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Foods
Special Issues
The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health
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The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 10680

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marta Isabel Correia Coelho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CBQF—Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry—Associated Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Portuguese Catholic University, Porto, Portugal
Interests: production and characterization of functional ingredients and food; the valorization of agro-industrial by-products; evaluation of bioaccessibility; gastrointestinal microbiota; biomarkers; genotoxicity mechanisms
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Manuela Pintado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology and biochemistry; development and compositional characterization and validation of bioactivity of functional ingredients (proteins and biopeptides, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobials); development of novel functional foods; obtain high-added value products; microbiology and biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. António Sebastião Rodrigues

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: genotoxicity; cytogenetics; microRNAs; DNA damage and response
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Given the growing research in relation to nutrition and health, certain commodities, such as bioactive-compound-rich fruits and vegetables (BCs), have emerged as having potential health advantages. Foods have long been thought to contribute to health promotion due to their bioactive compounds. The efficient recovery of these BCs, as well as the determination of their effectiveness in marketed goods have been significant obstacles for researchers and food chain participants seeking to produce products that benefit human health. In addition, food extracts are good candidates to replace synthetic substances, which are often thought to have toxicological and carcinogenic consequences due to their natural origin.

The goal of this Special Issue is to highlight existing evidence regarding the various potential benefits of food extract consumption, with a focus on in vivo studies and epidemiological studies, bioavailability and bioaccessibility, and the use of food extracts to improve the nutritional and health-related properties of foods.

Dr. Marta Isabel Correia Coelho
Dr. Manuela Pintado
Dr. António Sebastião Rodrigues
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • food extracts
  • clean label
  • green extraction
  • bioactive compounds
  • bioaccessibility
  • bioavailability
  • pigments
  • health promotion
  • gastrointestinal digestion

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 5476 KiB  
Article
Korean Red Ginseng Improves Oxidative Stress-Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance via Enhancing Mitophagy
by Nodir Rustamov, Yuanqiang Ma, Jeong-Su Park, Feng Wang, Hwan Ma, Guoyan Sui, Gahye Moon, Hwan-Soo Yoo and Yoon-Seok Roh
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132137 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 3716
Abstract
This study explored the potential of saponins from Korean Red Ginseng to target the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway, aiming to enhance insulin sensitivity in hepatocytes—a key factor in metabolic disorders like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes. Results from both [...] Read more.
This study explored the potential of saponins from Korean Red Ginseng to target the PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway, aiming to enhance insulin sensitivity in hepatocytes—a key factor in metabolic disorders like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes. Results from both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed increased expression of PINK1 and Parkin, activating mitophagy and reducing oxidative stress through reduction in mitochondrial and total reactive oxygen species. Additionally, improvements in insulin signaling were observed, including the upregulation of phosphorylated IRS and AKT, and downregulation of gluconeogenic enzymes, underscoring the saponins’ efficacy in boosting insulin sensitivity. The findings highlighted Korean Red Ginseng-derived saponins as potential treatments for insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health)
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17 pages, 13901 KiB  
Article
Osmanthus fragrans Flavonoid Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Induces Beiging in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
by Zhiying Yang, Yuxin Lu, Tingting Li, Xunyong Zhou, Jia Yang, Shuwen Yang, Su Bu and Yifan Duan
Foods 2024, 13(12), 1894; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121894 - 16 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1258
Abstract
Osmanthus fragrans has a long history of cultivation in Asia and is widely used in food production for its unique aroma, which has important cultural and economic values. It is rich in flavonoids with diverse pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-lipid [...] Read more.
Osmanthus fragrans has a long history of cultivation in Asia and is widely used in food production for its unique aroma, which has important cultural and economic values. It is rich in flavonoids with diverse pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-lipid activities. However, little is known regarding the effects of Osmanthus fragrans flavonoid extract (OFFE) on adipogenesis and pre-adipocyte transdifferentiation. Herein, this research aimed to investigate the effect of OFFE on the differentiation, adipogenesis, and beiging of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Results showed that OFFE inhibited adipogenesis, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in mature adipocytes, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis as well as beiging/browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This effect was accompanied by increased mRNA and protein levels of the brown adipose-specific marker gene Pgc-1a, and the upregulation of the expression of UCP1, Cox7A1, and Cox8B. Moreover, the research observed a dose-dependent reduction in the mRNA expression of adipogenic genes (C/EBPα, GLUT-4, SREBP-1C, and FASN) with increasing concentrations of OFFE. Additionally, OFFE activated the AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit adipogenesis. These findings elucidate that OFFE has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which lays the foundation for further investigation of the lipid-lowering mechanism of OFFE in vivo in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health)
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20 pages, 6984 KiB  
Article
The Ameliorative Effect of Litsea martabanica (Kurz) Hook. f. Leaf Water Extract on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Rats and Its Antioxidant Potentials
by Weerakit Taychaworaditsakul, Suphunwadee Sawong, Supaporn Intatham, Sunee Chansakaow, Phraepakaporn Kunnaja, Teera Chewonarin, Kanjana Jaijoy, Absorn Wittayapraparat, Pedcharada Yusuk and Seewaboon Sireeratawong
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111695 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 959
Abstract
Litsea martabanica root’s antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity showed promise as a pesticide detoxification agent in our previous study. In addition to its root, leaves can help alleviate pesticide exposure, although there is limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. However, the use of [...] Read more.
Litsea martabanica root’s antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity showed promise as a pesticide detoxification agent in our previous study. In addition to its root, leaves can help alleviate pesticide exposure, although there is limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. However, the use of roots in several countries, such as Thailand, could contribute to environmental degradation, as highland communities traditionally used leaves instead of roots. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-pesticide potential of water extract from L. martabanica leaves through in vitro and in vivo investigations. In the in vitro study, L. martabanica water extract and its fractions demonstrated antioxidant activity and induced apoptosis in hepatic satellite cells. In the in vivo study, treatment with the leaf extract led to increased AChE activity, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and reduced glutathione in chlorpyrifos-exposed rats. Histopathological examination revealed that chlorpyrifos-treated rats exhibited liver cell damage, while treatment with the water extract of L. martabanica exhibited a protective effect on the liver. In conclusion, L. martabanica water extract exhibited antioxidant activity, enhanced AChE activity, and improved histopathological abnormalities in the liver. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health)
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27 pages, 5805 KiB  
Article
Carotenoids and Intestinal Harmony: Exploring the Link for Health
by Helena R. Rocha, Manuela E. Pintado, Ana M. Gomes and Marta C. Coelho
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1599; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111599 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 947
Abstract
Carotenoids, prominent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are responsible for vibrant colours in nature and play crucial roles in human health. While they are extensively studied for their antioxidant properties and contributions to vitamin A synthesis, their interactions with the intestinal microbiota [...] Read more.
Carotenoids, prominent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are responsible for vibrant colours in nature and play crucial roles in human health. While they are extensively studied for their antioxidant properties and contributions to vitamin A synthesis, their interactions with the intestinal microbiota (IM) remain poorly understood. In this study, beta (β)-carotene, lutein, lycopene, a mixture of these three pigments, and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were submitted to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID) and evaluated on human faecal samples. The results showed varying effects on IM metabolic dynamics, organic acid production, and microbial composition. Carotenoid exposure influenced glucose metabolism and induced the production of organic acids, notably succinic and acetic acids, compared with the control. Microbial composition analysis revealed shifts in phyla abundance, particularly increased Pseudomonadota. The α-diversity indices demonstrated higher diversity in β-carotene and the pigments’ mixture samples, while the β-diversity analysis indicated significant dissimilarity between the control and the carotenoid sample groups. UPLC-qTOF MS analysis suggested dynamic changes in carotenoid compounds during simulated fermentation, with lutein exhibiting distinct mass ion fragmentation patterns. This comprehensive research enhances our understanding of carotenoid-IM interactions, shedding light on potential health implications and the need for tailored interventions for optimal outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health)
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Review

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22 pages, 1286 KiB  
Review
Free Radical-Mediated Grafting of Natural Polysaccharides Such as Chitosan, Starch, Inulin, and Pectin with Some Polyphenols: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Bioactivities, and Applications—A Review
by Wenting Zhang, Jian Sun, Qiang Li, Chanmin Liu, Fuxiang Niu, Ruixue Yue, Yi Zhang, Hong Zhu, Chen Ma and Shaoying Deng
Foods 2023, 12(19), 3688; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12193688 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
Polyphenols and polysaccharides are very important natural products with special physicochemical properties and extensive biological activities. Recently, polyphenol-polysaccharide conjugates have been synthesized to overcome the limitations of polysaccharides and broaden their application range. Grafted copolymers are produced through chemical coupling, enzyme-mediated, and free [...] Read more.
Polyphenols and polysaccharides are very important natural products with special physicochemical properties and extensive biological activities. Recently, polyphenol-polysaccharide conjugates have been synthesized to overcome the limitations of polysaccharides and broaden their application range. Grafted copolymers are produced through chemical coupling, enzyme-mediated, and free radical-mediated methods, among which the free radical-induced grafting reaction is the most cost-effective, ecofriendly, safe, and plausible approach. Here, we review the grafting reactions of polysaccharides mediated by free radicals with various bioactive polyphenols, such as gallic acid (GA), ferulic acid (FA), and catechins. A detailed introduction of the methods and their mechanisms for free radical-mediated grafting is given. Structural characterization methods of the graft products, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are introduced. Furthermore, the biological properties of polyphenol-polysaccharide conjugates are also presented, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotection activities, etc. Moreover, the potential applications of polyphenol-polysaccharide conjugates are described. Finally, the challenges and research prospects of graft products are summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Food Extracts for Human Health)
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