Current Research on Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-obesity Potential of Food Extracts

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 July 2022) | Viewed by 47608

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: immunonutrition; novel foods; olive oil; lipid metabolism; protein hydrolysates; bioactive peptides; foodomics
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Guest Editor
Department of Food and Health, Institute of Fat, Spanish National Research Council, Sevilla, Spain
Interests: plant proteins; bioactive peptides; functional foods; fatty acid; inflammation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutritional biochemistry is one of the research lines that make up nutritional sciences, a discipline that encompasses the knowledge of nutrients and other food components with emphasis on their range of function and influence on mammalian physiology, health, and behavior. In the setting of Nutritional Biochemistry, immunonutrition is an emergent and interdisciplinary subject, since it comprises several aspects related to Nutrition, Immunity, Inflammation, Oxidation and immunometabolic-based diseases. An extensive screening of food compounds has been conducted in the last several decades, and a wide range of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity activities have been observed. In this Special Issue, we expect to gather interdisciplinary research about bioactive ingredients from foods, highlighting the potential for novel applications in nutraceutical industry. This Special Issue is open to contribute original research articles, short communications, and review articles that address the biochemical, physiological, and molecular processes underlying the mechanism of action of dietary bioactive compounds in in vitro and in vivo studies related to human nutrition.

Prof. Dr. Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
Dr. María Del Carmen Millán-Linares
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • functional foods
  • olive oil
  • immunonutrition
  • bioactive peptides
  • plant proteins
  • agro-food by-products

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 213 KiB  
Editorial
Current Research on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Obesity Potential of Food Extracts
by Fernando Rivero-Pino, Maria C. Millán-Linares and Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
Foods 2023, 12(5), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12051013 - 27 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1936
Abstract
The immune-inflammatory, glucose homeostasis, and antioxidant response have a crucial role in the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

12 pages, 1220 KiB  
Article
Acyclic Diterpene Phytol from Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa L.) Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity on Primary Human Monocytes-Macrophages
by Carmen M. Claro-Cala, Elena Grao-Cruces, Rocio Toscano, Maria C. Millan-Linares, Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz and Maria E. Martin
Foods 2022, 11(15), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11152366 - 7 Aug 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 26055
Abstract
Seeds from non-drug varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) have been used for traditional medicine, food, and fiber production. Our study shows that phytol obtained from hemp seed oil (HSO) exerts anti-inflammatory activity in human monocyte-macrophages. Fresh human monocytes and human macrophages [...] Read more.
Seeds from non-drug varieties of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) have been used for traditional medicine, food, and fiber production. Our study shows that phytol obtained from hemp seed oil (HSO) exerts anti-inflammatory activity in human monocyte-macrophages. Fresh human monocytes and human macrophages derived from circulating monocytes were used to evaluate both plasticity and anti-inflammatory effects of phytol from HSO at 10–100 mM using FACS analysis, ELISA, and RT-qPCR methods. The quantitative study of the acyclic alcohol fraction isolated from HSO shows that phytol is the most abundant component (167.59 ± 1.81 mg/Kg of HSO). Phytol was able to skew monocyte-macrophage plasticity toward the anti-inflammatory non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocyte phenotype and toward macrophage M2 (CD200Rhigh and MRC-1high), as well as to reduce the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, diminishing the inflammatory competence of mature human macrophages after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. These findings point out for the first time the reprogramming and anti-inflammatory activity of phytol in human monocyte-macrophages. In addition, our study may help to understand the mechanisms by which phytol from HSO contributes to the constant and progressive plasticity of the human monocyte-macrophage linage. Full article
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15 pages, 1621 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Extracts from Pulsed Electric Field-Treated Artichoke By-Products in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human THP-1 Macrophages
by Serena Carpentieri, Giuseppina Augimeri, Jessica Ceramella, Adele Vivacqua, Maria Stefania Sinicropi, Gianpiero Pataro, Daniela Bonofiglio and Giovanna Ferrari
Foods 2022, 11(15), 2250; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11152250 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2665
Abstract
In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF—3 kV/cm; 5 kJ/kg) pretreatment was used to intensify the extractability of valuable intracellular compounds from artichoke by-products during a subsequent aqueous extraction (solid–liquid ratio = 1:10 g/mL, T = 20 °C; t = 120 min). Total [...] Read more.
In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF—3 kV/cm; 5 kJ/kg) pretreatment was used to intensify the extractability of valuable intracellular compounds from artichoke by-products during a subsequent aqueous extraction (solid–liquid ratio = 1:10 g/mL, T = 20 °C; t = 120 min). Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and HPLC–PDA analysis of the artichoke extract (AE) and the biological effects on human cell lines were determined. Chlorogenic acid was found to be the most abundant phenolic compound (53% of the TPC) in the AE. The extract showed good antioxidant properties in a concentration-dependent manner. The potential biological effects of AE were investigated using THP-1 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as an in vitro model system of oxidative stress. Reduced reactive oxygen species production upon treatment with AE was found. Moreover, AE was able to reduce the secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediators Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in LPS-stimulated macrophages, as determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. These results highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the extracts from PEF-treated artichoke by-products, corroborating their potential application as a source of functional ingredients obtained through a feasible and sustainable process. Full article
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12 pages, 2534 KiB  
Article
Red Rice Bran Extract Attenuates Adipogenesis and Inflammation on White Adipose Tissues in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
by Narongsuk Munkong, Piyanuch Lonan, Wirinya Mueangchang, Narissara Yadyookai, Vaiphot Kanjoo and Bhornprom Yoysungnoen
Foods 2022, 11(13), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11131865 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3468
Abstract
Red rice bran extract (RRBE) has been reported to have the potential for in vitro metabolic modulation and anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of these potentials in adipose tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anti-adipogenic, [...] Read more.
Red rice bran extract (RRBE) has been reported to have the potential for in vitro metabolic modulation and anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of these potentials in adipose tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anti-adipogenic, anti-hypertrophic, and anti-inflammatory activities of RRBE and its major bioactive compounds in mice. After six weeks of consuming either a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet (HFD), 32 mice with initial body weights of 20.76 ± 0.24 g were randomly divided into four groups; the four groups were fed a low-fat diet, a HFD, a HFD plus 0.5 g/kg of RRBE, or a HFD plus 1 g/kg of RRBE, respectively. The 6-week treatment using RRBE reduced HFD-induced adipocyte hypertrophy, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in intra-abdominal epididymal white adipose tissue (p < 0.05) without causing significant changes in body and adipose tissue weight, which reductions were accompanied by the down-regulated expression of adipogenic and lipid metabolism genes, including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and hormone-sensitive lipase (p < 0.05), as well as inflammatory genes, including macrophage marker F4/80, nuclear factor-kappa B p65, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (p < 0.05), in adipose tissue. Furthermore, RRBE significantly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (p < 0.05). Bioactive compound analyses revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins in these extracts. Collectively, this study demonstrates that RRBE effectively attenuates HFD-induced pathological adipose tissue remodeling by suppressing adipogenesis, lipid dysmetabolism, and inflammation. Therefore, RRBE may emerge as one of the alternative food products to be used against obesity-associated adipose tissue dysfunction. Full article
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13 pages, 1969 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Properties of Chia Protein Hydrolysates in Primary Human Monocyte–Macrophage Plasticity
by Alvaro Villanueva-Lazo, Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz, Elena Grao-Cruces, Justo Pedroche, Rocio Toscano, Francisco Millan and Maria C. Millan-Linares
Foods 2022, 11(5), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050623 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2768
Abstract
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed has high potential in the development of functional food due to its protein content with a special amino acid profile. Among the hematopoietic-derived cells, monocytes are endowed with high plasticity, responsible for their pro- and anti-inflammatory function [...] Read more.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed has high potential in the development of functional food due to its protein content with a special amino acid profile. Among the hematopoietic-derived cells, monocytes are endowed with high plasticity, responsible for their pro- and anti-inflammatory function in M1 and M2 phenotype polarization, respectively. Indeed, monocytes are involved in several oxidative- and inflammatory-associated disorders such as cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This study was designed to investigate the role of chia protein hydrolysates (CPHs) in primary human monocyte–macrophage plasticity response using biochemical, RT-qPCR, and ELISA assays. Our results showed that CPHs reduce ROS and nitrite output, as pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and enhance the expression and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, CPHs reverse LPS-associated M1 polarization into M2. These findings open new opportunities for developing nutritional strategies with chia as a dietary source of biopeptides to prevent the development and progression of oxidative- and inflammatory-related diseases. Full article
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19 pages, 17640 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Bioactive Phenolics and Antioxidant Capacity of Edible Bean Extracts of 50 Fabaceae Populations Grown in Thailand
by Duangjai Tungmunnithum, Samantha Drouet, Jose Manuel Lorenzo and Christophe Hano
Foods 2021, 10(12), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10123118 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
Fabaceae is the third largest family containing great variation among populations. However, previous studies mainly focus on single species, and phytochemicals at population level have never been reported. This work aims to complete this knowledge with 50 populations from throughout Thailand by (1) [...] Read more.
Fabaceae is the third largest family containing great variation among populations. However, previous studies mainly focus on single species, and phytochemicals at population level have never been reported. This work aims to complete this knowledge with 50 populations from throughout Thailand by (1) determining total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and anthocyanin (TAC) contents; and (2) investigating in vitro and cellular antioxidant potentials. Phytochemicals of 50 populations from different localities are differed, illustrating high heterogeneity occurring in polyphenols accumulations. Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis populations showed low variability in TPC ranging from 628.3 to 717.3 mg/100 g DW gallic acid equivalent, whereas the high variability found in TFC and TAC range from 786.9 to 1536.1 mg/100 g DW quercetin equivalent, and 13.4 to 41.6 mg/100 g DW cyanidin equivalent. Red cultivar population #16 had the greatest TAC, but surprisingly the cream cultivars were relatively high in anthocyanins. HPLC quantification of genistein and daidzein showed great variations among populations. In vitro antioxidant results indicated that antioxidant capacity mediated by electron transfer. Cellular antioxidants ranged from 59.7% to 87.9% of ROS/RNS in yeast model. This study investigated at the population level contributing to better and frontier knowledge for nutraceutical/phytopharmaceutical sectors to seek potential raw plant material. Full article
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15 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
UPLC-MS/MS Profiling, Antioxidant, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, Cholinesterase Inhibitory, and Cardiovascular Protection Potentials of Jialing 20 (Morus multicaulis Perr.) Mulberry Branch Extract
by Wei Xiang, Zhining Xia and Li Xu
Foods 2021, 10(11), 2659; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112659 - 2 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2600
Abstract
As a by-product in the sericulture industry, mulberry branches are not currently utilized effectively. Jialing 20 is an artificial triploids mulberry that widely cultivated in southwest China. In this study, the chemical composition of the Jialing 20 mulberry branch extract (MBE) was first [...] Read more.
As a by-product in the sericulture industry, mulberry branches are not currently utilized effectively. Jialing 20 is an artificial triploids mulberry that widely cultivated in southwest China. In this study, the chemical composition of the Jialing 20 mulberry branch extract (MBE) was first analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS, and 42 components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins, were obtained. Then, the antioxidant activities, hypoglycemic effect, Alzheimer’s disease inhibition, and cardiovascular protection of MBE were also evaluated in vitro. The IC50 values for the scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals were, respectively, 31.23 ± 0.57 μg/mL and 8.88 ± 0.36 μg/mL (IC50 values of positive Vc were, respectively, 4.41 ± 0.19 μg/mL and 8.79 ± 0.41 μg/mL). The IC50 value for inhibiting α-glucosidase was 1.90 ± 0.05 μg/mL (IC50 value of positive acarbose was 0.03 μg/mL). The IC50 values for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were, respectively, 179.47 ± 0.38 μg/mL and 101.82 ± 3.37 μg/mL (IC50 values of positive berberine were, respectively, 1.27 ± 0.03 μg/mL and 57.41 ± 0.21 μg/mL). MBE (10 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL) significantly increased the survival rate of oxidized low-density lipoprotein- (ox-LDL) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and significantly decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species. These results suggest that the extracts of Jialing 20 mulberry branches could be used as a functional food additive. Full article
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13 pages, 2144 KiB  
Article
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seed-Derived Peptides Reduce Blood Pressure by Interacting with the Catalytic Site of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
by Luis Jorge Coronado-Cáceres, Blanca Hernández-Ledesma, Luis Mojica, Lucía Quevedo-Corona, Griselda Rabadán-Chávez, Gustavo Adolfo Castillo-Herrera and Eugenia Lugo Cervantes
Foods 2021, 10(10), 2340; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10102340 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3534
Abstract
This study aimed at determining the effect of cocoa proteins (CP) on the blood pressure, using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. The in silico assay showed 26 Criollo cocoa peptides with alignment in the Blast® analysis. Peptide sequences ranged [...] Read more.
This study aimed at determining the effect of cocoa proteins (CP) on the blood pressure, using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. The in silico assay showed 26 Criollo cocoa peptides with alignment in the Blast® analysis. Peptide sequences ranged from 6 to 16 amino acids, with molecular weight ranging from 560.31 to 1548.76 Da. The peptide sequences LSPGGAAV, TSVSGAGGPGAGR, and TLGNPAAAGPF showed the highest theoretical affinity with −8.6, −5.0, and −10.2 kcal/mol, for the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), renin, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R), respectively. The Criollo CP hydrolysates (CPH) presented in vitro ACE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.49 mg/mL. Furthermore, the orogastric administration of 150 mg CP/kg/day in rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet (HF + CP group) showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 5% (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 7% (p < 0.001) compared with the HF group. The human equivalent dose (HED) of CP for an adult (60 kg) is 1.45 g per day. These results suggest that the consumption of CP could reduce blood pressure by blocking ACE, and could be used as an ingredient in the elaboration of antihypertensive functional foods. Full article
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