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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 27154

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luca Mazzoni

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: fruits; breeding; diversity; traditional uses; ethnoveterinary; characterization of phytochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maria Teresa Ariza Fernández

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Guest Editor

Breeding and Biotechnology, Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera (IFAPA), IFAPA-Centro de Churriana, Cortijo de la Cruz, s/n, 29140 Málaga, Spain
Interests: breeding programs; fruit quality; antioxidants; phenolic compounds; antioxidant capacity; bioactive compounds; bioavailability; health-promoting properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Franco Capocasa

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Guest Editor

Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: breeding programs; fruit quality; nursery, rootstock; water management; antioxidant capacity; phenolic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I invite you to contribute to a Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences, “Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II”, which aims to present recent findings on the relationship between fruits and vegetables and the prevention of disease occurrence.

As plant-based foods, both vegetables and fruits have been clearly associated with the presence of high amounts of bioactive compounds, and have been demonstrated as having a central role in the prevention of diseases. Many scientists from different research fields have lavished great efforts, both to characterize the bioactive compounds’ compositions and to deepen our understanding regarding the mechanisms of action through which fruits and vegetables exert their health-promoting and/or disease-preventing properties. In this Special Issue, studies on the bioactive compounds’ composition of the main fruit and vegetable species, on their health effects as freshly consumed, transformed products or applied in vitro models, and on their mechanisms of actions against human pathologies will be welcome.

Dr. Luca Mazzoni
Dr. Maria Teresa Ariza Fernández
Prof. Dr. Franco Capocasa
Guest Editors

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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. Applied Sciences 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 2400 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

bioactive compounds
antioxidants
human diseases
nutrition
vegetables
fruit
trees
plants
herbs
breeding
vitamins
polyphenols
antinutrients
liquid chromatography
gas chromatography
spectroscopy
immunology
biochemistry
in vitro model
pathologies
in vivo study
cell culture
animal model

Related Special Issue

Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables in Applied Sciences (12 articles)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 222 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II

by Luca Mazzoni, Franco Capocasa and Maria Teresa Ariza Fernández

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8524; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148524 - 24 Jul 2023

Viewed by 834

Abstract

Consumer awareness regarding the significance of a well-balanced diet in preventing chronic diseases has increased significantly in recent years [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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17 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Mineral Content of Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) Leaves as Affected by Saline Stress and Biostimulant Application

by Ida Di Mola, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael and Mauro Mori

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031569 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

The availability of irrigation water of good quality is decreasing due to soil salinization and the deterioration of aquifers. Moreover, ongoing climate change severely affects crop production and necessitates the intensification of cropping systems in order to ensure food security at a global scale. For this purpose, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the mitigating effects of two natural biostimulants on Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. plants cultivated at different salinity levels (EC of 0 dS m⁻¹, 2 dS m⁻¹, 4 dS m⁻¹, and 6 dS m⁻¹) and harvested at six consecutive cropping cycles. The tested factors showed a varied combinatorial effect on the tested parameters. These findings indicate the importance of considering growing conditions and cropping periods when applying biostimulants in D. tenuifolia plants under salinity stress. Antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds, such as total phenols, carotenoids, and total ascorbic acid, were variably affected by salinity, biostimulant application, and harvesting time, while mineral profile was also affected by the tested factors depending on the combination of factors. Finally, nitrate content showed decreasing trends with increasing salinity, while biostimulant application resulted in the higher accumulation of nitrates compared to the untreated plants. Although biostimulant application seems to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress, the effect of growing conditions, as indicated by successive crop cycles, is also important for the response of D. tenuifolia plants to saline conditions and biostimulant application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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13 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Morphological Parts of Herbs

by Wioletta Biel, Urszula Pomietło, Robert Witkowicz, Ewa Piątkowska and Aneta Kopeć

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031413 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1447

Abstract

The aim of the study was to provide an analytical evaluation of the proximate composition, the total content of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity, of 27 selected plant materials collected in Poland (West Pomeranian). The basic chemical composition was determined in the ground samples according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Antioxidant activity was tested using free radical methods ABTS^•+, DPPH^•+ and the FRAP method. The lowest concentration of dry matter (DM) was measured in black chokeberry (88.82 g/100 g) and the highest was found in milk thistle (94.65 g/100 g) as well as black cumin (95.09 g/100 g). The content of total polyphenols, assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, ranged from 291.832–7565.426 mg of chlorogenic acid equivalent (CGA)/100 g of DM. Antioxidant activity measured sequentially against the radical ABTS^•+, DPPH^•+ and using the FRAP method was 26.334–1912.016 µM Trolox/g DM, 9.475–1061.068 µM Trolox/g DM and 26.252–1769.766 µM Trolox/g DM, respectively. The methanolic extract from milk thistle fruit in most assays was characterized by the lowest antioxidant activity and the lowest total content of polyphenolic compounds. Methanol extracts prepared from garlic, stinging nettle and cleavers showed the highest content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity among the tested plant materials. The parts of plants with the highest antioxidant potential can be a source of new bioactive compounds, but further research is required to describe the profile of compounds harmful to human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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13 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability of Strawberry Fruit (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Nutritional Quality at Different Storage Conditions

by Rohullah Qaderi, Bruno Mezzetti, Franco Capocasa and Luca Mazzoni

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010313 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2319

Abstract

Strawberry fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and phenolic compounds, which determine its nutritional properties. Strawberries are a highly perishable non-climacteric fruit, and their perishable nature can lead to physical and chemical damage during storage. Therefore, the large market of fresh fruit relies on the capacity of fast distribution and marketing under a continuous cold-storage chain. In this study, we applied different cold-storage temperatures (domestic −20 °C and industrial −80 °C) on different treatments (whole fruits and dried fruits) of three strawberry cultivars (Arianna, Francesca, and Silvia), for up to seven months, and evaluated the influence of different storage conditions and lengths on the stability of the fruits’ nutritional compounds (vitamin C, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and folate). The results show that the nutritional quality of the fruits was significantly affected by storage temperature (with −80 °C storage preserving more nutritional compounds), while storage time did not greatly affect the composition of the nutritional compounds in the whole or dried fruits. Oven drying the fruits dramatically affected their vitamin C content, almost completely degrading this compound (from 731.8 to 23.2 mg/kg at time 0 for fresh Arianna fruit, the cultivar with the highest amount). The amount of folate was increased during storage (from 126.17 at time 0 to 190.61 µg/kg at time 7 for fresh whole Arianna fruit). The interesting results obtained in this study are worth considering in future studies, to better plan fruit-storage conditions and time, for maintaining better fruit nutritional quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

14 pages, 3123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplementation of an Anthocyanin-Rich Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract in FVB/n Mice: A Healthier Alternative to Synthetic Colorants

by Tiago Azevedo, Tiago Ferreira, João Ferreira, Filipa Teixeira, Diana Ferreira, Rita Silva-Reis, Maria João Neuparth, Maria João Pires, Maria de Lurdes Pinto, Rui M. Gil da Costa, Margarida M. S. M. Bastos, Rui Medeiros, Luís Félix, Carlos Venâncio, Maria Inês Dias, Isabel Gaivão, Lillian Barros and Paula A. Oliveira

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 11928; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122311928 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

Sambucus nigra L., popularly known as elderberry, is renowned for its amazing therapeutic properties, as well as its uses as a food source, in nutraceuticals, and in traditional medicine. This study’s aim was to investigate the effects of an elderberry extract (EE) on mice for 29 days, as well as the safety of the extract when used as a natural colorant. Twenty-four FVB/n female mice (n = 6) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, 12 mg/mL EE (EE12), 24 mg/mL EE (EE24), or 48 mg/mL EE (EE48). The predominant anthocyanins detected were cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Food and drink intake were similar between groups, with the exception of EE48, who drank significantly less compared with the Control. Biochemical analysis of the liver showed that the changes observed in histological analysis had no pathological significance. The EE, at doses of 24 and 48 mg/mL, significantly reduced the oxidative DNA damage compared with the non-supplemented group. The S. nigra extract showed a favorable toxicological profile, affording it potential to be used in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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13 pages, 3238 KiB

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Inhibitory Effect of Coumarins and Isocoumarins Isolated from the Stems and Branches of Acer mono Maxim. against Escherichia coli β-Glucuronidase

by Nguyen Viet Phong, Byung Sun Min, Seo Young Yang and Jeong Ah Kim

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10685; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010685 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1464

Abstract

We isolated eight known secondary metabolites, including two isocoumarins and six coumarins, from the stems and branches of Acer mono Maxim. Their structures were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and by comparing the data to published reports. The inhibitory effects of all compounds (1−8) on Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase were evaluated for the first time using in vitro assays. 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-8-hydroxyisocoumarin (1) displayed an inhibitory effect against β-glucuronidase (IC₅₀ = 58.83 ± 1.36 μM). According to the findings of kinetic studies, compound 1 could function as a non-competitive inhibitor. Molecular docking indicated that compound 1 binds to the allosteric binding site of β-glucuronidase, and the results corroborated those from kinetic studies. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations of compound 1 were performed to identify the behavioral and dynamic properties of the protein–ligand complex. Our results reveal that compound 1 could be a lead metabolite for designing new β-glucuronidase inhibitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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10 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compound Identification from Bromelia karatas Fruit Juice Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of the Extract

by Benjamín A. Ayil-Gutiérrez, Karla Cecilia Amaya-Guardia, Arturo A. Alvarado-Segura, Glendy Polanco-Hernández, Miguel Angel Uc-Chuc, Karla Y. Acosta-Viana, Eugenia Guzmán-Marín, Blancka Yesenia Samaniego-Gámez, Wilberth Alfredo Poot-Poot, Gabriel Lizama-Uc and Hernán de Jesús Villanueva-Alonzo

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7275; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147275 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1851

Abstract

Fruits of species of the genus Bromelia contain compounds with health benefits and potential biotechnological applications. For example, Bromelia karatas fruits contain antioxidants and proteins with bactericidal activity, but studies regarding the activity of these metabolites and potential benefits are required. We evaluated the bactericidal activity of the methanolic extract (treated and not treated with activated charcoal) and its fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) from ripe B. karatas fruit (8 °Brix) against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enteritidis, and Shigella flexneri. The methanolic extract (ME) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined at eight concentrations. The methanolic extract MIC was 5 mg/mL for E. faecalis and 10 mg/mL for the other bacteria; the MBC was 20 mg/mL for E. coli and E. faecalis, and 40 mg/mL for S. enteritidis and S. flexneri. Through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, 131 compounds were identified, some of which had previously been reported to have biological activities, such as bactericidal, fungicide, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibiting, and anti-allergic properties. The most abundant compounds found in the ME of B. karatas fruits were maleic anhydride, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and itaconic anhydride. This study shows that B. karatas fruits contain metabolites that are potentially beneficial for health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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9 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Nutritional Quality Depending on Harvested Plant Portion of Broccoli and Black Cabbage

by Bruno Mezzetti, Francesca Biondi, Francesca Balducci, Franco Capocasa, Elena Mei, Massimo Vagnoni, Marino Visciglio and Luca Mazzoni

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6668; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136668 - 1 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Brassicaceae plants are rich with antioxidant compounds that play a key role for human health. This study wants to characterize two Italian broccoli cultivars (Roya and Santee) and black cabbage, evaluating the variation of antioxidants in different portion and at different developmental stage of the plants: for broccoli, heads and stems were sampled, while for black cabbage, leaves and seeds were analyzed. Roja cultivar was also analyzed at the first and second harvest to evaluate the variation of phytochemical compounds over time. Nutritional and sensorial qualities were investigated. Black cabbage seeds showed higher value of total antioxidants, total phenols, and total anthocyanins than leaves. Similarly, phenolics and anthocyanins content in head was higher than in stem in broccoli. In Roja cultivar, the harvest date seemed to influence the antioxidant capacity and the phytochemical compounds content, with broccoli sampled in the second harvest showing better results for all the nutritional parameters. These local vegetables represent a significant source of antioxidants and may contribute to health benefits of the consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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16 pages, 1319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Fermentation Method on the Pigment Content in Pickled Beetroot and Red Bell Pepper Juices and Freeze-Dried Powders

by Emilia Janiszewska-Turak, Kacper Tracz, Patrycja Bielińska, Katarzyna Rybak, Katarzyna Pobiega, Małgorzata Gniewosz, Łukasz Woźniak and Anna Gramza-Michałowska

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5766; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125766 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2417

Abstract

The beetroot and red bell pepper are vegetables rich in active ingredients, and their potential for health benefits are crucial. Both presented raw materials are rich in natural pigments, but are unstable and seasonal; thus, it was decided to take steps to extend their durability. Lactic fermentation has been recognized as a food preservation method, requiring minimal resources. The activities undertaken were also aimed at creating a new product with a coloring and probiotic potential. For this reason, the study aimed to evaluate the impact of the method of fermentation on the content of active compounds (pigments) in pickled juices and freeze-dried powders. The lactic acid fermentation guided in two ways. The second step of the research was to obtain powders in the freeze-drying process. For fermentation, Levilactobacillus brevis and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were used. In juices and powders, pigments, color, and dry matter were tested. In this research, no differences in fermented juice pigment contents were seen; however, the color coefficient differed in raw juices. The freeze-drying process resulted in lowering the pigment content, and increasing dry matter and good storage conditions (glass transition temperatures 48–66 °C). The selection of vegetable methods suggested the use of fermentation and mixing it with a marinade (higher pigments and lactic acid bacteria content). All powders were stable and can be used as a colorant source, whereas for probiotic properties, a higher number of bacteria is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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14 pages, 5051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antidepressant-Like Effect of Traditional Medicinal Plant Carthamus Tinctorius in Mice Model through Neuro-Behavioral Tests and Transcriptomic Approach

by Mohamed H. Alegiry, Abdelfatteh El Omri, Ahmed Atef Bayoumi, Mohammed Y. Alomar, Irfan A. Rather and Jamal S. M. Sabir

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5594; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115594 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

Major depression disorder (MDD) has become a common life-threatening disorder. Despite the number of studies and the introduced antidepressants, MDD remains a major global health issue. Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) is traditionally used for food and medical purposes. This study investigated the chemical profile and the antidepressant-like effect of the Carthamus tincto-rius hot water extract in male mice and its mechanism using a transcriptomic analysis. The antidepressant effect of hot water extract (50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) was investigated in mice versus the untreated group (saline) and positive control group (fluoxetine 10 mg/kg). Hippocampus transcriptome changes were investigated to understand the Carthamus tinctorius mechanism of action. The GC-MS analysis of Carthamus tinctorius showed that hot water extract yielded the highest amount of oleamide as the most active ingredient. Neuro-behavioral tests demonstrated that the safflower treatment significantly reduced immobility time in TST and FST and improved performance in the YMSAT compared to the control group. RNA-seq analysis revealed a significant differential gene expression pattern in several genes such as Ube2j2, Ncor1, Tuba1c, Grik1, Msmo1, and Casp9 related to MDD regulation in 50 mg/kg safflower treatment as compared to untreated and fluoxetine-treated groups. Our findings demonstrated the antidepressant-like effect of safflower hot water extract and its bioactive ingredient oleamide on mice, validated by a significantly shortened immobility time in TST and FST and an increase in the percentage of spontaneous alternation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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13 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Pilot Study of whether or Not Vegetable and Fruit Juice Containing Lactobacillus paracasei Lowers Blood Lipid Levels and Oxidative Stress Markers in Thai Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

by Pattharaparn Siripun, Chaiyavat Chaiyasut, Narissara Lailerd, Netnapa Makhamrueang, Ekkachai Kaewarsar and Sasithorn Sirilun

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 4913; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104913 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of mortality worldwide. Meanwhile, lipid-lowering drug side-effects may also occur. Thus, consumption of vegetables and fruits containing probiotics is a good alternative to influence the lipid profile in plasma. This study investigated the effect of consuming vegetable and fruit juice (VFJ) with (probiotic group) and without probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei (placebo group), on the body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress enzymes, and bile acid level in dyslipidemic patients (n = 20) at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for 30 days. The levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio in the probiotic group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group. The HDL-C concentration in the probiotic group was higher than that in the placebo group. The probiotic group showed significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels; increased oxidative stress enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma; and increased bile acid (BA) levels in the feces. Therefore, the findings of this study demonstrate that VFJ enriched with probiotic L. paracasei may represent an alternative method for the prevention of dyslipidemia during the primary intervention stage for patients who are not yet taking other medication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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8 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Potential Effect of Elevated Root Zone Temperature on the Concentration of Chlorogenic, Caffeic, and Ferulic acids and the Biological Activity of Some Pigmented Solanum tuberosum L. Cultivar Extracts

by Hildegard Witbooi, Callistus Bvenura, Anna-Mari Reid, Namrita Lall, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju and Learnmore Kambizi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6971; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156971 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

Without a doubt, potatoes play a vital food and nutrition security role in the world as more than a billion people consume this vegetable. Furthermore, the polyphenolic constituents of pigmented potato cultivars and their associated health benefits have been reported. However, the antioxidant, anticancer, and antimycobacterial activity of pigmented cultivars are scanty. Therefore, the present study explores the phenolic acids and biological activities of cv. Salad Blue (SB) and non-pigmented control (BP1) extracts. The antiproliferative activity of S. tuberosum L. against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) was investigated, as well as the ability to inhibit Mycobacterium smegmatis. Chlorogenic acid was the most prominent phenolic acid in both treatments as well as cultivars. In the current trial, 24 °C significantly increased chlorogenic acid in cv. SB and BP1. Ethanolic extracts of all the samples showed no activity at the highest test concentration of 1000 μg/mL (ciprofloxacin MIC of 0.325 μg/mL) against M. smegmatis. The antiproliferative activity of the tuber samples against HepG2 liver cells had IC₅₀ values ranging between 267.7 ± 36.17 μg/mL and >400 μg/mL. Since the health benefits of these cultivars are highly valued, the present study provides useful information for future oncology studies, for human nutrition, as well as for how these underutilized cultivars can be fortified to improve their health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

Review

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20 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Vegetal-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Multidrug Resistance Modulators in Colorectal Cancer

by Francisco Quiñonero, Cristina Mesas, Mercedes Peña, Laura Cabeza, Gloria Perazzoli, Consolación Melguizo, Raul Ortiz and Jose Prados

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042667 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality today. Knowledge of its pathogenesis has made it possible to advance the development of different therapeutic strategies. However, the appearance of drug resistance constitutes one of the main causes of treatment failure. Bioactive compounds of vegetable origin are being studied as a new strategy to improve antitumor treatment, due to their ability to regulate the pathways involved in the development of carcinogenesis or processes that are decisive in its evolution, including multidrug resistance. In vitro and in vivo studies of these substances in combination with cytotoxic drugs have shown that they reduce resistance and increase therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this review is to summarize the knowledge that is described in the scientific literature on the antitumor and chemo-sensitizing capacity of vegetable-derived biomolecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. These compounds may hold a promising future in improving the treatment of colorectal cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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26 pages, 2204 KiB

Open AccessReview

Volatiles in Berries: Biosynthesis, Composition, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits

by Inah Gu, Luke Howard and Sun-Ok Lee

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10238; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010238 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2903

Abstract

Volatile compounds in fruits are responsible for their aroma. Among fruits, berries contain many volatile compounds, mainly esters, alcohols, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, and lactones. Studies for volatile compounds in berries have increased extensively as the consumption of berry products rapidly increased. In this paper, we reviewed biosynthesis and profiles of volatiles in some berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and cranberry) and their bioavailability and health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects in vitro and in vivo. Each berry had different major volatiles, but monoterpene had an important role in all berries as aroma-active components. Volatile compounds were nonpolar and hydrophobic and rapidly absorbed and eliminated from our body after administration. Among them, monoterpenes, including linalool, limonene, and geraniol, showed many health benefits against inflammation, cancer, obesity, and diabetes in vitro and in vivo. More research on the health benefits of volatile compounds from berries and their bioavailability would be needed to confirm the bioactivities of berry volatiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables II)

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