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Chlorella phenolic-rich extract has been studied due to its potential therapeutic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that consumption of Chlorella phenolic-rich extract can modulate gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Several studies have shown that Chlorella supplementation may improve symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as reducing liver enzyme levels in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and H. pylori infection rates in children. However, further research should be conducted to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits of Chlorella phenolic-rich extract in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients should consult with experts before taking Chlorella, so that they can be made aware of the potential side effects and any relevant mediation interactions. Overall, the use of Chlorella phenolic-rich extract is an innovative subject where there is a need for researchers to examine the potential treatment of various gastrointestinal conditions. Additional researchers are needed to fully evaluate its effectiveness and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Alcea flower (as a natural source of antioxidants and colour) polyphenols might be easily deteriorated during processing and preservation. So, encapsulation is a suitable approach to overcome this problem. In this study, Alcea flower extract (AFE) was encapsulated using different carriers (maltodextrin (MD) and MD with gum arabic (GA), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and GA‐WPC). The production yield (~70%) was higher when MD‐WPC mixture or MD alone were used. The moisture content, water activity (aw), and wettability time of samples containing MD were less than other samples while their solubility was higher. Bulk and tapped density and also hygroscopicity were lowest in the samples produced using MD‐WPC, with improved flowability. The morphological characteristics of particles (matrix‐type particles with smooth and spherical surfaces in MD samples and wrinkled and indented in protein carriers) were affected by the carrier composition. Chemical structure evaluation (FTIR) indicated the successful coating of polyphenols in the carrier matrix. Generally, TPC (0.93 mg GAE mL−1) and retention of DPPH (82.4%), ABTS (94.1%), hydroxyl radical scavenging (77.2%) and reducing power (87.5%) of the samples produced with MD‐WPC were higher than other carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years, extensive research is under way about the use of natural bioactive compounds and production of functional foods to increase community health and reduce the risk of various food-related diseases. Among different bioactive compounds, the health benefits of peptides and protein hydrolysates make these compounds as nutraceutical food-additives in the formulation of functional foods. But due to physicochemical instability, hygroscopicity and bitterness, direct use of the bioactive peptides in food formulations is difficult. Encapsulation of these compounds in different carriers is one of the most common techniques to overcome the mentioned disadvantages. Among different techniques of encapsulation, spray-drying is the most economical and flexible process for reduction of hygroscopicity, masking of unpleasant-flavors and increasing the stability of bioactive peptides. In this study, the health benefits of peptides and hydrolysates, their disadvantages and applications of microencapsulation by spray-drying technique have been discussed. Also, the most recent results concerning the effect of encapsulation process with different carriers on physicochemical properties, physical and antioxidant stability, masking of bitterness and morphological characteristics of spray-dried powders loaded with bioactive peptides have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]