Determination of prebiotic properties of rice bran extract.

This research investigated and compared the prebiotic properties of a rice bran extract obtained through commercial xylanase extraction in comparison with water extraction. Prebiotic properties were evaluated by probiotic growth stimulation (Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) and gastrointestinal pathogen inhibition (Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli). The rice bran extract obtained with xylanase (RB1) displayed significantly higher total polysaccharide and total reducing sugar contents than those obtained with water (RB2; p<0.05). After extraction for 30 min, RB1 exhibited the highest total polysaccharide and total reducing sugar contents. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis revealed that RB1 primarily contained xylose, while RB2 contained less glucose and lacked other sugar derivatives. RB1 proved effective in stimulating the growth of L. casei and L. plantarum, surpassing even inulin (a commercial prebiotic). Furthermore, it demonstrated a high potential for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic B. cereus and E. coli, comparable to inulin. In contrast, RB2 exhibited lower inhibitory capacity against B. cereus and E. coli.

Investigation of Stingless Bee Honey from West Sumatra as an Antihyperglycemic Food.

This study aimed to investigate the potential in vitro antihyperglycemic activity of honey sourced from three different species of stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, and Kelulut matahari) by assessing their α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents in comparison with honey from Apis cerana, obtained from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The honey samples were obtained from stingless bee farms at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Andalas. Variations were observed in α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, antioxidant activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50), and total phenolic and flavonoid contents among the honey samples from H. itama, G. thoracica, K. matahari, and A. cerana. In terms of α-glucosidase inhibition, honey from the stinging bee A. cerana demonstrated higher inhibition than that from the other three stingless bees species. Honey derived from K. matahari exhibited the lowest IC50 value, indicating its superior antioxidant activity, followed by honey from A. cerana, H. itama, and G. thoracica. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in honey from A. cerana, followed by honey from K. matahari, H. itama, and G. thoracica. Analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the predominant absorptions in all four honey samples were observed at 767∼1,643 cm-1, indicating that absorptions are primarily ascribed to monosaccharides and disaccharides. Additionally, some peaks implied the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Overall, honey from stingless bees shows promise as an antihyperglycemic food, as evidenced by its α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity, antioxidant activity, and relatively high total phenolic content.

Role of green banana consumption in the treatment of acute and persistent diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Green banana Musa paradisiaca (GB) has been traditionally used to aid in the treatment of diarrhea. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate current evidence of the effect of GB consumption as a complement to standard treatment in the population with acute or persistent diarrhea. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS from inception to January 2024; there was no language restriction. Only randomized controlled trials using GB as an intervention were included, and studies using antidiarrheal medication were excluded. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the effect of GB on the resolution of acute and persistent diarrhea. To measure the certainty of evidence, the GRADE assessment was used. Nine randomized controlled trials (seven open and two blinded) were included. Studies were conducted in the pediatric population comprising a total of 3996 patients aged 8 to 34 months, eight studies were written in English and one in Spanish. GB-based food consumption significantly increased the hazard of resolution of diarrhea compared to standard treatment (HR 1.96, 95% CI [1.62; 2.37], p < 0.01; I2 = 52%). The subgroup analysis showed a higher hazard of resolution of diarrhea for children with persistent diarrhea (HR 2.34, 95% CI [1.78; 3.08] compared to acute diarrhea (HR 1.74, 95% CI [1.45; 2.09]).Conclusions: The use of green banana-based foods as a complement to standard treatment in children is probably associated with a faster resolution in acute diarrhea and may aid in the treatment of persistent diarrhea. More clinical trials are necessary to assess if a synergistic effect between GB and other foods exists and proves to be better than GB alone. These findings need to be confirmed in diverse socioeconomic contexts, within the adult population, and under varying health conditionsTrial registration: CRD42024499992.

Diet Based on Pereskia aculeata Miller Flour Increases Muscle Volume and Modulates the Expression of Myokines in Mice Subjected to Resistance Training.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pereskia aculeata Miller (ora-pro-nobis [OPN]) flour on body and biochemical parameters, thermogenic activity, and molecular expression of markers in the muscle tissue of mice subjected to resistance training (RT). Twelve mice were randomly assigned to two groups (n=6 animals/group): G1: control (Control) fed a standard diet + RT and G2: experimental (OPN) fed a diet based on OPN flour + RT. The RT consisted of a 6-week program using a vertical ladder combined with a fixed weight attached to the animal. Several parameters were measured, including assessment of body composition, biochemical markers, thermogenic activity, and molecular (mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The OPN group exhibited a decrease in body weight and visceral adiposity, higher energy expenditure, and lipid oxidation rate. In addition, it was observed an increase in muscle volume and in mRNA expression levels of IL-6, FNDC5, PGC-1α, and TFAM. These findings suggest that OPN flour could be a nutritional option to enhance performance in RT.

Biofortification, metabolomic profiling and quantitative analysis of vitamin B12 enrichment in guava juice via lactic acid fermentation using Levilactobacillus brevis strain KU15152.

BACKGROUND: Chemical fortification and dose supplementation of vitamin B12 are widely implemented to combat deficiency symptoms. However, in situ, fortification of vitamin B12 in food matrixes can be a promising alternative to chemical fortification. The present study aimed to produce vitamin B12-rich, probiotic guava juice fermented with Levilactobacillus brevis strain KU15152. Pasteurized fresh guava juice was inoculated with 7.2 log CFU mL-1 L. brevis strain KU15152 and incubated for 72 h at 37 °C anaerobically. The antioxidants, total phenolic compounds, vitamin B12 production, sugars, organic acids, pH and viable count were analyzed at 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. The fermented juice was stored at 4 °C, and the changes in its functional properties were analyzed at 7-day intervals up to 28 days of storage. RESULTS: During fermentation, the bacteria cell count was increased from 7.01 ± 0.06 to 9.76 ± 0.42 log CFU mL-1 after 72 h of fermentation and was decreased to 6.94 ± 0.34 CFU mL-1 during storage at 4 °C after 28 days. The pH, total soluble solids, crude fiber, citric acid and total sugars decreased, while titratable acidity, total protein, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and lactic acid contents increased during fermentation. The fermented guava juice exhibited higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS)) radical scavenging activities (85.97% and 75.97%, respectively) at 48 h of fermentation. The concentration of active vitamin B12 in the sample reached 109.5 µg L-1 at 72 h of fermentation. However, this concentration gradually decreased to 70.2 µg L-1 during the storage period. During storage for 28 days at 4 °C, both the fermented and control guava juices exhibited a decline in antioxidant and phenolic compound concentrations. Furthermore, the addition of 20% honey and guava flavor enhanced the organoleptic properties and acceptability of fermented guava juice. CONCLUSION: The value-added fermented guava juice could be a novel functional food product to combat vitamin B12 deficiency. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigating the potential of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice in the development of organic apple-based snacks.

This study investigates the potential of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) juice for the development of prebiotic-rich organic apple-based snacks. Yacon syrup, primarily composed of fructan, inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and free sugars, represents a promising nutraceutical product. Its great potential in food processing, particularly as an innovative source of prebiotics, has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo since it is fermented specifically by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Our objective was to explore the feasibility of employing vacuum impregnation process to incorporate yacon juice into organic apples, followed by hot air drying for the formulation of dried organic apple-based snacks with health-enhancing attributes. We assessed the prebiotic and physicochemical characteristics of the impregnated snacks, also considering 50 days of storage at room temperature. Vacuum impregnation and air drying produced dried apple slices impregnated with yacon juice with good quality and stability. Higher levels of fructan (16-fold difference compared to non-impregnated apples) in the apple slices increased their prebiotic potential, promoting the growth and viability of cells within simulated intestinal fluid, including strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB -12, Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20091, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis DSM 20088, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus C112, even after prolonged storage. Remarkably, the physicochemical parameters of the impregnated and dried apple slices remained nearly constant and akin to the control samples. Therefore, the combination of vacuum impregnation and air drying has the potential to be used to produce enriched prebiotic organic apple snacks, providing consumers with additional health benefits, including enhanced gut health, with its associated implications, and increased satiety. This innovation could contribute to the development of health-promoting food products with improved nutritional profiles.

Acute Consumption of Cooked Green Banana Pulp Beverage (Musa cavendishii) Decreases Plasma Glucose in Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study.

This study aimed at comparing the carbohydrate composition of three banana varieties (cv. Nanica, Nanicão, and Prata) and investigating the effect of a single dose of cooked green banana pulp beverage (GBPd) on plasma glycemic homeostasis indexes (glucose, PYY, GIP, insulin) and hunger and satiety sensation (visual analog scale-VAS). The bananas were classified according to the color scale. The fiber, total carbohydrate, and resistant starch (RS) were determined using validated methods. Glucose homeostasis indexes and hunger/satiety sensation were determined in ten healthy women in two stages before and after intake: (1) glucose solution (250 g/L); (2) one week later, consumption of the glucose solution plus 75 g/L of GBPd. Blood samples were collected twice in stage-1 and every 15 min for 2 h in stage-2. Cv. Nanicão was selected, because it presented a higher content in RS and dietary fiber on dry base than the other cultivars. Thus, it was used to test glycemic response. After 2 h of GBPd intake, no difference was observed in hunger/satiety sensation and plasma glycemic homeostasis indexes, except for a decrease in plasma glucose concentration (-15%, p = 0.0232) compared to stage-1. These results suggest that cv. Nanicão has a higher potential as a functional ingredient and can influence the reduction in the glycemic index of a meal compared to other cultivars. However, it had not a short-term effect on hormones GIP and PYY in healthy women. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of green banana on glycemic control and satiety.

First Data on the (Poly)phenolic Profiling of Farmacista Honorati Persimmon Fruit (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) at Commercial Harvest and after Treatments for Astringency Removal.

This study aims to provide the first report on the soluble and polyphenolic profiles of "Farmacista Honorati" (FH) persimmons, which is a marketed cultivar with no existing data on its nutraceutical value. Total soluble tannins (TSTs) and major soluble (poly)phenols in FH fruits before and after post-harvest commercial treatments with carbon dioxide and ethylene were analyzed. Fruits at commercial harvest had a TST content of 1022 ± 286 mg GAL/100 g d.w. Whereas, after deastringency treatments, an 85% and 83% reduction were observed for carbon dioxide- and ethylene-treated fruits, respectively. Carbon dioxide treatment resulted in the insolubilization of tannins around comparable values in most fruit cultivars, despite the variable soluble tannin content in untreated fruit. By targeted metabolomic profiling, nineteen (poly)phenolic substances were quantified in the investigated untreated and treated fruits. Gallic acid (99 mg/100 g d.w.), (+)-catechin (1.8 mg/100 g d.w.), ellagic acid (1.2 mg/100 g d.w.), and (-)-epicatechin (1.1 mg/100 g d.w.) were the predominant compounds in the untreated FH samples. After the application of post-harvest treatments, a non-nutraceutical relevant decrease of 8-19% in the targeted (poly)phenolic content was generally observed. Ethylene induced the most significant reduction in the individual (poly)phenolic compounds in the FH fruits.

Optimization and quality evaluation of functional pasta made from germinated finger millet, buckwheat, and black gram.

The investigation was conducted to optimize process variables to manufacture functional pasta from composite flour. The selected grains were steeped, germinated, dried, and milled to produce flour. The flours were mixed at optimized proportions (57.31% buckwheat flour, 12.68% finger millet flour, and 30% paheli dal flour) to produce composite flour. The full factorial experimental design opted for optimization of process variables namely, moisture content (mc) (28, 30, 32, and 34%) and mixing speed (60, 80, 100, and 120 rpm). The optimized multi-grain pasta showed shorter processing time, in-range cooking loss, and higher cooking weight and water absorption capacity (WAC). The highest overall acceptability was recorded for multi-grain pasta processed at 60 rpm with an initial mc of 32%. Proximate analysis of optimized multi-grain pasta showed that pasta contained protein (13.95%), crude fiber (5.05%), ash (2.05%), a lower amount of fat (0.74%), and carbohydrates (71.71%).

Advances in preparation and engineering of plant-derived extracellular vesicles for nutrition intervention.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PLEVs), as a type of naturally occurring lipid bilayer membrane structure, represent an emerging delivery vehicle with immense potential due to their ability to encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, shield them from external environmental stresses, control release, exhibit biocompatibility, and demonstrate biodegradability. This comprehensive review analyzes engineering preparation strategies for natural vesicles, focusing on PLEVs and their purification and surface engineering. Furthermore, it encompasses the latest advancements in utilizing PLEVs to transport active components, serving as a nanotherapeutic system. The prospects and potential development of PLEVs are also discussed. It is anticipated that this work will not only address existing knowledge gaps concerning PLEVs but also provide valuable guidance for researchers in the fields of food science and biomedical studies, stimulating novel breakthroughs in plant-based therapeutic options.

Selected fruit pomaces: Nutritional profile, health benefits, and applications in functional foods and feeds.

The utmost objective of every nation is to achieve zero hunger and ensure the health and well-being of its population. However, in impoverished nations, particularly in rural areas, such issues persist on a daily basis. Currently, there is a growing demand for fruit consumption due to their potential health benefits. Surprisingly, their most prevalent by-product is pomace, which is produced in millions of tonnes and is usually discarded as waste after processing or consumption. Even food produced with these kinds of raw resources can contribute to the objective of eradicating world hunger. Owing to these advantages, scientists have begun evaluating the nutritional content of various fruit pomace varieties as well as the chemical composition in different bioactive constituents, which have significant health benefits and can be used to formulate a variety of food products with notable nutraceutical and functional potential. So, the purpose of this review is to understand the existing familiarity of nutritional and phytochemical composition of selected fruit pomaces, those derived from pineapple, orange, grape, apple, and tomato. Furthermore, this article covers pre-clinical and clinical investigations conducted on the selected fruit pomace extracts and/or powder forms and its incorporation into food products and animal feed. Adding fruit pomaces reduces the glycemic index, increases the fibre content and total polyphenolic contents, and reduces the cooking loss, etc. In animal feeds, incorporating fruit pomaces improves the antioxidant enzyme activities, humoral immune system, and growth performance and reduces methane emission.

Modulation of cherry tomato performances in response to molybdenum biofortification and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a soilless system.

Molybdenum (Mo) is a crucial microelement for both, humans and plants. The use of agronomic biofortification techniques can be an alternative method to enhance Mo content in vegetables. Concomitantly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application is a valuable strategy to enhance plant performances and overcome plant abiotic distresses such as microelement overdose. The aim of this research was to estimate the direct and/or indirect effects of Mo supply at four doses [0.0, 0.5 (standard dose), 2.0 or 4.0 µmol L-1], alone or combined with AMF inoculation, on plant performances. In particular, plant height and first flower truss emission, productive features (total yield, marketable yield and average marketable fruit weight) and fruit qualitative characteristics (fruit dry matter, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, polyphenol, nitrogen, copper, iron and molybdenum) of an established cherry tomato genotype cultivated in soilless conditions were investigated. Moreover, proline and malondialdehyde concentrations, as well as Mo hazard quotient (HQ) in response to experimental treatments were determined. A split-plot randomized experimental block design with Mo dosages as plots and +AMF or -AMF as sub-plots was adopted. Data revealed that AMF inoculation enhanced marketable yield (+50.0 %), as well as some qualitative traits, such as fruit soluble solids content (SSC) (+9.9 %), ascorbic acid (+7.3 %), polyphenols (+2.3 %), and lycopene (+2.5 %). Molybdenum application significantly increased SSC, polyphenols, fruit Mo concentration (+29.0 % and +100.0 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 µmol Mo L-1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively) and proline, whereas it decreased N (-25.0 % and -41.6 % in plants biofortified with 2.0 and 4.0 µmol Mo L-1 compared to those fertigated with the standard dose, respectively). Interestingly, the application of AMF mitigated the detrimental effect of high Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 µmol L-1). A pronounced advance in terms of plant height 45 DAT, fruit lycopene concentration and fruit Fe, Cu and Mo concentrations was observed when AMF treatment and Mo dosages (2.0 or 4.0 µmol Mo L-1) were combined. Plants inoculated or not with AMF showed an improvement in the hazard quotient (HQ) in reaction to Mo application. However, the HQ - for a consumption of 200 g day-1 of biofortified cherry tomato - remained within the safety level for human consumption. This study suggests that Mo-implementation (at 2.0 or 4.0 µmol L-1) combined with AMF inoculation could represent a viable cultivation protocol to enhance yield, produce premium quality tomato fruits and, concomitantly, improve Mo dose in human diet. In the light of our findings, further studies on the interaction between AMF and microelements in other vegetable crops are recommended.

Identification of Sarmentosin as a Key Bioactive from Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) for Inhibiting Platelet Monoamine Oxidase in Humans.

Previous clinical studies indicate that monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition by blackcurrants must be predominantly attributed to bioactives other than anthocyanins. In this natural products discovery study, MAO-A/B inhibitory phytochemicals were isolated from blackcurrants, and a double-blind crossover study investigated the efficacy of freeze-dried whole-fruit blackcurrant powder in inhibiting MAO-B compared with blackcurrant juice in healthy adults. Platelet MAO-B inhibition was comparable between powder (89% ± 6) and juice (91% ± 4), and it was positively correlated with MAO-modulated plasma catecholamines, subjective alertness, and reduced mental fatigue, assessed using the Bond-Lader questionnaire. Sarmentosin, a nitrile glycoside, and its hydroxycinnamoyl esters were identified as novel MAO-A/B inhibitors from blackcurrant in vitro, and sarmentosin was demonstrated to inhibit platelet MAO-B activity in vivo. These findings confirm sarmentosin as the primary bioactive for MAO-A/B inhibition in blackcurrants, as well as its bioavailability and stability during freeze-drying, and suggest that consuming blackcurrant powder and juice may positively affect mood in healthy adults.

Sickle Cell Disease: Current Drug Treatments and Functional Foods with Therapeutic Potential.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA), the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic blood disorder. Red blood cells break down prematurely, causing anemia and often blocking blood vessels, leading to chronic pain, organ damage, and increased infection risk. SCD arises from a single-nucleotide mutation in the ß-globin gene, substituting glutamic acid with valine in the ß-globin chain. This review examines treatments evaluated through randomized controlled trials for managing SCD, analyzes the potential of functional foods (dietary components with health benefits) as a complementary strategy, and explores the use of bioactive compounds as functional food ingredients. While randomized trials show promise for certain drugs, functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds also hold therapeutic potential. Further research is needed to confirm clinical efficacy, optimal dosages, and specific effects of these compounds on SCD, potentially offering a cost-effective and accessible approach to managing the disease.

Chemical Composition and Neuroprotective Properties of Indonesian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) Propolis Extract in an In-Vivo Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH).

Stroke is the world's second-leading cause of death. Current treatments for cerebral edema following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mainly involve hyperosmolar fluids, but this approach is often inadequate. Propolis, known for its various beneficial properties, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could potentially act as an adjunctive therapy and help alleviate stroke-associated injuries. The chemical composition of Geniotrigona thoracica propolis extract was analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization for its total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the propolis extract were 1037.31 ± 24.10 µg GAE/mL and 374.02 ± 3.36 µg QE/mL, respectively. By GC-MS analysis, its major constituents were found to be triterpenoids (22.4% of TIC). Minor compounds, such as phenolic lipids (6.7% of TIC, GC-MS) and diterpenic acids (2.3% of TIC, GC-MS), were also found. Ninety-six Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups; namely, the control group, the ICH group, and four ICH groups that received the following therapies: mannitol, propolis extract (daily oral propolis administration after the ICH induction), propolis-M (propolis and mannitol), and propolis-B+A (daily oral propolis administration 7 days prior to and 72 h after the ICH induction). Neurocognitive functions of the rats were analyzed using the rotarod challenge and Morris water maze. In addition, the expression of NF-κB, SUR1-TRPM4, MMP-9, and Aquaporin-4 was analyzed using immunohistochemical methods. A TUNEL assay was used to assess the percentage of apoptotic cells. Mannitol significantly improved cognitive-motor functions in the ICH group, evidenced by improved rotarod and Morris water maze completion times, and lowered SUR-1 and Aquaporin-4 levels. It also significantly decreased cerebral edema by day 3. Similarly, propolis treatments (propolis-A and propolis-B+A) showed comparable improvements in these tests and reduced edema. Moreover, combining propolis with mannitol (propolis-M) further enhanced these effects, particularly in reducing edema and the Virchow-Robin space. These findings highlight the potential of propolis from the Indonesian stingless bee, Geniotrigona thoracica, from the Central Tapanuli region as a neuroprotective, adjunctive therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of Panax ginseng Sprout Extract in Subjective Memory Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Sprout ginseng extract (ThinkGIN™) manufactured through a smart farm system has been shown to improve memory in preclinical studies. This study conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ThinkGIN™ for improving memory in subjective memory impairment (SMI). Subjects aged 55 to 75 years with SMI participated in this study. A total of 80 subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were assigned to the ThinkGIN™ group (n = 40, 450 mg ThinkGIN™/day) or a placebo group (n = 40). Efficacy and safety evaluations were conducted before intervention and at 12 weeks after intervention. As a result of 12 weeks of ThinkGIN™ intake, significant differences in SVLT, RCFT, MoCA-K, PSQI-K, and AChE were observed between the two groups. Safety evaluation (AEs, laboratory tests, vital signs, and electrocardiogram) revealed that ThinkGIN™ was safe with no clinically significant changes. Therefore, ThinkGIN™ has the potential to be used as a functional food to improve memory.

Potential Prebiotic Effect of Inulin-Enriched Pasta after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Simulated Gut Fermentation.

In the current study, the prebiotic potential of an innovative functional pasta enriched with 12% (w/w) inulin was investigated. To this aim, pasta was subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion followed by simulated gut fermentation compared to the control pasta (CTRL) not containing inulin. The incorporation of inulin positively (p < 0.05) affected some organoleptic traits and the cooking quality of the final product, giving an overall score significantly higher than CTRL. The resultant essential amino acid content was similar in both pasta samples while the total protein content was lower in inulin-enriched pasta for the polymer substitution to durum wheat flour. The prebiotic potential of chicory inulin was preliminarily tested in in vitro experiments using seven probiotic strains and among them Lacticaseibacillus paracasei IMPC2.1 was selected for the simulated gut fermentation studies. The positive prebiotic activity score registered with the probiotic strain suggested the suitability of the inulin-enriched pasta with respect to acting as a prebiotic source favoring the growth of the probiotic strain and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The present study contributes to broadening knowledge on the prebiotic efficacy of inulin when incorporated into a complex food matrix.

Mechanism of Action of Isoflavone Derived from Soy-Based Tempeh as an Antioxidant and Breast Cancer Inhibitor via Potential Upregulation of miR-7-5p: A Multimodal Analysis Integrating Pharmacoinformatics and Cellular Studies.

Breast cancer presents a significant global health challenge with rising incidence rates worldwide. Despite current efforts, it remains inadequately controlled. Functional foods, notably tempeh, have emerged as promising candidates for breast cancer prevention and treatment due to bioactive peptides and isoflavones exhibiting potential anticancer properties by serving as antioxidants, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. This study integrates pharmacoinformatics and cellular investigations (i.e., a multifaceted approach) to elucidate the antioxidative and anti-breast cancer properties of tempeh-derived isoflavones. Methodologies encompass metabolomic profiling, in silico analysis, antioxidant assays, and in vitro experiments. Daidzein and genistein exhibited potential therapeutic options for breast cancer treatment and as antioxidant agents. In vitro studies also supported their efficacy against breast cancer and their ability to scavenge radicals, particularly in soy-based tempeh powder (SBT-P) and its isoflavone derivatives. Results have demonstrated a significant downregulation of breast cancer signaling proteins and increased expression of miR-7-5p, a microRNA with tumor-suppressive properties. Notably, the LD50 values of SBT-P and its derivatives on normal breast cell lines indicate their potential safety, with minimal cytotoxic effects on MCF-10A cells compared to control groups. The study underscores the favorable potential of SBT-P as a safe therapeutic option for breast cancer treatment, warranting further clinical exploration.

Composing functional food from agro-forest wastes: Selectively extracting bioactive compounds using supercritical fluid extraction.

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) employing carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is an efficient method to extract bioactive compounds from agro-forest wastes. These compounds maintain and/or improve food nutrition, safety, freshness, taste, and health and are employed as natural functional food components. To highlight the potential of this technology, we focus on the following current advances: (I) parameters affecting solubility in SFE (pressure, temperature, SC-CO2 flow rate, extraction time, and co-solvents); (II) extraction spectra and yield obtained according to proportion and composition of co-solvents; (III) extract bioactivity for functional food production. Fatty acids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, and low-polarity phenolic acids and triterpenoids were extracted using SFE without a co-solvent. High-polarity phenolic acids and flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, and alkaloids were only extracted with the help of co-solvents. Using a co-solvent significantly improved the triterpenoid, flavonoid, and phenolic acid yield with a medium polarity.