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Distiller's grains, byproducts of the brewing process, represent a valuable resource for extracting natural phenolic compounds due to their significant global production. This study presents the first evidence of the protective effects of Moutai distiller's grain polyphenol extract (MDGP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. These protective effects manifest predominantly through the amelioration of general colitis indices and histopathological improvements. Utilizing liquid chromatography-high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HR-ESI-MS), the main components of MDGP were identified as rutin, quercetin, naringenin, and dihydroquercetin. Moreover, a novel mechanism was elucidated by which rutin, the primary active component of MDGP, alleviates DSS-induced colitis. Assessment of intestinal barrier function, microbial sequencing, fecal transplantation, and antibiotic depletion experiments revealed that rutin suppresses the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Klebsiella, and Veillonella) while promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Ruminococcus_torques_group, Lachnoclostridium, and norank_f__Muribaculaceae). This modulation culminates in elevated butyric acid concentrations within short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amplified integrity of tight (ZO-1, occludin) and adherent (E-cadherin, β-catenin) junctional complexes, fortified intestinal barrier function, and diminished intestinal inflammation.This investigation accentuates the innovative therapeutic potential of MDGP and its main active component, rutin, in assuaging DSS-induced intestinal inflammation and fortifying the intestinal barrier through a mechanism predominantly mediated by the intestinal microbiota. Such insights potentially elevate the prominence of distiller's grains in the realm of functional food development.

Armillariella tabescens is a traditional Chinese medicinal and edible fungus which holds importance for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of A. tabescens (AME) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC). The results showed that AME significantly attenuated UC symptoms, suppressed the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), decreased the levels of LPS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and increased the level of IL-10 in serum. Besides, AME could improve the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1. Moreover, AME inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways in colon tissue. In addition, eight compounds were identification in AME by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-high resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Therefore, this study indicated that AME was potential to be further developed into a suitable functional food additive or promising therapeutic agent for UC treatment.

A new peroxide of xanthone (1), together with five analogues (2–6), was obtained from horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalysed biotransformation of α-mangostin. In order to increase the yield of compound 1, the environmental pH was succinctly adjusted, and as a result, compound 1 was formed with considerable selectivity. The anticancer potential of compound 1, a pentacyclic xanthone with a 1,2-dioxolane ring, was investigated due to its potent cytotoxic activity. The results showed that apoptosis induced by compound 1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell was associated with activation of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). In summary, compound 1 with a peroxide group was biosynthesized in considerable yield through pH-switched biotransformation catalysed by HRP, which could be further developed as a promising candidate in the treatment of liver cancer.

Genus Alpinia consists of over 250 species, which are widely distributed in south and southeast Asia. Many plants of genus Alpinia have been used for thousands of years to treat digestive system diseases and as anti-inflammatory drugs. Phytochemical research on this genus has led to the isolation of different kinds of diarylheptanoids, terpenes triterpenoids, phenylbutanoids, lignans, and flavonoids. Experimental evidences revealed that both the crude extracts and pure constituents isolated from the genus Alpinia exhibit a wide range of bioactivities such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cardiovascular, and digestive system protective effects. Here, we summarize the phytochemistry and pharmacology investigation of the genus Alpinia, which can provide reference for further research and drug development.

Water spinach (I. aquatica) is one of the common green leafy vegetables used in Asia. In a continuing chemical investigation on the cytotoxic resin glycosides from water spinach, eight new resin glycosides, Aquaterins XII–XIX (1–8), were isolated, among which 1, 2 and 4 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities. To further characterise the anticancer potential of the resin glycosides from water spinach, Aquaterin II obtained previously was investigated on HepG2 cells. The results showed that Aquaterin II induced G0/G1 arrest regulated by related proteins CDK4/6, cyclin D/E and p21, and caused mitochondria-mediated apoptosis featured by MMP decrease, ROS accumulation, caspase cascade activation and Bax/Bcl-2 alteration. Additionally, the suppression on PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was observed, suggesting that it participated in the Aquaterin II-induced cell growth inhibition. Our results are the first to demonstrate the antiproliferative mechanism of resin glycosides. This investigation also advanced the potential application of water spinach as a functional food.