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Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory...
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Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2023) | Viewed by 19461

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Restituto Tocmo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, DCU All Hallows Campus, Dublin 9, Ireland
Interests: gut health; intestinal barrier function; plant-based proteins & immunomodulation; natural products; dietary antioxidants
Prof. Dr. Dejian Huang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Block S14 level 5, Science Drive 2, Singapore, Singapore
Interests: bioactive constituents in edible plants; Chinese herbal medicine; dietary antioxidants and oxidative stress; functional foods; high-throughput screening methodology development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of immune health. Consumers are now looking to enrich their diet with functional foods and beverages that improve immune function. There is escalating evidence that components in whole foods and novel ingredients such as those derived from plants and dairy products, e.g., phenolic compounds and bioactive peptides, could modulate immune function. Purposively deploying these immunomodulating effects to develop new functional products is an attractive opportunity to address the growing demand for immune-boosting functional foods and novel ingredients.

We invite you to contribute your scholarly work to this Special Issue in Foods. Our objective is to provide the scientific community and the functional food sector with the latest advances in the research for novel ingredients, whole foods, and bioactive compounds that exhibit potential to improve immune function. Studies conducted using in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the impact of functional foods and bioactive ingredients on immune health, as well as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and ability to enhance intestinal health are very much welcomed. We also look forward to your contributions in the area of immune signaling mechanisms by whole foods and novel ingredients, including those derived from protein-rich plants and marine-based sources.

Dr. Restituto Tocmo
Prof. Dr. Dejian Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • whole foods
  • novel ingredients
  • immunomodulation
  • intestinal health
  • dairy ingredients
  • plant bioactives
  • antioxidant activity
  • anti-inflammatory activity

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 14631 KiB  
Article
Theabrownin Isolated from Pu-Erh Tea Enhances the Innate Immune and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of RAW264.7 Macrophages via the TLR2/4-Mediated Signaling Pathway
by Lei Zhao, Yue Miao, Bo Shan, Chunyan Zhao, Chunxiu Peng and Jiashun Gong
Foods 2023, 12(7), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071468 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2364
Abstract
Theabrownin (TB) is a tea pigment extracted from Pu-erh Tea. The effects of TB on innate immunity and inflammation are not well understood. Herein, the effects of TB on innate immunity are investigated using RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that TB promoted the proliferation [...] Read more.
Theabrownin (TB) is a tea pigment extracted from Pu-erh Tea. The effects of TB on innate immunity and inflammation are not well understood. Herein, the effects of TB on innate immunity are investigated using RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that TB promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages, altered their morphology, enhanced their pinocytic and phagocytic ability, and significantly increased their secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines, all of which enhanced the immune response. Additionally, TB inhibited the release of inflammatory signals in RAW264.7 macrophages primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), implying that TB modulates the excessive inflammation induced by bacterial infection. A Western blot showed that TB could activate the toll-like receptor (TLR)2/4-mediated myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and the TLR2-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT signaling pathway, enhancing the immune functions of RAW264.7 macrophages. TB also inhibited the phosphorylation of core proteins in the MAPK/NF-κB/PI3K–AKT signaling pathway induced by LPS. In addition, we analyzed the transcriptomes of RAW264.7 macrophages, and a Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that TB modulated thetoll-like receptor signal pathway. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that TB treatment strongly modulated the immune response and inflammation. As a result, TB-enhanced innate immunity and modulated inflammation via the TLR2/4 signaling pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2137 KiB  
Article
Blackcurrant Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice
by Hye-Jung Moon, Youn-Soo Cha and Kyung-Ah Kim
Foods 2023, 12(5), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12051073 - 2 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2591
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin (ACN)-rich materials have beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). Blackcurrant (BC) has been known as one of the foods rich in ACN, while studies demonstrating its effect on UC are rare. This study attempted to investigate the [...] Read more.
Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin (ACN)-rich materials have beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). Blackcurrant (BC) has been known as one of the foods rich in ACN, while studies demonstrating its effect on UC are rare. This study attempted to investigate the protective effects of whole BC in mice with colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Mice were orally given whole BC powder at a dose of 150 mg daily for four weeks, and colitis was induced by drinking 3% DSS for six days. Whole BC relieved symptoms of colitis and pathological changes in the colon. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in serum and colon tissues was also reduced by whole BC. In addition, whole BC significantly lowered the levels of mRNA and protein of downstream targets in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, BC administration increased the expression of genes related to barrier function: ZO-1, occludin, and mucin. Moreover, the whole BC modulated the relative abundance of gut microbiota altered with DSS. Therefore, the whole BC has demonstrated the potential to prevent colitis through attenuation of the inflammatory response and regulation of the gut microbial composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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15 pages, 2535 KiB  
Article
Kimchi and Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRC 1506 Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis via Attenuating Inflammatory Responses
by Hye-Jung Moon, Suk-Heung Oh, Ki-Bum Park and Youn-Soo Cha
Foods 2023, 12(3), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12030584 - 30 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2925
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is caused by inflammation only in the mucosa of the colon, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The intake of probiotics is known to have a beneficial effect on the development of UC. In this study, we investigated the alleviating [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is caused by inflammation only in the mucosa of the colon, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The intake of probiotics is known to have a beneficial effect on the development of UC. In this study, we investigated the alleviating effects of kimchi (KC), a fermented food rich in probiotics, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRC 1506 (DRC) isolated from kimchi on UC. A freeze-dried kimchi suspension and DRC were orally given to mice at a dose of 1 × 109 CFU/day for 3 weeks. Furthermore, 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water was given to induce UC. The KC and DRC groups reduced symptoms of colitis, such as disease activity index, decrease in colon length, colon weight-to-length ratio, and pathological damage to the colon caused by DSS treatment. The KC and DRC groups decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the colon tissues. At the mRNA and protein expression levels in the colon tissue, KC and DRC groups downregulated inflammatory factors and upregulated tight junction-related factors. Therefore, DRC, as well as KC supplementation, are potent in alleviating UC by improving the inflammatory response and mucosal barrier function in the colon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2835 KiB  
Article
Protective Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil on Osteopenia Induced by High Refined Carbohydrate-Containing Diet in Mice
by Marina C. Zicker, Carina C. Montalvany-Antonucci, Débora R. Lacerda, Marina C. Oliveira, Tarcília A. Silva, Soraia Macari, Mila F. M. Madeira and Adaliene V. M. Ferreira
Foods 2022, 11(18), 2800; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182800 - 11 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2649
Abstract
Background: Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, promoting detrimental effects on bone. The consumption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is associated with benefits related to meta-inflammation. We evaluated the effect of VCO supplementation on osteopenia promoted by diet-induced obesity in mice. Methods: Male [...] Read more.
Background: Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, promoting detrimental effects on bone. The consumption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is associated with benefits related to meta-inflammation. We evaluated the effect of VCO supplementation on osteopenia promoted by diet-induced obesity in mice. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were fed a control (C) or highly refined carbohydrate-containing (HC) diet for eight weeks. After that, the HC diet group was supplemented with three doses of VCO for four weeks. Results: The HC diet increased the adiposity and leptin levels associated with augmented systemic inflammatory cells improved with VCO supplementation. The HC diet reduced the trabecular bone in the tibia, lumbar vertebrae, distal and proximal femur, as well as the bone mineral density of the femur and alveolar bone. The VCO supplementation reverted bone osteopenia by increasing the trabecular bone in different sites and improving femur and alveolar bone microarchitecture. Although the reduced number of osteoblasts in the alveolar bone of the HC diet group was not significantly enhanced by VCO supplementation, the reduced Alp expression in the HC diet group was enhanced in the VCO group. These beneficial effects were associated with lowering the Rankl/Opg ratio. Conclusion: VCO supplementation might be an effective strategy to attenuate bone osteopenic effects induced by obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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9 pages, 1120 KiB  
Communication
Comparative Effects of Traditional Versus Genetically Modified Soybean Oils on Colon Tumorigenesis in Mice
by Maolin Tu, Quancai Sun, Jianan Zhang and Guodong Zhang
Foods 2022, 11(13), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11131937 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2346
Abstract
Soybean oil, which has high abundance of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω-6), is the most commonly consumed edible oil. Recent studies support that a high dietary intake of LA is linked with increased risks of developing colonic inflammation and colon cancer. Here we studied [...] Read more.
Soybean oil, which has high abundance of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω-6), is the most commonly consumed edible oil. Recent studies support that a high dietary intake of LA is linked with increased risks of developing colonic inflammation and colon cancer. Here we studied the effects of the genetically modified Plenish® soybean oil, which has low abundance of LA as well as α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3ω-3), on development of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colon tumorigenesis in mice. Compared with a diet rich in traditional soybean oil, administration of a diet enriched with the Plenish oil has little impact on AOM/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis, colonic infiltration of immune cells, expressions of inflammatory genes, and tumor markers. These results suggest that the traditional and the Plenish soybean oils have similar effects on development of AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer in mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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13 pages, 1529 KiB  
Article
Anti-Inflammatory Food in Asthma Prepared from Combination of Raphanus sativus L., Allium hookeri, Acanthopanax sessiliflorum, and Dendropanax morbiferus Extracts via Bioassay-Guided Selection
by Kyung-Dong Lee and Sun-Yup Shim
Foods 2022, 11(13), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11131910 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
Asthma is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the respiratory airways and an increasing health risk worldwide. Hence, finding new strategies to control or attenuate this condition is necessary. This study suggests nutraceuticals that are a combination of herbal plant extracts prepared from [...] Read more.
Asthma is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the respiratory airways and an increasing health risk worldwide. Hence, finding new strategies to control or attenuate this condition is necessary. This study suggests nutraceuticals that are a combination of herbal plant extracts prepared from Acanthopanax sessiliflorum (AS), Codonopsis lanceolate (CL), Dendropanax morbiferus (DM), Allium hookeri (AH), and Raphanus sativus L. (RS) that can improve immunomodulatory ability through the detoxification and diuresis of air pollutants. Herbal parts (AH whole plant, RS and CL roots, AS and DM stems, and DM leaves) were selected, and four types of mixtures using plant extracts were prepared. Among these mixtures, M2 and M4 exhibited antioxidant activities in potent 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical assays. Moreover, M4 exhibited a marked increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and significantly inhibited the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α generation. Furthermore, M4 exhibited the strongest antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects and was selected to prepare the product. Before manufacturing the product, we determined that the active mixture, M4, inhibited gene expression and generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in ovalbumin (OVA)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, and particulate matter (PM)-induced asthmatic rat models. The granular product (GP) was manufactured using M4 along with additives, i.e., lactose, oligosaccharide, stevioside extract, and nutmeg seed essential oils (flavor masking), in a ratio of 1:4 using a granulation machine, dried and ultimately packaged. The GP inhibited the generation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in OVA-, LPS- and PM-induced asthmatic rat models. These results suggest that GP prepared from a combination of herbal plants (AS, CL, DM, AH and RS) is a potent functional food with anti-inflammatory activity that can be used to treat asthma caused by ambient air pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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11 pages, 2574 KiB  
Article
Structure and Anti-Inflammatory Activity Relationship of Ergostanes and Lanostanes in Antrodia cinnamomea
by Xin Yang, Xiang Wang, Jiachen Lin, Sophie Lim, Yujia Cao, Siyu Chen, Pingkang Xu, Chunyuhang Xu, Hongling Zheng, Kuo-Chang Fu, Chien-Liang Kuo and Dejian Huang
Foods 2022, 11(13), 1831; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11131831 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2415
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible mushroom originating from Taiwan that has been popularly used for adjuvant hepatoprotection and anti-inflammation; however, the chemical principle for its anti-inflammatory activity has not been elucidated, which prevents the quality control of related products. Using the RAW264.7 [...] Read more.
Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible mushroom originating from Taiwan that has been popularly used for adjuvant hepatoprotection and anti-inflammation; however, the chemical principle for its anti-inflammatory activity has not been elucidated, which prevents the quality control of related products. Using the RAW264.7 model for the anti-inflammatory activity assay as a guide, we reported the isolation and structural elucidation of three potent anti-inflammatory compounds from isolated ergostanes (16) and lanostanes (6). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis including NMR and HR-QTOF-MS. Particularly, the absolute configurations of (25R)-antcin K, (25R)-antcin A, versisponic acid D, and (25R)-antcin C were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The representative and most promising compound antcin A was shown to suppress pro-inflammatory biomolecule release via the down-regulation of iNOS and COX-2 expression through the NF-κB pathway while the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 were also decreased. The high dependency on structural variation and activity suggests that there might be special biological targets for antcin A. Our work makes it possible to develop evidence-based dietary supplements from Antrodia cinnamomea based on anti-inflammatory constituents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole Foods and Novel Ingredients with Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Properties)
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