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BACKGROUD The Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) is the only Lilium species that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes in China. Its bulbs contain various bioactive substances, such as polysaccharides, saponins and colchicine. Lanzhou lily polysaccharides are known to have anti‐immunity, anti‐tumor and anti‐oxidation functions. RESULTS: The present study used a Box–Behnken design to optimize the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides. Compared to other enzymes, trypsin significantly increased the polysaccharide yields, whereas the protein content of polysaccharides extracted with trypsin was the lowest. Monosaccharide mainly includes glucose (> 50%) and mannose (> 10%). 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides extracted with trypsin were stronger than those extracted without enzymes (control). Structural characteristics of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides extracted with trypsin and extracted without enzymes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. When water extracted polysaccharide and trypsin extracted polysaccharide concentrations were 200 μg mL–1, Raw264.7 proliferation rates were 101.69% and 159.41%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Lanzhou lily polysaccharide was identified as α‐(1 → 6)‐d‐glucan. Consequently, the effects of both potential antioxidant and proliferative activity of trypsin are significant. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike common orange fruit, Citrus reticulata Blanco ‘Chachiensis’ (CRB) is usually served as traditional herbal medicine and function food. It is an abundant source of bioactive polysaccharides which contribute to the health benefits of CRB. However, the structure information of polysaccharides still remains unknown. In this work, the leading polysaccharide (CRBP) was purified from CRB peel. The structure was identified by nuclear magnetic resonnance spectroscopy. The backbone was (1 → 4)-α-D-galacturonan, while the branch was α-L-Ara f -(1 → 5)-α-L-Ara f -(1 → . The molecular weight was calculated to be 55.4 kDa. The proposed structure was drawed as below. The cell assays indicated that CRBP was not toxic to macrophage cells, and could promote the NO production significantly in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that CRBP was a good candidate for functional food development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids have been documented to have good antioxidant activities in vitro . However, reports on the cellular antioxidant activities of flavonoid C -glycosides are very limited. In this work, an apigenin C -glycoside was purified from Artocarpus heterophyllus by column chromatography and was identified to be 2″- O - β -D-xylosylvitexin by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cellular antioxidant activity and anticancer activity of 2″- O - β -D-xylosylvitexin were evaluated for the first time. The quantitative structure-activity relationship was analysed by molecular modeling. Apigenin presented an unexpected cellular antioxidation behaviour. It had an antioxidant activity at low concentration and a prooxidant activity at high concentration, whereas 2″- O - β -D-xylosylvitexin showed a dose-dependent cellular antioxidant activity. It indicated that C-glycosidation improved the cellular antioxidation performance of apigenin and eliminated the prooxidant effect. The ortho -dihydroxyl at C -3′/ C -4′ and C -3 hydroxyl in the flavonoid skeleton play important roles in the antioxidation behaviour. The cell proliferation assay revealed a low cytotoxicity of 2″- O - β -D-xylosylvitexin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi leaf is a good resource for phenolics, which are good candidates for medicines. In this work, three phenolics were isolated from litchi leaf by column chromatography. Their structures were identified by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as secoisolariciresinol 9′- O - β - D- xyloside ( 1 ), 4,7,7′,8′,9,9′-hexahydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-8,4′-oxyneolignan ( 2 ), and cinnamtannin B1 ( 3 ). Cinnamtannin B1 showed better extra- and intracellular antioxidant activities than Compounds 1 and 2 . The intracellular antioxidant activity of cinnamtannin B1 was related to the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and inhibition of ROS generation. Furthermore, cinnamtannin B1 exhibited strong antiproliferative effects against HepG 2 and Siha cell lines with no significant cytotoxicities. In the case of the HepG 2 cell line, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction were the underlying anticancer mechanisms of cinnamtannin B1. The results indicated that cinnamtannin B1 was a potent cancer cell proliferation inhibitor and a good intracellular antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The structure of flavonoids in litchi leaf were identified by NMR. [•] Procyanidin A2 exhibited good cytotoxicities against HepG2 and Hela cells. [•] Luteolin showed strong antimicrobial activities. [•] All flavonoids were found to have good antioxidant activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• GLSP comprised β-glucan and arabinogalactan. • β-Glucan was the dominant polysaccharide of GLSP. • GLSP could induce IEC-6 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. • GLSP inhibited overproduction of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ganoderma lucidum spore is widely accepted as functional food. Polysaccharides are the predominant bioactive components in G. lucidum spore and contribute much to its health benefits. However, their structural characteristics remain unclear. In this work, water-soluble polysaccharides (GLSP) were obtained by hot water extraction. Three monosaccharides, including arabinose (Ara), glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal), were presented in GLSP. 1D and 2D NMR data revealed that GLSP were composed mainly by two polysaccharides, β-glucan and arabinogalactan. The arabinogalactan had a backbone of galactan with Ara f in the side chain. β-Glucan was the dominant polysaccharide in G. lucidum spore. The molecular weight was measured. GLSP could induce IEC-6 cells proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, GLSP possessed a strong anti-inflammatory activity through inhibiting the overproduction of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by LPS. These results implied the potential of GLSP on gut barrier protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum spore serves as a well-known immunomodulatory functional food in Asia. The polysaccharides in G. lucidum spore are responsible for the claimed immunomodulatory activity. However, the structural information of polysaccharides remains unclear. In this work, the leading water-soluble polysaccharide in G. lucidum spore (GLSP-I) with a molecular weight of 128.0 kDa was isolated and purified. The monosaccharide composition analysed by gas chromatography indicated that GLSP-I was a glucan. Three side chains, including Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc-(1 → 6)-Glc, Glc-(1 → 6)-Glc-(1 → 6)-Glc-(1 → 6)-Glc and Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc-(1 → 3)-Glc, were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. The structural characteristics were further identified by NMR spectra. The results indicated that the backbone of GLSP-I was (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan, with side chains linking at O -6. The proposed structure was drawn as below. The immunomodulatory activity assay indicated that GLSP-I could activate macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The air-dried fruit hull of Phyllanthus emblica L. was extracted with 95% ethanol, and then the extract was partitioned by diethyl ether and ethyl acetate (EA). The EA fraction was then subjected to separation and purification using silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography repeatedly to obtain five hydrolysable tannins. They were identified as mucic acid 1,4-lactone 3-o-gallate (C1), isocorilagin (C2), chebulanin (C3), chebulagic acid (C4) and isomallotusinin (C5) using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. Isomallotusinin and chebulanin were identified from emblica dried fruit hull for the first time, and isomallotusinin was the first time identified from Phyllanthus. Furthermore, the antioxidant abilities of these hydrolysable tannins were investigated using DPPH and ABTS + radical scavenging systems. All hydrolysable tannins showed strong DPPH and ABTS + radical scavenging activities. Isomallotusinin and chebulagic acid exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other purified compounds tested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Two new prenylflavonoids, morachlcone D and E, were identified from mulberry leaf. • Morachlcone D could inhibit oxidative damage in HT22 cells. • The mechanisms of morachlcone D against oxidative damage were revealed. Mulberry leaf is a vegetable used in daily diet. It can bring delicious taste and multiple health benefits. However, the chemicals responsible for these health benefits remain unveiled. In this work, two novel prenylated flavonoids were isolated from mulberry leaf. Their structures were identified and named as morachalcone D and morachalcone E. The protective effects of these two compounds were investigated, against endogenous oxidative damage (oxytosis/ferroptosis) induced by glutamate and erastin in HT22 cells. The results revealed that morachalcone D was much more potent in preventing from glutamate- and erastin-induced cell death than morachalcone E. The neuroprotective effect of morachalcone D was related to the prevention of ROS production, glutathione depletion, and iron accumulation. Morachalcone D upregulated the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense, including GPx4 , CAT , SOD2 , Nrf2 , HMOX1 and SLC7A11. These findings indicated that morachalcone D was responsible for the health benefits of mulberry leaf, and could be a potent neuroprotective agent for use in dietary supplements and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasound enhanced hydrogen bond interaction between icaritin and pectin. • NMR data indicated that 7-OH of icaritin was involved in hydrogen bond formation. • Ultrasound-modified IPMs displayed strong anti-proliferation activity. • Ultrasound-modified IPMs displayed decreased particle size. Pectin can improve the bioaccessibility of icaritin as a nanocarrier, and ultrasound can modify the pectin structure. However, the interaction between ultrasound-modified pectin (UMP) and icaritin remains unclearly. In this work, the effects of UMP on the physiochemical properties of icaritin/pectin micelles (IPMs) were investigated. The IPMs prepared with UMP (UMP-IPMs) showed lower encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities, comparing with native IPMs. UMP-IPMs had smaller particle sizes (325–399 nm) than native IPMs (551 nm). The Mw, viscosity, G' and G" of pectin were determined. NMR spectra indicated that the repeating unit in pectins remained consistently before and after ultrasound treatment, and 7-OH of icaritin was involved in hydrogen bond formation with pectin. The larger chemical shift movement of 6-H and 7-OH for U3-IPMs than P0-IPMs suggested that stronger hydrogen bond interaction between icaritin and pectin. UMP-IPMs exhibited stronger anti-proliferation activities against HepG2 cells than native IPMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icaritin is a bioactive compound with low stability and poor bioavailability. Development of icaritin/polysaccharide complex can improve them. However, the structure information of this complex remains unclear. In this study, icaritin-loaded pectin micelles (IPMs) with high encapsulation efficiency (>93%) and loading capacity (>18%) were constructed. NMR spectra revealed that A ring of icaritin was involved in direct interaction with pectin. A new intermolecular hydrogen bond between 7-OH of icaritin and hydroxyl in pectin was formed, which could further influence the chemical shifts of 5-OH and 6-H. Cryo-scanning electron microscope image of IPMs showed a dense and layered network filled with twining fibers. Compared to free icaritin, the bioaccessibility of icaritin in IPMs was improved by 28-fold. The particle size, Zeta potential and stability of IPMs were determined. The results showed that IPMs had smaller particles (594–667 nm) than pectin alone (740 nm). IPMs remained stable at pH 2.0–6.0. [Display omitted] • IPMs with high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were constructed. • NMR revealed a new hydrogen bond between 7-OH of icaritin and hydroxyl in pectin. • Cryo-SEM image showed a dense and layered network filled with twining fibers of IPMs. • The bioaccessibility and stability of icaritin in IPMs were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peel of Citrus reticulate 'Chachiennsis' (Chachi) is widely accepted as a functional food. It is generally recognized that its health benefits are dependent on storage time. However, the chemicals responsible for this phenomonon remain unclear. As bioactive polysaccharides are dominant in Chachi, Chachi polysaccharides with various storage times (5–20 years) were prepared. The monosaccharide composition was analyzed by GC-MS. NMR data revealed that Chachi polysaccharides were mainly consisted of arabinogalacturonan and another pectin with side chain of →4)-β-D-Gal p -(1 →. α-L-Ara f -(1→, →5)-α-L-Ara f -(1→, →4)-α-D-Gal p A-(1→, →4)-α-D-Gal p AMe-(1→, →4)-β-D-Gal p -(1→ and →4)-β-D-Glc p -(1→ were detected. The molecular weight of Chachi polysaccharides decreased along with the extension of storage time. However, the basic structure characteristics remained stable. The immumomodulatory activities of Chachi polysaccharides were improved as the storage time extended. The change of molecular weight was responsible for the improved immunomodulatory activity. The results explained how polysaccharides contributed to the enhanced health benefits of Chachi during storage. [Display omitted] • The structure of Citrus reticulata polysaccharides were revealed by NMR. • The main structure of polysaccharides remained stable during storage. • The immunomodulatory bioactivity of polysaccharides were improved during storage. • The decreased molecular weight was responsible for improved bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin is a promising nano-carrier. The degree of methyl esterification (DM) influences the physiochemical properties of pectin. However, the effect of DM on the encapsulation capacity of pectin remains unclear. In this work, low methyl-esterified pectin (LMP) and high methyl-esterified pectin (HMP) were prepared. The molecular weight, rheological properties of these pectins with various DM levels were determined. Then icaritin/pectin micelles (IPMs) were prepared using HMP and LMP. Notably, higher loading capacities (18.75–20.12 %) were observed in HMP-IPMs compared to LMP-IPMs (15.72–16.64 %). Furthermore, LMP-IPMs demonstrated a DM-dependent reduction in particle sizes, ranging from 449 to 527 nm. In contrast, the particle sizes of HMP-IPMs varied between 342 and 566 nm, with smaller particle sizes observed in HMP-IPMs at higher DM levels. A significant positive correlation was found between DM and the formation of IPMs, including encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, Zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Alkali de-esterification showed a weak impact on the pectin structure. Hydroxyl groups like 7-OH and 5-OH of icaritin might be involved in the formation of IPMs. The hydrogen-bond interactions between pectin and icaritin could be enhanced as DM increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chinese yam starch displayed an A-type crystalline structure. • Dormant stage induced a compact microstructure of starch. • New crystallites in starch were produced at dormant stage. The physicochemical properties of starch in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) are highly dependent on the growth stage. However, relevant information available is limited. In this work, native starch and resistant starch (RS) were prepared from Chinese yam tuber at expansion stage and dormant stage, respectively. Their structural and physicochemical properties were determined. They presented A-type polymorphic structure. The starches from dormant stage had smaller granule sizes, lower amylose contents, less branching degrees of amylopectin, and higher proportions of double helix than those from expansion stage. Dormant stage induced starch to form a more compact structure with a higher crystallinity and larger amount of short-range ordering than expansion stage. Moreover, the starch paste from dormant stage had a high thermal stability. These results were helpful for further application of Chinese yam starch in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberry leaf is a newly accepted vegetable for daily diet. It tastes good and has multiple health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the chemicals responsible for these health benefits remain unveiled. Prenylated phenolics are characteristic bioactive compounds in mulberry leaf, which are recognized as good antioxidants. In this work, moracin N was purified from mulberry leaf. It showed better antioxidant activities than resveratrol. The EC 50 value of cellular antioxidant activity was 24.92 μM, and the IC 50 value against DPPH radical was 40.00 μM. The prenyl group rendered the molecule more membrane affinity which improved the bioavailability. The furan ring was critical for the antioxidant behaviour. The cell viability test revealed that moracin N had a good safety. These results pointed out that moracin N contributed to the antioxidant activity of mulberry leaf. • Moracin N showed good cellular antioxidant activities. • Moracin N had a high cell uptake. • The furan ring in moracin N was critical for the antioxidant behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan was a chemical contributing to the health benefit of banana. • α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan was abundant in banana. • α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan had good immunostimulatory activities. Abstract Banana is a fruit widely accepted by people over the world. Besides having delicious taste, it shows multiple health benefits. In this work, the major polysaccharide was isolated from banana and purified. It was identified to be α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan. The in vivo immunomodulatory activity assay indicated that α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan could improve the immune status by elevating T cell proliferation, phagocytic function of macrophage, CD3+ T cell level, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IL-6, IgG, IgM, TNF-α and hemolysin antibody levels. The immunostimulatory activities of α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan were similar to β-(1 → 3)- d -glucan, a clinical immunostimulatory drug. This work revealed that α-(1 → 6)- d -glucan was an important bioactive chemical for the immunostimulatory activity of banana. It could be used as a nutraceuticals candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra were stored for 19 days at 25 °C and nuclear magnetic resonnance spectroscopy was used to monitor the changes of metabolite levels. Seventeen metabolites were identified and their relative levels were analysed by principal component analysis. The first principal components were isoleucine, fatty acids, γ-aminobutyrate, glutamine, asparagine, unsaturated lipids, choline, phosphocholine and cinnamic acid. Decreases of glucose and sucrose levels were responsible for the quality reduction. Accumulation of cinnamic acid was involved in the lignification of okra tissue in the late storage period. Amino acids and γ-aminobutyrate levels increased during storage, which indicated the degradation of proteins. Increased electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll loss were also observed. The results indicated that NMR technique could be a good choice for metabolomic analysis of okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasonic treatment reduced the particle size of soymilk. • USI-60 showed the highest bioaccessibility of icariin. • The particle size of ISNCs reduced with ultrasonic time increasing. • Ultrasonic treatment improved the storage stability of ISNCs. • Hydrophobic interaction was mainly involved in the formation of ISNCs. Ultrasound is effective to fabricate nanocomplex. Soymilk is a natural nanocarrier with good compatibility. However, information about soymilk-nutraceuticals nanocomplex is limited. In this work, soymilk was used to encapsulate icariin, a well known nutraceutical with poor bioavailability. The effect of ultrasound on the quality of icariin-soymilk nanocomplexes (ISNCs) was investigated. Ultrasound could reduce the particle size, improve the surface hydrophobicity and change the microstructure of soymilk. With increasing ultrasound treatment time, an increased surface hydrophobicity was observed. The highest encapsulation efficiency (89.67 %) and loading capacity (28.92 µg/mg) were found for USI-20, whereas the smallest particle size (132.47 nm) was observed for USI-120. USI-60 showed the lowest ζ-potential (-31.33 mV) and the highest bioaccessibility (76.08 %). Ultrasound could enhance the storage stability of ISNCs. The data of NMR and fluorescence indicated that ISNCs were mainly stabilized by hydrophobic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]