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Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II
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Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 26121

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sokcheon Pak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
Interests: evidence-based practice; bee venom; nutrition; reproduction; cancer; natural medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Soo Liang Ooi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
Interests: evidence-based complementary medicine; nutrition; naturopathy; phytotherapy; natural medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Most diseases are preventable, and related to what we eat. Moreover, most doctor visits are for lifestyle-based diseases, which means they can be prevented by the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Treating the causes of illness rather than symptoms of the disease is not only safer and cheaper, but can work better. Primordial prevention is a good example because it encompasses not just the prevention of chronic disease but prevention of its related risk factors. In this context, there have been many claims regarding the competitive merits of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment many chronic diseases by targeting the underlying cause of illness and enhancing the immune system.

Nutraceutical, a term derived from ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’, refers to any product isolated from herbs, nutrients, specific diets, processed foods, and beverages that is used for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. Many nutraceuticals possess therapeutic properties, which can affect the immune system. For example, nutraceuticals derived from a variety of mushrooms are known to modify cytokine production in different cancer models, while fermented rice bran products can modulate the natural killer cell function to improve immunosurveillance. Similarly, a variety of flavonoids from plants are now being investigated for both their antioxidant effects and their anti-inflammatory properties.

With the successful publication of the first edition of this Special Issue, and due to the high demand and many requests regarding this topic, we have decided to launch a second edition of this Special Issue. This second edition of the Special Issue provides an open forum for researchers to share their research findings in this growing field of interest. We welcome contributions in the forms of both original research and review articles that assess the impact of nutraceuticals on immune function.

Dr. Sokcheon Pak
Dr. Soo Liang Ooi
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. Molecules 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 2700 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

  • nutraceutical
  • immune system
  • herbs
  • food supplement
  • nutrition

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3259 KiB  
Article
Effect of Wheat-Derived Arabinoxylan on the Gut Microbiota Composition and Colonic Regulatory T Cells
by Seita Chudan, Riko Ishibashi, Miyu Nishikawa, Yoshiaki Tabuchi, Yoshinori Nagai, Shinichi Ikushiro and Yukihiro Furusawa
Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073079 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2255
Abstract
The health benefits of wheat-derived arabinoxylan, a commonly consumed dietary fiber, have been studied for decades. However, its effect on the gut microenvironment and inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of wheat-derived arabinoxylan on [...] Read more.
The health benefits of wheat-derived arabinoxylan, a commonly consumed dietary fiber, have been studied for decades. However, its effect on the gut microenvironment and inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of wheat-derived arabinoxylan on gut microbiota, colonic regulatory T cells (Tregs), and experimental colitis. In this study, healthy and chronic colitis model mice were fed chow containing cellulose or wheat-derived arabinoxylan for 2–6 weeks and subjected to subsequent analysis. A 16S-based metagenomic analysis of the fecal DNA revealed that Lachnospiraceae, comprising butyrate-producing and Treg-inducing bacteria, were overrepresented in arabinoxylan-fed mice. In line with the changes in the gut microbiota, both the fecal butyrate concentration and the colonic Treg population were elevated in the arabinoxylan-fed mice. In a T cell transfer model of chronic colitis, wheat-derived arabinoxylan ameliorated body weight loss and colonic tissue inflammation, which may, in part, be mediated by Treg induction. Moreover, wheat-derived arabinoxylan suppressed TNFα production from type 1 helper T cells in this colitis model. In conclusion, wheat-derived arabinoxylans, by altering the gut microenvironment, may be a promising prebiotic for the prevention of colitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II)
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17 pages, 3674 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Compounds from Pale Ale Beer Powder Attenuate Experimental Colitis in BALB/c Mice
by Paola D. D. S. Maia, Diego dos Santos Baião, Hayandra F. Nanini, Victor Paulo F. da Silva, Lissa Bantim Frambach, Iuri Matheus Cabral, Beatriz Pêgo, Beatriz E. Ribeiro, Mauro Sérgio Gonçalves Pavão, Vania M. F. Paschoalin, Heitor S. P. de Souza and Anna Paola T. R. Pierucci
Molecules 2022, 27(4), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041194 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2467
Abstract
Phenolic compounds (PCs) present in foods are associated with a decreased risk of developing inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to extract and characterize PCs from craft beer powder and evaluate their potential benefits in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel [...] Read more.
Phenolic compounds (PCs) present in foods are associated with a decreased risk of developing inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to extract and characterize PCs from craft beer powder and evaluate their potential benefits in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PCs were extracted and quantified from pure beer samples. BALB/c mice received either the beer phenolic extract (BPE) or beer powder fortified with phenolic extract (BPFPE) of PCs daily for 20 days by gavage. Colon samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice lost more weight, had reduced colon length, and developed more inflammatory changes compared with DSS-induced mice treated with either BPE or BPFPE. In addition, in DSS-induced mice, the densities of CD4- and CD11b-positive cells, apoptotic rates, and activation of NF-κB and p-ERK1/2 MAPK intracellular signaling pathways were higher in those treated with BPE and BPFPE than in those not treated. Pretreatment with the phenolic extract and BPFPE remarkably attenuated DSS-induced colitis. The protective effect of PCs supports further investigation and development of therapies for human IBD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II)
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Review

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40 pages, 3523 KiB  
Review
Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan by Lentinus edodes Mycelial Enzyme as an Immunoceutical for Health and Aging—A Comprehensive Literature Review
by Soo Liang Ooi, Peter S. Micalos and Sok Cheon Pak
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6313; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176313 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3234
Abstract
Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran enzymatically treated with Lentinus edodes mycelium. This review explores biologically active compounds and mechanisms of action that support RBAC as an immunomodulating nutraceutical in generally healthy and/or aging individuals. Thirty-seven (n [...] Read more.
Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran enzymatically treated with Lentinus edodes mycelium. This review explores biologically active compounds and mechanisms of action that support RBAC as an immunomodulating nutraceutical in generally healthy and/or aging individuals. Thirty-seven (n = 37) primary research articles fulfilled the selection criteria for review. Most research is based on Biobran MGN-3, which consists of complex heteropolysaccharides with arabinoxylan as its primary structure while also containing galactan and glucan. RBAC was found to invoke immunological activities through direct absorption via the digestive tract and interaction with immune cells at the Peyer’s patches. RBAC was shown to promote innate defence by upregulating macrophage phagocytosis and enhancing natural killer cell activity while lowering oxidative stress. Through induction of dendritic cell maturation, RBAC also augments adaptive immunity by promoting T and B lymphocyte proliferation. RBAC acts as an immunomodulator by inhibiting mast cell degranulation during allergic reactions, attenuating inflammation, and downregulating angiogenesis by modulating cytokines and growth factors. RBAC has been shown to be a safe and effective nutraceutical for improving immune health, notably in aging individuals with reduced immune function. Human clinical trials with geriatric participants have demonstrated RBAC to have prophylactic benefits against viral infection and may improve their quality of life. Further research should explore RBAC’s bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the complex heteropolysaccharides within. Translational research to assess RBAC as a nutraceutical for the aging population is still required, particularly in human studies with larger sample sizes and cohort studies with long follow-up periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II)
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Graphical abstract

29 pages, 1828 KiB  
Review
The Enteric Glia and Its Modulation by the Endocannabinoid System, a New Target for Cannabinoid-Based Nutraceuticals?
by Laura López-Gómez, Agata Szymaszkiewicz, Marta Zielińska and Raquel Abalo
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6773; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196773 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4317
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a part of the autonomic nervous system that intrinsically innervates the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Whereas enteric neurons have been deeply studied, the enteric glial cells (EGCs) have received less attention. However, these are immune-competent cells that contribute [...] Read more.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a part of the autonomic nervous system that intrinsically innervates the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Whereas enteric neurons have been deeply studied, the enteric glial cells (EGCs) have received less attention. However, these are immune-competent cells that contribute to the maintenance of the GI tract homeostasis through supporting epithelial integrity, providing neuroprotection, and influencing the GI motor function and sensation. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) includes endogenous classical cannabinoids (anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol), cannabinoid-like ligands (oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)), enzymes involved in their metabolism (FAAH, MAGL, COX-2) and classical (CB1 and CB2) and non-classical (TRPV1, GPR55, PPAR) receptors. The ECS participates in many processes crucial for the proper functioning of the GI tract, in which the EGCs are involved. Thus, the modulation of the EGCs through the ECS might be beneficial to treat some dysfunctions of the GI tract. This review explores the role of EGCs and ECS on the GI tract functions and dysfunctions, and the current knowledge about how EGCs may be modulated by the ECS components, as possible new targets for cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like molecules, particularly those with potential nutraceutical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II)
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42 pages, 2204 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Immune-Boosting Functions of Vitamins and Minerals as Nutritional Food Bioactive Compounds: A Comprehensive Review
by Saikat Mitra, Shyamjit Paul, Sumon Roy, Hriday Sutradhar, Talha Bin Emran, Firzan Nainu, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Mohammed Almalki, Polrat Wilairatana and Mohammad S. Mubarak
Molecules 2022, 27(2), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020555 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 12739
Abstract
Food components have long been recognized to play a fundamental role in the growth and development of the human body, conferring protective functionalities against foreign matter that can be severe public health problems. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential to the [...] Read more.
Food components have long been recognized to play a fundamental role in the growth and development of the human body, conferring protective functionalities against foreign matter that can be severe public health problems. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential to the human body, and individuals must meet their daily requirements through dietary sources. Micronutrients act as immunomodulators and protect the host immune response, thus preventing immune evasion by pathogenic organisms. Several experimental investigations have been undertaken to appraise the immunomodulatory functions of vitamins and minerals. Based on these experimental findings, this review describes the immune-boosting functionalities of micronutrients and the mechanisms of action through which these functions are mediated. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in plasma concentrations can lead to a reduction in the performance of the immune system functioning, representing a key contributor to unfavorable immunological states. This review provides a descriptive overview of the characteristics of the immune system and the utilization of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in preventative strategies designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among patients suffering from immune invasions or autoimmune disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Immune Function II)
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