the color of the skin, and its abnormal increase or decrease can cause serious pigmentation disorders. The melanin pigment of the skin is divided into light pheomelanin and dark eumelanin, and a big difference between [...] Read more.

Melanin pigment is a major factor in determining the color of the skin, and its abnormal increase or decrease can cause serious pigmentation disorders. The melanin pigment of the skin is divided into light pheomelanin and dark eumelanin, and a big difference between them is whether they contain sulfur. Melanin synthesis starts from a common reaction in which tyrosine or dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) is oxidized by tyrosinase (TYR) to produce dopaquinone (DQ). DQ is spontaneously converted to leukodopachrome and then oxidized to dopachrome, which enters the eumelanin synthesis pathway. When DQ reacts with cysteine, cysteinyl dopa is generated, which is oxidized to cysteinyl DQ and enters the pheomelanin synthesis pathway. Therefore, thiol compounds can influence the relative synthesis of eumelanin and pheomelanin. In addition, thiol compounds can inhibit enzymatic activity by binding to copper ions at the active site of TYR, and act as an antioxidant scavenging reactive oxygen species and free radicals or as a modulator of redox balance, thereby inhibiting overall melanin synthesis. This review will cover the metabolic aspects of thiol compounds, the role of thiol compounds in melanin synthesis, comparison of the antimelanogenic effects of various thiol compounds, and clinical trials on the skin lightening efficacy of thiol compounds. We hope that this review will help identify the advantages and disadvantages of various thiol compounds as modulators of skin pigmentation and contribute to the development of safer and more effective strategies for the treatment of pigmentation disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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Other

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17 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mediterranean Diet and Melatonin: A Systematic Review

by Elena Grao-Cruces, Juan Ramon Calvo, Maria Dolores Maldonado-Aibar, Maria del Carmen Millan-Linares and Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz

Antioxidants 2023, 12(2), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12020264 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4915

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on human health, which is evidenced by the observation of lower incidence rates of chronic diseases in Mediterranean countries. The MD dietary pattern is rich in antioxidants, such as melatonin, which is a hormone produced mainly [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on human health, which is evidenced by the observation of lower incidence rates of chronic diseases in Mediterranean countries. The MD dietary pattern is rich in antioxidants, such as melatonin, which is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland and controls several circadian rhythms. Additionally, melatonin is found in foods, such as fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the melatonin content in Mediterranean foods and to evaluate the influence of the MD on melatonin levels in both humans and model organisms. A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and data were extracted. A total of 31 records were chosen. MD-related foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, red wine, beer, nuts, and vegetables, showed high melatonin contents. The consumption of specific MD foods increases melatonin levels and improves the antioxidant status in plasma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Food and Cosmetics)

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