Mucilage, naturally occurring polysaccharides in various plant parts, possesses unique structural and multifunctional properties. These biopolymers consist primarily of complex polysaccharides associated with bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolics, and oxidized sugars. They have distinctive, potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against cellular aging and disease progression. As natural excipients, they offer therapeutic benefits alongside conventional drug delivery functions. The health advantages of mucilage include weight management, blood sugar control, improved gut and cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory activities, and immune support. Recent studies highlighted their antioxidant and wound-healing properties, alongside their emerging use in cosmetic formulations for skin hydration and oxidative damage protection. A systematic review of databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science evaluated 22 research papers on mucilage with antioxidant potential. Key findings include the following antioxidant-containing mucilage sources: Cydonia oblonga (seeds) has an IC₅₀ of 30.64%; Abelmoschus esculentus (pods and seeds) shows 23.04% and 40.40% IC₅₀ values; Zizyphus mauritiana (fruits) shows 76.13% IC₅₀; Coccinia indica (leaves) shows a 71.85% IC₅₀ value; Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a value of 44.55±0.05% (80µg/mL); Malva parviflora has an IC₅₀ value of 58.54±1.46 (80 µg/mL); Corchorus olitorius has an IC₅₀ value of 30.19% (leaves); and Dioscorea opposita (Tubers) has an IC50 value of 68.57%. Among these mucilage sources, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis shows more inhibition on DPPH assay compared to reducing power assay, hydroxyl superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide scavenging assay. Surprisingly, crude Zizyphus mauritiana fruit mucilage shows higher activity in its superoxide radical-scavenging ability (85.12%) as compared to hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability. Various analytical techniques have been used for the evaluation of the antioxidant properties of mucilage, inclusing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, hydroxyl radical assay, and superoxide radical assay. This review emphasizes the potential therapeutic roles of plant mucilage with phenolic compounds. The findings aim to foster innovation in the health benefits of mucilage and its applications in food and cosmetic products, leveraging the multifunctional potential of these biopolymers to enhance efficacy and safety.

Soybean seeds are recognized as a valuable agricultural and nutritional resource, primarily because they are an excellent source of proteins. Beyond their nutritional benefits, soybeans host a remarkable array of bioactive compounds that add significant health benefits, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, isoflavones, saponins, phytosterols, lectins, phytic acid, and carotenoids. Many of these compounds exhibit antioxidant properties, and knowing their content is important because they can offer potential health benefits that extend beyond basic nutrition, enabling broader applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Recognizing the significance of these compounds, it becomes essential to explore their presence and variation across different soybean genotypes, as such insights can guide the development of nutritionally enhanced soy-based products and support their application in health-focused industries. In this context, the present study examined soybean seeds from 18 commercial Romanian genotypes, harvested at maturity from the Research & Development Station for Agriculture in Turda, Romania; total phenols were determined based on the Folin–Ciocalteu, assay with results expressed in gallic acid equivalents (GAEs). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically and reported as catechin equivalents (CEs), and total carotenoids were also quantified using spectrophotometry, with results expressed in mg/kg. The findings revealed a relatively narrow range of variation in the concentrations of total phenols, which ranged between 1.66 and 1.98 mg GAE/g, indicating consistent phenolic content across the studied genotypes; similarly, total flavonoids exhibited a variation from 19 to 32 µg CE/kg, suggesting moderate differences in flavonoid levels. Total carotenoids ranged from 9.46 to 15.43 mg/kg, highlighting a slightly broader variability. These results underscore the stable yet distinct biochemical profiles of the evaluated soybean genotypes, providing valuable insights into their potential for functional food and nutraceutical development and enabling researchers and food technologists to optimize soy-based products, enhancing their health-promoting benefits and broadening their applications in addressing nutritional and wellness needs.

Certain Salix species have been reported to exhibit significant antioxidant activity across various in vitro and in vivo systems. To preserve the environment, reduce humans' negative impact in the field of chemistry, enhance extraction efficiency, and improve the stability of extracted components, this study combined natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to isolate the highly effective antioxidant quercetin. This study investigated the efficiency of the novel green extraction method, MAE-NADES, to recover the potent antioxidant quercetin from the underexplored leaves and bark of Salix amplexicaulis. Furthermore, the potential of NADES as a sustainable alternative to conventional solvents was assessed by comparing MAE-NADES with MAE-water and traditional ethanol maceration. NADES based on lactic acid-glycerol, lactic acid-glucose, glycerol-glucose, and glycerol-urea were synthesized by heating and stirring. Extracts of Salix amplexicaulis were obtained through forty-eight-hour ethanol maceration and MAE. In MAE, water and NADES were used as solvents, and the extraction was carried out in three cycles, each lasting eight seconds. The quercetin content of extracts was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The quercetin content ranged from 0.31 to 1.56 mg/g in crude bark and from 0.30 to 2.04 mg/g in crude leaf. NADESs were superior to water and ethanol extraction, recovering from the bark 4 to 5 times more quercetin than water and 2.5 to 3 more quercetin than ethanol. As for NADES leaf extracts, quercetin amounts were 4.5 to 7 times higher than in aqueous extract and 3.5 to 5 times higher compared to ethanolic extract. Considering the obtained results, MAE-NADES demonstrated significant potential as a sustainable and efficient alternative for quercetin extraction from Salix amplexicaulis, including faster and more cost-effective preparation, high extraction efficiency, and environmentally friendly characteristics.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Province of Vojvodina (Grant No. 142-451-3474/2023).

Metabolic syndrome is a global public health problem that significantly increases a person's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the presence of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. The main therapeutic approaches to treating this condition focus on lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, as well as pharmacotherapy. However, these treatments often have limitations in their efficacy and adherence, highlighting the need for alternative or complementary approaches. One promising strategy is the use of natural compounds that could reduce the risk and could also prevent the progression of metabolic syndrome and its associated issues.

This research specifically investigates the potential therapeutic effects of a combination of lemon verbena and hibiscus flower extracts for managing metabolic syndrome [1]. The focus is on polyphenolic extracts, since polyphenols are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of oxidative stress was conducted by assessing the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mass of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, vascular, oxidative, and metabolic markers such as eNOS, Nrf2, Sirt-1, and PGC-1α were evaluated in an endothelial cell model under glucotoxicity conditions. The goal was to identify the mechanisms through which this combination of extracts exerts its effects. The results indicate a significant antioxidant and cardioprotective effect in the vascular endothelium, as well as a potential anti-inflammatory effect, which suggests that this combination of polyphenols could be a promising natural therapy for managing metabolic syndrome.

1. Herranz-López, M.; Olivares-Vicente, M.; Boix-Castejón, M.; Caturla, N.; Roche, E.; Micol, V. Differential Effects of a Combination of Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Lippia Citriodora Polyphenols in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-39159-5.

In contemporary society, one of the most pressing concerns is the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases (CDs). CDs are non-communicable diseases with persistent effects; they include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and diabetes, among others. Despite their high prevalence, epidemiological studies indicate that 30% of cancers, 80% of cardiovascular diseases, and 90% of type 2 diabetes could be avoided by diet and lifestyle changes. Furthermore, several studies have shown the strong association between an excess of oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and the pathogenesis of CDs. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of pro-oxidant factors has been linked to functional impairments in enzymes and cellular structures, which in turn lead to aberrant gene expression. Consequently, the integration of antioxidant compounds into the diet has been proposed as a preventive strategy to mitigate oxidative stress and thereby reduce the incidence of CDs. For instance, resveratrol, found in red grapes and berries, activates the SIRT1 gene, improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative damage, which helps prevent atherosclerosis and lowers CVD risk. Similarly, epigallocatechin gallates (EGCG) in green tea reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue by modulating the UCP1 gene, promoting thermogenesis and preventing obesity-related complications. Therefore, implementing dietary interventions is expected to reverse the oxidative imbalance that favors the development of these diseases by combining a preventive dietary approach with therapeutic intervention. In this sense, nutrigenomics aims to serve as a key tool by determining the influence of diet on gene expression and, in particular, by identifying how the intake of antioxidant compounds can modify the oxidative stress produced. This review aims to provide a general vision on the role of antioxidants in the prevention of chronic diseases, incorporating nutrigenomics as a valuable tool.

Introduction: A previous study showed that a plant sterol food supplement (PS-FS) improved markers of intestinal inflammation in a cell co-culture model [1]. However, it remains unclear whether these benefits stem from enhanced antioxidant defenses or improved tight junction (TJ) integrity. Methods: This study investigates the effects of PS-FS (2 g PS/dose) on gene expression related to antioxidant defense and TJ proteins using a co-culture model of Caco-2 cells (apical) and RAW264.7 macrophages (basolateral). A bioaccessible fraction of PS-FS was obtained using simulated gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST 2.0) and applied to the apical chamber at a non-toxic dilution (1/20, v/v) for 90 min. Inflammation was induced later by adding lipopolysaccharides (1 µg/mL, 24 h) to the basolateral side. The interaction between the co-treatment of PS-FS and budesonide (1 µM/90 min) was examined. The gene expression of transcription factor Nrf2 (NFE2L2) and its target antioxidant enzymes (GSTA1, NQO1, and HMOX-1) was analyzed (qPCR) [2]. Additionally, the gene expression of TJ-related proteins like claudins (CLDN1, CLDN3, and CLDN4), occludin (OCLN), and zonula occludens-1 (TJP1) was assessed. Results: PS-FS increased GSTA1 (27%) and HMOX-1 (124%) gene expression, indicating an activation of the Nrf2 pathway. It also upregulated the TJ proteins CLDN3 (33%), CLDN4 (212%), OCLN (57%), and TJP1 (99%), suggesting a role in restoring the intestinal barrier. However, combining PS-FS with budesonide led to antagonistic effects. Conclusion: PS-FS demonstrated potential in enhancing antioxidant responses and strengthening the intestinal barrier, suggesting that its incorporation into the diet may serve as a nutraceutical intervention for the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

References: [1] Faubel et al. (2024). Food & Function, 15, 6502-6511. [2] Makran et al. (2023). Food & Function, 14, 10829-10840.

Funding: This research is part of the project PID2019-104167RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Mussa Makran holds an FPU19/00156 grant from the Ministry of Sciences, Innovation and Universities (Spain).

Background

Investigating how activities like walking or running can be beneficial in controlling weight and influencing the intensity of symptoms in schizophrenia (SCZ) is valuable. Physical exercise has been recognized as a beneficial intervention for individuals with mental health conditions, including SCZ. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on weight management, overall well-being, and symptom reduction in various mental disorders.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted using keywords such as "overweight status and schizophrenia symptoms" and "underweight status and schizophrenia symptoms" to identify relevant research articles.

Results:

Most of the studies focused on overweight status and obesity, while only a few studies were related to underweight status. The majority of studies found a positive relationship between abnormal weight status and increased severity of SCZ symptoms. Moreover, we have explored the potential involvement of antioxidants in the context of obesity among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Conclusion:

The findings of this paper suggest that both underweight and overweight status are significant risk factors for more severe SCZ symptoms related to cognition and positive and negative symptoms. Therefore, monitoring and managing weight status could be an important aspect of treating SCZ patients to improve their overall quality of life. Additionally, promoting a balanced diet and regular physical activity could also contribute positively to their mental health and symptom management. Additional research can assess the effectiveness of utilizing technology-driven tools like mobile applications or wearable devices to encourage healthy weight control and physical activity in patients with schizophrenia. Incorporating technology into certain therapeutic strategies can improve patient symptom monitoring.

Antioxidant functional lipid supplements have been proven to be effective in reducing cardiovascular risks. However, the efficacy of functional lipids with antioxidant properties in reducing cardiovascular risk has not been consistent. To reconcile the inconsistencies in the literature regarding the role of antioxidant functional lipid supplementation in the development of health outcomes, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available RCTs to investigate the effect of interventions with functional lipids with antioxidant properties on CVD risk factors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting estimates for the effects of antioxidant functional lipid supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors published up to May 1st, 2024, were searched. Overall, antioxidant functional lipid supplementation, compared with placebo, had favorable effects on systolic blood pressure (lycopene: -1.95[-3.54, -0.36]mmHg), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n6 fatty acid: -0.39[-0.71,-0.06]mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.11[-0.21, -0.01]mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n3 fatty acid: 0.20[0.13, 0.27]mmol/L; n6 fatty acid: 0.08[0.01, 0.14]mmol/L; astaxanthin: 0.13[0.05, 0.21]mmol/L), total cholesterol (n6 fatty acid: -0.24[-0.37, -0.11]mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.22[-0.32, -0.12]mmol/L; beta-carotene: -0.13[-0.23, -0.04]mmol/L), triglyceride (n3 fatty acid: -0.37[-0.47,-0.28]mmol/L; astaxanthin: -0.46[-0.83, -0.10]mmol/L) and fasting blood insulin (astaxanthin: -2.66[-3.98, -1.34]pmol/L). The benefits of antioxidant functional lipid supplementation appeared to be most evidenced in blood pressure and blood lipids in participants with different cardiometabolic health statuses. Notably, n9 fatty acid increased triglyceride and hemoglobin A1C, which increase CVD risk, in the total population. These data suggest that antioxidant functional lipid supplementation ameliorates cardiometabolic risk factors, while its effect may depend on the type and cardiometabolic health status. Long-term RCTs are needed in the future to corroborate risk-to-benefit ratios across different antioxidant functional lipid supplementation settings.

Introduction: Polyphenols, secondary metabolites synthesized by plants, are well known for their bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Recently, their ability to modulate gut microbiota composition and functionality has gained increasing attention due to their potential impact on health and disease. The gut microbiota, critical for maintaining both intestinal and systemic health, can shift from eubiosis to dysbiosis, contributing to various diseases, such as metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. In this context, plant-derived polyphenols offer promising interventions for restoring microbial balance and enhancing gut health. Methods: This study investigated the modulatory effects of polyphenols from two sources, propolis, and pomegranate, on gut microbiota composition and functionality through in vitro digestion and fermentation processes in both healthy and diseased conditions. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles were quantified using chromatographic methods, and for propolis extract, changes in gut microbiota composition were assessed through 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Results: The fermentation process demonstrated that pomegranate modulates gut microbiota functionality by significantly increasing SCFA production, mainly lactic acid, an essential precursor for their synthesis. Meanwhile, a standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis enhanced SCFA levels, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Propolis also promoted the growth of key SCFA-producing bacterial genera, such as Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Bifidobacterium. Conclusion: Both propolis and pomegranate exhibit distinct abilities to modulate gut microbiota composition and activity, highlighting their potential as prebiotic ingredients. These findings underscore the relevance of polyphenols in preventing and managing dysbiosis-related diseases, offering new insights for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Studies of thick-leaf Yerba Santa have shown the presence of secondary metabolites useful in human health; sterubin and eriodictyol are produced by the plant. During May 2022, we sampled tissue and soil from a stand of Eriodictyon crassifolium leaf and fruit following a drought winter in the Gold Creek Preserve, Angeles National Forest. cDNA libraries were sequenced at BGIA; metagenomic sequencing was conducted by BGIA using DNBseq. DNA from rootzone soil samples was sent to JMU for sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The bioinformatics pipeline for RNAseq consisted of QC, de novo assembly, evaluation, quantification, and annotation. Our metabarcoding analysis used DNA Subway Purple Line, implementing QIIME and DADA2. Our metagenomic data analysis used Nephele BioBakery and analyzed the data with MicrobiomeDB and STAMP.

The BUSCO assessment indicated that the E. crassifolium transcriptome assembly was 94.88% complete. Discontiguous megaBLAST results revealed secondary metabolite candidate genes in related species that have antioxidant functions. The transcript for 4-coumarate ligase was 80.45% similar to Arnebia euchroma. The candidate gene for Trans-cinnamate-4-monooxygenase was 82.07% similar to A. euchroma. Delta-8-fatty acid desaturase was 77.59% similar to Borago officinalis. The annotations included antioxidant-related transcripts that were previously uncharacterized in Boraginaceae, Namaceae, or Eriodictyon. Among these were Chalcone synthase (92.031% similar to Vitis), Tryptophan synthase beta chain 2 (94.551% similar to Camptotheca), and Shikimate-O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (87.356% similar to Nicotiana).

In Yerba Santa, there was an overlap between highly expressed genes involved in flavonoid and aromatic compound production and rhizosphere bacteria with genes for producing similar compounds. In the rootzone, there were increased Pedobacter and Pseudomonas reads identified within the 16S metabarcoding reads. According to the STAMP output, in the Yerba Santa rootzone, L-Tryptophan biosynthetic gene counts were elevated in the rootzone bacteria, along with Flavin biosynthesis I genes. Further studies should consider the cross-validation of elevated secondary metabolite genes with reference sequences from closely related species.