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Research

13 pages, 5361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammation and Protective Effects of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill Seeds) on Esophageal Mucosa Damages in Reflux Esophagitis-Induced Rats

by Hyeon-Hwa Nam, Li Nan and Byung-Kil Choo

Foods 2021, 10(10), 2500; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10102500 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

Anethum graveolens L. (dill seeds) are important medicinal and functional foods in Europe and central and south Asia, often used as a seasoning in daily diets. Anethum graveolens L. seeds (AGS) are used to treat indigestion and have shown physiological activities such as [...] Read more.

Anethum graveolens L. (dill seeds) are important medicinal and functional foods in Europe and central and south Asia, often used as a seasoning in daily diets. Anethum graveolens L. seeds (AGS) are used to treat indigestion and have shown physiological activities such as those against hypoglycemia and gastroesophageal disease. This study explored the protective effects of AGS extract on mucosal damages and inflammation in reflux esophagitis rats. AGS inhibited cellular inflammation including NO production and the expression of inflammatory proteins (iNOS and COX2 etc.), cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and nuclear transfer factor related to NF-κB signaling caused by LPS stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, reflux esophagitis-induced rats were used to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of AGS. Tissue staining and inflammation-related protein expression of rats with acute reflux esophagitis indicated that AGS improved this inflammatory response, such as COX-2 and TNF-α in mucosa. In conclusion, AGS have good physiological activity and the possibility of being used as a medicinal food and a functional resource for the prevention and therapy of gastroesophageal diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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12 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Acrylamide Flatbreads from Colored Corn and Other Flours

by Xueqi Li, Talwinder Kahlon, Selina C. Wang and Mendel Friedman

Foods 2021, 10(10), 2495; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10102495 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2798

Abstract

Dietary acrylamide formed during baking and frying of plant-based foods such as bread and other cereal products, coffee, fried potatoes, and olives is reported to induce genotoxic, carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and antifertility properties in vivo, suggesting the need to keep the acrylamide content low [...] Read more.

Dietary acrylamide formed during baking and frying of plant-based foods such as bread and other cereal products, coffee, fried potatoes, and olives is reported to induce genotoxic, carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and antifertility properties in vivo, suggesting the need to keep the acrylamide content low with respect to widely consumed heat-processed food including flatbreads. Due to the fact that pigmented corn flours contain biologically active and health-promoting phenolic and anthocyanin compounds, the objective of this study was to potentially define beneficial properties of flatbread by evaluating the acrylamide content determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) with a detection limit of 1.8 µg/kg and proximate composition by standard methods of six experimental flatbreads made from two white, two blue, one red, and one yellow corn flours obtained by milling commercial seeds. Acrylamide content was also determined in experimental flatbreads made from combinations in quinoa flour, wheat flour, and peanut meal with added broccoli or beet vegetables and of commercial flatbreads including tortillas and wraps. Proximate analysis of flatbreads showed significant differences in protein and fat but not in carbohydrate, mineral, and water content. The acrylamide content of 16 evaluated flatbreads ranged from 0 to 49.1 µg/kg, suggesting that these flatbreads have the potential to serve as low-acrylamide functional foods. The dietary significance of the results is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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13 pages, 4652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Obesity Effect of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. Extract Containing Phenolic Acids

by Yulong Zheng, Yoon-Hee Choi, Ji-Hyun Lee, So-Yeon Lee and Il-Jun Kang

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061266 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2623

Abstract

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. water extract (EAW) was investigated for its anti-obesity effects in C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat diet. Mice were divided into groups fed normal and high-fat diets (ND and HFD, respectively), and HFD mice were treated with EAW (50, 100, [...] Read more.

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. water extract (EAW) was investigated for its anti-obesity effects in C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat diet. Mice were divided into groups fed normal and high-fat diets (ND and HFD, respectively), and HFD mice were treated with EAW (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Inhibition of HFD-induced obesity by EAW was evaluated using biochemical parameters, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and immunoblot assay. EAW supplementation significantly diminished the final body weight, adipose tissue size, and epididymal adipose tissue volume compared with mice with obesity induced by HFD (p < 0.05 for all). EAW also decreased serum triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels in obese mice. EAW attenuated HFD-induced obesity by down-regulating C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP-1c to suppress adipogenesis. Moreover, this study indicated that EAW activates the AMPK pathway and increases ACC phosphorylation and downstream CPT1 expression in HFD-induced obese mice. Furthermore, several phenolic acids with anti-obesity properties have been identified in EAW, including quinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Based on these data, EAW has anti-obesity effects in vivo, which indicates that it is an excellent candidate for the development of anti-obesity functional foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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15 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Parasitic Activity of Cherry Tomato Peel Powders

by Mendel Friedman, Christina C. Tam, Jong H. Kim, Sydney Escobar, Steven Gong, Max Liu, Xuan Yu Mao, Cindy Do, Irene Kuang, Kelvin Boateng, Janica Ha, Megan Tran, Srimanth Alluri, Tam Le, Ryan Leong, Luisa W. Cheng and Kirkwood M. Land

Foods 2021, 10(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020230 - 23 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4184

Abstract

Trichomoniasis in humans, caused by the protozoal parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease, while Tritrichomonas foetus causes trichomonosis, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea in farm animals and domesticated cats. As part of an effort to [...] Read more.

Trichomoniasis in humans, caused by the protozoal parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease, while Tritrichomonas foetus causes trichomonosis, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea in farm animals and domesticated cats. As part of an effort to determine the inhibitory effects of plant-based extracts and pure compounds, seven commercially available cherry tomato varieties were hand-peeled, freeze-dried, and pounded into powders. The anti-trichomonad inhibitory activities of these peel powders at 0.02% concentration determined using an in vitro cell assay varied widely from 0.0% to 66.7% against T. vaginalis G3 (human); from 0.9% to 66.8% for T. foetus C1 (feline); and from 0.0% to 81.3% for T. foetus D1 (bovine). The organic Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme (D) peels were the most active against all three trichomonads, inhibiting 52.2% (G3), 66.8% (C1), and 81.3% (D1). Additional assays showed that none of the powders inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, pathogenic fungi, or non-pathogenic lactobacilli. Tomato peel and pomace powders with high content of described biologically active compounds could serve as functional food and feed additives that might help overcome adverse effects of wide-ranging diseases and complement the treatment of parasites with the anti-trichomonad drug metronidazole. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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21 pages, 3109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiproliferative Effect and Mediation of Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells Induced by Djulis Husk and Its Bioactive Compounds

by Dom-Gene Tu, Charng-Cherng Chyau, Shih-Ying Chen, Heuy-Ling Chu, Shu-Chen Wang and Pin-Der Duh

Foods 2020, 9(10), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101514 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2726

Abstract

The antiproliferative effect and mediation of apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by djulis husk and its bioactive compounds was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of djulis husk (EEDH) at 50, 250, and 500 µg/mL induced remarkable cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. By flow [...] Read more.

The antiproliferative effect and mediation of apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by djulis husk and its bioactive compounds was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of djulis husk (EEDH) at 50, 250, and 500 µg/mL induced remarkable cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. By flow cytometry analysis, EEDH slowed down the cell cycle at the Sub-G0 phase after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, all EEDH treatment induced an apoptotic response in HepG2 cells. EEDH-induced apoptosis was associated with the attenuation of mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (ΔΨ_m), an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, as well as an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. According to the HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives and another sixteen compounds were present in EEDH. Quercetin and kaempferol at 25–150 μM showed antiproliferative action and induced apoptosis on HepG2 cells, which may in part account for the anticancer activity of EEDH. Overall, EEDH may be a potent chemopreventive agent due to apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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17 pages, 1550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Annona cherimola Miller Fruit as a Promising Candidate against Diabetic Complications: An In Vitro Study and Preliminary Clinical Results

by Marzia Vasarri, Emanuela Barletta, Santina Vinci, Matteo Ramazzotti, Andrea Francesconi, Francesco Manetti and Donatella Degl’Innocenti

Foods 2020, 9(10), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101350 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2771

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a strong social impact worldwide. Under chronic hyperglycemia, protein glycation strongly contributes to diabetes-related complications onset. Anti-glycation agents and inhibitors of α-glucosidase are often therapeutically used to control postprandial glycemia in order to prevent development of [...] Read more.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a strong social impact worldwide. Under chronic hyperglycemia, protein glycation strongly contributes to diabetes-related complications onset. Anti-glycation agents and inhibitors of α-glucosidase are often therapeutically used to control postprandial glycemia in order to prevent development of long-term diabetic complications. Given drug resistance and adverse effects of conventional antidiabetic therapies, the discovery of new effective and non-toxic naturally occurring compounds is needed to prevent and/or to manage life-threatening diabetic complications. Annona cherimola Miller fruit has been used in Mexican traditional medicine as natural remedy against diabetes. In this work, the in vitro anti-glycation and anti-α-glucosidase roles of Annona cherimola Miller pulp extract (CE) were investigated. Moreover, healthy and diabetic subjects were enrolled in a cross-over design intervention study aimed at investigating the effects of pulp intake on postprandial glycemia. This work shows that CE was able to inhibit albumin glycation in vitro and to inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme. Furthermore, the pulp intake did not contribute to an increase in postprandial glycemia, making it a suitable source of health-promoting phytonutrients and a potential functional food in diabetics and pre-diabetics diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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20 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioprospecting Cultivated Tropical Green Algae, Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh: A Perspective on Nutritional Properties, Antioxidative Capacity and Anti-Diabetic Potential

by Abdul Qudus B Aroyehun, Shariza Abdul Razak, Kishneth Palaniveloo, Thilahgavani Nagappan, Nur Suraiza Nabila Rahmah, Gan Wee Jin, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, Jestin Chellian and Anil Philip Kunnath

Foods 2020, 9(9), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091313 - 18 Sep 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4796

Abstract

Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh is a green seaweed used as food and folk medicine since ancient times in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in southeast Asia. In this study, the proximate nutrient composition, phytochemical, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties of sea grape C. racemosa [...] Read more.

Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal) J. Agardh is a green seaweed used as food and folk medicine since ancient times in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in southeast Asia. In this study, the proximate nutrient composition, phytochemical, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties of sea grape C. racemosa collected from culture fishponds in Johor, Malaysia were analysed. The contents (dry weight basis) of carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipids, ash and caloric value obtained were 33.42 ± 1.34%, 20.27 ± 0.14%, 4.20 ± 0.32%, 28.25 ± 0.27% and 2544.67 ± 7.04 cal g⁻¹, respectively. The amino acid score (AAs) and biological protein value (213.43 mg g⁻¹) indicated that C. racemosa presented a better protein quality. The most abundant fatty acids were C16:0 (palmitic acid: 63.27%), followed by C18:1 (oleic acid: 5.80%), and C18:2 ῳ6 (linoleic acid: 5.33%). The analysis of the ash content indicated that essential minerals and trace elements, such as Ca, Fe, and Mn, were present in the seaweed. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) observed in the ethyl acetate extract were 17.88 ± 0.78 mg GAE g⁻¹ and 59.43 ± 2.45 mg QE g⁻¹, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of C. racemosa demonstrated notable anti-diabetic activity in diabetic induced rats. The low (100 mg kg⁻¹) and high (200 mg kg⁻¹) doses of cultivated C. racemosa extract exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in blood glucose levels while preventing weight loss, reducing plasma AST, ALT levels as a sign of hepatoprotective effect and recording albumin levels similar to positive control in diabetic induced rats. The results support the usefulness of cultivated C. racemosa as a potential functional food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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13 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Germination on Sorghum Nutraceutical Properties

by Nafiou Arouna, Morena Gabriele and Laura Pucci

Foods 2020, 9(9), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091218 - 02 Sep 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4695

Abstract

Sorghum is a gluten-free cereal representing a staple food in many countries of Africa, where germination is traditionally used for the preparation of several sorghum-based products. This study focused on the effect of germination on total phenolic content, in vitro and ex vivo [...] Read more.

Sorghum is a gluten-free cereal representing a staple food in many countries of Africa, where germination is traditionally used for the preparation of several sorghum-based products. This study focused on the effect of germination on total phenolic content, in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity, and antihypertensive action of sorghum from Togo. Total phenolic content was estimated as Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity, while antioxidant activities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) in vitro tests and ex vivo by the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay on human erythrocytes. The antihypertensive effect of germinated and non-germinated sorghum peptides fraction was evaluated as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Despite our findings demonstrated no impact of germination on the total phenolic content, non-germinated sorghum showed significantly higher in vitro antioxidant activities than the germinated one; further, non-germinated sorghum displayed significantly higher ACE inhibition than germinated sorghum that, instead, at lower doses, exhibited better erythrocytes protection from peroxyl radicals. In conclusion, the germination process negatively impacted the in vitro antioxidant activity and the antihypertensive effect of sorghum while improved erythrocytes protection. This study evidenced better nutraceutical potential of non-germinated sorghum that, besides good antioxidant activity, represents an important source of ACE-inhibitory peptides. However, the germination process might have positively impacted the profile of bioactive compounds involved in the protection of human erythrocytes from oxidative damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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14 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taurine Stimulates Thermoregulatory Genes in Brown Fat Tissue and Muscle without an Influence on Inguinal White Fat Tissue in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model

by Kyoung Soo Kim, Hari Madhuri Doss, Hee-Jin Kim and Hyung-In Yang

Foods 2020, 9(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9060688 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3837

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate if taurine supplementation stimulates the induction of thermogenic genes in fat tissues and muscles and decipher the mechanism by which taurine exerts its anti-obesity effect in a mildly obese ICR (CD-1^®) mouse model. Three groups [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to investigate if taurine supplementation stimulates the induction of thermogenic genes in fat tissues and muscles and decipher the mechanism by which taurine exerts its anti-obesity effect in a mildly obese ICR (CD-1^®) mouse model. Three groups of ICR mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with 2% taurine in drinking water for 28 weeks. The expression profiles of various genes were analyzed by real time PCR in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT), inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), and the quadriceps muscles of the experimental groups. Genes that are known to regulate thermogenesis like PGC-1α, UCP-1, Cox7a1, Cox8b, CIDE-A, and β₁-, β₂-, and β₃-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) were found to be differentially expressed in the three tissues. These genes were expressed at a very low level in iWAT as compared to BAT and muscle. Whereas, HFD increased the expression of these genes. Taurine supplementation stimulated the expression of UCP-1, Cox7a1, and Cox8b in BAT and only Cox7a1 in muscle, while there was a decrease in iWAT. In contrast, fat deposition-related genes, monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A, and -B, and lipin-1, were decreased by taurine supplementation only in iWAT and not in BAT or muscle. In conclusion, the potential anti-obesity effects of taurine may be partly due to upregulated thermogenesis in BAT, energy metabolism of muscle, and downregulated fat deposition in iWAT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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14 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Edible Plants: Effects of Boiling on Nutritional, Antioxidant, and Physicochemical Properties

by José Arias-Rico, Francisco Jesús Macías-León, Ernesto Alanís-García, Nelly del Socorro Cruz-Cansino, Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales, Rosario Barrera-Gálvez and Esther Ramírez-Moreno

Foods 2020, 9(5), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9050599 - 08 May 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4781

Abstract

The consumption of vegetables in Mexico includes a wide variety of plants that grow naturally as weeds in the fields. The intake of these vegetables is very important in the Mexican diet because these plants supply an important input of nutrients and compounds [...] Read more.

The consumption of vegetables in Mexico includes a wide variety of plants that grow naturally as weeds in the fields. The intake of these vegetables is very important in the Mexican diet because these plants supply an important input of nutrients and compounds such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Thus, the plants may be universally promoted as healthy. However, there is little information about these vegetables of popular consumption, especially in terms of the nutritional changes caused by boiling. To determine the influence of boiling on five plants of popular consumption in Mexico, the nutritional composition (proximal analysis, dietary fiber, and oxalates), antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid, phenolics), antioxidant activity (measured by ABTS and DPPH assays), and physicochemical characteristics (water retention capacity, viscosity, color, and SEM) were evaluated. The boiling affected the nutritional composition of plants, mainly soluble compounds as carbohydrates (sugars and soluble fiber), ash, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds and caused changes in food hydration and color. Therefore, it is recommended that these plants be consumed raw or with short boiling times and included the cooking water in other preparations to take advantage of the nutrients released in the food matrix. In the future, to complete studies, 3 to 5 min of cooking should be considered to minimize undesirable modifications in terms of the vegetables’ composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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13 pages, 717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Xoconostle (Opuntia spp.) Powder as Source of Dietary Fiber and Antioxidants

by José Arias-Rico, Nelly del Socorro Cruz-Cansino, Montaña Cámara-Hurtado, Rebeca López-Froilán, María Luisa Pérez-Rodríguez, María de Cortes Sánchez-Mata, Osmar Antonio Jaramillo-Morales, Rosario Barrera-Gálvez and Esther Ramírez-Moreno

Foods 2020, 9(4), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9040403 - 01 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4529

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional composition, antioxidant properties, and functional characteristics of two cultivars of xoconostle Opuntia xoconostle F.A.C. Weber in Diguet cv. Cuaresmeño (XC) and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar cv. Rosa (XR). The samples were frozen (−32 °C, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional composition, antioxidant properties, and functional characteristics of two cultivars of xoconostle Opuntia xoconostle F.A.C. Weber in Diguet cv. Cuaresmeño (XC) and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar cv. Rosa (XR). The samples were frozen (−32 °C, 48 h), lyophilized (96 h, −55 ± 1 °C, vacuum of 0.040 Mbar), and homogenized (size particle 500 μm) to get the xoconostle powder. Both cultivars (XC and XR) had a high content of carbohydrates characterized by soluble sugars (9.8 ± 0.7 and 29.9 ± 0.5 g/100 g dm) and dietary fiber (30.8 ± 0.7 and 36.8 ± 0.9 g/100 g dm), as well as lower proportions of organic acids, mainly citric acid (18.8 ± 0.0 and 13.6 ± 0.0 mg/100 g dm). These samples also had a high content of phenolic compounds (1580.3 ± 33.1 and 1068.5 ± 70.8 mg GAE/100 g dm), vitamin C (723.1 ± 16 and 320.2 ± 7.5 mg/100 g dm), and antioxidant activity ABTS·⁺ and DPPH· (between 1348.1 ± 74.0 and 3318.7 ± 178.8 µmol TE/100 g dm). Since xoconostle samples had a high content of dietary fiber, they were characterized by the capacity of water retention (water holding capacity 6.00 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 0.2 g H2O/g dm) and gel formation (swelling 5.2 ± 0.0 and 5.5 ± 0.0 g H2O/g dm), related with the retention of lipids and glucose in the food matrix similar to other foods. XR was characterized by a higher amount of dietary fiber, sugars and organic acids, while XC had higher phenols content and antioxidant properties, with higher values of functional properties. Then, our data suggest that both xoconostle cultivars in powder can be used as a functional ingredient for its fiber content and antioxidant properties, contributing with sensorial aspects as flavor and color. Therefore, these highly valued products can be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 1360 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Blood-Pressure-Lowering Effect of Food-Protein-Derived Peptides: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials

by Wang Liao, Guiju Sun, Dengfeng Xu, Yuanyuan Wang, Yifei Lu, Jihan Sun, Hui Xia and Shaokang Wang

Foods 2021, 10(10), 2316; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10102316 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

Although clinical trials of food-protein-derived peptides in the management of hypertension have been published, the results are controversial, which compelled us to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled effect of peptide intervention. In this study, we searched for studies published between 2010 [...] Read more.

Although clinical trials of food-protein-derived peptides in the management of hypertension have been published, the results are controversial, which compelled us to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled effect of peptide intervention. In this study, we searched for studies published between 2010 and 2021 and selected 12 eligible studies for a meta-analysis. The pooled effect of peptide intervention for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was −3.28 mmHg (95% CI: −4.54, −2.03, p < 0.001) and −1.82 mmHg (95% CI: −3.46, −0.18, p = 0.03), respectively. Sub-group analyses showed that the reduction in BP in participants with higher basal BP (>140/85 mmHg) was greater (p = 0.007 for SBP and p = 0.01 for DBP), and the effect was stronger in Asian participants as compared with non-Asian participants (p = 0.01 for SBP and p = 0.04 for DBP). In addition, the effect of peptide intervention was more pronounced on SBP in participant groups with a lower ratio of male to female (≤0.5) as well as in participants with a mean age ≥50 years old. In conclusion, food-protein-derived antihypertensive peptides can significantly reduce BP in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients. Findings from this study could provide guidance for the design of clinical trials of antihypertensive peptides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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15 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessReview

Probiotics for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Guangsu Zhu, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen and Gang Wang

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071672 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6951

Abstract

Accumulating evidence from animal studies supports the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics in alleviating neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether dietary supplementation with probiotics improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unclear. We searched literature databases [...] Read more.

Accumulating evidence from animal studies supports the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics in alleviating neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether dietary supplementation with probiotics improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unclear. We searched literature databases for relevant randomized control trials and compared the outcomes between control/placebo and intervention groups. The results of the included studies were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated as summary statistics. We also performed a risk-of-bias assessment, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Among the 294 articles identified, eight articles involving 174 patients with AD and 446 with MCI were included in the qualitative synthesis and seven studies were meta-analyzed. Our analysis detected high between-group heterogeneity (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI −0.02–0.88, p < 0.0001, I² = 86.4%) in cognitive function across the included studies. Subgroup analyses identified a significant effect of probiotics on cognitive function only in the studies involving people with MCI (I² = 44%, p = 0.15 for heterogeneity, p = 0.0002 for overall effect). Our findings suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics improves cognitive function, especially in people with MCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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32 pages, 7918 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes and Their Impact on Human Health and Disease: A Review

by Md Yousuf Ali, Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Shahad Saif Khandker, Lutfun Neesa, E. M. Tanvir, Alamgir Kabir, Md Ibrahim Khalil and Siew Hua Gan

Foods 2021, 10(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010045 - 26 Dec 2020

Cited by 157 | Viewed by 27553

Abstract

Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high contents of essential nutrients and antioxidant-rich phytochemicals. Tomatoes contain minerals, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids (leucine, threonine, valine, histidine, lysine, arginine), monounsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotenoids) [...] Read more.

Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high contents of essential nutrients and antioxidant-rich phytochemicals. Tomatoes contain minerals, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids (leucine, threonine, valine, histidine, lysine, arginine), monounsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotenoids) and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol). Lycopene is the main dietary carotenoid in tomato and tomato-based food products and lycopene consumption by humans has been reported to protect against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive function and osteoporosis. Among the phenolic compounds present in tomato, quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, caffeic acid and lutein are the most common. Many of these compounds have antioxidant activities and are effective in protecting the human body against various oxidative stress-related diseases. Dietary tomatoes increase the body’s level of antioxidants, trapping reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative damage to important biomolecules such as membrane lipids, enzymatic proteins and DNA, thereby ameliorating oxidative stress. We reviewed the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of tomatoes. In addition, the impacts of the constituents on human health, particularly in ameliorating some degenerative diseases, are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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21 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potentials and Safety of Date Palm Fruit against Diabetes: A Critical Review

by Md Al-Tareq Mia, Md Golam Mosaib, Md Ibrahim Khalil, Md Asiful Islam and Siew Hua Gan

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111557 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7773

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder triggered by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolisms, where either reduced secretion or sensitivity of insulin is observed coupled with poor glucose control. Date palm fruits are one of the fruits reported to have good potential [...] Read more.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder triggered by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolisms, where either reduced secretion or sensitivity of insulin is observed coupled with poor glucose control. Date palm fruits are one of the fruits reported to have good potential in diabetes treatment due to its presence of polyphenols exerting strong antioxidant activities. Other possible mechanisms of action include the polyphenolic compounds, which can inhibit enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Flavonoids in dates can stimulate β-cells by increasing the number of islets and β-cells, recovering endocrine pancreatic tissues, reducing β-cell apoptosis, activating insulin receptors following the increase in insulin secretion, in addition to improving diabetes-induced complications. In this review, the in vitro, in vivo, and human study-based evidence of date palm as an anti-diabetic fruit is summarised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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20 pages, 1485 KiB

Open AccessReview

Functional Food from Endangered Ecosystems: Atriplex portulacoides as a Case Study

by Lorenzo Zanella and Fabio Vianello

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111533 - 24 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6097

Abstract

Biodiversity is a reservoir of potential sources of novel food and feed ingredients with suitable compositions for the improvement of the diet and well-being of humans and farmed animals. The halophyte Atriplex portulacoides occurs in habitats that are exposed to seawater inundations, and [...] Read more.

Biodiversity is a reservoir of potential sources of novel food and feed ingredients with suitable compositions for the improvement of the diet and well-being of humans and farmed animals. The halophyte Atriplex portulacoides occurs in habitats that are exposed to seawater inundations, and shows biochemical adaptations to saline and oxidative stresses. Its composition includes long chain lipids, sterols, phenolic compounds, glutathione and carotenoids. These organic compounds and micronutrients, such as Fe, Zn, Co and Cu, make this plant suitable as an optimal functional food that is potentially able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in humans and animals. Indeed, many of these compounds have a protective activity in humans against cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, and degenerative processes related to aging. The analysis of its history as food and forage, which dates back thousands of years, attests that it can be safely consumed. Here, the limits of its chemical and microbiological contamination are suggested in order to comply with the European regulations. The productivity of A. portulacoides in natural environments, and its adaptability to non-saline soils, make it a potential crop of high economic interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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45 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Dioscorea Genus (Yam)—An Appraisal of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potentials

by Jude E. Obidiegwu, Jessica B. Lyons and Cynthia A. Chilaka

Foods 2020, 9(9), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091304 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 23060

Abstract

The quest for a food secure and safe world has led to continuous effort toward improvements of global food and health systems. While the developed countries seem to have these systems stabilized, some parts of the world still face enormous challenges. Yam ( [...] Read more.

The quest for a food secure and safe world has led to continuous effort toward improvements of global food and health systems. While the developed countries seem to have these systems stabilized, some parts of the world still face enormous challenges. Yam (Dioscorea species) is an orphan crop, widely distributed globally; and has contributed enormously to food security especially in sub-Saharan Africa because of its role in providing nutritional benefits and income. Additionally, yam has non-nutritional components called bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health benefits ranging from prevention to treatment of degenerative diseases. Pharmaceutical application of diosgenin and dioscorin, among other compounds isolated from yam, has shown more prospects recently. Despite the benefits embedded in yam, reports on the nutritional and therapeutic potentials of yam have been fragmented and the diversity within the genus has led to much confusion. An overview of the nutritional and health importance of yam will harness the crop to meet its potential towards combating hunger and malnutrition, while improving global health. This review makes a conscious attempt to provide an overview regarding the nutritional, bioactive compositions and therapeutic potentials of yam diversity. Insights on how to increase its utilization for a greater impact are elucidated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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9 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Fermentation of Foods and Beverages as a Tool for Increasing Availability of Bioactive Compounds. Focus on Short-Chain Fatty Acids

by Giuseppe Annunziata, Angela Arnone, Roberto Ciampaglia, Gian Carlo Tenore and Ettore Novellino

Foods 2020, 9(8), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9080999 - 25 Jul 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6076

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that fermentation, historically used for the preservation of perishable foods, may be considered as a useful tool for increasing the nutritional value of fermented products, in terms of increases in bioactive compound content, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as bacteria [...] Read more.

Emerging evidence suggests that fermentation, historically used for the preservation of perishable foods, may be considered as a useful tool for increasing the nutritional value of fermented products, in terms of increases in bioactive compound content, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as bacteria end-products, whose beneficial effects on human health are well-established. The purpose of the present manuscript is to summarize studies in this field, providing evidence about this novel potential of fermentation. A limited number of studies directly investigated the increased SCFA levels in fermented foods. All studies, however, agree in confirming that levels of SCFAs in fermented products are higher than in unfermented products, recognizing the key role played by the microorganisms in metabolizing food matrices, producing and releasing bioactive substances. According to the available literature, fermentation might be taken into account by the food industry as a natural strategy with no environmental impacts to produce functional foods and beverages with a higher nutritional value and health-promoting compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Effects)

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