Unconventional Edible Plants of the Amazon: Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends.

The pursuit of an improved quality of life is a major trend in the food market. This is driving the reformulation of the industry's product portfolio, with the aim of providing nourishment while also contributing to beneficial health metabolic processes. In this context, the use of local biodiversity and the recovery of the traditional knowledge associated with the consumption of vegetables that grow spontaneously in nature emerge as more sustainable and nutritionally adequate concepts. The Amazon region is known for its abundant biodiversity, housing numerous unconventional food plants whose nutritional and biological properties remain unknown due to a lack of research. Among the different species are Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Acmella oleracea, Talinum triangulare, Pereskia bleo, Bidens bipinnata, and Costus spiralis. These species contain bioactive compounds such as apigenin, syringic acid, spilanthol, and lutein, which provide various health benefits. There are few reports on the biological effects, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and market prospects for these species. Therefore, this review provides an overview of their nutritional contribution, bioactive compounds, health benefits, and current market, as well as the use of new technologies that can contribute to the development of functional products/ingredients derived from them.

The Consumption of the Fibrous Fraction of Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. Does Not Preserve the Intestinal Mucosa in TNBS-Induced Rats.

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. is considered a natural anti-inflammatory. In traditional medicine, it is used to reduce cholesterol levels in the treatment of obesity. Foods capable of conferring a protective and nutritious effect have been used to prevent or attenuate the clinical symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis is a multifactorial inflammatory bowel disease. This study investigated the impact of the consumption of the fibrous fraction (FF) and resistant starch (RS) of fruta-do-lobo in an experimental model of colitis induced with the use 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) in rats. The different colitis groups all experienced decreased weight gain, which could be linked to the inflammatory process (p = 0.603). Additionally, the experimental model led to increased oxidative stress, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the elevated gene expression of these cytokines. Despite this, consuming the fibrous fraction of fruta-do-lobo (RS and FF) did not appear to protect the animals against the inflammatory process. Regarding the expression of TNF-α, only the group treated with the drug mesalamine had a reduced serum level of this inflammatory marker (p = 0.03). Our results showed that the diet containing RS and FF did not protect the intestinal mucosa against TNBS inflammation. New studies on the variation in the time of consumption or the supplemented dose of fruta-do-lobo fibers could help to elucidate their effects in protecting the mucosa.

Extract of Araçá-Boi and Its Major Phenolic Compound, Trans-Cinnamic Acid, Reduce Viability and Inhibit Migration of Human Metastatic Melanoma Cells.

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that is recognized for its high metastatic potential and the challenges it presents in its treatment. There has been increasing interest in plant extracts and their potential applications in melanoma. The present study aimed to investigate the content of individual phenolic compounds in araçá-boi extract, evaluate their antioxidant activity, and explore their effects on cell viability, migration properties, oxidative stress levels, and protein expression in the human metastatic melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28. HPLC-DAD analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds in the araçá-boi extract. Trans-cinnamic acid was the main phenolic compound identified; therefore, it was used alone to verify its contribution to antitumor activities. SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1600 µg/mL). Both the araçá-boi extract and trans-cinnamic acid reduced cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress in melanoma cells. Additionally, they modulate proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of araçá-boi extract and its phenolic compounds in the context of melanoma, especially in strategies focused on preventing metastasis. Additional studies, such as the analysis of specific signaling pathways, would be valuable in confirming and expanding these observations.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity from Araticum Peel Using Response Surface Methodology.

The peel represents a significant portion of the araticum fruit (about 40%), which becomes waste after its consumption or processing. Previous studies have shown that the araticum peel is rich in phenolic compounds; however, little is known about the ideal conditions for recovering these compounds. Therefore, response surface methodology, using a central composite rotatable design, was employed to optimize the extraction process to maximize the total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and enhance the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) from araticum peel. The variables optimized were ethanol concentration (EC; 20-80%, v/v), extraction time (ET; 5-45 min), and solid-solvent ratio (SSR; 10-100 mg/mL). Additionally, condensed tannins, antioxidant capacity against synthetic free radicals (TEAC and FRAP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the phenolic compounds profile, were evaluated. Optimum extraction conditions were 50% (v/v) ethanol concentration, 5 min of extraction time, and 10 mg/mL solid-solvent ratio. Under these conditions, experimental TPCs and TEAC values were 70.16 mg GAE/g dw and 667.22 µmol TE/g dw, respectively, comparable with predicted models (68.47 mg GAE/g dw for TPCs and 677.04 µmol TE/g dw for TEAC). A high condensed tannins content (76.49 mg CE/g dw) was also observed and 12 phenolic compounds were identified, predominantly flavonoids (97.77%), including procyanidin B2, epicatechin, and catechin as the major compounds. Moreover, a potent antioxidant activity was observed against synthetic free radicals and ROS, especially in scavenging peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. From this study, we obtained the ideal conditions for recovering phenolic compounds from araticum peel using a simple, fast, sustainable, and effective method, offering a promising opportunity for the management of this plant byproduct.

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds.

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

Health Benefits of the Alkaloids from Lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill): A Comprehensive Review.

Solanum is the largest genus within the Solanaceae family and has garnered considerable attention in chemical and biological investigations over the past 30 years. In this context, lobeira or "fruta-do-lobo" (Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill), a species predominantly found in the Brazilian Cerrado, stands out. Beyond the interesting nutritional composition of the fruits, various parts of the lobeira plant have been used in folk medicine as hypoglycemic, sedative, diuretic, antiepileptic, and antispasmodic agents. These health-beneficial effects have been correlated with various bioactive compounds found in the plant, particularly alkaloids. In this review, we summarize the alkaloid composition of the lobeira plant and its biological activities that have been reported in the scientific literature in the last decades. The compiled data showed that lobeira plants and fruits contain a wide range of alkaloids, with steroidal glycoalkaloid solamargine and solasonine being the major ones. These alkaloids, but not limited to them, contribute to different biological activities verified in alkaloid-rich extracts/fractions from the lobeira, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antigenotoxic, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, and antiparasitic effects. Despite the encouraging results, additional research, especially toxicological, pre-clinical, and clinical trials, is essential to validate these human health benefits and ensure consumers' safety and well-being.

Açai pulp improves cognition and insulin sensitivity in obese mice.

SCOPE: Obesity and insulin resistance constitute risk factors for the development of tauopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases. (Poly)phenol compounds are under study for its role in protecting effects against neural injuries and degeneration. Here, we investigated the effect of Amazonian açai pulp (AP) intake in the prevention of memory and cognitive impairment resulting from a high-fat diet intake in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Obesity and insulin resistance was induced with a high-fat diet and supplemented with 2% AP to investigate peripheral insulin resistance, recognition memory and tau protein stability via AKT/GSK3-ß signaling pathway. The consumption of AP for 70 days improved peripheral insulin sensitivity and phosphorylation of AKT/GSK3-ß in mice hippocampi. The animals fed high-fat diets supplemented with AP showed better performance in the novel object recognition test (NOR) in comparison to the H group. Catalase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) values were improved in the treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the supplementation of AP can attenuate the effects of high-fat diet consumption in peripheral insulin resistance and improve cognitive behavior.

A multi-omics approach to understand the influence of polyphenols in ovarian cancer for precision nutrition: a mini-review.

The impact of polyphenols in ovarian cancer is widely studied observing gene expression, epigenetic alterations, and molecular mechanisms based on new 'omics' technologies. Therefore, the combination of omics technologies with the use of phenolic compounds may represent a promising approach to precision nutrition in cancer. This article provides an updated review involving the current applications of high-throughput technologies in ovarian cancer, the role of dietary polyphenols and their mechanistic effects in ovarian cancer, and the current status and challenges of precision nutrition and their relationship with big data. High-throughput technologies in different omics science can provide relevant information from different facets for identifying biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and selection of specific therapies for personalized treatment. Furthermore, the field of omics sciences can provide a better understanding of the role of polyphenols and their function as signaling molecules in the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer. Although we observed an increase in the number of investigations, there are several approaches to data acquisition, analysis, and integration that still need to be improved, and the standardization of these practices still needs to be implemented in clinical trials.

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Profiling of Phytochemicals from Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.) and Its Antioxidant Activity.

Araticum is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado with a high potential for exploitation. Several studies have stated that araticum is a rich source of phytochemicals with multifaceted biological actions. However, little information is available regarding the characterization of phytochemicals found in the pulp of this fruit. In this context, this study aimed to carry out a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals present in the araticum pulp using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). The antioxidant potential of araticum pulp was also evaluated. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS profiling of the phytochemicals allowed for the identification and annotation of 139 phytochemicals, including organic acids, jasmonates, iridoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, fatty acid derivatives, and other compounds. Among them, 116 compounds have been found for the first time in araticum pulp. Phenolic compounds and their derivatives represented about 59% of the phytochemicals identified in the extract. Moreover, araticum pulp showed high total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. The majority of identified phytochemicals have been associated with key roles in the plant's defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stress factors in the Cerrado environment. Furthermore, many of these phytochemicals found in the araticum pulp are already widely recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Our findings showed that the araticum fruit contains different classes of phytochemicals that exert various biological activities, both in the plant itself and in humans.

Non-Thermal Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Processing Retains the Quality Parameters and Improves the Kinetic Stability of an Araticum Beverage Enriched with Inulin-Type Dietary Fibers.

Fruit-based beverages have been considered excellent food vehicles for delivering prebiotics. However, the conventional thermal processes currently used to microbiologically and enzymatically stabilize these products may cause significant losses in their sensory, physicochemical, nutritional, and bioactive characteristics. Thus, in this study, we evaluate the effect of different levels of pressure (8, 15, and 21 MPa) and temperature (35 and 55 °C) on the characteristics of an inulin-enriched araticum beverage processed with non-thermal supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) technology. The temperature showed a significant effect on total soluble solids, pH, particle size distribution, and kinetic stability. In contrast, pressure affected only the particle size distribution. The interaction between pressure and temperature influenced the total soluble solids, pH, and particle size distribution. Color parameters, ζ-potential, and glucose and fructose contents were not modified after all SC-CO2 treatments. Moreover, the SC-CO2 treatments preserved the inulin molecular structure, thus maintaining its prebiotic functionality. Overall, the SC-CO2 treatment did not alter the sensory, nutritional, and functional quality of the beverage, while improving its physical stability during storage. Therefore, non-thermal SC-CO2 treatment can be an alternative to current conventional processes for stabilizing inulin-enriched fruit-based beverages.

Capsicum chinense var. BRS Moema: chemical characterization by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and antiproliferative screening.

Capsiate and phenolics present in the free, esterified, glycosylated, and insoluble-bound forms of BRS Moema peppers were characterized and quantified using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of BRS Moema extract was evaluated. The peppers showed considerable quantities of capsiate and phenolic compounds. Esterified phenolics were the main fraction, followed by the insoluble-bound fraction, indicating that relying solely on the extraction of soluble phenolics may underestimate the total phenolic content. Among the fourteen phenolics identified in extract fractions, gallic acid was the major constituent. Phenolic fractions displayed high antioxidant capacity by TEAC and ORAC assays. Nevertheless, the correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity suggested that other bioactive or phenolic compounds may contribute to the overall phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of the obtained fractions. Concerning the antiproliferative activity, the extract did not exhibit any effect on cell proliferation within the evaluated concentration range. These findings indicated that BRS Moema peppers can serve as a rich source of phenolic compounds. Therefore, fully utilizing them could bring advantages to the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as to consumers and producers.

Supercritical CO2 as a Valuable Tool for Aroma Technology.

This review addresses the possibilities of using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) in the flavor industry in extraction and fractionation processes and its use as a reaction medium to generate aroma esters. The advantages and disadvantages are presented, comparing SC-CO2 processing with traditional methods. The most distinguishable features of SC-CO2 include mild reaction conditions, time savings, fewer toxicity concerns, higher sustainability, and the possibility of modulating solvent selectivity according to the process conditions (such as pressure and temperature). Thus, this review indicates the potential of using SC-CO2 to obtain a high selectivity of compounds that can be applied in aroma technology and related fields.

NAD+ Precursors Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Potential Dietary Contribution to Health.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: NAD+ is a vital molecule that takes part as a redox cofactor in several metabolic reactions besides being used as a substrate in important cellular signaling in regulation pathways for energetic, genotoxic, and infectious stress. In stress conditions, NAD+ biosynthesis and levels decrease as well as the activity of consuming enzymes rises. Dietary precursors can promote NAD+ biosynthesis and increase intracellular levels, being a potential strategy for reversing physiological decline and preventing diseases. In this review, we will show the biochemistry and metabolism of NAD+ precursors NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), the latest findings on their beneficial physiological effects, their interplay with gut microbiota, and the future perspectives for research in nutrition and food science fields. RECENT FINDINGS: NMN and NR demonstrated protect against diabetes, Alzheimer disease, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. They also reverse gut dysbiosis and promote beneficial effects at intestinal and extraintestinal levels. NR and NMN have been found in vegetables, meat, and milk, and microorganisms in fermented beverages can also produce them. NMN and NR can be obtained through the diet either in their free form or as metabolites derivate from the digestion of NAD+. The prospection of NR and NMN to find potential food sources and their dietary contribution in increasing NAD+ levels are still an unexplored field of research. Moreover, it could enable the development of new functional foods and processing strategies to maintain and enhance their physiological benefits, besides the studies of new raw materials for extraction and biotechnological development.

Scientific Advances in the Last Decade on the Recovery, Characterization, and Functionality of Bioactive Compounds from the Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.).

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native and endemic species to Brazilian Cerrado whose fruits have high sensorial, nutritional, bioactive, and economic potential. Its use in local folk medicine, associated with recent scientific findings, has attracted growing interest from different industrial sectors. Therefore, understanding the scientific advances achieved so far and identifying gaps to be filled is essential to direct future studies and transform accumulated knowledge into innovative technologies and products. In this review, we summarize the phytochemical composition, bioactivities, and food products from araticum fruit that have been reported in the scientific literature over the past 10 years. The compiled data showed that araticum fruit parts contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and tocols. These phytochemicals contribute to different biological activities verified in araticum fruit extracts/fractions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidyslipidemic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, healing of the cutaneous wound, antibacterial, and insecticide effects. Despite the promising findings, further studies-particularly toxicological (especially, with byproducts), pre-clinical, and clinical trials-must be conducted to confirm these biological effects in humans and assure the safety and well-being of consumers.

Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus emulsions when combined with mannosylerythritol a lipid biosurfactant.

Essential oils (EOs) are natural and effective agents for controlling microorganisms which cause biodeterioration and disease. However, their application is hampered/restricted due to hydrophobicity and rapid vaporization of these compounds. Encapsulation technology provides an effective approach to maintain EO stabilization and prevent the loss of volatile ingredients. Meanwhile, using a synthetic surfactant is seen as counter-productive; therefore, a natural biosurfactant is more reasonable and can potentially increase activity due to its other biological proprieties. This work aims to evaluate the mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactant combined with Thymus vulgaris, Lippia sidoides, and Cymbopogon citratus essential oil emulsions (O/W) and evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity. The biosurfactant MEL demonstrated activity against Bacillus subtilis and Penicillium sp. After emulsification, the antimicrobial activity of Thymus vulgaris and Lippia sidoides was increased against Escherichia coli (500 µg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (600 µg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (120 µg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1500 µg/mL), Penicillium sp. (62.25 µg/mL), Aspergillus flavus (250 µg/mL), Fusarium oxysporum (100 and 250 µg/mL), and Candida albicans (125 and 250 µg/mL). We report that emulsions prepared with MEL have high inhibitory activity, maintain the active concentration, and increase antioxidant capacity by 7.33% (Thymus vulgaris), 13.71% (Lippia sidoides), and 3.15% (Cymbopogon citratus).

Dietary polyphenols and their relationship to the modulation of non-communicable chronic diseases and epigenetic mechanisms: A mini-review.

Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have been considered a global health problem, characterized as diseases of multiple factors, which are developed throughout life, and regardless of genetics as a risk factor of important relevance, the increase in mortality attributed to the disease to environmental factors and the lifestyle one leads. Although the reactive species (ROS/RNS) are necessary for several physiological processes, their overproduction is directly related to the pathogenesis and aggravation of NCDs. In contrast, dietary polyphenols have been widely associated with minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition to their antioxidant power, polyphenols have also drawn attention for being able to modulate both gene expression and modify epigenetic alterations, suggesting an essential involvement in the prevention and/or development of some pathologies. Therefore, this review briefly explained the mechanisms in the development of some NCDs, followed by a summary of some evidence related to the interaction of polyphenols in oxidative stress, as well as the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in the management of NCDs.

The porosity of carbohydrate-based spray-dried microparticles containing limonene stabilized by pea protein: Correlation between porosity and oxidative stability.

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of pea protein concentrate (PPC) in the physical properties, porosity features, and oxidative stability of maltodextrin-based spray-dried microparticles containing orange essential oil (OEO, rich in limonene) were evaluated. The use of PPC resulted in spray-dried microparticles with encapsulation efficiencies of about 99 wt%, without visible pores, and relatively high glass transition temperature (66,4 °C) at Aw âˆ¼ 0.3. The nitrogen adsorption and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements showed that the increase of PPC concentration from 2.4 to 4.8 wt% (g of PPC/100 g of emulsion) did not affect the porosity features of the microparticles. These results were confirmed by the profiles of OEO retention and limonene oxide production, which were similar for both samples throughout four weeks of storage. Based on these results, we verified that the lower amount of PPC we tested can effectively protect the OEO during storage, showing that a relatively cheaper orange flavor powder can be produced using less protein.

Structural properties and evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of limonene-1,2-diol obtained by the fungal biotransformation of R-(+)- and S-(-)-limonene.

Limonene-1,2-diol is a limonene oxygenated metabolite that possesses eight different stereoisomers, which could result in different biological properties. Nonetheless, the relation between its spatial configuration and biological function is still little explored. The present study aimed to perform the stereoisomers identification using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) investigation of the limonene-1,2-diol produced via R-(+)- and S-(-)-limonene biotransformation by Colletotrichum nymphaeae and S-(-)-limonene biotransformation by Fusarium oxysporum 152B. Besides, in vitro antiproliferative activity was evaluated against human tumor and nontumor cell lines. The NMR analysis showed that R-(+)-limonene biotransformation afforded exclusively (+)-(1S,2S,4R-limonene-1,2-diol), whereas S-(-)-limonene biotransformation afforded exclusively (-)-(1R,2R,4S-limonene-1,2-diol) independent on the fungi used. Despite no significant cytostatic effects, a possible influence of stereogenic center on the antiproliferative activity of these limonene biotransformation products was evidenced. Moreover, the lack of in vitro antiproliferative effect of limonene-1,2-diol against nontumor cells suggested a safe dose range for further in vivo evaluations, including food applications.

Characterization of Buritirana (Mauritiella armata) Fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado: Biometric and Physicochemical Attributes, Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential.

The buritirana is a little-explored species of the Arecaceae family. The biometric and physicochemical characteristics, nutritional and chemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the buritirana fruit fractions were evaluated here for the first time. The fruits presented an oblong shape. The pulp represented 16.58% of the whole-fruit weight (10.07 g). The moisture, ash and soluble fiber contents were similar for the whole fraction without seed (WS) and pulp. Although the total carbohydrate content was the same for seed and peel (23.24 g·100 g-1), the seed showed higher protein and insoluble fiber contents. Except for glucose (1256.63 mg·100 g-1), the seed showed the highest concentrations of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides. Mineral content ranged from 0.43 to 800 mg·100 g-1 in all fractions. The peel fraction showed the highest content of vitamin C. The physicochemical results indicate the pulp and WS fraction have potential for the production of fruit-derived food products. Protocatechuic and quinic acids and epicatechin/catechin were found in all fractions. The assay antioxidant capacity DPPH, phenolic content and total flavonoids were higher in the pulp; TEAC and ORACHF values were lower in the seed. Volatile organic compounds were not identified, and the fractions did not show antibacterial activity.

Olfactory and gustatory disorders caused by COVID-19: How to regain the pleasure of eating?

BACKGROUND: Recently, anosmia and ageusia (and their variations) have been reported as frequent symptoms of COVID-19. Olfactory and gustatory stimuli are essential in the perception and pleasure of eating. Disorders in sensory perception may influence appetite and the intake of necessary nutrients when recovering from COVID-19. In this short commentary, taste and smell disorders were reported and correlated for the first time with food science. SCOPE AND APPROACH: The objective of this short commentary is to report that taste and smell disorders resulted from COVID-19 may impact eating pleasure and nutrition. It also points out important technologies and trends that can be considered and improved in future studies. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Firmer food textures can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, and more vibrant colors are able to increase the modulation of brain metabolism, stimulating pleasure. Allied to this, encapsulation technology enables the production of new food formulations, producing agonist and antagonist agents to trigger or block specific sensations. Therefore, opportunities and innovations in the food industry are wide and multidisciplinary discussions are needed.