Specialized seed dispersal in Neotropical Vanilla reveals fruit unpalatability to omnivores.

Flowering plants are essentially sessile organisms that disperse their genes through pollination, expanding their areas of occurrence through seed dispersal. In orchids, seed dispersal is commonly mediated by air currents. Conversely, members of several genera have evolved seeds adapted to endozoochory. This is the case for Vanilla, the most economically important genus in the orchid family. The role of indehiscent fruits in the attraction and rewarding of Vanilla seed dispersers was investigated based on field observations, analysis of fragrances, reward substances, and investigation of seed viability through the digestive tract. Indehiscent Vanilla fruits are consumed exclusively by herbivores, i.e. agoutis. Besides providing nutritional rewards, the fruits are rich in polyphenols that are unpalatable to omnivores. The most dominant compound in fruits is attractive only to agoutis. This is the first study showing synzoochory in Orchidaceae and specificity of seed dispersal in orchids. Indehiscent fruits may have evolved early in Neotropical Vanilla in response to selection pressures mediated by large herbivores as the genus emerged ca. 34 Mya in South America, concomitantly with megafauna diversification in the Oligocene. Extinction of the megafauna during the Pleistocene has left agoutis as inheritors of seed dispersal in species with large fleshy fruits. Apart from the effects on omnivores, this study shows that indehiscent fruits of V. chamissonis are consumed exclusively by agoutis, providing the first evidence of target mutualism in orchid seed dispersal.

Yogurt enriched with nanoencapsulated anthocyanins: Effects on the modulation of the gut microbiota and its infuence on health.

Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds present in various plant products with interesting functional characteristics studied by science, such as their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, among others. However, anthocyanins are considered unstable to various factors, which can affect their functional capacity. For this reason, some technologies, such as nanoencapsulation, are being applied to ensure their functional capacity effectively. The incorporation of anthocyanins in yogurt has shown various benefits, such as the ability to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, reduce enzyme activity, and prolong the shelf life of the product. Additionally, the functional effects include their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, generating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even antiproliferative responses, thereby reducing the capacity of tumor progression. For these reasons, this graphic review discussed the functional effects of yogurt enriched with nanoencapsulated anthocyanins on the gut microbiota and its influence on human health.

Popcorn quality parameters and nutritional properties of oily maize (Zea mays var. 'Everta') hybrids subjected to different thermal treatments.

This research assessed the popcorn quality parameters and nutritional properties of 5 oily maize (Zea mays var. 'Everta') hybrids under several thermal treatments (hot air, microwave, and wet cooking). Grains contained 2.16-4.51 % crude fat and 11.08-12.94 % protein, displayed a similar amount of individual p-coumaric and ferulic acid derivatives (p > 0.05) (free: 3.61-40.53 µg/g; bound: 1621.75-1970.94 µg/g), and total phytosterols ranging from 8.76 to 13.17 µg/g. Hot air- and wet cooking-treated grains showed the highest expansion volume (121.5-133.1 mL), and there were no differences in yield and residual percentage (p < 0.05). PCA analysis clustered samples 1 and 3 as the most influential on bound phenolics, expansion time, yield, and popped grains weight, mostly under hot air and wet cooking treatments. Spearman's correlations outlined the potential of the grains' total and bound phenolics on popping quality (weight and expansion time: 0.50-0.90). Results suggested the oily hybrids' nutritional potential and suitability to produce high-quality popcorn.

Prospecting of the Antioxidant Activity from Extracts Obtained from Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) Seeds Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo Using the Tenebrio molitor Model.

Geoffroea decorticans, commonly known as Chañar, is a native Chilean plant widely used in folk medicine for its expectorant, pain relief, and antinociceptive properties. This study explored the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and protective effects of its ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (EA) seed extracts against oxidative stress induced by copper sulfate, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) identified significant components such as phytol, alpha-tocopherol, vitexin, and rutin, with the EE being particularly rich in phytol and vitexin. Antioxidant assays-measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and copper and iron chelation-confirmed their potent antioxidant capabilities. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic and provided protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress in the 3T3 cell line. Additionally, the use of Tenebrio molitor as an invertebrate model underscored the extracts' antioxidant and protective potentials, especially that of the EE. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antioxidant and protective properties of Chañar seed extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Polyphenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Whole Grape Juices from Vitis labrusca and Brazilian Hybrid Grapes in Two Training Systems.

The phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of whole grape juices from Vitis labrusca and Brazilian hybrids in two training systems were analyzed. Genotypes of V. labrusca ('Bordô' and 'Isabel') and Brazilian hybrids ('IAC 138-22 Máximo' and 'BRS Violeta') were grafted onto the rootstock 'IAC 766 Campinas' (106-8 'Mgt' × Vitis caribaea) and trained on low and high trellis. After harvest, the grapes were destemmed and the berries macerated in a roller crusher. Following hot extraction without pressurization of the pomace and gentle pressing of the blend (skins, must, and seeds), the juices were bottled in amber glass bottles and pasteurized. The physicochemical and colorimetric parameters of the juices, as well as the levels of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, total monomeric anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and polyphenolic profile, were evaluated. The juices were also subjected to sensory analysis (CAAE: 65549817.7.0000.5411). There was broad variation in all assessed characteristics. The results obtained demonstrate that the training system and grape genotype used in juice production are highly related to the presence of sugars, acidity, and bioactive compounds. Juices made from 'Bordô', 'IAC 138-22 Máximo' and 'BRS Violeta' grapes stood out from 'Isabel' juices, the main grape variety used in Brazilian juice and wine production. All juices contain bioactive compounds in considerable concentrations, indicating beverages with high antioxidant activity and, consequently, high biological potential, with the use of high trellis in vine cultivation potentially increasing concentrations.

Recent Advances in the Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Corn By-Products.

Maize comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, blue, and purple, which is due to the presence of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and some hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. In Mexico, maize is primarily grown for human consumption; however, maize residues comprise 51-58% of the total maize plant weight (stalks, leaves, ears, and husks) and are mainly used as livestock feed. These residues contain numerous bioactive compounds that interest the industry for their potential health benefits in preventing or treating degenerative diseases. This review explores the current knowledge and highlights key aspects related to the extraction methods and different techniques for identifying the bioactive compounds found in maize by-products.

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.

Hass Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Peel Extract Reveals Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties against Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger Pathogens Affecting Musa acuminata Colla Species, in Ecuador.

The utilization of agroindustrial residues, such as avocado peel, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties has garnered significant attention. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potential using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) methods, along with the antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Hass avocado peel. These soluble polyphenols were quantified and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The research focused on their effects against three fungal pathogens, Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger, which significantly impact banana crops, an essential agricultural commodity in Ecuador. The results have revealed that the application of 80% ethanol as an organic solvent led to increased soluble polyphenol content compared to 96% ethanol. Extraction time significantly influenced the phenolic content, with the highest values obtained at 90 min. Interestingly, despite substantial mycelial growth observed across all extract concentrations, the antifungal effect varied among the pathogens. Specifically, V. theobromae exhibited the highest sensitivity, while C. musae and A. niger were less affected. These results underscore the importance of considering both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties when evaluating natural extracts for potential applications in plant disease management.

Use of Integral Forage Palm Flour as an Innovative Ingredient in New Fettuccine-Type Pasta: Thermomechanical and Technological Properties, and Sensory Acceptance.

Dehydrated integral forage palm cladode flour (FPF) presents a promising nutritional and functional approach to enriching fettuccine-type pasta. This study investigated the use of microwave-dehydrated FPF (at 810 W) as a partial wheat flour substitute (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) in fresh and dry fettuccine-type pasta. The thermomechanical properties of flour blends and the technological and sensory attributes of the resulting pasta were evaluated. FPF displayed a high protein (15.80%), mineral (15.13%), dietary fiber (67.35%), and total soluble phenolic compound (251 mg EAG·100 g-1) content. While water absorption (~58%) and dough stability remained consistent across formulations, a decrease in maximum torque during heating was observed (p < 0.05). Fettuccine-type pasta containing 10% FPF exhibited an acceptable optimal cooking time, solid loss, weight gain, and textural properties for both fresh and dry pasta. Sensory evaluation revealed acceptability above 63% for pasta with 10% FPF, with a slight preference for the fresh version. Fresh pasta flavored with garlic and extra virgin olive oil (garlic and oil pasta) achieved a sensory acceptance rate of 79.67%. These findings demonstrate the potential of FPF for fettuccine-type pasta production, contributing desirable technological characteristics and achieving acceptable sensory profiles.

Effect on the Antioxidant Properties of Native Chilean Endemic Honeys Treated with Ionizing Radiation to Remove American Foulbrood Spores.

In Chile, honey is produced from several native species with interesting biological properties. Accordingly, those attributes are present in Chilean honeys owing to the presence of phenolic compounds inherited from specific floral sources. In recent years, the exported volume of Chilean honeys has been increased, reaching new markets with demanding regulations directed toward the fulfilment of consumers' expectations. Accordingly, there are countries with special requirements referring to Paenibacillus larvae spore-free honeys. This microorganism is the pathogen responsible for American foulbrood disease in beehives; however, antibiotics are not allowed when an apiary tests positive for P. larvae. On the other hand, it is mandatory to have an accurate method to remove the potential presence of spores in bee products intended for export. Exposure to ionizing radiation can be an efficient way to achieve this goal. In this work, 54 honey samples harvested from northern, central and southern Chile were analyzed for physicochemical patterns, total phenols, antioxidant activity and antiradical activity. Honeys with and without spores were exposed to ionizing radiation at three levels of intensity. Afterwards, the presence of spores and the effect on phenol bioavailability, antiradical activity and antioxidant activity were measured again. This research presents results showing a positive correlation between the percentage of prevalence of native endemic species in the set of honeys analyzed and the capacity to resist this process, without altering their natural attributes determined before irradiation treatments.

Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Cumari-Do-Pará Peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) Employing Vegetable Oils as Solvents.

Capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds from cumari-do-Pará peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) harvested from two different locations in Pará, Brazil, and at different ripening stages were extracted by employing green methodologies as an alternative to organic solvents. Edible vegetable oils from soybeans (Glycine max), Brazilian nuts (Bertholettia excelsa H.B.), and palm olein were used in combination with ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The proximate composition of the pepper extracts and vitamin C were determined through AOAC methods, total phenolics and carotenoids were assessed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and capsaicin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant cumari-do-Pará extract activities were evaluated by the ABTS radical scavenging and ß-carotene/linoleic acid assays. The vegetable oils were suitable for extracting and preserving bioactive pepper compounds, especially mature ones harvested from Igarapé-Açu. Bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity varied with harvesting location and ripening stage. Soybean oil was the most effective in extracting bioactive pepper compounds, particularly carotenoids, with 69% recovery. Soybean oil extracts enriched in capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolics obtained from cumari-do-Pará can be used as spices in foodstuffs and/or as additives in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Edible vegetable oils combined with UAE are promising for bioactive compound extraction, representing an environmentally friendly, safe, low-cost, versatile, and fast alternative.

Salvia elegans Vahl Counteracting Metabolic Syndrome and Depression in Mice on a High-Fat Diet.

Salvia elegans Vahl is a plant commonly used in Mexico as a remedy for nervous disorders, inflammatory diseases, and "ringing in the ears"; the latter can be associated with arteriosclerotic conditions and arterial hypertension. Therefore, based on medicinal use, this work aimed to evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract (SeHA, 100 mg/kg) of this plant and two fractions, ethyl acetate (SeFAc, 50 mg/kg), and obtained from SeFAc fractionation denominated SeF3 (10 mg/kg), on several alterations derived from metabolic syndrome (MetS) derived from the ingestion of a high-calorie diet (high-fat diet), in ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice, leading to chronic inflammation that results in neurological damage such as depression. Therefore, several MetS-related parameters, such as forced swim tests, hypertension, serum corticosterone levels, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, adiposity index, and insulin resistance, will be evaluated. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured in kidneys, fat tissue, brains, and spleens. It was proven that all those S. elegans-derived treatments reversed the damage, showing antidepressant, antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and antidyslipidemic effects and decreased adiposity, insulin resistance, and serum corticosterone. They induced a modulatory response by modifying the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 in different organs. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the acetate of ethyl fraction from S. elegans (SeFAc) fraction revealed the presence of rosmarinic and caffeic acids as well as flavonoids, while the fraction from SeFAc called SeF3 Was identified by gas mass as methyl glucose, glycerol, and known sterols, among others. Thus, it was concluded that S. elegans protects against the harmful effects of MetS.

Contribution to the knowledge of the anatomy, histochemistry, and phenolic composition of leaf and stems of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) cultivated in Tucumán, Argentina.

The Vaccinium genus, with over 200 species, is prized for its fruits and traditional medicinal uses. Introduced to South America in the 1980s, it has become a significant crop, particularly in Tucumán, Argentina. Southern highbush blueberries are the most cultivated. Recent research suggests that the leaves and stems of these species contain higher levels of beneficial compounds compared to fruits. This study explores the potential of V. myrtillus L. leaves and stems, typically discarded as agricultural waste, as sources of bioactive compounds. It provides the first detailed analysis of their anatomy and chemical composition, revealing high levels of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Leaf extracts show stronger antioxidant activity compared to stems. Toxicity tests on Artemia salina indicate their safety for further exploration. These findings suggest that V. myrtillus L. waste by-products could be valuable as sources of bioactive compounds, promoting their application in pharmaceuticals, food, or cosmetics industries.

Waste from the food industry: Innovations in biorefineries for sustainable use of resources and generation of value.

Biorefineries have attracted significant attention from the scientific community and various industrial sectors due to their use of unconventional biomass sources to produce biofuels and other value-added compounds. Various agro-industrial residues can be applied in biorefinery systems, making them economically and environmentally attractive. However, the cost, efficiency, and profitability of the process are directly affected by the choice of biomass, pre-treatments, and desired products. In biorefineries, the simultaneous production of different products during processing is a valuable approach. Chemical, physical, biological, or combined treatments can generate numerous compounds of high commercial interest, such as phenolic compounds. These treatments, in addition to modifying the biomass structure, are essential for the process's viability. Over the years, complex treatments with high costs and environmental impacts have been simplified and improved, becoming more specific in generating high-value resources as secondary outputs to the main process (generally related to the release of sugars from lignocelluloses to produce second-generation ethanol). Innovative methods involving microorganisms and enzymes are the most promising in terms of efficiency and lower environmental impact. Biorefineries enable the use of varied raw materials, such as different agro-industrial residues, allowing for more efficient resource utilization and reducing dependence on non-renewable sources. In addition to producing low-carbon biofuels, biorefineries generate a variety of high-value by-products, such as packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional ingredients. This not only increases the profitability of biorefineries but also contributes to a circular economy.

Changes in Phenolic Composition and Bioactivities of Ayocote Beans under Boiling (Phaseolus coccineus L.).

Ayocote beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) are a rich source of some bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant capacity that promote health benefits. Ayocote is mainly consumed after cooking, which can impact the antioxidant characteristics of the phenolic compounds responsible for some of its health benefits. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of boiling on the phenolic composition and bioactivities of ayocote beans before and after boiling. Boiling decreased the total phenolic content (70.2, 60.3, and 58.2%), total anthocyanin (74.3, 80.6, and 85.7%), and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 41.2, 46.9, and 59.1%; ORAC: 48.23, 53.6 and 65.7%) of brown, black, and purple ayocote beans, respectively. All the extracts also inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with efficacy values from 29.7 to 87.6% and α-amylase from 25.31 to 56.2%, with moderate antiglycation potential (15.2 to 73.2%). Phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoid decreases were detected in boiled samples by HPLC-MS analysis. Although boiling reduced the phenolic compounds, bioactive compounds remained in a considerable content in boiled ayocote.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Broccoli, Kale, and Cauliflower Extracts.

The brassicas have the potential to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases and it is proposed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of broccoli, cabbage and extracts. The extracts were prepared and characterized and the antioxidant potential was evaluated against three radicals while the antimicrobial potential was analyzed using three techniques against four bacteria. The extracts have glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in their composition, and effectively inhibit the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. The extracts of broccoli and cauliflower showed an inhibitory effect against hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide. Disk diffusion showed that broccoli and cauliflower extract were active against three bacteria, while kale extract showed active halos for Gram-negative bacteria. Kale extract had an inhibitory effect Gram-positive bacteria, cauliflower extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The cauliflower extract thus had a higher concentration of phenols, a strong antioxidant activity and promising results at a concentration of 100 mg/mL against S. aureus.

Phenolic Compounds Characterization of Caryocar brasiliense Peel with Potential Antioxidant Activity.

The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit peel, despite being frequently discarded, has a high content of bioactive compounds, and therefore has a high nutritional value. The present study aimed to explore the bioactivities in the pequi peel, particularly their potential health benefits at the level of antioxidant activity. The exploitation of this fruit could also present significant economic benefits and applications of pequi by-products would represent a reduction in waste, having a positive impact on the environment. Phenolic compounds present in the pequi exocarp and external mesocarp were identified by paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) and quantified by HPLC. The total phenolic content (TPC) along with the amount of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and the amount of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) were also determined in peel extracts. Epicatechin was the most abundant phenolic compound found, followed by the caffeic, salicylic, and gallic acids. In addition, fingerprinting revealed compounds related to several beneficial health effects. In short, the results obtained were encouraging for potential applications of pequi peel in the field of functional foods.

Organic arabic coffee husk: Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and potential impacts on selected human intestinal bacterial populations of individuals with diabetes.

Coffee husks are the main by-product of the coffee industry and have been traditionally discarded in the environment or used as fertilizers. However, recent studies have shown that coffee husks have bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and fiber-bound macro antioxidants, offering a range of potential health benefits. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, cytoprotective/cytotoxic properties, and stimulatory effects on the relative abundance of selected intestinal bacterial populations of individuals with diabetes of organic coffee husks. Organic coffee husk had good antioxidant capacity, maintained under simulated gastric conditions, with more than 50% of antioxidant capacity remaining. Organic coffee husk exerted cytoprotective properties in Caco-2 cells, indicating that cellular functions were not disturbed, besides not inducing oxidation. Overall, organic coffee husk promoted positive effects on the abundance of distinct intestinal bacterial groups of individuals with diabetes during in vitro colonic fermentation, with a higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp., indicating the availability of components able to reach the colon to be fermented by intestinal microbiota. Organic coffee husk could be a circular material to develop new safe and pesticide-free functional ingredients with antioxidant and potential beneficial effects on human intestinal microbiota.

Modulation of the Hyperglycemia Condition in Diabetic Lab Rats with Extracts of the Creole Jamaica Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) from the Morelia Region (Mexico).

Extracts from Jamaica flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) from Morelia (Mexico) were evaluated as antidiabetic ingredients in a diabetic rat lab model for 80 days at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg extract/kg rat weight. The hydroalcoholic extract (water:ethanol 80:20 (v/v) at 50 °C) showed a TPC value of 403.28 ± 7.71 mg GAE/g extract, and an antioxidant activity of 0.219 ± 0.00003 mmol Trolox/g (ABTS) and 0.134 ± 0.00001 mmol Trolox/g (DPPH). The extract allowed reducing the diabetic glucose plasma levels under fasting conditions in a dose-dependent manner by 35.2%, 41.63%, and 50.1%. Additionally, the highest dose of the extract (600 mg/kg) slightly reduced the short-term postprandial glucose response while improving the long-term response, reducing hyperglycemia by 45.1%. The same dose also improved lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and LDL, while the HDL level increased. The improvement in glucose and lipid management in the treated groups also led to reduced levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, as well as lower insulin resistance (TyG index), compared to the diabetic control group. The results of this study suggest that extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa (Morelia) can be used as potential functional ingredients or nutraceuticals for managing the diabetic condition.

Effects of Dietary Fiber, Phenolic Compounds, and Fatty Acids on Mental Health: Possible Interactions with Genetic and Epigenetic Aspects.

Scientific evidence shows that dietary patterns are a key environmental determinant of mental health. Dietary constituents can modify epigenetic patterns and thus the gene expression of relevant genetic variants in various mental health conditions. In the present work, we describe some nutrigenomic effects of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds (plant secondary metabolites), and fatty acids on mental health outcomes, with emphasis on their possible interactions with genetic and epigenetic aspects. Prebiotics, through their effects on the gut microbiota, have been associated with modulation in the neuroendocrine response to stress and the facilitation of the processing of positive emotions. Some of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms include the serotonin neurotransmitter system (TPH1 gene) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (inhibition of histone deacetylases). The consumption of phenolic compounds exerts a positive role in neurocognitive domains. The evidence showing the involvement of genetic and epigenetic factors comes mainly from animal models, highlighting the role of epigenetic mechanisms through miRNAs and methyltransferases as well as the effect on the expression of apoptotic-related genes. Long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been mainly related to psychotic and mood disorders, but the genetic and epigenetic evidence is scarce. Studies on the genetic and epigenetic basis of these interactions need to be promoted to move towards a precision and personalized approach to medicine.