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The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health
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The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 26357

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Baojun Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
Interests: food science; phytochemicals; nutraceuticals; pharmaceuticals; functional foods; molecular nutrition; cell biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bin Du

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hebei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Activity Components and Function, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Interests: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; polysaccharides; molecular mechanism; natural product
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe mental health issues, has been constantly increasing in the last two decades. It has been recognized that greater adherence to dietary advice is a critical component in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Bioactive compounds are ingredients obtained from natural raw materials (e.g., plants, fruits, vegetables, grains, meat or seafood). Dietary bioactive compounds play an important role in the daily life of consumers as they are shown to improve health. However, the molecular mechanisms behind anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are not quite clear yet; further studies are needed to discover the cross-connection in signaling pathway networks between oxidative stress and disease prevention. In this Special Issue, we will collect and summarize the existing knowledge regarding the disease prevention effects (including anti-tumor, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective activity, etc.) of dietary bioactive compounds. Collections may cover in vitro models, animal models and human studies. Finally, the underlying molecular mechanisms (such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, TLR-4, NF-кB, etc.) of how these dietary bioactive compounds regulate their health-promoting effects will be discussed.

Prof. Dr. Baojun Xu
Prof. Dr. Bin Du
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dietary bioactive compounds
  • chronic diseases
  • molecular mechanisms
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • signal pathways

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
Polyphenols vs. Caffeine in Coffee from Franchise Coffee Shops: Which Serving of Coffee Provides the Optimal Amount of This Compounds to the Body
by Regina Ewa Wierzejska, Iwona Gielecińska, Ewelina Hallmann and Barbara Wojda
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2231; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102231 - 9 May 2024
Viewed by 2569
Abstract
The scientific literature indicates that there is a limited number of data on the content of bioactive components in coffees consumed “on the go”. Therefore, this study examined the polyphenol and caffeine content of different types of coffee from franchise coffee shops, and [...] Read more.
The scientific literature indicates that there is a limited number of data on the content of bioactive components in coffees consumed “on the go”. Therefore, this study examined the polyphenol and caffeine content of different types of coffee from franchise coffee shops, and the caffeine/total polyphenol ratio. The five most popular types of coffee purchased in six franchise coffee shops in Warsaw were analysed. A total of 120 coffee samples were tested. A significant positive (r = 0.7407, p < 0.001) correlation was found between the total polyphenol and caffeine content in all coffee types tested. Per unit volume, espresso coffee had the highest significant (p < 0.005) average total polyphenol and caffeine contents (232.9 ± 63.9 mg/100 mL and 198.6 ± 68.3 mg/100 mL, respectively). After taking into account the coffee’s serving size, a serving of Americano provided significantly (p < 0.05) the most total polyphenol (average 223.5 ± 81.5 mg), while the highest caffeine content was provided by a serving of ice latte/latte frappe (average 136 ± 57.0 mg). The most favourable ratio of caffeine to total polyphenols (0.56) was found in a serving of Americano coffee; therefore, it seems that this coffee can be considered optimal in terms of the content of both compounds. These findings demonstrate that the polyphenol and caffeine contents of coffees offered in franchise coffee shops are closely related to the serving size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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12 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Esculetin against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Pyroptosis in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells
by Ying Luo, Tenglong Chang, Shiting Huang, Jing Xiang, Shuangyang Tang and Haiyan Shen
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071415 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1478
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Esculetin is a natural coumarin compound with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether esculetin can protect HepG2 cells through inhibiting H2O2-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis is still [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Esculetin is a natural coumarin compound with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether esculetin can protect HepG2 cells through inhibiting H2O2-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis is still ambiguous. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of esculetin against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in HepG2 cells. The results of this study demonstrate that pretreatment with esculetin could significantly improve the decrease in cell viability induced by H2O2 and reduce intracellular ROS levels. Esculetin not only apparently reduced the apoptotic rates and prevented MMP loss, but also markedly decreased cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, pro-apoptotic protein (Bax), and MMP-related protein (Cyt-c) expression, and increased anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) expression in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, esculetin also remarkably reduced the level of LDH and decreased the expression of the pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, cleaved-Caspase-1, Il-1β, and GSDMD-N. Furthermore, esculetin pretreatment evidently downregulated the protein expression of p-JNK, p-c-Fos, and p-c-Jun. Additionally, anisomycin, a specific activator of JNK, blocked the protection of esculetin against H2O2-induced HepG2 cells apoptosis and pyroptosis. In conclusion, esculetin can protect HepG2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis via inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway. These findings indicate that esculetin has the potential to be used as an antioxidant that improves oxidative stress-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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19 pages, 3250 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ultrasonic Irradiation on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides and Their Performance in Biological Activities
by Jinhui Wu, Huiying Wang, Yanfei Liu, Baojun Xu, Bin Du and Yuedong Yang
Molecules 2023, 28(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010008 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2311
Abstract
Due to the large molecular weight and complex structure of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP), which limit their absorption and utilization by the body, methods to effectively degrade polysaccharides had received more and more attention. In the present research, hot water extraction coupled with [...] Read more.
Due to the large molecular weight and complex structure of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP), which limit their absorption and utilization by the body, methods to effectively degrade polysaccharides had received more and more attention. In the present research, hot water extraction coupled with three-phase partitioning (TPP) was developed to extract and isolate LJP. Ultrasonic L. japonica polysaccharides (ULJP) were obtained by ultrasonic degradation. In addition, their physicochemical characteristics and in vitro biological activities were investigated. Results indicated that ULJP had lower weight-average molecular weight (153 kDa) and looser surface morphology than the LJP. The primary structures of LJP and ULJP were basically unchanged, both contained α-hexo-pyranoses and were mainly connected by 1,4-glycosidic bonds. Compared with LJP, ULJP had stronger antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibitory effect and anti-inflammatory effect on RAW264.7 macrophages. The scavenging rate of DPPH free radicals by ULJP is 35.85%. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation could effectively degrade LJP and significantly improve the biological activity of LJP, which provided a theoretical basis for the in-depth utilization and research and development of L. japonica in the fields of medicine and food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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14 pages, 2736 KiB  
Article
Sodium Butyrate Attenuates AGEs-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Inhibiting Autophagy and Affecting Cellular Metabolism in THP-1 Cells
by Man Yan, Xiang Li, Chang Sun, Jiajun Tan, Yuanyuan Liu, Mengqi Li, Zishang Qi, Jiayuan He, Dongxu Wang and Liang Wu
Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8715; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248715 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2701
Abstract
In recent years, sodium butyrate has gained increased attention for its numerous beneficial properties. However, whether sodium butyrate could alleviate inflammatory damage by macrophage activation and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study used an advanced glycosylation products- (AGEs-) induced inflammatory damage [...] Read more.
In recent years, sodium butyrate has gained increased attention for its numerous beneficial properties. However, whether sodium butyrate could alleviate inflammatory damage by macrophage activation and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study used an advanced glycosylation products- (AGEs-) induced inflammatory damage model to study whether sodium butyrate could alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction of human monocyte-macrophage originated THP-1 cells in a PI3K-dependent autophagy pathway. The results indicated that sodium butyrate alleviated the AGEs-induced oxidative stress, decreased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and increased the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Sodium butyrate reduced the protein expression of the NLR family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and Caspase-1, and decreased the nucleus expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). Sodium butyrate decreased the expression of light-chain-associated protein B (LC3B) and Beclin-1, and inhibited autophagy. Moreover, sodium butyrate inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in AGEs-induced THP-1 cells. In addition, the metabolomics analysis showed that sodium butyrate could affect the production of phosphatidylcholine, L-glutamic acid, UDP-N-acetylmuraminate, biotinyl-5’-AMP, and other metabolites. In summary, these results revealed that sodium butyrate inhibited autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, thereby alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorder induced by AGEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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Review

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22 pages, 1770 KiB  
Review
Beneficial Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Preventing Skin Photoaging: A Review
by Jiaqiang Sun, Yuelu Jiang, Jing Fu, Linlin He, Xinmiao Guo, Hua Ye, Cuiyuan Yin, Hongbo Li and Heyuan Jiang
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5226; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225226 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 871
Abstract
Skin photoaging, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leads to skin metabolic disorders, which have adverse psychological and physiological effects on individuals. However, traditional medications for repairing skin photoaging cause side effects. Natural bioactive compounds have been shown to prevent and treat skin [...] Read more.
Skin photoaging, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leads to skin metabolic disorders, which have adverse psychological and physiological effects on individuals. However, traditional medications for repairing skin photoaging cause side effects. Natural bioactive compounds have been shown to prevent and treat skin photoaging with fewer side effects. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main substance in tea polyphenols, is a natural bioactive compound with a range of properties. This review summarizes the beneficial effects and mechanisms of EGCG, as well as the application forms of EGCG in repairing photoaged skin. Results indicated that EGCG has repair effects, including improving elasticity, enhancing moisturization, inhibiting damage, and reducing pigmentation of photoaged skin. It has also been demonstrated that EGCG delivery systems, modified EGCG, and combinations with other bioactive substances could be used for repairing photoaged skin due to its poor stability and low bioavailability. EGCG effectively repairs various types of skin damage caused by UV radiation while maintaining normal skin structure and function. It is, therefore, an effective candidate for repairing photoaged skin. These results could provide references for the development and application of EGCG products for the treatment of photoaged skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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23 pages, 636 KiB  
Review
Bactrian Camel Milk: Chemical Composition, Bioactivities, Processing Techniques, and Economic Potential in China
by Shamila Seyiti, Abulimiti Kelimu and Gulinaer Yusufu
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4680; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194680 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Bactrian camel (BC) milk has gained increasing attention due to its unique nutritional profile and potential bioactivities. This comprehensive review explores the chemical composition, bioactivities, processing techniques, and economic potential of BC milk in China. The distinctive chemical composition of BC milk, including [...] Read more.
Bactrian camel (BC) milk has gained increasing attention due to its unique nutritional profile and potential bioactivities. This comprehensive review explores the chemical composition, bioactivities, processing techniques, and economic potential of BC milk in China. The distinctive chemical composition of BC milk, including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content, is discussed, emphasizing its differences from other mammalian milk. The review highlights the various bioactivities of BC milk, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and anticancer properties, as well as its modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota. The technological properties of BC milk, focusing on its heat stability, coagulation behavior, and potential for product development, are examined. The review also addresses current processing techniques and their impact on milk quality. Finally, the economic potential and future perspectives of BC milk in China are evaluated. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of BC milk, serving as a foundation for future research and development in this emerging field. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in BC milk as a functional food and the need for a comprehensive understanding of its properties, applications, and market potential to guide future research and industry development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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31 pages, 3044 KiB  
Review
Plant Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits on Cardiovascular Health: A Review
by Iram Iqbal, Polrat Wilairatana, Fatima Saqib, Bushra Nasir, Muqeet Wahid, Muhammad Farhaj Latif, Ahmar Iqbal, Rabia Naz and Mohammad S. Mubarak
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6403; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176403 - 1 Sep 2023
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7670
Abstract
Fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain phytochemicals or secondary metabolites which may be considered non-essential nutrients but have medicinal importance. These dietary phytochemicals exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against numerous diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. These [...] Read more.
Fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain phytochemicals or secondary metabolites which may be considered non-essential nutrients but have medicinal importance. These dietary phytochemicals exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against numerous diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. These compounds exhibit several health benefits such as immune modulators, vasodilators, and antioxidants. This review focuses on recent studies on using dietary polyphenols to treat cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, and vascular endothelium deficits. We focus on exploring the safety of highly effective polyphenols to ensure their maximum impact on cardiac abnormalities and discuss recent epidemiological evidence and intervention trials related to these properties. Kaempferol, quercetin, and resveratrol prevent oxidative stress by regulating proteins that induce oxidation in heart tissues. In addition, polyphenols modulate the tone of the endothelium of vessels by releasing nitric oxide (NO) and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to prevent atherosclerosis. In cardiomyocytes, polyphenols suppress the expression of inflammatory markers and inhibit the production of inflammation markers to exert an anti-inflammatory response. Consequently, heart diseases such as strokes, hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease could be prevented by dietary polyphenols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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17 pages, 3625 KiB  
Review
Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits
by Agnieszka Ewa Stępień, Julia Trojniak and Jacek Tabarkiewicz
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6235; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176235 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2877
Abstract
Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we [...] Read more.
Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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21 pages, 8815 KiB  
Review
Hirsutine, an Emerging Natural Product with Promising Therapeutic Benefits: A Systematic Review
by Md. Shimul Bhuia, Polrat Wilairatana, Jannatul Ferdous, Raihan Chowdhury, Mehedi Hasan Bappi, Md Anisur Rahman, Mohammad S. Mubarak and Muhammad Torequl Islam
Molecules 2023, 28(16), 6141; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28166141 - 19 Aug 2023
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3027
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring [...] Read more.
Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in various Uncaria species and has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. It is found in foodstuffs such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy, and some grain products among other things. In addition, it is present in fruits and vegetables including corn, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The primary emphasis of this study is to summarize the pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of HSN against different diseases, as well as the biopharmaceutical features. For this, data were collected (up to date as of 1 July 2023) from various reliable and authentic literature by searching different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Findings indicated that HSN exerts several effects in various preclinical and pharmacological experimental systems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities with beneficial effects in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings also indicate that HSN exerts promising anticancer potentials via several molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxic effect, anti-proliferative effect, genotoxic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion against various cancers such as lung, breast, and antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia. Taken all together, findings from this study show that HSN can be a promising therapeutic agent to treat various diseases including cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Human Health)
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