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Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 30814

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Guest Editor
Department of Food Product Quality, Cracow University of Economics, Sienkiewicza 5, 30-033 Kraków, Poland
Interests: traditional, regional and organic foods; bioactive compounds in foods; enriched bakery products; food product development; food quality; food authentication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Food Technology and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-13355 Berlin, Germany
Interests: food proteins; secondary plant metabolites; compound stability and interactions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional foods are still gaining widespread consumer interest, mainly due to their beneficial effects on humans. Their action is primarily connected with the content of bioactive compounds. These compounds are mainly plant secondary metabolites (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids) applied to recipes as pan extracts or sometimes pure compounds. However, primary plant metabolites and sometimes compounds from animal sources (e.g., selected peptides, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids), as well as compounds from other sources such as single cells (e.g., yeasts, bacteria, algae) can be considered functional ingredients. Biologically active compounds demonstrate various positive physiological and immunological functions. Some act as antioxidant agents and thus can diminish the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Others stimulate defense mechanisms, prevent widespread damage or enhance cell repair. One of the limitations of the application of functional ingredients is their stability, but other main challenges include finding optimal concentrations and recipes.

This Special Issue of Molecules aims to bring together the latest knowledge, ideas, considerations, and overviews on bioactive compounds that can be found in functional foods. We will highly appreciate contributions related to the identification and roles of bioactive functional food constituents, as well as all aspects of the challenges mentioned above. Original research and review articles on the enhancement of foods with functional, biologically active ingredients are also welcome.

Dr. Michał Halagarda
Prof. Dr. Sascha Rohn
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • functional foods
  • biological activities
  • secondary metabolites
  • phytonutrients
  • nutraceuticals
  • new foods and formulations
  • bioactive potential
  • functional characterization
  • isolation of bioactives

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5162 KiB  
Article
Potato Resistant Starch Type 1 Promotes Obesity Linked with Modified Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
by Weiyue Zhang, Nana Zhang, Xinxin Guo, Bei Fan, Shumei Cheng and Fengzhong Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020370 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 934
Abstract
Obesity has become a major disease that endangers human health. Studies have shown that dietary interventions can reduce the prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Resistant starch (RS) exerts anti-obesity effects, alleviates metabolic syndrome, and maintains intestinal health. However, different RS types have different [...] Read more.
Obesity has become a major disease that endangers human health. Studies have shown that dietary interventions can reduce the prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Resistant starch (RS) exerts anti-obesity effects, alleviates metabolic syndrome, and maintains intestinal health. However, different RS types have different physical and chemical properties. Current research on RS has focused mainly on RS types 2, 3, and 4, with few studies on RS1. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of RS1 on obesity and gut microbiota structure in mice. In this study, we investigated the effect of potato RS type 1 (PRS1) on obesity and inflammation. Mouse weights, as well as their food intake, blood glucose, and lipid indexes, were assessed, and inflammatory factors were measured in the blood and tissues of the mice. We also analyzed the expression levels of related genes using PCR, with 16S rRNA sequencing used to study intestinal microbiota changes in the mice. Finally, the level of short-chain fatty acids was determined. The results indicated that PRS1 promoted host obesity and weight gain and increased blood glucose and inflammatory cytokine levels by altering the gut microbiota structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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12 pages, 2480 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Furfural on the Quality of Meads
by Paweł Sroka, Tomasz Tarko and Aleksandra Duda
Molecules 2024, 29(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010029 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Furfural is a naturally occurring compound in bee honey, classified as a fermentation inhibitor. The aim of this study was to ascertain the concentration of furfural in mead worts, prepared at room temperature (unsaturated) and heated to boiling for 10 to 70 min [...] Read more.
Furfural is a naturally occurring compound in bee honey, classified as a fermentation inhibitor. The aim of this study was to ascertain the concentration of furfural in mead worts, prepared at room temperature (unsaturated) and heated to boiling for 10 to 70 min (saturated), with an extract of 25 to 45°Brix. Moreover, the impact of the furfural on the fermentation course of mead wort was assessed. For this purpose, fermentation tests were conducted using mead wort (30°Brix) to which furfural was added at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 mg/L. HS-SPME-GC-TOF-MS analysis revealed that the furfural concentration in mead worts varied between 2.3 and 5.3 mg/L. In saturated worts, the concentration increased by 2.8 to 4.5 times. Acidification of mead wort prior to boiling led to further increase in furfural concentration. The greatest changes occurred in the least concentrated worts, having the lowest buffer capacity. The addition of furfural to the mead wort did not inhibit fermentation, and an increase in attenuation was observed in the samples containing 2 mg/L of furfural compared to the control. Throughout the fermentation most of the furfural was reduced to furfuryl alcohol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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14 pages, 1904 KiB  
Article
Malvidin and Its Mono- and Di-Glucosides Forms: A Study of Combining Both In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies Focused on Cholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, COX-1 and COX-2 Activities
by Paulina Strugała-Danak, Maciej Spiegel and Janina Gabrielska
Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7872; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28237872 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Malvidin, one of the six most prominent anthocyanins found in various fruits and vegetables, may possess a wide range of health-promoting properties. The biological activity of malvidin and its glycosides is not entirely clear and has been relatively less frequently studied compared to [...] Read more.
Malvidin, one of the six most prominent anthocyanins found in various fruits and vegetables, may possess a wide range of health-promoting properties. The biological activity of malvidin and its glycosides is not entirely clear and has been relatively less frequently studied compared to other anthocyanins. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the structural derivatives of malvidin and their anti-cholinergic and anti-inflammatory activity. The study selected malvidin (Mv) and its two sugar derivatives: malvidin 3-O-glucoside (Mv 3-glc) and malvidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (Mv 3,5-diglc). The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibiting the enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. Additionally, the inhibitory effects on cholinesterase activity, particularly acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), were evaluated. Molecular modeling was also employed to examine and visualize the interactions between enzymes and anthocyanins. The results revealed that the highest inhibitory capacity at concentration 100 µM was demonstrated by Mv 3-glc in relation to AChE (26.3 ± 3.1%) and BChE (22.1 ± 3.0%), highlighting the crucial role of the glycoside substituent at the C3 position of the C ring in determining the inhibitory efficiency of these enzymes. In addition, the glycosylation of malvidin significantly reduced the anti-inflammatory activity of these derivatives compared to the aglycone form. The IC50 parameter demonstrates the following relationship for the COX-1 enzyme: Mv (12.45 ± 0.70 µM) < Mv 3-glc (74.78 ± 0.06 µM) < Mv 3,5-diglc (90.36 ± 1.92 µM). Similarly, for the COX-2 enzyme, we have: Mv (2.76 ± 0.16 µM) < Mv 3-glc (39.92 ± 3.02 µM) < Mv 3.5-diglc (66.45 ± 1.93 µM). All tested forms of malvidin exhibited higher activity towards COX-2 compared to COX-1, indicating their selectivity as inhibitors of COX-2. Theoretical calculations were capable of qualitatively replicating most of the noted patterns in the experimental data, explaining the impact of deprotonation and glycosylation on inhibitory activity. It can be suggested that anthocyanins, such as malvidins, could be valuable in the development of treatments for inflammatory conditions and Alzheimer’s disease and deserve further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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9 pages, 448 KiB  
Article
Influence of Post-Harvest Processing on Functional Properties of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)
by Michał Halagarda and Paweł Obrok
Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7386; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217386 - 01 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, valued for its sensory properties as well as for its psychoactive effects that are associated with caffeine content. Nevertheless, coffee also contains antioxidant substances. Therefore, it can be considered a functional beverage. The aim [...] Read more.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, valued for its sensory properties as well as for its psychoactive effects that are associated with caffeine content. Nevertheless, coffee also contains antioxidant substances. Therefore, it can be considered a functional beverage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of four selected post-harvest coffee fruit treatments (natural, full washed, washed–extended fermentation, and anaerobic) on the antioxidant and psychoactive properties of Arabica coffee. Additionally, the impact of coffee processing on the selected quality parameters was checked. For this purpose, results for caffeine content, total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH assay, pH, titratable acidity, and water content were determined. The results show that natural and anaerobic processing allow the highest caffeine concentration to be retained. The selection of the processing method does not have a significant influence on the TPC or antiradical activity of coffee. The identified differences concerning water content and pH along with lack of significant discrepancies in titratable acidity may have an influence on the sensory profile of coffee. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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18 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Digestion Assessment (Standard vs. Older Adult Model) on Antioxidant Properties and Mineral Bioaccessibility of Fermented Dried Lentils and Quinoa
by Janaina Sánchez-García, Sara Muñoz-Pina, Jorge García-Hernández, Amparo Tárrega, Ana Heredia and Ana Andrés
Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7298; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217298 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 702
Abstract
The growing number of older adults necessitates tailored food options that accommodate the specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies linked with ageing. This study aims to investigate the influence of age-related digestive conditions in vitro on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility of [...] Read more.
The growing number of older adults necessitates tailored food options that accommodate the specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies linked with ageing. This study aims to investigate the influence of age-related digestive conditions in vitro on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility of minerals (Ca, Fe, and Mg) in two types of unfermented, fermented, and fermented dried quinoa and lentils. Solid-state fermentation, combined with drying at 70 °C, significantly boosted the total phenolic content in Castellana and Pardina lentils from 5.05 and 6.6 to 10.5 and 7.5 mg gallic acid/g dry weight, respectively, in the bioaccessible fraction following the standard digestion model, compared to the unfermented samples. The phenolic profile post-digestion revealed elevated levels of vanillic and caffeic acids in Castellana lentils, and vanillic acid in Pardina lentils, while caffeic acids in Castellana lentils were not detected in the bioaccessible fraction. The highest antioxidant potency composite index was observed in digested fermented dried Castellana lentils, with white quinoa samples exhibiting potency above 80%. Mineral bioaccessibility was greater in fermented and fermented dried samples compared to unfermented ones. Finally, the digestive changes that occur with ageing did not significantly affect mineral bioaccessibility, but compromised the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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23 pages, 2829 KiB  
Article
The Content of Bioactive Compounds and Technological Properties of Matcha Green Tea and Its Application in the Design of Functional Beverages
by Katarzyna Najman, Anna Sadowska, Monika Wolińska, Katarzyna Starczewska and Krzysztof Buczak
Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7018; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207018 - 10 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1751
Abstract
Matcha is a powdered green tea obtained from the Camellia sinensis L. plant intended for both “hot” and “cold” consumption. It is a rich source of bioactive ingredients, thanks to which it has strong antioxidant properties. In this research, an organoleptic evaluation was [...] Read more.
Matcha is a powdered green tea obtained from the Camellia sinensis L. plant intended for both “hot” and “cold” consumption. It is a rich source of bioactive ingredients, thanks to which it has strong antioxidant properties. In this research, an organoleptic evaluation was carried out, and the physical characteristics (i.e., instrumental color measurement (L*a*b*), water activity, water solubility index (WSI), water holding capacity (WHC) of 10 powdered Matcha green teas, and in the 2.5% Matcha water solutions, pH, °Brix and osmolality were tested. Also, the content of phenolic ingredients, i.e., selected phenolic acids, flavonoids and total polyphenols, was assessed. The content of chlorophyll, vitamin C and antioxidant potential were also examined. Matcha M-4 was used to design two functional model beverages, in the form of ready-to-use powdered drinks, consisting of Matcha green tea, protein preparations, inulin, maltodextrin and sugar. The obtained powdered drink, when dissolved in the preferred liquid (water, milk, juice), is regenerative, high-protein and rich in bioactive ingredients from the Matcha drink, with prebiotic properties derived from the added inulin. The beverage is also characterized by low osmolality. It can be recommended as a regenerating beverage for a wide group of consumers, athletes and people with deficiencies, among others protein, and elderly people, as well as in the prevention and supportive treatment of bone and joint tissue diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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15 pages, 3777 KiB  
Article
Extraction and Encapsulation of Phytocompounds of Poniol Fruit via Co-Crystallization: Physicochemical Properties and Characterization
by N. Afzal Ali, Kshirod Kumar Dash, Vinay Kumar Pandey, Anjali Tripathi, Shaikh Ayaz Mukarram, Endre Harsányi and Béla Kovács
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124764 - 14 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Poniol (Flacourtia jangomas) has beneficial health effects due to its high polyphenolic and good antioxidant activity content. This study aimed to encapsulate the Poniol fruit ethanolic extract to the sucrose matrix using the co-crystallization process and analyze the physicochemical properties of [...] Read more.
Poniol (Flacourtia jangomas) has beneficial health effects due to its high polyphenolic and good antioxidant activity content. This study aimed to encapsulate the Poniol fruit ethanolic extract to the sucrose matrix using the co-crystallization process and analyze the physicochemical properties of the co-crystalized product. The physicochemical property characterization of the sucrose co-crystallized with the Poniol extract (CC-PE) and the recrystallized sucrose (RC) samples was carried out through analyzing the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, loading capacity, entrapment yield, bulk and traped densities, hygroscopicity, solubilization time, flowability, DSC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The result revealed that the CC-PE product had a good entrapment yield (76.38%) and could retain the TPC (29.25 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant properties (65.10%) even after the co-crystallization process. Compared to the RC sample, the results also showed that the CC-PE had relatively higher flowability and bulk density, lower hygroscopicity, and solubilization time, which are desirable properties for a powder product. The SEM analysis showed that the CC-PE sample has cavities or pores in the sucrose cubic crystals, which proposed that the entrapment was better. The XRD, DSC, and FTIR analyses also showed no changes in the sucrose crystal structure, thermal properties, and functional group bonding structure, respectively. From the results, we can conclude that co-crystallization increased sucrose’s functional properties, and the co-crystallized product can be used as a carrier for phytochemical compounds. The CC-PE product with improved properties can also be utilized to develop nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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24 pages, 4529 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Pulsed Electric Field and Air Temperature on the Course of Hot-Air Drying and the Bioactive Compounds of Apple Tissue
by Agnieszka Ciurzynska, Magdalena Trusinska, Katarzyna Rybak, Artur Wiktor and Malgorzata Nowacka
Molecules 2023, 28(7), 2970; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28072970 - 27 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
Drying is one of the oldest methods of obtaining a product with a long shelf-life. Recently, this process has been modified and accelerated by the application of pulsed electric field (PEF); however, PEF pretreatment has an effect on different properties—physical as well as [...] Read more.
Drying is one of the oldest methods of obtaining a product with a long shelf-life. Recently, this process has been modified and accelerated by the application of pulsed electric field (PEF); however, PEF pretreatment has an effect on different properties—physical as well as chemical. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electric field pretreatment and air temperature on the course of hot air drying and selected chemical properties of the apple tissue of Gloster variety apples. The dried apple tissue samples were obtained using a combination of PEF pretreatment with electric field intensity levels of 1, 3.5, and 6 kJ/kg and subsequent hot air drying at 60, 70, and 80 °C. It was found that a higher pulsed electric field intensity facilitated the removal of water from the apple tissue while reducing the drying time. The study results showed that PEF pretreatment influenced the degradation of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The degradation of vitamin C was higher with an increase in PEF pretreatment intensity level. PEF pretreatment did not influence the total sugar and sorbitol contents of the dried apple tissue as well as the FTIR spectra. According to the optimization process and statistical profiles of approximated values, the optimal parameters to achieve high-quality dried apple tissue in a short drying time are PEF pretreatment application with an intensity of 3.5 kJ/kg and hot air drying at a temperature of 70 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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18 pages, 1066 KiB  
Article
Reduction of Nitrite in Canned Pork through the Application of Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Leaves Extract
by Karolina M. Wójciak, Karolina Ferysiuk, Paulina Kęska, Małgorzata Materska, Barbara Chilczuk, Monika Trząskowska, Marcin Kruk, Danuta Kołożyn-Krajewska and Rubén Domínguez
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041749 - 12 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Sodium nitrite is a multifunctional additive commonly used in the meat industry. However, this compound has carcinogenic potential, and its use should be limited. Therefore, in this study the possibility of reducing the amount of sodium(III) nitrite added to canned meat from 100 [...] Read more.
Sodium nitrite is a multifunctional additive commonly used in the meat industry. However, this compound has carcinogenic potential, and its use should be limited. Therefore, in this study the possibility of reducing the amount of sodium(III) nitrite added to canned meat from 100 to 50 mg/kg, while enriching it with freeze-dried blackcurrant leaf extract, was analyzed. The possibility of fortification of canned meat with blackcurrant leaf extract was confirmed. It contained significant amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoid derivatives. These compounds contributed to their antioxidant activity and their ability to inhibit the growth of selected Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, it was observed that among the three different tested doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) of the blackcurrant leaf extract, the addition of the highest dose allowed the preservation of the antioxidant properties of canned meat during 180 days of storage (4 °C). At the end of the storage period, this variant was characterized by antiradical activity against ABTS (at the level of 4.04 mgTrolox/mL) and the highest reducing capacity. The addition of 150 mg/kg of blackcurrant leaf extract caused a reduction in oxidative transformations of fat in meat products during the entire storage period, reaching a level of TBARS almost two times less than in the control sample. In addition, these products were generally characterized by stability (or slight fluctuations) of color parameters and good microbiological quality and did not contain N-nitrosamines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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14 pages, 2795 KiB  
Article
Peptides as Potentially Anticarcinogenic Agent from Functional Canned Meat Product with Willow Extract
by Karolina M. Wójciak, Paulina Kęska, Monika Prendecka-Wróbel and Karolina Ferysiuk
Molecules 2022, 27(20), 6936; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27206936 - 16 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1054
Abstract
The aim of the study was to demonstrate canned pork as a functional meat product due to the presence of potentially anti-cancer factors, e.g., (a) bioactive peptides with potential activity against cancer cells; (b) lowering the content of sodium nitrite and with willow [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to demonstrate canned pork as a functional meat product due to the presence of potentially anti-cancer factors, e.g., (a) bioactive peptides with potential activity against cancer cells; (b) lowering the content of sodium nitrite and with willow herb extract. In silico (for assessing the anticancer potential of peptides) and in vitro (antiproliferation activity on L-929 and CT-26 cell lines) analysis were performed, and the obtained results confirmed the bioactive potential against cancer of the prepared meat product. After 24 h of incubation with peptides obtained from meat product containing lyophilized herb extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, the viability of both tested cell lines was slightly decreased to about 80% and after 72 h to about 40%. On the other hand, after 72 h of incubation with the peptides obtained from the variant containing 1000 mg/kg of freeze-dried willow herb extract, the viability of intestinal cancer cells was decreased to about 40%, while, by comparison, the viability of normal cells was decreased to only about 70%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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11 pages, 1607 KiB  
Article
Optimization of the Ultrasound Operating Conditions for Extraction and Quantification of Fructooligosaccharides from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Refractive Index Detector
by Muhammad Abdul Rahim, Adeela Yasmin, Muhammad Imran, Mahr Un Nisa, Waseem Khalid, Tuba Esatbeyoglu and Sameh A. Korma
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6388; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196388 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1402
Abstract
Dietary interventions have captured the attention of nutritionists due to their health-promoting aspects, in addition to medications. In this connection, supplementation of nutraceuticals is considered as a rational approach to alleviating various metabolic disorders. Among novel strategies, prebiotic-supplemented foods are an encouraging trend [...] Read more.
Dietary interventions have captured the attention of nutritionists due to their health-promoting aspects, in addition to medications. In this connection, supplementation of nutraceuticals is considered as a rational approach to alleviating various metabolic disorders. Among novel strategies, prebiotic-supplemented foods are an encouraging trend in addressing the issue. In the present investigation, prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were extracted from garlic (Allium sativum L.) powder using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the independent sonication variables, i.e., extraction temperature (ET, 80, 90, and 100 °C), amplitude level (AL, 70, 80, and 90%) and sonication time (ST, 10, 15 and 20 min). The maximum FOS yield (6.23 ± 0.52%) was obtained at sonication conditions of ET (80 °C), AL (80%) and ST (10 min), while the minimum yield of FOS was obtained at high operating temperatures and time. The optimized FOS yield (7.19%) was obtained at ET (80 °C), AL (73%) and ST (15 min) after model validation. The influence of sonication parameters, i.e., ET, AL and ST, on FOS yield was evaluated by varying their coded levels from −1 to +1, respectively, for each independent variable. High-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detector (HPLC-RID) detection and quantification indicated that sucrose was present in high amounts (2.06 ± 0.10 g/100 g) followed by fructose and glucose. Total FOS fractions which included nystose present in maximum concentration (526 ± 14.7 mg/100 g), followed by 1-kestose (428 ± 19.5 mg/100 g) and fructosylnystoses (195 ± 6.89 mg/100 g). Conclusively, garlic is a good source of potential prebiotics FOS and they can be extracted using optimized sonication parameters using ultrasound-assisted techniques with maximum yield percentage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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Review

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18 pages, 3148 KiB  
Review
Phytochemical Properties, Extraction, and Pharmacological Benefits of Naringin: A Review
by VS Shilpa, Rafeeya Shams, Kshirod Kumar Dash, Vinay Kumar Pandey, Aamir Hussain Dar, Shaikh Ayaz Mukarram, Endre Harsányi and Béla Kovács
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5623; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155623 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4100
Abstract
This review describes the various innovative approaches implemented for naringin extraction as well as the recent developments in the field. Naringin was assessed in terms of its structure, chemical composition, and potential food sources. How naringin works pharmacologically was discussed, including its potential [...] Read more.
This review describes the various innovative approaches implemented for naringin extraction as well as the recent developments in the field. Naringin was assessed in terms of its structure, chemical composition, and potential food sources. How naringin works pharmacologically was discussed, including its potential as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective substance. Citrus flavonoids are crucial herbal additives that have a huge spectrum of organic activities. Naringin is a nutritional flavanone glycoside that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a few chronic disorders associated with ageing. Citrus fruits contain a common flavone glycoside that has specific pharmacological and biological properties. Naringin, a flavone glycoside with a range of intriguing characteristics, is abundant in citrus fruits. Naringin has been shown to have a variety of biological, medicinal, and pharmacological effects. Naringin is hydrolyzed into rhamnose and prunin by the naringinase, which also possesses l-rhamnosidase activity. D-glucosidase subsequently catalyzes the hydrolysis of prunin into glucose and naringenin. Naringin is known for having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor-fighting effects. Numerous test animals and cell lines have been used to correlate naringin exposure to asthma, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and osteoporosis. This study focused on the many documented actions of naringin in in-vitro and in-vivo experimental and preclinical investigations, as well as its prospective therapeutic advantages, utilizing the information that is presently accessible in the literature. In addition to its pharmacokinetic characteristics, naringin’s structure, distribution, different extraction methods, and potential use in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and animal feed sectors were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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18 pages, 1689 KiB  
Review
Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Different Vegetable Sprouts and Their Potential Role in the Formulation of Functional Foods against Various Disorders: A Literature-Based Review
by Afifa Aziz, Sana Noreen, Waseem Khalid, Fizza Mubarik, Madiha khan Niazi, Hyrije Koraqi, Anwar Ali, Clara Mariana Gonçalves Lima, Wafa S. Alansari, Areej A. Eskandrani, Ghalia Shamlan and Ammar AL-Farga
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7320; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217320 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2857
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the advantages of vegetable sprouts in the development of food products as well as their beneficial effects on a variety of disorders. Sprouts are obtained from different types of plants and seeds and various types of leafy, root, [...] Read more.
In this review, we discuss the advantages of vegetable sprouts in the development of food products as well as their beneficial effects on a variety of disorders. Sprouts are obtained from different types of plants and seeds and various types of leafy, root, and shoot vegetables. Vegetable sprouts are enriched in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins. Currently, different conventional methods and advanced technologies are used to extract bioactive compounds from vegetable sprouts. Due to some issues in traditional methods, increasingly, the trend is to use recent technologies because the results are better. Applications of phytonutrients extracted from sprouts are finding increased utility for food processing and shelf-life enhancement. Vegetable sprouts are being used in the preparation of different functional food products such as juices, bread, and biscuits. Previous research has shown that vegetable sprouts can help to fight a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, in the future, more research is needed that explores the extraordinary ways in which vegetable sprouts can be incorporated into green-food processing and preservation for the purpose of enhancing shelf-life and the formation of functional meat products and substitutes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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40 pages, 2067 KiB  
Review
Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review
by Nawal K. Z. AlFadhly, Nawfal Alhelfi, Ammar B. Altemimi, Deepak Kumar Verma, Francesco Cacciola and Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5584; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175584 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10394
Abstract
Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae (BGA) that is multicellular, filamentous, and prokaryotic. It is also known as a cyanobacterium. It is classified within the phylum known as blue-green algae. Despite the fact that it includes a high concentration of nutrients, such [...] Read more.
Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae (BGA) that is multicellular, filamentous, and prokaryotic. It is also known as a cyanobacterium. It is classified within the phylum known as blue-green algae. Despite the fact that it includes a high concentration of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids—in particular, the necessary omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids—the percentage of total fat and cholesterol that can be found in these algae is substantially lower when compared to other food sources. This is the case even if the percentage of total fat that can be found in these algae is also significantly lower. In addition to this, spirulina has a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as phenols, phycocyanin pigment, and polysaccharides, which all take part in a number of biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As a result of this, spirulina has found its way into the formulation of a great number of medicinal foods, functional foods, and nutritional supplements. Therefore, this article makes an effort to shed light on spirulina, its nutritional value as a result of its chemical composition, and its applications to some food product formulations, such as dairy products, snacks, cookies, and pasta, that are necessary at an industrial level in the food industry all over the world. In addition, this article supports the idea of incorporating it into the food sector, both from a nutritional and health perspective, as it offers numerous advantages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods)
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