Nutrients

Research

19 pages, 11091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief

by Jeong-Won Ahn, Hyun-Soo Kim, Kongara Damodar, Hee-Hyun Shin, Kyung-Mi Kim, Jung-Youl Park, Su-Kil Jang, Yeong-Min Yoo, Jae-Chul Jung and Seong-Soo Joo

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193297 - 28 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. Methods: A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF–GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Results: Treatment with the SJF–GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48–72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8–12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. Conclusions: The SJF–GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 2077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EZH2-Mediated H3K27 Trimethylation in the Liver of Mice Is an Early Epigenetic Event Induced by High-Fat Diet Exposure

by Giulia Pinton, Mattia Perucca, Valentina Gigliotti, Elena Mantovani, Nausicaa Clemente, Justyna Malecka, Gabriela Chrostek, Giulia Dematteis, Dmitry Lim, Laura Moro and Fausto Chiazza

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193260 - 26 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Methyltransferase EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 is involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis, but its role in hepatic metabolic derangements is not yet clearly defined. We investigated if a high-fat diet (HFD) induced early changes in EZH2 expression and H3K27 me3 in the liver of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Methyltransferase EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 is involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis, but its role in hepatic metabolic derangements is not yet clearly defined. We investigated if a high-fat diet (HFD) induced early changes in EZH2 expression and H3K27 me3 in the liver of mice. Methods: Five-week-old mice were fed an HFD or a low-fat diet (Control) for 2 weeks (2 W) or 8 weeks (8 W). Body weight was recorded weekly. Glycemia and oral glucose tolerance were assessed at baseline and after 2 W–8 W. Finally, livers were collected for further analysis. Results: As expected, mice that received 8 W HFD showed an increase in body weight, glycemia, and liver steatosis and an impairment in glucose tolerance; no alterations were observed in 2 W HFD mice. Eight weeks of HFD caused hepatic EZH2 nuclear localization and increased H3 K27me3; surprisingly, the same alterations occurred in 2 W HFD mice livers, even before overweight onset. We demonstrated that selective EZH2 inhibition reduced H3K27me3 and counteracted lipid accumulation in HUH-7 cells upon palmitic acid treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, we point to EZH2/H3K27me3 as an early epigenetic event occurring in fatty-acid-challenged livers both in vivo and in vitro, thus establishing EZH2 as a potential pharmacological target for metabolic derangements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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24 pages, 4325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of Berberis aristata DC. Bark Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Bioaccessibility and Safety

by Giovanna Rigillo, Giorgio Cappellucci, Giulia Baini, Federica Vaccaro, Elisabetta Miraldi, Luca Pani, Fabio Tascedda, Renato Bruni and Marco Biagi

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2953; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172953 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their [...] Read more.

Berberine (BER) is an alkaloid found, together with other protoberberinoids (PROTBERs), in several species used in medicines and food supplements. While some herbal preparations containing BER and PROTBERs, such as Berberis aristata DC. bark extracts, have shown promising potential for human health, their safety has not been fully assessed. Recently, the EFSA issued a call for data to deepen the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic understanding of products containing BER and PROTBERs and to comprehensively assess their safety, especially when used in food supplements. In this context, new data were collected in this work by assessing: (i) the phytochemical profile of 16 different commercial B. aristata dry extracts, which are among the most widely used preparations containing BER and PROTBERs in Europe; (ii) the In Vitro and In Silico investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of BER and PROTBERs; (iii) the In Vitro cytotoxicity of selected extracts in different human cell lines, including tests on hepatic cells in the presence of CYP450 substrates; (iv) the effects of the extracts on cancer cell migration; and (v) the In Vitro molecular effects of extracts in non-cancer human cells. Results showed that commercial B. aristata extracts contain BER as the main constituent, with jatrorrhizine as main secondary PROTBER. BER and jatrorrhizine were found to have a good bioaccessibility rate, but they interact with P-gp. B. aristata extracts showed limited cytotoxicity and minimal interaction with CYP450 substrates. Furthermore, tested extracts demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell migration and were devoid of any pro-tumoral effects in normal cells. Overall, our work provides a valuable overview to better elucidate important concerns regarding botanicals containing BER and PROTBERs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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10 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Low-Dose Mulberry Fruit Extract on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses: A Randomized Pilot Trial in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

by David J. Mela, Marjan Alssema, Harry Hiemstra, Anne-Roos Hoogenraad and Tanvi Kadam

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142177 - 9 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Adding mulberry fruit extract (MFE) to carbohydrate-rich meals can reduce postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses in healthy individuals. This pilot study assessed the acute postprandial effects of low doses of MFE in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a randomized cross-over [...] Read more.

Adding mulberry fruit extract (MFE) to carbohydrate-rich meals can reduce postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin (PPI) responses in healthy individuals. This pilot study assessed the acute postprandial effects of low doses of MFE in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a randomized cross-over (within-subjects) design, 24 unmedicated adult males and females with type 2 diabetes (mean [SD] age 51.0 [9.3] yr, BMI 27.5 [3.9] kg/m²) consumed meals with 0 (control), 0.37, and 0.75 g of MFE added to ~50 g of available carbohydrates from rice. Primary and secondary outcomes were the PPG 2 hr positive incremental area under the curve and the corresponding PPI. Results were reported as mean differences from the control meal with 95% CI. Relative to control, 0.37 and 0.75 g of MFE reduced the mean 2 hr PPG by 8.2% (−20.8 to 6.6%) and 22.4% (−38.6 to −1.9%), respectively, and reduced PPI by 9.6% (−20.7 to 3.0%) and 17.5% (−27.9 to −5.7%). There were no indications of adverse events or gastrointestinal discomfort. MFE additions also led to dose-related reductions in glucose peak and glucose swing. At these levels, MFE appears to dose-dependently reduce acute PPG and PPI in individuals with type 2 diabetes and may be a feasible dietary approach to help attenuate glycemic exposures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

12 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Study of Myo-Inositol’s Anxiolytic Activity on Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

by Maria Derkaczew, Bartosz Kędziora, Małgorzata Potoczna, Piotr Podlasz, Krzysztof Wąsowicz, Marcin Jóźwik and Joanna Wojtkiewicz

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16131997 - 23 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Myo-inositol (MI) is the most abundant inositol found in nature. To date MI supplementation is reported to be effective in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, it is also suggested to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, but to date [...] Read more.

Introduction: Myo-inositol (MI) is the most abundant inositol found in nature. To date MI supplementation is reported to be effective in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, it is also suggested to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, but to date no statistically significant effects of inositol on depressive and anxiety symptoms were proven. In the study of anxiolytic effects in zebrafish, we often use the thigmotaxis index measuring the ratio of the amount of time the animal spends near the walls compared to the entire arena. Aim: The objective of this paper was to examine the effect of MI on zebrafish embryos’ locomotor activity, as well as its potential anxiolytic activity in zebrafish larvae. Material and methods: In the first part of the experiment, the embryos were incubated with 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL MI. 1-day post fertilization, embryo mobility was evaluated and burst activity was calculated. In the next part of the study, the behavior of 5-day-old larvae was tested. Results: Tests on embryo movement showed an increase in burst activity in the MI group at concentrations of 40 mg/mL (p < 0.0001) and a slight decrease in the group at concentrations of 10 mg/mL (p < 0.05). MI in the light/dark challenge had no impact on the thigmotaxis index. Conclusions: MI was shown to not affect stress reduction in zebrafish larvae. Further research on the potential of MI and other stereoisomers is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 1066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioavailability of Lutein from Marigold Flowers (Free vs. Ester Forms): A Randomised Cross-Over Study to Assess Serum Response and Visual Contrast Threshold in Adults

by Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso, Fernando Granado-Lorencio, Julio Castro-Feito, Carmen Herrero-Barbudo, Inmaculada Blanco-Navarro and Rocío Estévez-Santiago

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101415 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3071

Abstract

Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zeax) are found in the blood and are deposited in the retina (macular pigment). Both are found in the diet in free form and esterified with fatty acids. A high intake and/or status is associated with a lower risk [...] Read more.

Lutein (Lut) and zeaxanthin (Zeax) are found in the blood and are deposited in the retina (macular pigment). Both are found in the diet in free form and esterified with fatty acids. A high intake and/or status is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, especially eye diseases. There is a large global demand for Lut in the dietary supplement market, with marigold flowers being the main source, mainly as lutein esters. As the bioavailability of Lut from free or ester forms is controversial, our aim was to assess the bioavailability of Lut (free vs. ester) and visual contrast threshold (CT). Twenty-four healthy subjects (twelve women, twelve men), aged 20–35 and 50–65 years, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to consume 6 mg lutein/day from marigold extract (free vs. ester) for two months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 15, 40, and 60 days in each period. Serum Lut and Zeax were analysed using HPLC, and dietary intake was determined with a 7-day food record at the beginning of each period. CT, with and without glare, was at 0 and 60 days at three levels of visual angle. Lut + Zeax intake at baseline was 1.9 mg/day, and serum lutein was 0.36 µmol/L. Serum lutein increased 2.4-fold on day 15 (up to 0.81 and 0.90 µmol/L with free and ester lutein, respectively) and was maintained until the end of the study. Serum Zeax increased 1.7-fold. There were no differences in serum Lut responses to free or ester lutein at any time point. CT responses to lutein supplementation (free vs. ester) were not different at any time point. CT correlated with Lut under glare conditions, and better correlations were obtained at low frequencies in the whole group due to the older group. The highest correlations occurred between CT at high frequency and with glare with serum Lut and Lut + Zeax. Only in the older group were inverse correlations found at baseline at a high frequency with L + Z and with Lut/cholesterol and at a low frequency with Lut/cholesterol. In conclusion, daily supplementation with Lut for 15 days significantly increases serum Lut in normolipemic adults to levels associated with a reduced risk of age-related eye disease regardless of the chemical form of lutein supplied. Longer supplementation, up to two months, does not significantly alter the concentration achieved but may contribute to an increase in macular pigment (a long-term marker of lutein status) and thus improve the effect on visual outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Purple Corn Extract Improves Dry Eye Symptoms in Models Induced by Desiccating Stress and Extraorbital Lacrimal Gland Excision

by Jae-Min Lee, Arin Choi, Hee-Hwan Lee, Sang Jae Park and Byung-Hak Kim

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5063; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245063 - 11 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1441

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when there are not enough tears, and the associated symptoms—burns, itching, and a gritty feeling in the eye—can cause great discomfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of purple corn extract (PCE) on [...] Read more.

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when there are not enough tears, and the associated symptoms—burns, itching, and a gritty feeling in the eye—can cause great discomfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of purple corn extract (PCE) on DED. Pretreatment with PCE prevented desiccation-stress-induced cell damage in human retinal pigment epithelial cells and primary human corneal epithelial cells. Furthermore, PCE reduced the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the induction of desiccation stress. The therapeutic effects of PCE on DED were evaluated in an animal model with induced unilateral excision of the exorbital lacrimal gland. The administration of PCE was effective at recovering tear production, corneal surface irregularity, and conjunctival goblet cell density, as well as at reducing apoptotic cell death in the outer layer of the corneal epithelium. Collectively, PCE improved dry eye symptoms, and, therefore, it could be a potential agent to ameliorate and/or treat DED. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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12 pages, 1727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Euscaphis japonica Kanitz Fruit Exerts Antiobesity Effects by Inhibiting the Early Stage of Adipogenic Differentiation

by Eunbi Lee, Juhye Park and Ju-Ock Nam

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3078; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143078 - 8 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

During the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, there was an increase in the prevalence of obesity, including childhood obesity, due to which the awareness of obesity and interest in treatment increased. Accordingly, we describe EJF (Euscaphis japonica Kanitz fruit) extract as a candidate for [...] Read more.

During the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, there was an increase in the prevalence of obesity, including childhood obesity, due to which the awareness of obesity and interest in treatment increased. Accordingly, we describe EJF (Euscaphis japonica Kanitz fruit) extract as a candidate for naturally derived antiobesity agents. In this study, we found that EJF is involved in the early stage of adipogenic differentiation in vitro and finally inhibits adipogenesis. We propose two mechanisms for the antiobesity effect of EJF. First, EJF inhibits MDI-induced mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) by inducing cell cycle arrest at the initiation of adipogenic differentiation. The second aims to regulate stability and activation at the protein level of IRS1, which initiates differentiation in the early stage of differentiation. As a result, it was found that the activation of Akt decreased, leading to the inhibition of the expression of adipogenesis-related transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα) and the subsequent suppression of adipogenic differentiation. In summary, we suggest that EJF can inhibit adipogenesis and lipid accumulation by suppressing the early stage of adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings indicate that EJF’s functionality could be beneficial in the treatment of obesity, particularly childhood obesity associated with adipocyte hyperplasia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease)

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