scholarly journals Biological Properties and Bioactive Components of Allium cepa L.: Focus on Potential Benefits in the Treatment of Obesity and Related Comorbidities

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariangela Marrelli ◽  
Valentina Amodeo ◽  
Giancarlo Statti ◽  
Filomena Conforti
Keyword(s):  
Allium Cepa ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Allium Cepa L ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sulphur Amino Acids

Common onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants, utilized worldwide as both vegetable and flavouring. This species is known to contain sulphur amino acids together with many vitamins and minerals. A variety of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phytosterols and saponins, have also been identified. Despite the predominant use of this plant as food, a wide range of beneficial effects have also been proved. Different biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic, have been reported. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the studies concerning the beneficial effects of this species against obesity and its related comorbidities, such as hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes. Both in vitro and in vivo results about onion dietary supplementation have been taken into account. Furthermore, this review examines the possible role of onion bioactive components in modulating or preventing weight-gain or related diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms behind their activity.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Organosulfur Compounds from Allium cepa on Gut Health: A Systematic Review

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1680
Author(s):  
Enrique Guillamón ◽  
Pedro Andreo-Martínez ◽  
Nuria Mut-Salud ◽  
Juristo Fonollá ◽  
Alberto Baños
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Allium Cepa ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Organosulfur Compounds ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Intestinal Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Dietary changes affect the composition and structure of gut microbiota (GM) in animals and humans. One of the beneficial effects of consuming products derived from plants is the positive influence on immunity and gastrointestinal health. Species belonging to the genus Allium contain many organosulfur compounds (OSCs) that have been widely studied showing their biological properties and beneficial effects on intestinal health and GM. This is the first systematic review of OSCs from Allium performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and it is based on the evidence that we found in literature about the benefits on the GM and intestinal health demonstrated by OSCs from Allium, and specifically from onion. OSCs from Allium cepa have shown a significant antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the intake of OSCs from onion was able to modulate the composition of GM, increasing the beneficial bacterial populations in animal models. Moreover, the beneficial effects observed in murine models of colitis suggest that these compounds could be suitable candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or reverse the dysbiosis caused by a high-fat diet (HFD). Despite the evidence found both in vitro and in vivo, we have not found any article that tested OSCs different from allicin in clinical trials or dietary intervention studies in humans. In this sense, it would be interesting to conduct new research that tests the benefits of these compounds in human GM.

scholarly journals Citrus Flavones: An Update on Sources, Biological Functions, and Health Promoting Properties

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Barreca ◽  
Giuseppina Mandalari ◽  
Antonella Calderaro ◽  
Antonella Smeriglio ◽  
Domenico Trombetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Properties ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Modulate Signal ◽  
Citrus Spp

Citrus spp. are among the most widespread plants cultivated worldwide and every year millions of tons of fruit, juices, or processed compounds are produced and consumed, representing one of the main sources of nutrients in human diet. Among these, the flavonoids play a key role in providing a wide range of health beneficial effects. Apigenin, diosmetin, luteolin, acacetin, chrysoeriol, and their respective glycosides, that occur in concentrations up to 60 mg/L, are the most common flavones found in Citrus fruits and juices. The unique characteristics of their basic skeleton and the nature and position of the substituents have attracted and stimulated vigorous investigations as a consequence of an enormous biological potential, that manifests itself as (among other properties) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review analyzes the biochemical, pharmacological, and biological properties of Citrus flavones, emphasizing their occurrence in Citrus spp. fruits and juices, on their bioavailability, and their ability to modulate signal cascades and key metabolic enzymes both in vitro and in vivo. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciFinder were used to investigate recent published articles on Citrus spp. in terms of components and bioactivity potentials.

scholarly journals Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Citrus Flavonoid Hesperetin: Special Focus on Neurological Disorders

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Muhammad Ikram ◽  
Jong Ryeal Hahm ◽  
Myeong Ok Kim
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Neurodegenerative disorders have emerged as a serious health issue in the current era. The most common neurodegenerative disorders are Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These diseases involve progressive impairment of neurodegeneration and memory impairment. A wide range of compounds have been identified as potential neuroprotective agents against different models of neurodegeneration both in vivo and in vitro. Hesperetin, a flavanone class of citrus flavonoid, is a derivative of hesperidin found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapes, and lemons. It has been extensively reported that hesperetin exerts neuroprotective effects in experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases. In this systematic review, we have compiled all the studies conducted on hesperetin in both in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegeneration. Here, we have used an approach to lessen the bias in each study, providing a least biased, broad understanding of findings and impartial conclusions of the strength of evidence and the reliability of findings. In this review, we collected different papers from a wide range of journals describing the beneficial effects of hesperetin on animal models of neurodegeneration. Our results demonstrated consistent neuroprotective effects of hesperetin against different models of neurodegeneration. In addition, we have summarized its underlying mechanisms. This study provides the foundations for future studies and recommendations of further mechanistic approaches to conduct preclinical studies on hesperetin in different models.

scholarly journals Pleiotropic Biological Effects of Dietary Phenolic Compounds and their Metabolites on Energy Metabolism, Inflammation and Aging

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 596 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Villegas-Aguilar ◽  
Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa ◽  
María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea ◽  
Sandra Pimentel-Moral ◽  
Jesús Lozano-Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Prevalence

Dietary phenolic compounds are considered as bioactive compounds that have effects in different chronic disorders related to oxidative stress, inflammation process, or aging. These compounds, coming from a wide range of natural sources, have shown a pleiotropic behavior on key proteins that act as regulators. In this sense, this review aims to compile information on the effect exerted by the phenolic compounds and their metabolites on the main metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, inflammatory response, aging and their relationship with the biological properties reported in high prevalence chronic diseases. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated their pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action and these findings raise the possibility that phenolic compounds have a wide variety of roles in different targets.

Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Resveratrol-Loaded Bovine Serum Album Nanoparticles

2011 ◽  
Vol 345 ◽  
pp. 349-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Lei Li ◽  
Yuan Gang Zu ◽  
Xiu Hua Zhao ◽  
Dong Mei Zhao ◽  
Xiao Qiang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bovine Serum ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Entrapment Efficiency ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Nano Technology ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

Resveratrol (RES) is a naturally occurring triphenolic phytoalexin compound exerting numerous beneficial effects in the organism. It has a wide range of biological activities in vitro as well as in vivo, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and beneficial cardiovascular effects. But, its low solubility in water led to its poor absorption in vivo and low bioavailability. Bovine serum album (BSA) nanoparticles have emerged as versatile desired carrier systems due to its ready availability, biodegradability, lack of toxicity and immunogenicity with fast development of nano technology. In this study, RES-BSANPS were prepared by a desolvation method and chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde successfully. Results controlled conditions (concentration of BSA, 10 mg/ml; pH = 9.0; volume of ethanol, 6 ml; volume of 0.25 % glutaraldehyde, 100 µl; amount of RES, 6.7 mg; cross-linking time, 24 h at room temperature (1 ml/min)) for entrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, mean particle size and zeta potential, were found to be 88.7 %, 39.4 %, 175.4 ± 0.5 nm, -35.93 ± 0.79 mV, respectively.

scholarly journals Bioactives from Mushroom: Health Attributes and Food Industry Applications

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 7640
Author(s):  
Aarti Bains ◽  
Prince Chawla ◽  
Sawinder Kaur ◽  
Agnieszka Najda ◽  
Melinda Fogarasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trametes Versicolor ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Industry Applications ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Food Applications ◽  
Polysaccharide K ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

It is well-known that the utilization of mushrooms as therapeutic agents is not new. Over the past years, they have been used by local individuals as food, as well as medicines, throughout the world. Nowadays, mushrooms are excessively used in the medicine, pharmacy, food, and fermentation fields as well. Wild mushrooms are of particular interest, especially Trametes versicolor (commonly known as turkey mushrooms) due to their various uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They represent not only a huge storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but they are also an important source of bioactive polysaccharides. They are widely used in traditional oriental therapies. The fruiting bodies are used in the preparation of health tonics and tea. The present review is necessary to explore more about this mushroom-like classical taxonomy, morphology, nutritional value, bioactivity, various health attributes, mechanism of bioactive components against various diseases, and food applications. The influence of processing processes on the nutritional properties and bioactivity of the fungus is discussed. Potential bioactive components promising health attributes of Trametes versicolor are extensively described. Additionally, several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK) on the aspects related to immune function and inflammation, also presenting an anticancerous effect. Moreover, PSP and PSK were successfully described to decrease several life-threatening diseases. The potential food applications of Trametes versicolor were detailed to signify the effective utilization of the mushroom in functional food formulation.

scholarly journals Thymodepressin—Unforeseen Immunosuppressor

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 6550
Author(s):  
Vladislav I. Deigin ◽  
Julia E. Vinogradova ◽  
Dmitry L Vinogradov ◽  
Marina S. Krasilshchikova ◽  
Vadim T. Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Synthetic Peptide ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Peptide Drug ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Available Information

The paper summarizes the available information concerning the biological properties and biomedical applications of Thymodepressin. This synthetic peptide drug displays pronounced immunoinhibitory activity across a wide range of conditions in vitro and in vivo. The history of its unforeseen discovery is briefly reviewed, and the current as well as potential expansion areas of medicinal practice are outlined. Additional experimental evidence is obtained, demonstrating several potential advantages of Thymodepressin over another actively used immunosuppressor drug, cyclosporin A.

scholarly journals Characterization of Andean Blueberry in Bioactive Compounds, Evaluation of Biological Properties and in vitro Bioaccessibility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nieves Baenas ◽  
Jenny Ruales ◽  
Diego A. Moreno ◽  
Daniel Alejandro Barrio ◽  
Carla M. Stinco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
In Vitro Digestion ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Zebrafish Embryogenesis

Andean blueberries are wild berries grown and consumed in Ecuador which contain high values of bioactive compounds, mainly anthocyanins, with powerful antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile and contents of (poly)phenols and carotenoids in Andean blueberry by HPLC-DAD-MSn and determine a wide range of its biological activities. The antioxidant capacity of this fruit was evaluated in vitro by three different methods and in vivo using the zebrafish animal model, also the toxicity effect was determined by the zebrafish embryogenesis test. Besides, the antimicrobial activity and the capacity of Andean blueberry to produce hemagglutination in blood cells were evaluated. Finally, the bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols and related antioxidant capacity were determined in the different phases of an in vitro digestion. The global results indicated no toxicity of Andean blueberry, weakly bacteriostatic activity, and high contents of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity, which were partially bioaccesible in vitro (~ 50 % at the final intestinal step), contributing to the knowledge of its health benefits for consumers and its potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industry as functional ingredient.

scholarly journals Anti-glycation activity of curcumin

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 182-188
Author(s):  
Sabina Galiniak ◽  
Marek Biesiadecki ◽  
Bożena Czubat ◽  
Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher
Keyword(s):  
Curcuma Longa ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Aldehyde Group ◽  
Secretory Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Active Inhibitor ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

Curcumin, a compound belonging to the group of polyphenols with a characteristic yellow-orange color, is the most active ingredient of the long-leaved Curcuma longa L. and the ingredient of seasoning mixes, including curry spices. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, it has a wide range of therapeutic effects and has been studied for many years. Curcumin has enormous potential in preventing many diseases due to the widely described benefits of its use, it is non-toxic and additionally. Therapy with curcumin is low cost. Currently, many studies focus on the anti-glycation activity of curcumin, which could be used as an active inhibitor of glycation, i.e. a non-enzymatic process of combining a keto or aldehyde group of sugar with a free amino group of a protein. Finally, heterogeneous end products of advanced glycation are formed in the multistage and complicated glycation reaction. Formation of glycation products is intensified with age, as well as in various disease states, including diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases. Many literature data describe the role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It is known that polyphenol has beneficial effects on hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and regeneration of secretory cells of pancreatic islets. It seems that addition of curcumin, the main ingredient of curry spice, to food could help people prevent the development of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and its complications. The article presents the current state of knowledge on the curcumin anti-glycation properties in vitro as well as in vivo.

scholarly journals Antioxidant Effects of Protocatechuic Acid and Protocatechuic Aldehyde: Old Wine in a New Bottle

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Shijun Zhang ◽  
Zhibo Gai ◽  
Ting Gui ◽  
Juanli Chen ◽  
Qingfa Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Protocatechuic Acid ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Antioxidant Property ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Structural Variations ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Protocatechuic Aldehyde

Phenolic compounds are naturally present as secondary metabolites in plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. They have received considerable attention for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties for protection against many chronic disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They are categorized into various groups based on their chemical structure and include phenolic acids, flavonoids, curcumins, tannins, and quinolones. Their structural variations contribute to their specific beneficial effects on human health. The antioxidant property of phenolic compounds protects against oxidative stress by up-regulation of endogenous antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, and anti-apoptotic activity. Protocatechuic acid (PCA; 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL; 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) are naturally occurring polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and herbs. PCA and PAL are the primary metabolites of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to possess pharmacological actions including antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of PCA and PAL by comprehensively summarizing their pharmacological properties reported to date, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and biological properties.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document