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Hybrid crude palm oil (HCPO) HIE OxG is notable for its abundance of carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. Investigating cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and the non-cytotoxicity of oil nanoparticles is crucial for understanding the behavior of these phytochemicals in biological systems and ensuring the safety of products. Nanoparticles of HCPO, encapsulated with jackfruit by-products were produced and characterized for CAA and cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. The nanoparticles exhibited nanoscale diameters (<250 nm), uniform distribution and stability (polydispersity index < 0.25; zeta potential JSF-NP -12.46 ± 0.15 mV and JAF-NP -13.73 ± 1.28 mV). JSF-NP and JAF-NP demonstrated superior CAA compared to the free HCPO across all concentrations, without inducing cytotoxic effects on differentiated Caco-2 cells. This study underscores the importance of investigating the CAA of edible oil nanoparticles, with non-cytotoxicity indicating biological safety and the potential to safeguard intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, JSF-NP and JAF-NP emerge as promising delivery systems for future HCPO applications.

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Interspecific hybrid crude palm oil (HCPO) HIE OxG derived from crossbred African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and American Caiaué (Elaeis oleifera) is prominent for its fatty acid and antioxidant compositions (carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols), lower production cost, and high pest resistance properties compared to crude palm oil. Biodegradable and sustainable encapsulants derived from vegetable byproducts were used to formulate HCPO nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit seed flour as a wall material (N-JSF) and with hybrid crude palm oil and jackfruit axis flour as a wall material (N-JAF) were optimized using a 22 experimental design. They exhibited nanoscale diameters (<250 nm) and were characterized based on their zeta potential, apparent viscosity, pH, color, and total carotenoid content. The nanoparticles demonstrated a monodisperse distribution, good uniformity, and stability (polydispersity index < 0.25; zeta potentials: N-JSF -19.50 ± 1.47 mV and N-JAF -12.50 ± 0.17 mV), as well as high encapsulation efficiency (%) (N-JSF 86.44 ± 0.01 and N-JAF 90.43 ± 1.34) and an optimal carotenoid retention (>85%). These nanoparticles show potential for use as sustainable and clean-label HCPO alternatives in the food industry.

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Chickpeas are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids. However, the contribution of insoluble-bound phenolics to their antioxidant properties remains unclear. Four varieties of chickpeas were evaluated for the presence of soluble (free and esterified) and insoluble-bound phenolics as well as their antiradical activity, reducing power and inhibition of peroxyl-induced cytotoxicity in human HuH-7 cells. In general, the insoluble-bound fraction showed a higher total phenolic content. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Taxifolin was identified for the first time in chickpeas. However, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, taxifolin, and biochanin A were the main phenolics found. Biochanin A was mostly found in the free fraction, while m-hydroxybenzoic acid was present mainly in the insoluble-bound form. The insoluble-bound fraction made a significant contribution to the reducing power and antiradical activity towards peroxyl radical. Furthermore, all extracts decreased the oxidative damage of human HuH-7 cells induced by peroxyl radicals, thus indicating their hepatoprotective potential. This study demonstrates that the antioxidant properties and bioactive potential of insoluble-bound phenolics of chickpeas should not be neglected.

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Honeybee pollen (HBP) chemical composition is highly variable conforming to the floral and geographical origin of the pollen grains. The beneficial effects and functional properties of the HBP are well-known and have been mainly attributed to their high content of antioxidant polyphenols. In this work, twelve HBPs samples from the Southern region of Chile (X Región de Los Lagos) were characterized for the first time according to their botanical origin, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion assay was done to simulate the human upper digestive tract. Selected honeybee pollen extracts (HBPEs) were assessed as bioaccessible fractions during an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Contents of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and recovery index of quercetin, myricetin, and cinnamic acid were monitored in different steps of gastrointestinal digestion. Furthermore, the protective effect of in vitro digested HBP towards DNA damage induced by peroxyl radicals was evaluated. The introduced species Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae), Lotus pedunculatus Cav. (Fabaceae), and Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae) predominated in all the HBPs analyzed, while the native species Buddleja globosa Hope (Scrophulariaceae), Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret (Myrtaceae), Embothrium coccineum J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Proteaceae) and Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. (Cunoniaceae) appeared less frequently. The content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in HBPEs achieved full bioaccessibility at the end of the intestinal digestion step. However, results obtained by a state-of-the-art technique (i.e. HPLC-DAD) demonstrated relatively low values of bioaccessible quercetin and cinnamic acid after the digestion process. In contrast, myricetin showed a high bioaccessibility in the intestinal digestion steps. The protective effect of in vitro digested HBP towards DNA damage induced by peroxyl radicals showed promising results (up to 91.2% protection). In conclusion, HBPs from the X Region de Los Lagos are rich sources of phenolic antioxidants that protect DNA from strand breakage. Therefore, the potential of HBPEs in preventing gastric and/or intestinal cancer should be further considered.

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Jua (juá in Portuguese) is an underexplored fruit from Brazil's northeast. This fruit is rich in antioxidant substances. However, there is a dearth of information about jua's bioactive potential. The present study evaluated two extraction methods (continuous agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) and employed three different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) to efficiently recover soluble phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts obtained by UAE showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. Besides being an eco-friendly procedure, extraction and/or solubility in an aqueous medium is also important for food application. Ellagic acids were the predominant phenolics (80%) found in aqueous jua pulp extract obtained by UAE, as determined by HPLC, while its TPC was 405.8 gallic acid equivalent per gram of fruit. This extract also exhibited a higher scavenging activity towards peroxyl radicals when compared to that of several other fruits from the literature, including grape, strawberry, cranberry, and walnuts, which are known references in terms of antioxidants. This is the first report that demonstrates jua pulp's potential as an alternative source of ellagic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, the outcome of this study provides new information that can be useful for functional food and nutraceutical industries.

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The Valparaiso region in Chile was decreed a zone affected by catastrophe in 2019 as a consequence of one of the driest seasons of the last 50 years. In this study, three varieties ('Alfa-INIA', 'California-INIA', and one landrace, 'Local Navidad') of kabuli-type chickpea seeds produced in 2018 (control) and 2019 (climate-related catastrophe, hereafter named water stress) were evaluated for their grain yield. Furthermore, the flavonoid profile of both free and esterified phenolic extracts was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the concentration of the main flavonoid, biochanin A, was determined using liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The grain yield was decreased by up to 25 times in 2019. The concentration of biochanin A was up to 3.2 times higher in samples from the second season (water stress). This study demonstrates that water stress induces biosynthesis of biochanin A. However, positive changes in the biochanin A concentration are overshadowed by negative changes in the grain yield. Therefore, water stress, which may be worsened by climate change in the upcoming years, may jeopardize both the production of chickpeas and the supply of biochanin A, a bioactive compound that can be used to produce dietary supplements and/or nutraceuticals.

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Flavonoids display a broad range of health-promoting bioactivities. Among these, their capacity to act as antioxidants has remained most prominent. The canonical reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging mode of the antioxidant action of flavonoids relies on the high susceptibility of their phenolic moieties to undergo oxidation. As a consequence, upon reaction with ROS, the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids is severely compromised. Other phenol-compromising reactions, such as those involved in the biotransformation of flavonoids, can also markedly affect their antioxidant properties. In recent years, however, increasing evidence has indicated that, at least for some flavonoids, the oxidation of such residues can in fact markedly enhance their original antioxidant properties. In such apparent paradoxical cases, the antioxidant activity arises from the pro-oxidant and/or electrophilic character of some of their oxidation-derived metabolites and is exerted by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, which upregulates the cell's endogenous antioxidant capacity, and/or, by preventing the activation of the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway. This review focuses on the effects that the oxidative and/or non-oxidative modification of the phenolic groups of flavonoids may have on the ability of the resulting metabolites to promote direct and/or indirect antioxidant actions. Considering the case of a metabolite resulting from the oxidation of quercetin, we offer a comprehensive description of the evidence that increasingly supports the concept that, in the case of certain flavonoids, the oxidation of phenolics emerges as a mechanism that markedly amplifies their original antioxidant properties. An overlooked topic of great phytomedicine potential is thus unraveled.

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Agro-industrial activities generate large amounts of solid residues, which are generally discarded or used as animal feed. Interestingly, some of these by-products could serve as natural sources of bioactive compounds with great potential for industrial exploitation. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from the pulp residue (oil processing by-product) of inajá (Maximiliana maripa, a native species found in the Brazilian Amazon). The antioxidant properties of the optimized extract and its phenolic profile by high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) were further determined. Central composite rotatable design and statistical analysis demonstrated that the temperature of 70 °C and 50% (v/v) ethanol concentration improved the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The optimized extract also showed scavenging activity against the ABTS radical cation and reactive oxygen species (ROS; peroxyl and superoxide radical, and hypochlorous acid). Moreover, the optimized extract was able to reduce NF-κB activation and TNF-α release, which are modulated by ROS. Flavan-3-ols were the major phenolics present in the optimized extract. Collectively, our findings support the use of inajá cake as a new source of bioactive catechins and procyanidins. This innovative approach adds value to this agro-industrial by-product in the functional food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and/or cosmetic industries and complies with the circular economy agenda.

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A clear gap with respect to the potential biological properties of wheat flavonoids exists in the available literature. This information is crucial for breeding programs aiming to produce new varieties presenting improved health benefits. Accordingly, advanced breeding lines of whole durum wheat were evaluated in this contribution. The highest recovery of phenolics was achieved using aqueous acetone (50:50, v/v), as verified by multi-response optimization, thus showing that phenolics could be largely underestimated by employing an inappropriate extraction. The concentration of derivatives of apigenin, the main phenolics present, ranged from 63.5 to 80.7%, as evaluated by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Phenolics from the breeding line 98 exhibited the highest ability in scavenging peroxyl radicals, reducing power as well as in terms of inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, a key enzyme regulating the absorption of triacylglycerols. In contrast, none of the samples exhibited a significant anti-diabetic potential. Despite their high concentration compared to that of phenolic acids, results of this work do not support a significant antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect of durum wheat flavonoids. Therefore, breeding programs and animal and/or human trials related to the effect of durum wheat flavonoids on oxidative stress and absorption of triacylglycerols are discouraged at this point.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different solvents and maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds from jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) seeds. In general, the solvent system composed of water and propanone (52:48 v/v) modified the extract polarity and increased extraction yield of bioactive compounds. The optimized extract presented antioxidant capacity measured by different chemical and biological assays. The optimized extract exerted antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against A549 and HCT8 cells, antimicrobial and antihemolytic effects, inhibited α-amylase/α-glucosidase activities and presented in vitro antihypertensive effect. Nonetheless, the optimized extract showed no cytotoxicity in a human cell model (IMR90). Vescalagin, castalagin and ellagic acid were the major phenolic compounds in the optimized extract. Our results show that jabuticaba seed may be a potential ingredient for the development of potentially functional foods.

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Grain protein composition is important in wheat quality and may influence the amino acidic sequence of bioactive peptides obtained from this feedstock. However, the genetic basis modulating the amino acid profile in durum wheat is not well-understood. Therefore, strong and weak gluten strength durum wheat genotypes were evaluated for their amino acid composition along grain filling. Strong gluten strength lines showed higher expression levels of low-molecular-weight glutenin-related genes between 21 and 35 days post-anthesis (DPA) and exhibited up to 43.5% more alanine than the weak lines at 42 DPA, which was supported by the higher expression levels of putative alanine amino transferase genes in strong genotypes. Therefore, with the involvement of chemistry and molecular biology, the results present here may influence the science of wheat.

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Winemaking generates large amounts of by-products, a well recognized source of phenolic compounds. However, less attention has been paid to the polysaccharide-rich fraction (PRF) and effects of fractionation techniques on its potential bioactivity. Therefore, PRFs from Syrah and Tempranillo winemaking by-products were extracted under aqueous (neutral pH conditions), acidic and alkaline conditions. PRFs were screened for their monosaccharide composition, uronic acid content, homogeneity and molecular weight. Anti-inflammatory activity of PRFs were evaluated on stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. PRF obtained in water and/or under acidic conditions showed heterogeneous profiles. As like as in the others, a heterogeneous and complex profile was detected in extracts procured under alkaline conditions. A high content of uronic acid was found in aqueous extracts, thus indicating the presence of pectin. Pectin and hemicellulose were present in PRFs procured under acidic conditions. Alkaline conditions rendered extracts containing a complex mixture of monosaccharides, mainly xylose. This latter PRF was the only one exhibiting anti-inflammatory potential (at 100 µg/mL) by reducing the release of TNF-α and activation of NF-κB in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with no effect on cell viability. Regardless of the grape variety, PRFs obtained under alkaline conditions were the best option to obtain bioactive polysaccharides with potential application as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds. A complex mixture of polymers may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, according to results procured by NMR, it is possible to suggest that bioactive fractions are composed of a chain of α-L-Araf-(1 → 3) linked, ß-D-Xylp- (1 → 4), α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4) linked, α-D-GalpA-(1 → 4), α-D-Gal-(1 → 2) forming possible RG I and RG II and xylan chains.

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The Brazilian Food Supplement Law recently recognized that guarana (Paullinia cupana) contains bioactive substances, hence supporting its role as a functional food ingredient. The health benefits of guarana are associated, at least in part, to its phenolic compounds. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no literature addressing the presence of phenolic compounds in the fraction containing insoluble-bound compounds and its contribution in terms of alpha-glucosidase inhibition. The concentration of phenolic extracts released from the insoluble-bound fraction required to inhibit 50% of alpha-glucosidase (IC50) activity was 5.8-fold lower than that present in the soluble counterpart. Both fractions exhibited a mixed inhibition mode. Fourteen proanthocyanidins (dimers to tetramers) present in the insoluble-bound fraction were tentatively identified by MALDi-TOF-MS. Future studies aiming at increasing the concentration of the soluble counterpart are deemed necessary. The results presented here enhance the phenolic database of guarana and have a practical impact on the procurement of nutraceuticals and functional ingredients related to the prevention and/or management of type 2 diabetes. The Brazilian normative on food supplements has been recently revised. This study lends support to the future inclusion of guarana powder in the list of sources of proanthocyanidins for the industry of food supplements.

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This work aimed to characterize the phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of lyophilized camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) seed extract (LCE), and to assess the effects of LCE on the antioxidant and sensory traits of yogurt. The LCE contained 46.3% (wt/wt) total phenolic content; the main compounds quantified were vescalagin, castalagin, gallic acid, procyanidin A2, and (-)-epicatechin. The LCE had antioxidant activity, as measured by different chemical assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity, total reducing capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and Cu2+ chelating capacity), and inhibited the cell proliferation of HepG2 cells (human hepatoma carcinoma; IC50 = 1,116 µg/mL) and Caco-2 cells (human colorectal adenocarcinoma epithelial cells; IC50 = 608.5 µg/mL). In addition, LCE inhibited the in vitro activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme, and protected DNA from peroxyl radical-induced scission. When added to yogurts, different concentrations of LCE (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g/100 g) increased the chemical antioxidant and reducing capacities. The camu-camu yogurt containing LCE at 0.25 g/100 g had an acceptance index of 84%, showing that camu-camu seed extract may be a potential ingredient for addition to yogurts.

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Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) seeds are discarded without recovering the bioactive compounds. The main aim of the present work was to optimise the solvent mixture to extract higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of camu-camu seeds. The optimised solvent system increased the extraction of phenolic compounds, in which vescalagin and castalagin were the main compounds. The optimised extract displayed antioxidant capacity measured by different chemical and biological assays, exerted antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against A549 and HCT8 cancer cells, antimicrobial effects, protected human erythrocytes against hemolysis, inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and presented in vitro antihypertensive effect. Additionally, the optimized extract inhibited human LDL copper-induced oxidation in vitro and reduced the TNF-α release and NF-κB activation in macrophages cell culture. Thus, the use of camu-camu seed showed to be a sustainable way to recover bioactive compounds with in vitro functional properties.

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Soybean consumption has been associated with health benefits. However, the effect of ultrasound (US) soybean pretreatment in terms of potential health benefits has not been investigated so far. Accordingly, the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total aglycone content (TAC) were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Contrasting samples regarding isoflavones aglycones and TPCs were screened for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials using RAW 264.7 macrophages. US pretreated soybeans (55°C, 15 min, and 24 W/cm2 ) showed greater TPC and TAC compared to the control and this translated to higher antiradical activity and reduction of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. The concentration of genistein in treated soybeans increased by 95%. Furthermore, US pretreated soybeans rendered phenolic extracts that reduced the NF-κB activation by 86%. Therefore, this contribution demonstrates the beneficial effects of US pretreatment of soybeans, which provides a better feedstock for the functional food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Soybeans can be consumed as such or used as a feedstock to produce soy yogurt, fermented soymilk, tofu, and protein concentrate, among others. The greatest bioavailability of isoflavones compared to other flavonoids has recently been highlighted, and this has been explained by the relatively moderate lipophilicity of isoflavones as aglycones. The present contribution supports the use of US pretreatment of soybeans to obtain a feedstock with improved contents of isoflavones as aglycones. We have confirmed that phenolic extracts obtained from the US pretreated samples showed higher bioactivity as radical scavengers and by reducing the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in a cell model, which is mediated by oxidative species. The clinical importance of NF-κB activation is derived mainly from its role in inflammatory responses. Therefore, our investigation may have a practical application in the procurement of soybean products and/or ingredients with improved functional properties related to their health benefits.

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Legume seeds are rich sources of protein, fiber, and minerals. In addition, their phenolic compounds as secondary metabolites render health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Lowering apolipoprotein B secretion from HepG2 cells and decreasing the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol oxidation are mechanisms related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Likewise, low-level chronic inflammation and related disorders of the immune system are clinical predictors of cardiovascular pathology. Furthermore, DNA-damage signaling and repair are crucial pathways to the etiology of human cancers. Along CVD and cancer, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes is constantly increasing. Screening the ability of polyphenols in inactivating digestive enzymes is a good option in pre-clinical studies. In addition, in vivo studies support the role of polyphenols in the prevention and/or management of diabetes and obesity. Soybean, a well-recognized source of phenolic isoflavones, exerts health benefits by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation related to the above-mentioned chronic ailments. Similar to soybeans, chickpeas are good sources of nutrients and phenolic compounds, especially isoflavones. This review summarizes the potential of chickpea as a substitute for soybean in terms of health beneficial outcomes. Therefore, this contribution may guide the industry in manufacturing functional foods and/or ingredients by using an undervalued feedstock.

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Plant foods, their products and processing by-products are well recognized as important sources of phenolic compounds. Recent studies in this field have demonstrated that food processing by-products are often richer sources of bioactive compounds as compared with their original feedstock. However, their final application as a source of nutraceuticals and bioactives requires addressing certain hurdles and challenges. This review discusses recent knowledge advances in the use of plant food processing by-products as sources of phenolic compounds with special attention to the role of genetics on the distribution and biosynthesis of plant phenolics, as well as their profiling and screening, potential health benefits, and safety issues. The potentialities in health improvement from food phenolics in animal models and in humans is well substantiated, however, considering the emerging market of plant food by-products as potential sources of phenolic bioactives, more research in humans is deemed necessary.

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Ultrasound may convert conjugated isoflavones into their corresponding aglycones, the best form for absorption in the human body. However, ultrasound may also influence the activity of endogenous ß-glucosidase. Therefore, the present work evaluated the effects of soybean ultrasound pre-treatment by applying the Box-Behnken design prior to soaking, a step that is important for industries to prepare certain soy products. Furthermore, a multi-response optimisation is provided. The best conditions for soybean ultrasound pre-treatment were established as temperature, X1 = 55 °C; exposure time, X2 = 5 min and ultrasound intensity, X3 = 19.5 W cm-2. Under these conditions, soybeans with higher contents of aglycones were obtained and ß-glucosidase activity was kept as high as possible. A second experiment was conducted and confirmed that ultrasound pre-treatment results in a lower soaking time (2 h) to achieve the highest moisture content, lower hardness as well as increased content of aglycones.

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Epicotyls from germinated soybeans (EGS) have great potential as sources of endogenous ß-glucosidase. Furthermore, this enzyme may improve the conversion of isoflavones into their corresponding aglycones. ß-Glucosidase may also increase the release of aglycones from the cell wall of the plant materials. Therefore, the aim of this work was to optimize both the extraction of ß-glucosidase from EGS and to further examine its application in defatted soybean cotyledon to improve the recovery of aglycones, which were evaluated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A multistep optimization was carried out and the effects of temperature and pH were investigated by applying a central composite design. The linear effect of pH and the quadratic effect of pH and temperature were significant for the extraction of ß-glucosidase and recovery aglycones, respectively. Optimum extraction of ß-glucosidase from EGS occurred at 30 °C and pH 5.0. Furthermore, the maximum recovery of aglycones (98.7%), which occurred at 35 °C and pH 7.0⁻7.6 during 144 h of germination, increased 8.5 times with respect to the lowest concentration. The higher bioaccessibility of aglycones when compared with their conjugated counterparts is well substantiated. Therefore, the data provided in this contribution may be useful for enhancing the benefits of soybean, their products, and/or their processing by-products.