Modifying wheat bran to improve its health benefits

Abstract

Consumption of wheat bran (WB) has been associated with improved gastrointestinal health and a reduced risk for colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. These benefits are likely mediated by a combination of mechanisms, including colonic fermentation of the WB fiber, fecal bulking and the prevention of oxidative damage due to its antioxidant capacities. The relative importance of those mechanisms is not known and may differ for each health effect. WB has been modified by reducing particle size, heat treatment or modifying tissue composition to improve its technological properties and facilitate bread making processes. However, the impact of those modifications on human health has not been fully elucidated. Some modifications reinforce whereas others attenuate the health effects of coarse WB. This review summarizes available WB modifications, the mechanisms by which WB induces health benefits, the impact of WB modifications thereon and the available evidence for these effects from in vitro and in vivo studies.     

Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) as a source of antioxidant phenolics

Sword beans (Canavalia gladiata) have been used as grain legumes and medicinal plants in China for thousands of years. To explore new natural antioxidant sources, the antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition in the soluble and bound fractions of three sword bean genotypes were evaluated in vitro. The red and black sword beans were found to have antioxidant capacity compared to the white sword bean, and this was attributed to their red and black bean coats, which possessed extremely high phenolic content. Gallic acid and its derivatives, such as methyl gallate, digalloyl hexoside and digallic acid, were the main phenolic compounds in the coats of red and black sword beans. Therefore, the red and black sword beans, especially their bean coats, are good sources of antioxidant phenolics and may have potential health benefits.     

Fatty acid profiles, antioxidant compounds and antiradical properties of Pinus halepensis Mill. cones and seeds

BACKGROUND: Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) is a widespread tree that can be found in both natural and urban environments. A discrimination study based on the antioxidant compounds, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid (FA) profile of P. halepensis cones (PHC) and seeds (PHS) was performed. RESULTS: The total amount of phenols was about 72‐fold higher in PHC extract than in PHS extract (P < 0.001). Anthocyanin and carotenoid contents were 10‐ and 12‐fold higher respectively in PHC extract. PHC and PHS extracts at a concentration of 1 mg mL^?1 differed significantly in free radical‐scavenging activity on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^?) (86.65 vs 16.97%). PHC had higher antioxidant ability on 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothialozine‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS^?+) than PHS (EC₅₀ 0.368 vs 2.345 mg mL^?1). The FA profile of PHC oil revealed its richness in saturated FAs (41.5%) and high levels of trans FA isomers, with a predominance of trans,trans ‐linoleic acid (4.74%). However, polyunsaturated FAs in PHS oil represented more than 64% of total FAs. CONCLUSION: PHC showed important antioxidant activities as well as high levels of bioactive compounds. Thus PHC is a potential source of natural antioxidants that may afford several health benefits. However, the lipid extract of PHS seems to have more nutritional value as a polyunsaturated oil than that of PHC, which is high in saturated and trans FAs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bioavailability and Antioxidant Activity of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Polyphenols: in vitro and in vivo Evidences and Possible Mechanisms of Action: A Review

Abstract: Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a distinctive berry with a high content of polyphenol compounds and possesses one of the highest in vitro antioxidant activities among fruits. The bioavailability of aronia polyphenols seems to be low, but there is ample evidence for chokeberry health benefits including antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic effects. This review presents the available information for the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of chokeberry polyphenols and explains the possible mechanisms of action in vivo in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress‐related diseases. The review shows the available data for chokeberry antioxidant activity in vitro, in isolated cells and cell lines, and in vivo, in both human subjects and animals. It is evident that in vivo antioxidant action of chokeberry extends far beyond radical scavenging and includes suppression of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formation, inhibition of prooxidant enzymes, restoration of antioxidant enzymes, and probably cellular signaling to regulate the level of antioxidant compounds and enzymes. The original contribution of this work is that it compiles the available information up to date and outlines the gaps and future directions in the assessment of chokeberry antioxidant action in vivo.     

Screening of some Algerian medicinal plants for the phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity

Since recent times, there is a growing interest in the food industry and in preventive health care for the development and evaluation of natural antioxidants from medicinal plant materials. In the present work we have investigated the antioxidant potency of phenolic compounds of 11 indigenous wild plant species from the Algerian Atlas commonly used in Arab folk medicine for a wide range of conditions. The antioxidant activity of each phenolic extracts has been assessed by using the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) as a chemical test, and in a dynamic way by a biological assay based on whole blood resistance to free radical aggression. Of the 11 tested plants, 2 showed prominent antioxidant activity: Anthemis arvensis and Artemisia campestris. These plants had a very high level of Trolox equivalents and induced a strong delay of free radical-induced red blood cells hemolysis compared to antioxidant references. Artemisia campestris was the best inhibitor, its effect was far stronger than that of caffeic acid and was more than three times as high as ascorbic acid and two times higher than α-tocopherol efficiency. HPLC analysis showed a good correlation between the antioxidant activity and hydroxycinnamic derivatives. These preliminary results on the in vitro protection of blood against oxidative stress emphasized the benefit of the phenolic compounds of these medicinal plants. Our results enable us to proceed towards more detailed chemical and pharmacological understanding of these plant materials and show the interest of natural antioxidant in medicinal plants for the prevention of much free radical-mediated pathology.     

Pomegranate and its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: A Review

Abstract: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit that is widely consumed as fresh fruit and juice. The use of pomegranate fruit dates from ancient times and reports of its therapeutic qualities have echoed throughout the ages. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how this fruit acts as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic and shows antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic activities. The fruit also improves cardiovascular and oral health. These beneficial physiological effects may also have preventive applications in a variety of pathologies. The health benefits of pomegranate have been attributed to its wide range of phytochemicals, which are predominantly polyphenols, including primarily hydrolyzable ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and other polyphenols. The aim of this review was to present an overview of the functional, medical, and physiological properties of this fruit.     

Emerging roles of bioactive peptides on brain health promotion

Cognitive dysfunction is a major debilitating age-related disorder. Natural dietary bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective and brain health benefits, including the prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia, have received increasing attention. Because cognitive decline is thought to result from dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, the induction of neuroprotective proteins, including neurotrophic factors, protein chaperones, and antioxidant enzymes, by dietary bioactive compounds may help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Phytochemicals and bioactive peptides have been demonstrated to have a preventive effect on cognitive decline in different animal models and in human studies. This review focuses on the in vivo effects of bioactive peptides on brain function and the expression of neuroprotective factors.     

Concentration‐dependent antioxidant activities of conjugated linoleic acid and α‐tocopherol in corn oil

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants prevent rancidity (lipid peroxidation) and natural antioxidants, e.g., α‐tocopherol, likely provide additional value to oil‐based food products because of their health benefits. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has potential health benefits and may exhibit antioxidant properties. The main aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant efficacy of α‐tocopherol, trans‐10, cis‐12‐CLA and cis‐9, trans‐11‐CLA (in graded concentrations) added to antioxidant‐stripped corn oil. RESULTS: As compared to α‐tocopherol, both CLA isomers displayed significant inhibition of corn oil lipid peroxidation induced by copper. Inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were CLA concentration dependent for both isomers but with significant inhibition occurring at 0.1 and 1 ppm of CLA isomers or α‐tocopherol, respectively (P < 0.05). Graded concentrations of α‐tocopherol, and for both CLA isomers and time, had significant effects on TBARS formation (P < 0.0001). There were significant effects in interactions between graded concentrations and time for both CLA isomers (P < 0.0001) but not for α‐tocopherol (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CLA compounds could serve as useful food antioxidants and provide additional value because of their potential bioactivity in disease prevention. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECTS OF DRYING ON THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF HERBAL TEA FROM SELECTED VITEX SPECIES

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on the effects of three thermal drying methods (microwave‐, oven‐ and sun‐drying) and one nonthermal drying method (freeze‐drying) on the AOP of leaves of Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia, which are consumed traditionally as herbal tea. Microwave‐drying and freeze‐drying were found to be able to maintain the AOP of the leaves but oven‐drying and sun‐drying resulted in deterioration of AOP. Microwave‐drying has the advantage of short drying time and low water activity. AOP of Vitex herbal tea leaves that are microwave‐dried and freeze‐dried were not affected by storage up to 30 days.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages apart from water, has long been known for its health‐promoting benefits in terms of its antioxidant properties due to its high phenolic content. Much of such studies, however, focus on green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although V. negundo and V. trifolia have been consumed traditionally as herbal tea, understanding of its antioxidant properties remains scarce. Drying serves as a vital part of tea processing, affecting its antioxidant content and appearance which in turn affects the commercial value of the tea. This study therefore serves as an important work in providing insights into the antioxidant properties of Vitex species and the best drying method of its leaves as herbal tea for commercial purpose. In addition, this study also provides insights into the effect of different drying methods on the storage of the leaves which is of value to the tea processing industry.     

Nutritional composition and bioactive properties of commonly consumed wild greens: Potential sources for new trends in modern diets

Beyond the composition of the usual macronutrients and micronutrients, it is important to provide information on the composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of foods, particularly of wild species to regain them for nowadays' dietary habits. Many greens are known as excellent sources of natural antioxidants, and consumption of fresh plants in the diet may contribute to the daily antioxidant intake. In the present study five leafy wild greens traditionally consumed (Borago officinalis, Montia fontana, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Rumex acetosella, Rumex induratus) were studied in order to document macronutrient, micronutrient and non-nutrient composition. R. induratus revealed the highest levels of sugars, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, lycopene, chlorophylls, flavonoids, and one of the highest antioxidant activity expressed as DPPH scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching inhibition, and TBARS formation inhibition. R. nasturtium-aquaticum showed the healthier PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios, and B. officinalis proved to be a source of γ-linolenic acid and other fatty acids from n-6 series that are precursors of mediators of the inflammatory response. The nutritional characteristics and antioxidant potential of these wild greens require reconsideration of their role in traditional as well as in contemporary diets. Furthermore, their extracts might find applications in the prevention of free radical-related diseases, as functional food formulations.     

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica

In this study, antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica were investigated. The antioxidant properties of both extracts of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, inhibition of microsomal lipid peroxidation, reduction of power, and metal ion chelating activities. Inhibition of superoxide scavenging by aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed an IC₅₀ of 0.93 and 0.25 mg/ml, respectively. Metal ion chelation showed an IC₅₀ of 0.35 mg/ml of both the extracts and was equipotent to positive control, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid. The ethanolic extract of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica exhibited higher antioxidant activity in DPPH radical and superoxide anion scavenging than that of aqueous extract. The results obtained in the in vitro models clearly suggest that, Brassica oleracea L. var. italica is a natural source for antioxidants, which could serve as a nutraceutical with potential applications in reducing the level of oxidative stress and related health benefits. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo safety of such extracts in experimental animal models.     

Health promoting properties of blueberries: a review

Abstract

With the strengthening of the link between diet and health, several foodstuffs have emerged as possessing potential health benefits such as phenolic rich fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, along with other berries, given their flavonoid and antioxidant content have long since been considered as a particularly interesting health promoting fruit. Therefore, the present work aimed to compile the existing evidences regarding the various potential benefits of blueberry and blueberry based products consumption, giving particular relevance to in vivo works and epidemiological studies whenever available. Overall, the results demonstrate that, while the evidences that support a beneficial role of blueberry and blueberry extracts consumption, further human based studies are still needed.     

Computational and experimental validation of antioxidant properties of synthesized bioactive ferulic acid derivatives

Ferulic acid, a well-known natural phenolic compound, is considerably reported for its hydroxyl and peroxyl radical scavenging activities. However, the antioxidant capacity of ferulic acid is limited by its relatively low solubility in hydrophobic media thereby preventing its application for autoxidation of fats and oils. To this end, several research efforts are being made to maximize the therapeutic benefits of ferulic acid and these efforts included but not limited to structural modification of ferulic acid to produce its derivatives. In this study, we synthesized ester and amide derivatives of ferulic acid and evaluated them for in vitro antioxidant potential as well as molecular docking properties. Data revealed that ferulic ester and amide derivatives had excellent antioxidant capacity and demonstrated strong inhibitory potential. Analysis of molecular docking indicated ferulic ester as potent inhibitor of target proteins in breast cancer as well as in oxidative stress. Taken together, the findings support potent antioxidant properties by these ferulic derivatives. Findings may become relevant where structural modification to enhance physico-chemical properties without compromising the antioxidant and/or medicinal potential are desirable.     

Dietary flavonoid aglycones and their glycosides: Which show better biological significance?

The dietary flavonoids, especially their glycosides, are the most vital phytochemicals in diets and are of great general interest due to their diverse bioactivity. The natural flavonoids almost all exist as their O-glycoside or C-glycoside forms in plants. In this review, we summarized the existing knowledge on the different biological benefits and pharmacokinetic behaviors between flavonoid aglycones and their glycosides. Due to various conclusions from different flavonoid types and health/disease conditions, it is very difficult to draw general or universally applicable comments regarding the impact of glycosylation on the biological benefits of flavonoids. It seems as though O-glycosylation generally reduces the bioactivity of these compounds - this has been observed for diverse properties including antioxidant activity, antidiabetes activity, anti-inflammation activity, antibacterial, antifungal activity, antitumor activity, anticoagulant activity, antiplatelet activity, antidegranulating activity, antitrypanosomal activity, influenza virus neuraminidase inhibition, aldehyde oxidase inhibition, immunomodulatory, and antitubercular activity. However, O-glycosylation can enhance certain types of biological benefits including anti-HIV activity, tyrosinase inhibition, antirotavirus activity, antistress activity, antiobesity activity, anticholinesterase potential, antiadipogenic activity, and antiallergic activity. However, there is a lack of data for most flavonoids, and their structures vary widely. There is also a profound lack of data on the impact of C-glycosylation on flavonoid biological benefits, although it has been demonstrated that in at least some cases C-glycosylation has positive effects on properties that may be useful in human healthcare such as antioxidant and antidiabetes activity. Furthermore, there is a lack of in vivo data that would make it possible to make broad generalizations concerning the influence of glycosylation on the benefits of flavonoids for human health. It is possible that the effects of glycosylation on flavonoid bioactivity in vitro may differ from that seen in vivo. With in vivo (oral) treatment, flavonoid glycosides showed similar or even higher antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory, antidegranulating, antistress, and antiallergic activity than their flavonoid aglycones. Flavonoid glycosides keep higher plasma levels and have a longer mean residence time than those of aglycones. We should pay more attention to in vivo benefits of flavonoid glycosides, especially C-glycosides.     

Bioavailability of dietary sodium copper chlorophyllin and its effect on antioxidant defence parameters of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: There has been growing interest in sodium copper chlorophyllin (Cu‐Chl) as a food colourant and supplement owing to its beneficial biological activities. Studies have revealed that this green pigment inhibits experimental carcinogenesis and interacts with proteins and genotoxic agents. Health‐related activities have also been associated with the prevention of lipid peroxidation. However, intestinal absorption of this pigment has been considered insignificant, raising questions of whether eventual biological properties are related to pre‐ or post‐absorptive actions. In this study, intestinal absorption of Cu‐Chl and its appearance in serum and organs were estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis in rat feeding experiments. The effect of ingested Cu‐Chl on lipid peroxidation was analysed by measuring thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic and brain tissues of oxidative stress‐induced rats. RESULTS: The two main components of commercial Cu‐Chl, namely Cu‐chlorin e₆ and Cu‐chlorin e₄, showed different digestive behaviours, and only Cu‐chlorin e₄ was found in serum, liver and kidneys. Antioxidant activity in vivo could be observed in brain and seemed to be related to in situ protection but not to antioxidant enzyme modulation. CONCLUSION: As at least one of the major components of Cu‐Chl is effectively absorbed, further pharmacokinetic studies are encouraged to access absorption rates and the role of ingested copper chlorophyllins in mammals. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy and Safety of Saffron Supplementation: Current Clinical Findings

Saffron (Crocus savitus) is a Middle-Eastern herb with strong antioxidant properties. Its major constituents, safranal, crocin, and crocetin, are also antioxidants and bear structural similarities to other well-known natural antixodant substances, such as zeaxanthin. Given the role of oxidative stress in many diseases, considerable interest has been shown into the potential role of saffron supplementation as a treatment for a range of diseases. In vitro and animal studies have provided evidence that saffron and its constituents may be potent therapies for a range of pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cardiac ischemia. Whether these findings translate into clinical efficacy, however, has as of yet been incompletely assessed. This makes assessing the role of saffron supplementation in these diseases difficult. Here, we review the current human clinical evidence supporting saffron supplementation as a treatment for a range of pathologies and the underlying science supporting its use.     

Nutrient components,health benefits,and safety of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): A review

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical to subtropical fruit that is widely cultivated in more than 20 countries worldwide. It is normally consumed as fresh or processed and has become one of the most popular fruits because it has a delicious flavor, attractive color, and high nutritive value. Whole litchi fruits have been used not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. As a traditional Chinese medicine, litchi has been used for centuries to treat stomach ulcers, diabetes, cough, diarrhea, and dyspepsia, as well as to kill intestinal worms. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that whole litchi fruits exhibit antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and antiobesity activities and show anticancer, antiatherosclerotic, hypotensive, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. The health benefits of litchi have been attributed to its wide range of nutritional components, among which polysaccharides and polyphenols have been proven to possess various beneficial properties. The diversity and composition of litchi polysaccharides and polyphenols have vital influences on their biological activities. In addition, consuming fresh litchi and its products could lead to some adverse reactions for some people such as pruritus, urticaria, swelling of the lips, swelling of the throat, dyspnea, or diarrhea. These safety problems are probably caused by the soluble protein in litchi that could cause anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions. To achieve reasonable applications of litchi in the food, medical and cosmetics industries, this review focuses on recent findings related to the nutrient components, health benefits, and safety of litchi.     

Antioxidant activity of the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii (Wight & Arn.)

Tuberous roots of Decalepis hamiltonii (Dh) are consumed in southern India as pickles and beverage for their health benefits. The antioxidant potential of the roots was measured using various in vitro assays. Among the extracts, the methanolic and aqueous extracts showed high antioxidant activity measured as scavenging of DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Both the aqueous and methanolic extracts inhibited microsomal lipid peroxidation and exhibited strong reducing power and metal chelating activity. The antioxidant activity did not correlate with the phenolic content of the extracts. These results demonstrate the antioxidant potency of the root extracts which could be the basis for its alleged health promoting potential of Dh. The roots of Dh could serve as a new source of natural antioxidants or nutraceuticals with potential applications to reducing the level of oxidative stress and related health benefits.     

Recent research on bioactive compounds of Scomber spp. and their health effects

Scomber spp. are fast-moving migratory fish found in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Scomber spp. contain proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins. However, recent studies on Scomber spp. have focused on improving the quality of products (S. colias), describing their morphology (S. indicus), as well as the exploration and application of their enzymes (S. australasicus) and bioactive compounds for health benefits (S. japonicus and S. scombrus). Bioactive compounds from Scomber spp. have been reported to exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, but there has been no review of this topic to date. Totally, 36 articles were reviewed after the duplicates were removed. Muscle protein hydrolysates, peptides, lipids, collagen, amino acids, lecithin and glycolipids are known as bioactive compounds from Scomber spp. that exhibit beneficial health effects, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, tyrosinase inhibition, hypoglycaemic and anti-lipoxygenase properties. However, these have been tested only in vitro, and there is still a lack of studies on bioactive compounds from S. australasicus, S. colias and S. indicus. Therefore, further studies are needed to test bioactive compounds from Scomber spp. at the in vivo and clinical stages, as well as to explore the presence of bioactive compounds from S. australasicus, S. colias and S. indicus.