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Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.), a Himalayan bioresource, has garnered considerable scientific and industrial interest due to the presence of numerous bioactive metabolites and extensive biological activities. However, O. sinensis demand and supply are extremely dependent on natural populations, raising conservation concerns. In the preceding years, numerous biotechnological interventions have been adopted for the artificial cultivation of O. sinensis to develop alternative and sustainable methods for reducing the stress on its natural populations; however, the cultivation of O. sinensis is limited. Literature exploration revealed that H. sinensis and other associated fungi have been utilized to cope with the increased O. sinensis demand. Additionally, O. sinensis culture-based products are being extensively used in various therapeutics and dietary supplements. Thus, the present article offers comprehensive insights into the current literature, research gaps, and future prospects on cultivation techniques with enriched bioactive metabolites for developing potential quality products of O. sinensis. In addition, a catalog of commercially available O. sinensis mycelial products is provided. Besides, we are highlighting the nutritional potential of O. sinensis with emphasis on patent search, available market products, and their labeling for end users. During the product assessment, a non-uniformity of the product labeling is observed as far as the bioactive components are concerned. Thus, it emerged as a major challenge and responsibility for manufacturers to produce high-quality products to meet the expectations of consumers. Keeping in view the demand, the nutraceutical industry must implement policies, regulations, and proper tactics of promotion and production for delivering apt nutrition and health benefits. [Display omitted] • Heavy metals accumulation in wild OS encourages cultured market products. • Non-invasive production methods can be employed for metabolite enhancement. • Majority of market products are devoid of active ingredients. • Bioactive metabolites, bioavailability, and authenticity must be prime requisites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are natural compounds that act as antioxidants and pigments and are produced by plants in response to stress and various environmental conditions. Anthocyanin-rich diets protect against many chronic diseases, a wide range of tumors, and inflammatory diseases. The common tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) can synthetize anthocyanins only in the green parts of the plant, but not in the fruit. Recent studies have shown that through genetic engineering and breeding it is possible to re-establish the synthesis of anthocyanins in the fruit. The first purple genetically modified tomatoes were first approved for sale in the USA in 2022. Tomato breeding has led to the development of non-genetically modified (GMO) purple tomatoes by exploiting wild relatives of S. lycopersicum. They contain anthocyanins in the fruit epicarp and have a higher antioxidant power than red tomatoes. They represent a novel nutraceutical food and can be sold in the EU. Over the past decade, progress has been made in the characterization of anthocyanin synthesis in fruits of plants belonging to the tomato clade. The genomic elements underlying the activation of the process were identified, providing the basis for understanding how the pathway works in these species. In this review we explore the genetic mechanisms that have been characterized to date, and detail the various wild relatives of the tomato, which have been crucial for recovering ancestral traits that were probably lost during evolution from green-purple to yellow and red tomatoes. This knowledge should help developing strategies to further enhance the status of the commercial tomato lines on sale, based on both genome editing and breeding techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobularia maritima (syn. Alyssum maritimum), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is an annual and sometimes perennial plant growing in the Mediterranean regions of Europe. This halophyte is commonly found by the sea (in rocky and sandy locations), and it charms its viewers with abundant flowering from September to June. This review summarizes and discusses the recently published data on L. maritima , including various aspects of its biological properties and uses. In particular, its phytochemical composition and biological activities, including the results of clinical studies, are reviewed. Additionally, industrial applications of the plant in various sectors, such as cosmetics, foods or pharmaceuticals, have been evaluated and reported to underline the significance of the plant. Finally, its uses in phytoremediation and in the production of meat as a bio-preservative sustaining its functional and nutritional qualities are summarized. The above properties result from the inherent features of the plant that are due to environmental stress tolerance genes, secondary metabolites, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory components. [Display omitted] • This review focuses on the advances in applications of L. maritima. • The pharmacological potential of L. maritima is related to secondary metabolites. • L. maritima has potential to treat oxidative stress-related health problems. • L. maritima : eco-friendly tool for remediation programs. • L. maritima phytometabolites provide an alternative for meat preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids are highly valued for their therapeutic properties. Malaxis acuminata (vernacular name: Jeevak), is a vanishing orchid that has mystical healing potential. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectroscopy was employed to conduct elemental analysis of this orchid plant. Elements Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si), Sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl), Aluminium (Al), Iron (Fe), Ruthenium (Ru), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Rubidium (Rb), Titanium (Ti), Copper (Cu), Strontium (Sr), and Nickel (Ni) are documented quantitatively and qualitatively. These elements are pivotal in shaping the plant's medicinal potential. Likewise, a multitude of organic molecules within the plant exhibit therapeutic potential. Stigmasterol is one such molecule, esteemed for its remarkable properties and a spectrum of health benefits. The present investigation additionally encompassed the establishment and validation of a methodology for the precise quantification of stigmasterol within the petroleum ether extract, utilizing high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The bioactive compound was isolated through the utilization of a specific mobile phase of toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol (8:1.5:0.5, v/v/v), and an optimal wavelength of 580 nanometers was ascertained. Validation of this method was conducted by the guidelines established by the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH). The calibration range for the stigmasterol was established to span from 400 to 3600 micrograms per spot (μg/spot). The Rf (retention factor) value for the separation of stigmasterol was determined to be 0.56 ± 0.04. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were established at 15.954 nanograms per spot (ng/spot) and 48.344 ng/spot, respectively. Linearity (r2 0.999), accuracy (98.14– 99.21 %), and RSD of precision (1.953–2.984). specificity and robustness were evaluated by ICH guidelines. The stigmasterol content was 634.6 ± 3.28 μg/ml, which demonstrates promising results. This method exhibits substantial applicability in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food, and health-related sectors. [Display omitted] • Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Silicone, Sulphur, Chlorine, Aluminium, Iron, Ruthenium, Manganese, Zinc, Rubidium, Titanium, Copper, Strontium, and Nickel were identified in M. acuminata through wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WD-XRF). • Method development and validation (ICH) were performed to estimate the concentration of stigmasterol using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). • The calibration range for the bioactive compound was determined to be 400–3600 μg/spot, RF value was 0.56 ± 0.04, LOD and LOQ were found to be 15.954 ng/spot and 48.344 ng/spot, respectively. • The developed HPTLC method exhibited excellent linearity (r2 = 0.999), accuracy (98.14–99.21 %), and precision (RSD = 1.953–2.984). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has become a growing concern for modern society. Recently, various bioactive compounds (bioactives) are shown to have a diversity of health-beneficial impacts on a wide range of disorders. But the application of these bioactives in food and pharmaceutical formulations is limited due to their poor water solubility and low bioaccessibility/bioavailability. Plant proteins are green alternatives for designing biopolymeric nanoparticles as appropriate nanocarriers thanks to their amphiphilic nature compatible with many bioactives and unique functional properties. Recently, emerging plant proteins (EPPs) are employed as nanocarriers for protection and targeted delivery of bioactives and also improving their stability and shelf-life. EPPs could enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactives by different types of delivery systems. In addition, the use of EPPs in combination with other biopolymers like polysaccharides was found to make a favorable wall material for food bioactives. This review article covers the various sources and importance of EPPs along with different encapsulation techniques of bioactives. Characterization of EPPs for encapsulation is also investigated. Furthermore, the focus is on the application of EPPs as nanocarriers for food bioactives. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the demand for meat-free food has increased for health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons. Thus, research on the value of vegetable compounds as beneficial agents for human health has gained much attention. In particular, great interest has been shown in protein hydrolysation since this food technology facilitates the release of encrypted peptides with biological activities. In this sense, during the last 10 years, the biological activities of Lupinus spp. protein hydrolysates (LPHs) have been extensively studied. The aim of this review is to address all studies (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) in which the biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.) of LPHs were described, both the whole hydrolysate and the derived peptides. Moreover, the physicochemical characteristics of LPH peptides are evaluated, and challenges and future perspectives for their fast application have been discussed. LPHs exert many important biological effects in both the in vitro and in vivo systems. The main activities of LPHs described are antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic. These findings point to LPHs as a possible new nutraceutical for human health, capable of preventing or treating some chronic diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Finally, the development of a new generation of nanonutraceuticals to improve the metabolic stability and bioactivity of LPHs has been discussed. [Display omitted] • Lupin protein hydrolysates (LPHs) act on the antioxidant and immune response. • LPHs possess hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects. • LPHs regulate cholesterol metabolism. • LPHs reduce anxiety and osteoclastogenesis. • LPHs-based nano-nutraceuticals synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are nutraceutical polyphenols highly represented in natural sources, including artichoke waste (AW). In this study a colorimetric method for rapid and sustainable detection of a 5-CQA isomer (Chlorogenic acid) in AW extract was developed by using alkaline Tris buffer (10 mmol L−1, pH 9) to generate a yellow color associated with 5- to 3-CQA isomerization reaction, as suggested by NMR and MS analyses. The strong absorbance at 360 nm was followed by standard UV–Vis methodology. The colorimetric assay was exploited for detection of 5-CQA into leaf extract from artichoke, obtaining a value of 15.2 ± 0.3 μg/mg of dry extract, in agreement with HPLC analysis (14.3 ± 0.7 μg/mg, 106 ± 2 % recovery) used as validation technique, with excellent linear correlation and precision (R2 = 0.9996, av RSD% = 3.2 %). The method is fast and selective, offering a valuable tool for nutraceuticals identification and food waste valorization. [Display omitted] • Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are phenolic plant metabolites abundant in artichokes. • 5-CQA and 1,5-CQA solutions give yellow color in Tris buffer 10 mM at pH 9. • A selective colorimetric assay allows the determination of CQAs in artichoke waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin aging, often called as premature skin aging, is the hastened deterioration of the skin resulting from multiple factors, including UV radiation, environmental contaminants, inadequate nutrition, stress, etc. Dietary phytochemicals, present in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-derived meals, have gained interest due to their efficiency to eradicate free radicals and lowering the release of inflammatory mediators which accounts for premature skin aging. Several dietary phytochemicals, i.e. , carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, phytosterols, etc. , exhibited potential anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, suppression of UV damage, and promote collagen synthesis. In addition, dietary phytochemicals include sulfur, present in various foods safeguard the skin against oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, this article delves into the comprehension of various dietary phytochemicals investigated to alleviate the premature skin aging. The article further highlights specific phytochemicals and their sources, bioavailability, mechanisms, etc. , in the context of safeguarding the skin against oxidative stress and inflammation. The present manuscript is a systematic comprehension of the available literature on dietary phytochemicals and skin aging in various database, i.e. , PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar using the keywords, i.e. , "dietary phytochemicals", "nutraceuticals", "skin aging" etc. , via Boolean operator, i.e. , "AND". The dietary guidelines presented in the manuscript is a unique summarization for a broad reader to understand the inclusion of various functional foods, nutrients, supplements, etc. , to prevent premature skin aging. Thus, the utilization of dietary phytochemicals has shown a promising avenue in preventing skin aging, however, the future perspectives and challenges of such phytochemicals should be comprehended via clinical investigations. [Display omitted] • Systematically presents data on dietary phytochemicals and premature skin aging from 1995 to 2024. • Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor & Francis). • Inclusion criteria: Dietary phytochemicals, skin anti-aging, preclinical and clinical trials on pharmacological evaluation. The studies on antiaging having n = 6 were included. • Exclusion criteria: Nonavailability of full text of manuscript and in languages other than English were excluded in the review. • Emphasizes the significance of phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based meals in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammatory mediators linked to premature aging of skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsion-templated oleogels can be used to produce healthy solid fat alternatives. Typically, the physicochemical characteristics of these oleogels are tuned by varying the oleogelator concentration. In this study, an innovative approach was developed that involved adjusting the water content in the emulsion. In addition, the impact of the method used to remove the water was investigated, including hot air drying and freeze drying. The oleogels were formulated using a fixed type and amount of oil (soybean oil) and oleogelator (octenyl succinic anhydride starch-chitosan complexes). Oleogels produced from emulsions containing a lower water content had greater stability, higher viscoelasticity, and better structural recovery, which was mainly due to the tight packing of the oil droplets. Furthermore, the lipid oxidation of the oleogels, as well as the levels of tocopherol and total phenols present, were negatively correlated with the quantity of water present. Oleogels prepared using hot air drying exhibited higher viscoelasticity and better structural recovery than those prepared using freeze drying, although their thermal stability was inferior. Overall, different physicochemical properties could be obtained by controlling water addition and removal, which means their properties could be tailored for different applications. [Display omitted] • The oleogel properties can be tuned by the water content in the emulsion. • The water evaporation method also determined the properties of the oleogel. • A lower water content had greater stability and higher viscoelasticity. • Oleogels prepared using hot air drying exhibited higher viscoelasticity. • Oleogels prepared using freeze drying exhibited higher thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of seaweed based pharmaceutical products has drastically increased in the past decade. Chaetomorpha linum (Chlorophyta) extract has been described to have a high level of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, however it is unknown how growth conditions, specifically the ionic profile of its culture media, may impact C. linum's biochemical profile. This study tested growth, antioxidant activity, chlorophyll and mineral profile following culture in a 2 × 2 factorial methodology, with water type (inland saline water [ISW] or ocean water [OW]) and nutrient enrichment (nitrate and phosphate) as co-factors. C. linum was cultivated for 20 days outdoors and fresh weight was recorded every five days. On day 10, 50 g of seaweed was harvested, and mineral analysis and ultrasound-assisted extraction were performed. Extracts were tested for antioxidant activity and chlorophyll content. Antioxidant activity was not significantly different across treatments in ferric reducing antioxidant potential and total phenolic content assays, though specific growth rate was lower in ISW than OW treatments. Calcium content (mg.g−1 d.b.) was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) in ISW than OW. This study found that short-term growth of C. linum in ISW can increase calcium content while maintaining the efficacy of its bioactive profile, presenting a new method for producing a mineral rich food or health supplement for human consumption. [Display omitted] • C. linum has similar antioxidant activity after growth in inland saline water and ocean water. • Ca2+ likely used for internal cell water regulation as alternative to K+. • Growth rate and chlorophyll content of C. linum is dependent on nutrient supplementation. • C. linum antioxidants have a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity and are biologically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates bioactive compounds in apple pomace (AP) obtained from Malus domestica varieties Granny Smith and Cripps Pink, emphasizing its potential for developing high-added-value products from industrial surplus. Regarding its chemical characterization, AP stood out for its high concentration of dietary fibers (7.1g/100g fw), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), α-tocopherol (0.64 mg/100g fw), and phenolic compounds. Regarding these last, the profile obtained by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification of 23 phenolic compounds, with higher concentrations of quercetin and flavonoids in pomace than whole apples. Moreover, concerning evaluating AP bioactivity through in vitro methods, the analyzed AP samples, with seeds and stems (APSS) and without (APA), exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, particularly in the OxHLIA test, preserving erythrocyte integrity. Additionally, the pomace demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Yersinia enterocolitica , Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli , with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 mg/mL. Finally, no cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory effects were observed, as GI 50 values exceeded 400 μg/mL (maximum tested concentration). These findings highlight apple pomace as a rich source of bioactive compounds, promoting its valorization in food safety and preservation while encouraging sustainable practices utilizing industrial bio-residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of algae as a human food supplement has a long history. Nevertheless, it has gained significant attention in recent years. The last few years have seen a considerable rise in the use of algae in food products due to regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration recognizing that algae are both safe and nutritious. Antioxidants, proteins, essential fatty acids, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals are rich in these aquatic species, making them nutritional powerhouses. Due to their extraordinary nutritional profile, the algae have become a highly sought-after ingredient in producing a wide range of food products. This has increased commercial interest in cultivating algae on a large scale. This manuscript reviews the nutritional properties of commercially available algae-fortified food products, emphasizing the growing interest in algae cultivation driven by its rich nutritional benefits. It systematically explores potential applications of algal natural extracts as antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and therapeutic agents that could strengthen human immunity against pathogens. Additionally, it addresses the techno-economic aspects of algae-based nutritional supplements, aligning with nutraceutical safety regulations. The study further examines the production of value-added bioproducts from algae, highlighting the role of algae-fortified foods in the nutraceutical sector and future opportunities. This information is valuable to researchers, biotechnologists, food chemists, and environmentalists in advancing sustainable, nutraceutical-rich food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado oil boasts a compelling nutritional profile characterized by a richness of unsaturated fatty acids and key lipophilic compounds. This study aimed to explore the potential of avocado oil in obesity-related metabolic processes and immune responses modulation in in vitro cellular models. Results obtained unveiled avocado oil capacity to effectively regulate triglyceride accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, showcasing a remarkable five-fold increase in adipolysis rate at 15 mg/mL, and an increase in glucose uptake in insulin-stimulated cells. Furthermore, avocado oil exhibited significant immunomodulatory effects in IL-1β-stimulated Caco-2 cells, as it reduced IL-6 (by 11%) and IL-8 (by 12%) production at 10 mg/mL, while only a marginal uptick in TNF-α secretion was observed at the same concentration. These findings underscore the potential of avocado oil to be a beneficial component in functional foods and nutraceuticals targeted at obesity management. • Avocado oil showed a high cellular antioxidant capacity. • Avocado oil enhances the rate of lipolysis. • Avocado oil promotes increased glucose uptake under insulin stimulation. • Avocado oil effectively modulates immune response in gut cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Chemotherapy in the management of cancer is constrained by limitations like off-target effects, poor bioavailability, and dose-dependent toxicity. Nutraceuticals have been explored as an innovative strategy to overcome chemotherapy drawbacks. However, the clinical utility of nutraceuticals is restricted due to their complex structures, less water solubility, reduced stability, decreased bioavailability and more obstacles in the gastrointestinal tract. Nanonutraceuticals are nanosized nutraceutical particles having enhanced solubility, improved bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery to specific cells. Nutraceuticals can be co-delivered with other chemotherapeutic drugs in nanocarriers to elicit synergistic effects. The targeting of nutraceuticals against cancer cells can be enabled by coupling ligands with the nanocarriers, which direct to the overexpressed receptors found at the surface of the cancer cells. Transitioning a nanonutraceutical from pre-clinical research to clinical trials is a pivotal step. This focus on advancing their application holds great potential for impacting clinical research and improving the treatment landscape for cancer patients. This review focuses on the role of nutraceuticals for cancer treatment, various nanocarriers for the efficient delivery of nutraceuticals along with co-administration of nutraceuticals with chemotherapeutic drugs using nanocarriers. Also, emphasize the targeting of ligands coupled nanocarriers to the cancer cells along with patents and clinical trials for nanonutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a positively charged iron-binding glycoprotein that has piqued the scientific community's interest due to its pleiotropic behavior, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. This narrative review explores the current understanding of Lf's role in cancer, focusing on the endogenously expressed human full-length and ΔLf isoforms, and the effects of treatment with exogenous human and bovine Lf. We evaluated and compared the mechanisms by which Lf influences tumorigenesis and cancer progression, focusing on its impact on key processes such as cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell migration, and invasiveness. Notably, the mechanisms of action of human and bovine Lf show some divergences, presumably due to slight structural differences that may lead to opposing effects. Insights from this comparison may help identify new Lf variants with enhanced anticancer activity. Indeed, both human and bovine Lf showed substantial anticancer activity, prompting researchers to investigate their potential utility in cancer prevention and progression. However, some studies have indicated that high levels of human Lf expression may be linked to increased carcinogenesis and metastasis, reflecting its intricate and context-dependent role in cancer. Thus, we emphasize the need for a deeper comprehension of Lf biology and its regulation to enhance understanding of Lf's role in cancer and identify more targeted therapeutic strategies, encouraging further research in this area. [Display omitted] • Lactoferrin (Lf) is a cationic glycoprotein with various functions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer. • Lf influences various cancer-related processes such as cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell migration. • Studies showed strong anticancer activity for both human and bovine lactoferrin. • Reports suggest high human Lf expression may promote carcinogenesis and metastasis highlighting its controversial role. • Understanding Lf's role in cancer and its mechanisms is crucial to assess its potential in prevention, progression, and therapy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, prostate cancer is diagnosed in millions of men. The androgen receptor's (AR) unchecked activation is crucial in causing the development and progression of prostate cancer. Second-generation anti-androgen therapies, which primarily focus on targeting the Ligand Binding Domain (LBD) of AR, are effective for most patients. However, the adverse effects pose significant challenges in managing the disease. Furthermore, genetic mutations or the emergence of AR splice variants create an even more complex tumor environment, fostering resistance to these treatments. Natural compounds and their analogs, while showing a lower toxicity profile and a potential for selective AR splice variants inhibition, are constrained by their bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, recent breakthroughs in using natural derivatives to target AR and its splice variants have shown promise in treating chemoresistant castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This review will discuss the role of AR variants, particularly androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7), in CRPC and investigate the latest findings on how natural compounds and their derivatives target AR and AR splice variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation has been associated with cognitive decline, whether in the peripheral or central nervous systems. The primary mechanism involves the response of microglia, an immune cell in the brain, which generates pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. The excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators may accelerate the damage to neurons, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and vascular dementia, as well as a general decline in cognitive function. Various studies have supported the correlation between elevated pro-inflammatory mediators and a decline in cognitive function, particularly in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, this association has also been observed in other inflammatory-related conditions, including post-operative cognitive impairment, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and cancer. However, the interaction between inflammatory processes and cognitive function in humans remains unclear and varies according to different health conditions. Therefore, this review aims to consolidate and evaluate the available evidence from original studies as well as meta-analyses in order to provide a greater understanding of the inflammatory process in connection with cognitive function in humans. Furthermore, relevant biological cellular processes, putative inflammatory biomarkers, and the role of nutraceuticals on the interaction between cognitive performance and inflammatory status are outlined. • Acute and chronic low-grade inflammation may impair cognitive performance. • Higher blood c-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels are associated with cognitive decline. • Peripheral inflammation induces neuroinflammation by disrupting the blood-brain barrier. • Activation of NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways may play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • TG nuts contain various bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects. • Sciadonic acid in TG nut oil contribute to significant health benefits. • Processed TG nuts can be incorporated into various food products. • TG nuts by-products can be repurposed to extract valuable bioactive compounds. Torreya grandis (TG) nuts are highly valued for their rich content of bioactive compounds including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals, credited with numerous health benefits. In addition to their use in various culinary applications, such as baked goods and snacks, TG nuts are valuable source of high-quality oil rich in ω-3 and ω-6 unsaturated fatty acids, which has been shown to have anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetes effects. Besides, the byproducts from TG nuts processing, like the fruit aril and oil cake, are valuable sources of essential oils and proteins, respectively, with notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Despite their nutrient profile and health promoting effects, TG nuts and their processing byproducts have received limited attention, hindering their wider use in food and medicinal applications. This review aims to bring attention to TG nuts by highlighting their nutritional and health benefits, and exploring their potential novel applications in the food sector. Research gaps were outlined to guide future research and products development. TG nuts hold great potential as functional foods and their byproducts like the aril could be repurposed for essential oil extraction, suitable for application in food flavoring and antimicrobial packaging. However, broader application of TG nuts and their byproducts in the food industry remain limited, and research regarding their nutrients profile is not comprehensive. Additionally, the bioactive compounds linked to their health benefits have not been properly identified, highlighting the need for further studies to explore their full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are important naturally occurring flavyliums with antioxidant activity produced by many plant species. In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of anthocyanin extracts as nutraceutical supplements, and as additives for dried food formulations and smart packaging. While many studies have reported on the stability of anthocyanins in solution, there is limited information about their stability in the solid state, which is important for the aforementioned applications. Herein, we investigated the solid-state stability of a common anthocyanin, kuromanin chloride (KC), and its saccharide-free (aglycone) anthocyanidin derivative, cyanidin chloride (CC), under a range of storage conditions. Samples were analysed periodically via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess the percentage degradation. In the absence of light, KC and CC were found to be stable under atmospheric conditions at 22 °C (40 % relative humidity (RH)), but gradually degraded at elevated temperatures and humidity (e.g., 37 °C, 80 % RH) with a reduction by 30 % after 18 days. In contrast, KC and CC stored under argon or oxygen in the dark at 37 °C were completely stable. KC and CC exposed to white light at 22 °C displayed significant degradation after 18 d (∼40 and 60 %, respectively), regardless of whether exposed to the atmosphere, argon or oxygen. These results indicate that when stored in the solid state, anthocyanins are highly photosensitive and susceptible to hydrolytic degradation at elevated temperatures in the presence of moisture when stored in the dark. • The solid state-stability of anthocyanins was studied to inform storage conditions. • In the dark, anthocyanins were stable under standard atmospheric conditions. • Exposure to visible light under argon resulted in direct photochemical degradation. • Upon irradiation in the presence oxygen, photooxidative processes dominated. • Protection from light is critical for packaging and storage of anthocyanins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer prevails as one of the major health concerns worldwide due to the consistent rise in incidence and lack of effective therapies. Previous studies identified the peptides KLKKNL, MLKSKR, and KKYRVF from Salvia hispanica seeds and stated their selective anticancer activity. Thus, this study aimed to determine the cell death pathway induced by these peptides on five cancer cell lines (MCF-7, Caco2, HepG2, DU145, and HeLa). Based on the results of this work, it is possible to suggest that KLKKNL primarily induces selective cancer cell death through the apoptotic pathway in the Caco2 and HeLa lines. On the other hand, the peptide KKYRVF reported the highest statistical (p < 0.05) selective cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7, Caco2, HepG2, and DU145 cancer cell lines by induction of the necrotic pathway. These findings offer some understanding of the selective anticancer effect of KLKKNL, MLKSKR, and KKYRVF. [Display omitted] • Cancer is one of the major health concerns worldwide with increasing incidence. • Anticancer peptides are promising therapeutic option due to specificity and efficacy. • KLKKNL, MLKSKR and KKYRVF identified from S. hispanica report anticancer properties. • KLKKNL primarily induces the apoptotic pathway in the Caco2 and HeLa cancer lines. • KKYRVF induces the necrotic pathway in the MCF-7, Caco2, HepG2 and DU145 lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A therapeutic strategy to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is focused on controlling postprandial glucose levels by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. These enzymes are essential to convert assimilable carbohydrates into glucose. Nutraceuticals contained in plant foods exert inhibitory properties on these enzymes, which are comparable to standard antidiabetic drugs. The present review aimed to compilate and discuss the hypoglycemic effectiveness of selected nutraceuticals by contrasting docking analysis and available experimental data. The binding energies for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors considered in our compilation were in the range from −19.19 to −5.20 kcal/mol and −14.50 to −4.35 kcal/mol, respectively. In vivo and in vitro experimental evidence, indicates that small molecules (mainly polyphenols) and biopeptides can be initially predicted as natural inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by molecular docking. Detailed analysis sustains that the active site of α-amylase may experience more extensive ligand interactions at neighboring subsites stabilized under higher binding energies than α-glucosidase. Interestingly, higher binding energy is proportional to the ligand molecular weight for α-amylase with a moderate Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.5514. Derived from the analyzed scientific literature, recent findings suggest that several molecular properties and forces contribute to ligand stabilization in the active site of both enzymes. Despite our review provides concrete evidence on the use of dietary natural products as potential inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, doses, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics data should endorse the reliability of in silico approaches to envision compound effectiveness. • Natural dietary inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase are presented. • Structure, subsites, and homology of α-amylase and α-glucosidase are discussed. • Molecular docking techniques for nutraceutical inhibitors are described. • The best interactions of these enzymes with promising nutraceuticals are listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An F1 population was produced in 2006 by crossing Raboso veronese, a black berry winegrape cultivar quantitatively rich in polyphenols, and Sultanina, a stenospermocarpic white grape variety. Biochemical properties, qualitative traits and aptitude as table grapes and for wine making of ten selected genotypes were evaluated in two harvests. These genotypes showed high variability in the chemical characteristics. Two seedless, colored berry offsprings (71 and 91) had an anthocyanin profile different from Raboso veronese, with peonidin being the main anthocyanin and prevailing on cyanidin, which is the main pigment in Raboso veronese, and a flavonoid content higher than the black grape parent (>5 g/kg grape). Other two seeded, colored berry offsprings (117 and 210) showed high berry weight (>2.5 g) and high sugar content (between 19 and 22 °Brix). Genotypes 71 and 91 are potentially interesting to produce nutraceutical-rich raisins or red wines that combine high color, high polyphenolic content and low astringency, due to the absence of seed tannins. Genotype 9 is the most suitable among the seedless, white berry offsprings for its high flavonoids content. Further studies are needed to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of these grapes and to define their best uses. • A grapevine F1 population was produced by crossing Raboso veronese and Sultanina. • The grape biochemical properties of ten, most promising offsprings, were analyzed. • Three virtually new varieties with good nutraceutical properties were highlighted. • Two showed the combination of colored, seedless grapes, with high polyphenol amount. • One has white grapes with high flavonols content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasta, a Mediterranean diet staple, enhances well-being when enriched with healthy ingredients like durum wheat-germ (WG) and wheat-bran (WB). We studied the nutritional and clinical responses to four experimental pastas (EP1-EP4) made with de-oiled WG, WB, and microencapsulated durum wheat-oil (mWO), compared to a control pasta of water and semolina dough. WG addition significantly boosted total phenols and radical scavenging activity. Simulated colonic fermentation showed WG-enriched pasta enhanced short-chain fatty acids production. The clinical response to pasta was studied in 70 healthy subjects by semiquantitative scales of sensory perception, functional ultrasonography of gastric and gallbladder kinetics, and breath test for orocecal transit time. Sensory analysis revealed differences in odor, aftertaste, and overall pleasantness, especially in EP2. Gastrointestinal motility was similar across pastas, but EP3 had a shorter transit time and higher colonic fermentation. This study suggests that wheat by-products enriched pastas offer nutraceutical benefits, agreeability, digestibility, and sustainability. [Display omitted] • We studied the composition and clinical response to four wheat by-products enriched pastas. • Enriched pasta boosts antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acids production. • Enriched pastas had similar sensory profiles to control pasta in humans. • Gastrointestinal motility was similar to control pasta, with higher colonic fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurological disorders pose a huge worldwide challenge to the healthcare system, necessitating innovative strategies for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an untreatable neurodegenerative condition characterized by dementia and alterations in a patient's physiological and mental states. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with immense therapeutic potential. This review investigates new and safer alternatives for prevention and treatment of disease related to inevitable side effects associated with synthetic compounds. This review examines how nanotechnology can help in enhancing the delivery of neuroprotective phytochemicals in AD. Nevertheless, despite their remarkable neuroprotective properties, these natural products often have poor therapeutic efficacy due to low bioavailability, limited solubility and imperfect blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Nanotechnology produces personalized drug delivery systems which are necessary for solving such problems. In overcoming these challenges, nanotechnology might be employed as a way forward whereby customized medication delivery systems would be established as a result. The use of nanocarriers in the design and application of important phytochemicals is highlighted by this review, which indicate potential for revolutionizing neuroprotective drug delivery. We also explore the complications and possibilities of using nanocarriers to supply nutraceuticals and improve patients' standard of living, and preclinical as well as clinical investigations displaying that these techniques are effective in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases. In order to fight brain diseases and improve patient's health, scientists and doctors can employ nanotechnology with its possible therapeutic interventions. Phytochemical nanoparticle delivery: A potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease through enhanced bioavailability, targeted delivery, and neuroprotection. [Display omitted] • Nanotechnology enhances the delivery of phytochemicals for the treatment of AD. • Phytochemicals may help in AD but are hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability. • Nanocarriers improve drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. • Nanocarriers present potential for revolutionizing neuroprotective drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical frailty, an age-related decline in the physiological capacity and function of various organs, is associated with higher vulnerability to unfavorable health outcomes. The mechanisms proposed for physical frailty including increased inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related to nutritional status. In addition to traditional nutritional factors such as protein malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, emerging evidence has focused on the role of functional nutrients including polyphenols, carotenoids, probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and L-carnitine in modifying the risk of physical frailty syndrome. Although several clinical trials have suggested the beneficial effects of supplementation with polyphenols, HMB, and prebiotics on frailty indices, the current evidence is still not robust to support recommendations on the routine clinical use of such functional nutrients for the management of frailty. Similarly, the association between CoQ10 and frailty was mainly assessed in observational studies, and more randomized controlled trials are needed in this regard. A limited number of studies have reported the beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty indices. Since carnitine is mainly found in skeletal muscle and its measurement is thus challenging due to ethical constraints, it is necessary to examine the effect of different doses of L-carnitine on frailty and its indices in future studies. A large number of interventional studies evaluated the impact of n-3 PUFA supplementation on physical frailty in the elderly and many of them reported improved physical performance following supplementation, especially when combined with resistance training programs. Although promising findings from experimental and observational studies have been reported on functional nutrients, high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials as well as detailed mechanistic studies are still required to affirm their role in the prevention and/or treatment of physical frailty. This review aims to describe the current state of research on functional nutrients that may modify the development or prognosis of frailty syndrome. • Frailty is linked to negative health outcomes. • Functional nutrients and nutraceuticals play a significant role in modifying the risk of frailty syndrome. • Functional nutrients like polyphenols, carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in addressing frailty. • This review delves into the role of functional nutrients in preventing and treating frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound membrane vesicles released from cells, containing active compounds, which can be found in different foods. In this review, the role of food-derived vesicles (FDVs) as immunomodulatory drivers is summarized, with a focus on sources, isolation techniques and yields, as well as bioavailability and potential health implications. In addition, gaps and perspectives detected in this research field have been highlighted. FDVs have been efficiently extracted from different sources, and differential ultracentrifugation seems to be the most adequate isolation technique, with yields ranging from 108 to 1014 EV particles/mL. Animal studies show promising results in how these FDVs might regulate different pathways related to inflammation. Further investigation on the production of stable components in a cost-effective way, as well as human studies demonstrating safety and health-promoting properties, since scarce information has been reported until now, in the context of modulating the immune system are needed. • Food-derived vesicles (FDVs) can be efficiently extracted from food • These vesicles have shown to exert physiological changes in animal studies • Several targets might be modulated by the action of FDVs • Human studies are still missing to declare immunomodulation properties of these FDVs • Gaps and challenges of this research field were identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the therapeutic role of Nigella sativa has been known for a long time, for optimal utilization of plant parts, the developmental profiling of bioactive constituents and their dependence on germplasm diversity need to be assessed.Different cultivars of Nigella sativa (covering 3 samples from northern states of India and 3 reference samples) were taken to explore the relative accumulation of thymol (Thy) and thymoquinone (TQ) in different plant parts, i.e., stem, leaf, bud, flower, fruit, and seeds. Amongst all N. sativa cultivars, the maximum TQ content was found in the seed (45.3885 ± 0.3616 mg/g fresh weight) of the RS cultivar. Seeds of the AN1 cultivar showed the maximum Thy content (2.7853± 0.3535 mg/g fresh weight). The minimum Thy content was found in leaves of Haryana (0.0009 ± 0 mg/g fresh weight) and leaves from RS showed the minimum TQ content (0.0029 ± 0.0001 mg/g fresh weight). There are indications that mature seeds are the best source for both Thy and TQ, followed by fresh seeds collected from the intact fruit of N. sativa. In addition, Thy (precursor) and TQ (product)contentin many plant parts are inversely related to each other, especially in the buds. This indicatedthe interdependence of these two bioactive constituents, but not necessarily in all plant parts. It appears that there might be another functional precursor (in addition to Thy)leading to TQ biosynthesis (speculated to be Carvacrol) in Nigella. Such relative dominance of bioactive compounds and their precursors may be used for designing formulations and setting biotransformation experiments for further value addition. [Display omitted] • Spatiotemporal profiling of Thy and TQ in terms of yield/content or productivity was done. • Germplasm diversity in content of Thy and TQ was investigated in six different cultivars of N. sativa. • Analysis of variance was done to observe the interdependence in Thy and TQ. • Correlation between Thy and TQ content was observed to explore metabolic dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The aerial parts and roots of celery showed potent antiproliferative effects against human tumor cells. • The secondary metabolites of both organs were explored by HPLC‒HESI‒HRMS metabolomics. • Potent cytotoxic nanoparticles were green synthesized from the extracts of both celery parts. • Molecular docking of the identified metabolites revealed their possible inhibition of GAK. • Celery and its biogenic nanoparticles are therefore relevant sources to functional food and drug development. Apiaceae plants are multipurpose folk remedies and bioactive foods that show a remarkable ability to biosynthesize a large number of secondary metabolites with antitumor and chemopreventive potential. Among the various members of the Apiaceae, celery (Apium graveolens L.) has long been used as a popular edible and medicinal plant owing to its plentiful health benefits and nutraceutical properties; however, the anticancer potential of this important species has been seldom studied, mostly focusing on its seeds. Therefore, this work was designed to delve into the chemical composition and anti-proliferative potential of the total ethanolic extracts of the aerial parts (TEEAGA) and roots (TEEAGR) of A. graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers. as well as their green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In general, both TEEAGA and TEEAGR exhibited moderate to potent inhibitory activities against human liver (HepG-2), colon (Caco-2), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, with interesting IC 50 profiles [(41.37 ± 0.12, 27.65 ± 0.27, and 9.48 ± 0.04 μg/mL) and (11.58 ± 0.02, 7.13 ± 0.03, and 6.58 ± 0.02 μg/mL), respectively] as compared with doxorubicin, while more pronounced anti-proliferative effects were observed for their biogenic AgNPs, which showed IC 50 values ranging between 25.41 ± 0.16 and 1.37 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Moreover, HPLC‒HESI‒HRMS-based metabolomics analysis of both extracts showed the presence of a varied group of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phthalides, coumarins, and sesquiterpenes that further displayed moderate to promising binding affinities to the active site of cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK), particularly graveobioside A, graveobioside B, and celeroside C, suggesting their possible contribution as GAK modulators to the anti-proliferative potential of celery. These findings can help broaden future research on the utilization of different parts of celery and their NPs as functional foods and medicines in cancer chemoprevention and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of nSARS-CoV2 in December 2019 turned into a global pandemic and is still underway. Infection with nSARS-CoV2 resulted in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and was named COVID-19. COVID-19 requires the intervention of a series of therapeutics, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating molecules. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that nutraceuticals offer a promising impact in fast recovery and boosting immunity. Here, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific evidence examining the effectiveness of nutraceuticals. A detailed search of scientific literature was conducted utilizing the most relevant scientific studies published during 2019–2022 on the intervention of nutraceuticals in the management of COVID-19. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scielo databases were explored for the most relevant studies. Meta-analysis was carried out using the MedCalC tool as per PRISMA guidelines for odds ratio among the studies along with risk factor analysis and relative risk. A total of 1,308 original records were identified, where 1,268 studies were collected from different databases, and 40 additional records were obtained from non-pre-defined sources. Odds ratio, risk analysis, and risk difference analysis showed nutraceuticals intervention reported effective (P < 0.001) in COVID-19 patient over control. Nutraceuticals-based interventions had improved immunity, short-term duration, and fast recovery of COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2019, an outbreak of novel beta-coronavirus started in Wuhan, China, spread globally as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and is still underway. The causative agent for COVID-19 identified as a novel strain of beta coronavirus named nSARS-CoV-2. The nSARS-CoV-2 primarily targets the respiratory tract and results in severe acute respiratory distress (ARDS), leading to the collapse of the respiratory tract. The virus internalizes primarily via ACEII receptor, and many tissues reported a significant level of expression of ACEII receptor including lungs, hearts, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are diverse, but growing evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis is one of them and poses a threat to native immunity. The human microbial ecology plays a vital role in human physiology, including building immunity. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) habitats trillions of beneficial microbes' precisely bacterial species synchronize with human physiology and remain symbiotic. On the contrary, harmful microbiota seeks an opportunity to break the equilibrium failure of balance between beneficial and detrimental human gut microbiota results in impaired physiology and immunity. The grown research evidence demonstrated that infection caused by the nSARS-CoV-2 result in moderate to severe diarrheal outcomes. The diarrheal conditions in COVID-19 patients are due to alteration of gut microbial ecology. The management of COVID-19 requires specialized therapeutics along with a series of nutraceuticals. Probiotics remain vital nutrient supplements in COVID-19 management, offer relief in diarrhea and improve/restore immunity. This study uses available data/findings to emphasize an association between COVID-19 and gut dysbiosis. The study also provides a scientific basis of impaired immunity during gut dysbiosis in COVID-19 and how probiotics help restore and improve impaired immunity and diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid intake is significantly associated with risk reduction and/or improvement in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Foods containing encapsulated flavonoids are being designed, but the particles must remain stable in the food matrix during processing, storage, and utilization, as well as being bioavailable after ingestion. Control of these variables would enable the food industry to design functional foods targeted to the diabetic population. This article reviews recent advances in the encapsulation of flavonoids, with a focus on the design of delivery systems that can control the stability and bioavailability of flavonoids in foods, thereby increasing their ability to reduce the risk or treat diabetes. Key findings and conclusions: Although flavonoids represent a good option for the development of diabetic-friendly food products, it is important to emphasize that their effectiveness is linked to the way these compounds are delivered, released, absorbed, and metabolized. Consequently, the choice of appropriate encapsulation materials and methods are crucial, as they determine the flavonoid retention capacity, particle/food matrix interactions, and the release profile. • Flavonoid intake is significantly associated with reduced risk of diabetes. • Encapsulation can control the stability and bioavailability of flavonoids in foods. • Particle/food matrix interactions and release profile will be discussed. • Flavonoid delivery depends on appropriate encapsulation materials and methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of death in individuals worldwide. Gut microbiota‐derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) can be metabolized from phosphatidylcholine, choline, and l-carnitine and may play an important role in CVD etiology. Thus, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics to mitigate TMAO concentrations by gut microbiota modulation. A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis protocol from databases: PubMed, Web of Sciences, CENTRAL, and Scopus. Controlled intervention studies published until January 3, 2022, with a population at cardiovascular risk were included. The risk of bias was assessed by RoB 2.0 and SYRCLE's for humans and animals' studies, respectively. The search in the database returned 5389 studies, of which 8 matched all criteria to final qualitative analysis. Four studies were controlled trials with humans (total population = 115) and 4 were animal model studies. The body of evidence on the use of probiotics to reduce TMAO concentrations shows that only a few strains have this beneficial effect. This review can conclude that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were the most efficient strains in reducing the plasma TMAO level in both humans and animals. In addition, it is worth mentioning the promising character of Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY04, Lactobacillus amylovorus LAM 1345, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1145, and Enterobacter aerogenes ZDY01 for having had the same effect in animals. [Display omitted] The body of evidence on the use of probiotics to reduce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations shows that only a few strains have this specific beneficial effect. This systematic review shows that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was the most efficient strain in reducing the plasma TMAO level in both humans and animals and based on the results, we listed several strains able to modify trimethylamine metabolism and reduce the levels of TMAO-induced cardiac risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many women have sought alternative therapies to address menopause. Recently, a multi-ingredient supplement (MIS) containing L-histidine, L-carnosine, L-serine, and L-cysteine has been shown to be effective at ameliorating hepatic steatosis (HS) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency model. Considering that HS frequently accompanies obesity, which often occurs during menopause, we aimed to investigate the effects of this MIS for 8 weeks in OVX rats. Twenty OVX rats were orally supplemented with either MIS (OVX-MIS) or vehicle (OVX). Ten OVX rats received vehicle orally along with subcutaneous injections of 17β-oestradiol (OVX-E2), whereas 10 rats underwent a sham operation and received oral and injected vehicles (control group). MIS consumption partly counteracted the fat mass accretion observed in OVX animals, leading to decreased total fat mass, adiposity index and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RWAT) adipocyte hypertrophy. OVX-MIS rats also displayed increased lean mass and lean/fat ratio, suggesting a healthier body composition, similar to the results reported for OVX-E2 animals. MIS consumption decreased the circulating levels of the proinflammatory marker CRP, the total cholesterol-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio, a biomarker of diabetes risk and metabolic syndrome. RWAT transcriptomics indicated that MIS favourably regulated genes involved in adipocyte structure and morphology, cell fate determination and differentiation, glucose/insulin homeostasis, inflammation, response to stress and oxidative phosphorylation, which may be mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects described for OVX-MIS rats. Our results pave the way for using this MIS formulation to improve the body composition and immunometabolic health of menopausal women. [Display omitted] • Histidine, carnosine, cysteine and serine intake reduce fat mass in menopausal rats • This blend of bioactive compounds (MIS) ameliorates lean mass loss in these rats • MIS decreases adipocyte hypertrophy and increases lean/fat ratio in menopausal rats • MIS favourably modulates immunometabolic-related genes in rat white adipose tissue • MIS improves atherosclerosis and diabetes risk biomarkers in menopausal rats [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke is a devastating disease that causes morbidity and mortality. Malnutrition following ischemic stroke is common in stroke patients. During the rehabilitation, the death rates of stroke patients are significantly increased due to malnutrition. Nutritional supplements such as protein, vitamins, fish, fish oils, moderate wine or alcohol consumption, nuts, minerals, herbal products, food colorants, marine products, fiber, probiotics and Mediterranean diets have improved neurological functions in stroke patients as well as their quality of life. Platelets and their mediators contribute to the development of clots leading to stroke. Ischemic stroke patients are treated with thrombolytics, antiplatelets, and antithrombotic agents. Several systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials recommended that consumption of these nutrients and diets mitigated the vascular, peripheral, and central complications associated with ischemic stroke (Fig. 2). Particularly, these nutraceuticals mitigated the platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation that intended to reduce the risks of primary and secondary stroke. Although these nutraceuticals mitigate platelet dysfunction, there is a greater risk of bleeding if consumed excessively. Moreover, malnutrition must be evaluated and adequate amounts of nutrients must be provided to stroke patients during intensive care units and rehabilitation periods. In this review, we have summarized the importance of diet and nutraceuticals in ameliorating neurological complications and platelet dysfunction with an emphasis on primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. • Malnutrition in stroke patients aggravates the stroke pathology. • Nutritional supplements inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. • Diet and nutraceuticals reduced the risk of primary and secondary stroke. • Diet and nutraceuticals improve the quality of life of stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codonopsis lanceolata , traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine to treat respiratory inflammation, contains various bioactive compounds, including saponins. The influenza A virus (IAV) is notorious for causing pandemics due to its ability to undergo antigenic shifts and drifts, complicating vaccine effectiveness and treatment approaches. This study investigates the protective and therapeutic effects of fermented C. lanceolata root extracts (FCLE) against IAV, comparing its efficacy with that of the original C. lanceolata root extracts (CLE) in both in vitro and in vivo models. FCLE demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activity and an increased content of total polyphenols, saponins, and reducing sugars compared to CLE, although the content of lancemaside A was decreased in FCLE. FCLE also showed superior efficacy in reducing IAV-induced cytopathic effects and nucleocapsid protein expression in A549 cells, and virus titer in MDCK cells, particularly in post-treatment mode. However, CLE did not exhibit any protective effects against IAV infection. FCLE effectively inhibited neuraminidase (NA) activity and also tended to inhibit hemagglutinin. Furthermore, oral administration of FCLE at 100 mg/kg dramatically protected against lethal IAV infection, achieving a 100% survival rate, reducing virus titer, and ameliorating lung histopathological changes, with specific reductions in KC and IL-1β levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). These results suggest that FCLE has considerable antiviral efficacy against IAV by both directly inhibiting viral replication via NA activity and orchestrating an antiviral immune response. Collectively, our findings indicate that FCLE could be a promising nutraceutical ingredient for respiratory health. • Fermentation of CLE increased a total content of polyphenol and saponin. • IAV-induced cytopathic effects with virus titers were alleviated by FCLE. • Neuraminidase activity was strongly inhibited in a FCLE dose-dependent manner. • FLCE improves survival rates in IAV-infected mice with reducing lung inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Subjects with CVD may have autonomic modulation impairment. • Postexercise recovery crucial for increased cardiac event risk. • Beetroot and resveratrol supplementation explored for cardioprotection. • Study investigates impact of beet extract and resveratrol on CVD recovery. Postexercise recovery is a crucial period, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Supplementation with nutraceutical substances has been explored due to its potential cardioprotective effects. We aimed to investigate the impact of isolated and combined ingestion of beetroot extract and resveratrol on immediate postexercise recovery. Individuals with CVD were subjected to 4 experimental protocols consisting of 30 min of aerobic exercise. Before exercise, the subjects consumed 500 mg of starch, 500 mg of beetroot extract, 500 mg of resveratrol or both substances. Heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) responses were evaluated. No significant differences in the HRR were detected (p = 0.719) in the RMSSD30 index (p = 0.671) or BP responses (systolic BP − p = 0.703, diastolic BP − p = 0.638) between protocols. Supplementation with beetroot extract and/or resveratrol did not promote significant changes in immediate post-exercise recovery. Registration number - clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06095635 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens constitute natural-based foods with health-promoting properties mediated by the accumulation of glucosinolates (GLs) and phenolic compounds (PCs), although their bioaccessibility may limit their nutritional potential. This work subjected eight Brassicaceae microgreens to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and large intestine fermentation before the metabolomics profiling of PCs and GLs. The application of multivariate statistics effectively discriminated among species and their interaction with in vitro digestion phases. The flavonoids associated with arugula and the aliphatic GLs related to red cabbage and cauliflower were identified as discriminant markers among microgreen species. The multi-omics integration along in vitro digestion and fermentation predicted bioaccessible markers, featuring potential candidates that may eventually be responsible for these functional foods' nutritional properties. This combined analytical and computational framework provided a promising platform to predict the nutritional metabolome-wide outcome of functional food consumption, as in the case of microgreens. [Display omitted] • Brassicaceae microgreens are good sources of bioactive compounds. • Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds varied significantly across microgreen species. • Arugula specifically exhibited a great content of flavonoids and stilbenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of the world's second leading neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease (PD) is well known while its pathogenesis is still a topical issue to explore. Clinical and experimental reports suggest the prevalence of disturbed gut microflora in PD subjects, with an abundance of especially Gram-negative bacteria. The endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from the outer cell layer of these bacteria interacts with the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) present on the macrophages and it stimulates the downstream inflammatory cascade in both the gut and brain. Recent research also suggests a positive correlation between LPS, alpha-synuclein, and TLR4 levels, which indicates the contribution of a parallel LPS-alpha-synuclein-TLR4 axis in stimulating inflammation and neurodegeneration in the gut and brain, establishing a body-first type of PD. However, owing to the novelty of this paradigm, further investigation is mandatory. Modulating LPS biosynthesis and LPS-TLR4 interaction can ameliorate gut dysbiosis and PD. Several synthetic LpxC (UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase; LPS-synthesizing enzyme) inhibitors and TLR4 antagonists are reported to show beneficial effects including neuroprotection in PD models, however, are not devoid of side effects. Plant-derived compounds have been long documented for their benefits as nutraceuticals and thus to search for effective, safer, and multitarget therapeutics, the present study focused on summarizing the evidence reporting the potential of phyto-compounds as LpxC inhibitors and TLR4 antagonists. Studies demonstrating the dual potential of phyto-compounds as the modulators of LpxC and TLR4 have not yet been reported. Also, very few preliminary studies have reported LpxC inhibition by phyto-compounds. Nevertheless, remarkable neuroprotection along with TLR4 antagonism has been shown by curcumin and juglanin in PD models. The present review thus provides a wide look at the research progressed to date in discovering phyto-compounds that can serve as LpxC inhibitors and TLR4 antagonists. The study further recommends the need for expanding the search for potential candidates that can render dual protection by inhibiting both the biosynthesis and TLR4 interaction of LPS. Such multitarget therapeutic intervention is believed to bring fruitful yields in countering gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation, and dopaminergic neuron damage in PD patients through a single treatment paradigm. • LpxC and TLR4 modulation can combat gut dysbiosis and PD by ameliorating inflammation. • Phyto-compounds possess LpxC and TLR4 modulating abilities. • Phyto-compounds as dual modulators of LpxC and TLR4 can prove as an effective intervention to combat gut dysbiosis and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Holistic valorization of food waste is proposed in this review. • Tons of food waste are generated annually raising severe environmental concerns. • Efficient management of oil component of food waste is challenging. • Certain microbes can thrive effortlessly in hydrophobic environment. • Microbial biorefineries valorizing oil waste to value-added products. Owing to the significant amounts produced each year, food waste is a critical issue that affects the economy, society, and environment. An estimated US$ 1 trillion food is wasted annually because of the supply chain and harvesting processes, which lose around one-third of the net production. This significant loss has sparked global concern, there is an urgent need for sustainable approaches to reduce food waste or to propose an economical route for its utilization. Major concerns associated with its improper management include environmental degradation and the exacerbation of greenhouse gases. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the recent advances in measures to minimize food waste (FW) and its chemical and biotransformation into valuable products. Food waste comprises mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and oils; the former two components are commonly used as microbial feedstock, leaving behind the residual oil fraction which poses a greater environmental risk. Microbial transformation of these hydrophobic materials present in food waste into value-added products proves to be a sustainable and economical strategy. Thus, this study proposes an integrated biorefinery strategy for holistic valorization of FW, whereby all its components were used to produce value-added compounds such as biofuels, bioplastics, nutraceuticals, and biomaterials using microbial biocatalysis. Compared to conventional methods, an integrated biorefinery will be more sustainable and uplift the microbial processes by switching from 'pure' to food waste-derived substrates and thereby pave ways to achieve 'green' transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of unstable nutraceuticals in food formulation will be encouraged by designing delivery vehicles through the assembly of biopolymers at a variety of scales, from nanoscopic to macroscopic. Due to their high nutritional value and natural occurrence, egg white proteins (EWPs) have garnered interests recently for use as building blocks. In this review, the physicochemical properties of EWPs and the main techniques to promote their assembly were discussed at first. Following that, a thorough summary of current research was provided on the biopolymer- and emulsion-type carriers, which were created by assembling EWPs with or without the presence of exogenous proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, or functional groups. Furthermore, these carriers' stabilizing effects on curcumin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, catechins, anthocyanins, carotenoids and resveratrol were categorized and emphasized. Lastly, we put forth the concerns and further perspectives of the EWPs-based delivery systems. A deeper comprehension of the relationship between structure and function clarifies the rational designation of EWPs-based carriers with desired properties. [Display omitted] • EWPs are suitable building blocks for edible biopolymer- and lipid-type vehicles. • EWPs are triggered to assemble with themselves or other compounds to create vehicles. • These carriers improved the stability, bioactivity and bioavailability of the loaded agent. • Mucopenetration, gut fermentation and allergenicity are top safety concerns. • EWP-based 3D/4D printing, fat substitutes and intelligent systems require more research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrity of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX), a mixture of carbohydrates attached to proteins expressed on the surface of blood vessel endothelial cells (EC), is critical for the maintenance of homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and all systems of the human body, the endothelium being the critical component of the stroma of all tissues. Consequently, dysfunction of eGCX results in a dysfunctional cardiovascular wall and severe downstream cardiovascular events, which contribute to the onset of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as other age-related diseases (ARDs). The key role of eGCX dysfunction in the onset of ARDs is examined here, with a focus on the most prevalent neurological diseases: ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of some treatment strategies for anti-eGCX dysfunction are described, ranging from experimental drug therapies, which need to be better tested and explored not only in animal models but also in humans, as well as reprogramming, the use of nutraceuticals, which are emerging as regenerative and new approaches. The promotion of these strategies is essential to keep eGCX and endothelium healthy, as is the development of intravital (e.g., intravascular) tools to estimate eGCX health status and treatment efficacy, which could lead to advanced solutions to address ARDs. [Display omitted] • The integrity of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX) is critical for the maintenance of homeostasis of all the body system. • Dysfunction of the eGCX results in a series of pathophysiological events related to a dysfunctional endothelium. • eGCX dysfunction and syndecans are consequently involved in the onset of ischemic stroke and Alzheimer 's disease. • Pharmacological, reprogramming and nutraceuticals strategies are emerging as potential treatments. • Promoting these strategies is crucial to maintain healthy eGCX and endothelium,and to delay or stop ischemic stroke and AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the world, nutraceuticals/dietary supplements are commonly consumed without medical supervision, and believing these products are harmless to health. However, these products may contain trace (TMs) and non-essential/heavy metals (nHMs) as contaminants at levels higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA), which can be hazardous to human health. Consequently, it is crucial to assess the levels of these metals to ensure the safety of these products. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of TMs (Mn, Cu and Zn) and nHMs (Al, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb) in nutraceuticals/dietary supplements. Metal analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate and bivariate analysis including principle component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) were applied to understand inter-metal association and sources of these metals. Concentration ranges for TMs were found as, Mn (0.2–4.3 mg/kg), Cu (0.11–2.54 mg/kg), and Zn (0.1–22.66 mg/kg) while the nHMs concentration ranges were: Al (0.046–3.336 mg/kg), Cr (0.11–1.63 mg/kg), Ni (0.18–0.72 mg/kg), Cd (0.04–0.92 mg/kg), and Pb (0.18–1.08 mg/kg). The levels of tolerable dietary intake (TDI) for Cr and Ni, and the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) limit for Cd, exceeded the values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The estimation of the target hazard quotient (THQ <1), hazard index (HI < 1) and cumulative cancer risk (CCR <1 ✕ 10−3) indicated no significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with consuming these products. Therefore, the primary recommendation from this study is to use the nutraceuticals/dietary supplements should be under the supervision of dietitian. • Estimation of Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in nutraceuticals/dietary supplements. • Risk evaluation was done using DI, EDI, the non-carcinogenic THQ and CR and CCR. • Few samples exhibited higher TDI values for Ni, Cd and BMDL10 for Pb established by EFSA. • THQ, HI, and CCR were below than respective allowed threshold. • Low exposure risk to metals indicated by THQ, HI, and CCR through consumption of supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]