Nutrients

Editorial

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4 pages, 223 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments

by Antonella Di Sotto and Silvia Di Giacomo

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173764 - 28 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1396

Abstract

Polyphenols are a large class of plant secondary metabolites that are biosynthetically derived from the shikimate pathway and characterized by aromatic rings with one or more hydroxyl groups [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

Research

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20 pages, 2555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Profiles, Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Mechanism of Rhodiola rosea L. Phenolic Extract

by Sheng Zhang, Siqi Jiang, Na Deng, Bisheng Zheng, Tong Li and Rui Hai Liu

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173602 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2896

Abstract

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative property and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis of Rhodiola rosea free phenolic (RFE) were analyzed in this work. Overall, Rhodiola rosea rhizome phenolic extract (RE) contained Rhodiola rosea rhizome free phenolic extract (RFE) and Rhodiola [...] Read more.

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative property and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis of Rhodiola rosea free phenolic (RFE) were analyzed in this work. Overall, Rhodiola rosea rhizome phenolic extract (RE) contained Rhodiola rosea rhizome free phenolic extract (RFE) and Rhodiola rosea rhizome bound phenolic extract (RBE). Compared with RBE, RFE contained higher phenolic contents and possessed stronger antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results demonstrated that the main phenolics of were epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid (GA) and catechin. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found that Rhodiola rosea L. was rich in volatile phytochemicals. In addition, many types of vitamin E and a few kinds of carotenoids were found in Rhodiola rosea. In addition, the main compounds in RFE (GA, EGC, EGCG) and RFE all exhibited excellent antiproliferative activity, indicating the antiproliferative activity of RFE was partly attributed to the synergy effects of the main compounds. Further study confirmed that RFE could block 16.99% of HepG2 cells at S phase and induce 20.32% programmed cell death compared with the control group. Specifically, RFE dose-dependently induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via modulating the p53 signaling pathway including up-regulation of the expression of p53 and Bax while down-regulation of the Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and CDK4 levels. Therefore, RFE exhibited the potential of being developed as an auxiliary antioxidant and a therapeutic agent for cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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14 pages, 1748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Composition and Metabolic Status of Italian and Spanish University Students: Relationship with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

by Paola Aiello, Ilaria Peluso, Silvia Di Giacomo, Antonella Di Sotto and Débora Villaño Valencia

Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3296; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163296 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3146

Abstract

Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and [...] Read more.

Most university students do not follow recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, with a consequent increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The aim of this study was to compare obesity prevalence and biomarkers of metabolic status between Italian and Spanish university students, in relation with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food consumption, adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), level of physical activity (PA), blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and ketones, blood pressure, and body composition were evaluated. Among CVD risk factors, only glucose was significantly higher in Spaniards (SP), and only 3.1% of SP presented ketosis. SP had a higher percentage of energy from fat. Although adherence to MD and fruit and vegetable consumption did not differ between Italians and SP, students who consumed at least four servings of fruit and vegetables (FV group) showed better values for pressure and metabolic parameters than the no FV group. We observed an association between consumption of fruit and PA. Students who consumed more vegetables than fruit reported a better body composition profile and lower glucose concentrations. As previously suggested, in addition to PA, two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day should be recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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13 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oleuropein Counteracts Both the Proliferation and Migration of Intra- and Extragonadal Seminoma Cells

by Sabrina Bossio, Anna Perri, Rocco Malivindi, Francesca Giordano, Vittoria Rago, Maria Mirabelli, Alessandro Salatino, Antonio Brunetti, Emanuela Alessandra Greco and Antonio Aversa

Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112323 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

Recent and growing literature has reported that oleuropein (OLE), the main polyphenol in olive leaf extract, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and reduces the invasiveness properties of cancer cells; therefore, OLE may play a significant role in the development of new drugs for cancer [...] Read more.

Recent and growing literature has reported that oleuropein (OLE), the main polyphenol in olive leaf extract, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and reduces the invasiveness properties of cancer cells; therefore, OLE may play a significant role in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment. These antineoplastic properties have been reported in many experimental cancer models, but the effect of OLE on seminoma cells is yet to be evaluated. In the present study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that OLE reduces cell viability in both intra- and extragonadal TCAM-2 and SEM-1 seminoma cells, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. As shown by Western-blot analysis, OLE exposure reduced cyclin-D1 expression and upregulated p21^Cip/WAF1, concomitantly affecting the upstream pathway of NF-κB, leading to the reduction of its nuclear content, thereby suggesting that OLE could modulate cell-cycle regulators by inhibiting NF-κB. Moreover, Annexin V staining revealed that OLE induced apoptosis in cancer cells and upregulated the pro-apoptotic factor BAX. Through wound-healing scratch and transmigration assays, we also demonstrated that OLE significantly reduced the migration and motility of TCAM-2 and SEM-1 cells, and downregulated the expression of TGFβ-1, which is known to be the main pro-fibrotic factor involved in the acquisition of the migratory and invasive properties of cancer cells. Collectively, our results indicate that OLE reduces seminoma cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and counteracts cell migration and motility. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these observed effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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13 pages, 4738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Piceatannol SNEDDS Attenuates Estradiol-Induced Endometrial Hyperplasia in Rats by Modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Axes

by Lenah S. Binmahfouz, Basma G. Eid, Amina M. Bagher, Rasheed A. Shaik, Najlaa S. Binmahfouz and Ashraf B. Abdel-Naim

Nutrients 2022, 14(9), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091891 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is the most common risk factor for endometrial malignancy in females. The pathogenesis of EH has been directly linked to uterine inflammation, which can result in abnormal cell division and decreased apoptosis. Piceatannol (PIC), a natural polyphenolic stilbene, is known [...] Read more.

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is the most common risk factor for endometrial malignancy in females. The pathogenesis of EH has been directly linked to uterine inflammation, which can result in abnormal cell division and decreased apoptosis. Piceatannol (PIC), a natural polyphenolic stilbene, is known to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential preventive role of PIC in estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced EH in rats. A self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was prepared to improve the solubility of the PIC. Therefore, thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) control, (2) PIC SNEDDS (10 mg/kg), (3) EB (0.6 mg/kg), (4) EB + PIC SNEDDS (5 mg/kg) and (5) EB + PIC SNEDDS (10 mg/kg). The administration of PIC SNEDDS prevented EB-induced increases in uterine weights and histopathological changes. Additionally, it displayed pro-apoptotic and antioxidant activity in the endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining of uterine sections co-treated with PIC SNEDDS showed significantly decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This anti-inflammatory effect was further confirmed by a significant increase in Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. These results indicate that SNEDDS nanoformulation of PIC possesses protective effects against experimentally induced EH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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16 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: A Blood Pressure-Reducing Flavonoid Metabolite

by Patrícia Dias, Jana Pourová, Marie Vopršalová, Iveta Nejmanová and Přemysl Mladěnka

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14020328 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4059

Abstract

Regular intake of polyphenol-rich food has been associated with a wide variety of beneficial health effects, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the parent flavonoids have mostly low bioavailability and, hence, their metabolites have been hypothesized to be bioactive. One of these [...] Read more.

Regular intake of polyphenol-rich food has been associated with a wide variety of beneficial health effects, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the parent flavonoids have mostly low bioavailability and, hence, their metabolites have been hypothesized to be bioactive. One of these metabolites, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3-HPAA), formed by the gut microbiota, was previously reported to exert vasorelaxant effects ex vivo. The aim of this study was to shed more light on this effect in vivo, and to elucidate the mechanism of action. 3-HPAA gave rise to a dose-dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure when administered i.v. both as a bolus and infusion to spontaneously hypertensive rats. In contrast, no significant changes in heart rate were observed. In ex vivo experiments, where porcine hearts from a slaughterhouse were used to decrease the need for laboratory animals, 3-HPAA relaxed precontracted porcine coronary artery segments via a mechanism partially dependent on endothelium integrity. This relaxation was significantly impaired after endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition. In contrast, the blockade of SKCa or IKCa channels, or muscarinic receptors, did not affect 3-HPAA relaxation. Similarly, no effects of 3-HPAA on cyclooxygenase nor L-type calcium channels were observed. Thus, 3-HPAA decreases blood pressure in vivo via vessel relaxation, and this mechanism might be based on the release of nitric oxide by the endothelial layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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14 pages, 1959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endothelium-Independent Relaxation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Induced by Persimmon-Derived Polyphenol Phytocomplex in Rats

by Risa Kudo, Katsuya Yuui and Shogo Kasuda

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010089 - 26 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3060

Abstract

The vasorelaxant effect of polyphenols is well known, and the mortality rate due to coronary artery disease is low in people who consume polyphenol-containing foods. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which polyphenols derived from persimmon juice (PJ) and persimmon leaves (PLs) [...] Read more.

The vasorelaxant effect of polyphenols is well known, and the mortality rate due to coronary artery disease is low in people who consume polyphenol-containing foods. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which polyphenols derived from persimmon juice (PJ) and persimmon leaves (PLs) induce vasorelaxation and suppress vasocontraction in the superior mesenteric arteries isolated from male Sprague Dawley rats. Vasocontraction was induced with 1 µM phenylephrine, and polyphenol-induced vasorelaxation was expressed as a percentage of the previous tone induced by phenylephrine. PJ powder (100 mg/L) induced higher levels of vasorelaxation (mean ± standard error of the mean, 88.6% ± 4.4%) than PLs powder (1 g/L; 72.0% ± 10.8%). Nitric oxide pathway inhibitors (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester + carboxy-PTIO) did not affect persimmon-derived polyphenol-induced vasorelaxation, whereas potassium chloride, tetraethylammonium, and potassium-channel inhibitors did. Vasorelaxation was endothelium independent with both extracts. Phenylephrine-induced vasocontraction was suppressed by pretreatment with PJ and PLs powder, even when inositol triphosphate-mediated Ca²⁺ release and extracellular Ca²⁺ influx were inhibited. These results suggest that persimmon-derived polyphenol phytocomplex cause vasorelaxation and inhibit vasocontraction through hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells. Persimmon-derived polyphenols may be able to prevent cardiovascular diseases caused by abnormal contraction of blood vessels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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12 pages, 1877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Trans-Resveratrol and ε-Viniferin Induces a Hepatoprotective Effect in Rats with Severe Acute Liver Failure via Reduction of Oxidative Stress and MMP-9 Expression

by João C. Fernandes, Elizângela G. Schemitt, Juliana Da Silva, Norma P. Marroni, Ana Lima and Ricardo B. Ferreira

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113677 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2459

Abstract

Stilbenes are a major grapevine class of phenolic compounds, known for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, but never studied in combination. We aimed to evaluate the effect of trans-resveratrol + ε-viniferin as an antioxidant mixture and its role in inflammatory development [...] Read more.

Stilbenes are a major grapevine class of phenolic compounds, known for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, but never studied in combination. We aimed to evaluate the effect of trans-resveratrol + ε-viniferin as an antioxidant mixture and its role in inflammatory development an in vivo model of severe acute liver failure induced with TAA. Trans-resveratrol + trans-ε-viniferin (5 mg/kg each) was administered to Wistar rats. Resveratrol + ε-viniferin significantly decreased TBARS and SOD activity and restored CAT and GST activities in the treated group. This stilbene combination reduced the expression of TNFα, iNOS, and COX-2, and inhibited MMP-9. The combination of resveratrol + ε-viniferin had a hepatoprotective effect, reducing DNA damage, exhibiting a protective role on the antioxidant pathway by altering SOD, CAT, and GST activities; by downregulating TNFα, COX-2, and iNOS; and upregulating IL-10. Our results suggested that adding viniferin to resveratrol may be more effective in hepatoprotection than resveratrol alone, opening a new perspective on using this stilbene combination in functional diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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26 pages, 3991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vascular Effects of the Polyphenolic Nutraceutical Supplement Taurisolo^®: Focus on the Protection of the Endothelial Function

by Alma Martelli, Lorenzo Flori, Era Gorica, Eugenia Piragine, Anella Saviano, Giuseppe Annunziata, Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno, Roberto Ciampaglia, Ilenia Calcaterra, Francesco Maione, Gian Carlo Tenore, Ettore Novellino and Vincenzo Calderone

Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051540 - 2 May 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5291

Abstract

Preservation of vascular endothelium integrity and functionality represents an unmet medical need. Indeed, endothelial dysfunction leads to decreased nitric oxide biosynthesis, which is prodromic of hypertension and hypercoagulability. In this panorama, the nutraceutical supplement Taurisolo^®, a polyphenolic extract from Aglianico cultivar [...] Read more.

Preservation of vascular endothelium integrity and functionality represents an unmet medical need. Indeed, endothelial dysfunction leads to decreased nitric oxide biosynthesis, which is prodromic of hypertension and hypercoagulability. In this panorama, the nutraceutical supplement Taurisolo^®, a polyphenolic extract from Aglianico cultivar grape, rich in catechin and procyanidins, was evaluated as a vasoprotective, vasorelaxing, anti-hypertensive and anti-coagulant agent in: cell lines, isolated vessels, in vivo models of chronic hypertension and hypercoagulability, and in clinical tests of endothelial reactivity. Taurisolo^® demonstrated to fully protect vascular cell viability from oxidative stimulus at 100 µg/mL and evoke vasorelaxing effects (Emax = 80.6% ± 1.9 and pEC50 = 1.19 ± 0.03) by activation of the Sirtuins-AMPK-pathway. Moreover, Taurisolo^®, chronically administered at 20 mg/Kg/die in in vivo experiments, inhibited the onset of cardiac hypertrophy (heart weight/rat weight = 3.96 ± 0.09 vs. 4.30 ± 0.03), hypercoagulability (decrease of fibrinogen vs. control: p < 0.01) and hypertension (mean of Psys: 200 ± 2 vs. control 234 ± 2 mmHg) and improved endothelial function (Emax = 88.9% ± 1.5 vs. control 59.6% ± 3.6; flow-mediated dilation in healthy volunteers after 400 mg twice daily for 8 weeks vs. baseline: p = 0.019). In conclusion, Taurisolo^® preserves the vascular function against ox-inflamm-ageing process and the consequent cardiovascular accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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Review

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17 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resveratrol and Some of Its Derivatives as Promising Prophylactic Treatments for Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia

by Hélène Roumes, Pierre Goudeneche, Luc Pellerin and Anne-Karine Bouzier-Sore

Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3793; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183793 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

Due to the rate of occurrence of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, its neuronal sequelae, and the lack of effective therapies, the development of new neuroprotective strategies is required. Polyphenols (including resveratrol) are molecules whose anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties could be effective against the damage [...] Read more.

Due to the rate of occurrence of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, its neuronal sequelae, and the lack of effective therapies, the development of new neuroprotective strategies is required. Polyphenols (including resveratrol) are molecules whose anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties could be effective against the damage induced by neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. In this review article, very recent data concerning the neuroprotective role of polyphenols and the mechanisms at play are detailed, including a boost in brain energy metabolism. The results obtained with innovative approaches, such as maternal supplementation at nutritional doses, suggest that polyphenols could be a promising prophylactic treatment for neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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25 pages, 1250 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Properties of Ferulic Acid in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review

by Silvia Di Giacomo, Ester Percaccio, Marco Gullì, Adele Romano, Annabella Vitalone, Gabriela Mazzanti, Silvana Gaetani and Antonella Di Sotto

Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183709 - 8 Sep 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3915

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter deficits, and neurodegeneration, which finally leads to neuronal death. Emerging evidence highlighted that hyperglycemia and brain insulin resistance represent risk factors for AD development, thus suggesting [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter deficits, and neurodegeneration, which finally leads to neuronal death. Emerging evidence highlighted that hyperglycemia and brain insulin resistance represent risk factors for AD development, thus suggesting the existence of an additional AD form, associated with glucose metabolism impairment, named type 3 diabetes. Owing to the limited pharmacological options, novel strategies, especially dietary approaches based on the consumption of polyphenols, have been addressed to prevent or, at least, slow down AD progression. Among polyphenols, ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, widely distributed in nature, especially in cereal bran and fruits, and known to be endowed with many bioactivities, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic, thus suggesting it could be exploited as a possible novel neuroprotective strategy. Considering the importance of ferulic acid as a bioactive molecule and its widespread distribution in foods and medicinal plants, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an overview on the existing preclinical and clinical evidence about the neuroprotective properties and mechanisms of action of ferulic acid, also focusing on its ability to modulate glucose homeostasis, in order to support a further therapeutic interest for AD and type 3 diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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21 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Green Tea Preparations in Skin Ailments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

by Antonella Di Sotto, Marco Gullì, Ester Percaccio, Annabella Vitalone, Gabriela Mazzanti and Silvia Di Giacomo

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3149; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153149 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6231

Abstract

Green-tea-based products and their polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate, have attracted great attention over the years as possible nutraceuticals, due to their promising bioactivities, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which could be exploited in several diseases, including skin ailments. In this context, the present study aimed [...] Read more.

Green-tea-based products and their polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate, have attracted great attention over the years as possible nutraceuticals, due to their promising bioactivities, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which could be exploited in several diseases, including skin ailments. In this context, the present study aimed at reviewing clinical evidence about the benefits of the oral administration of green tea preparations and its polyphenols to relieve skin disorders, to point out the current knowledge, and to suggest possible novel strategies to effectively exploit the properties of green tea, also managing safety risks. To this end, a systematic review of the existing literature was carried out, using the PRISMA method. Few studies, including five focused on UV-induced erythema and skin alterations, three on photoaging, two on antioxidant skin defenses, and one on acne and genodermatosis, were retrieved. Despite several benefits, clinical evidence only supports the use of oral green tea preparations to protect skin from damage induced by ultraviolet radiation; in other cases, conflicting results and methodological limits of clinical trials do not allow one to clarify their efficacy. Therefore, their application as adjuvant or alternative sunscreen-protective interventions could be encouraged, in compliance with the safety recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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23 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bioavailability of Hesperidin and Its Aglycone Hesperetin—Compounds Found in Citrus Fruits as a Parameter Conditioning the Pro-Health Potential (Neuroprotective and Antidiabetic Activity)—Mini-Review

by Kamil Wdowiak, Jarosław Walkowiak, Robert Pietrzak, Aleksandra Bazan-Woźniak and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek

Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132647 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5123

Abstract

Hesperidin and hesperetin are polyphenols that can be found predominantly in citrus fruits. They possess a variety of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective and antidiabetic activity. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is limited due to low solubility and restricts their use as [...] Read more.

Hesperidin and hesperetin are polyphenols that can be found predominantly in citrus fruits. They possess a variety of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective and antidiabetic activity. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is limited due to low solubility and restricts their use as pro-healthy agents. This paper described the limitations resulting from the low bioavailability of the presented compounds and gathered the methods aiming at its improvement. Moreover, this work reviewed studies providing pieces of evidence for neuroprotective and antidiabetic properties of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as providing a detailed look into the significance of reported modes of action in chronic diseases. On account of a well-documented pro-healthy activity, it is important to look for ways to overcome the problem of poor bioavailability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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33 pages, 2289 KiB

Open AccessReview

Propolis and Its Gastroprotective Effects on NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review

by Porfirio Alonso Ruiz-Hurtado, Leticia Garduño-Siciliano, Pilar Domínguez-Verano, Daniela Balderas-Cordero, Gustavo Gorgua-Jiménez, Octavio Canales-Álvarez, María Margarita Canales-Martínez and Marco Aurelio Rodríguez-Monroy

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3169; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093169 - 11 Sep 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7038

Abstract

Gastric ulcer disease induced by the consumption of NSAIDs is a major public health problem. The therapy used for its treatment causes adverse effects in the patient. Propolis is a natural product that has been used for the treatments of different diseases around [...] Read more.

Gastric ulcer disease induced by the consumption of NSAIDs is a major public health problem. The therapy used for its treatment causes adverse effects in the patient. Propolis is a natural product that has been used for the treatments of different diseases around the world. Nevertheless, there is little information about the activity of propolis in gastric ulcers caused by treatment with NSAIDs. Therefore, this review evaluates and compares the gastroprotective potential of propolis and its function against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, for which a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The main criteria were articles that report the gastroprotective activity of propolis against the damage produced by NSAIDs in the gastric mucosa. Gastroprotection was related to the antioxidant, antisecretory, and cytoprotective effects, as well as the phenolic compounds present in the chemical composition of propolis. However, most of the studies used different doses of NSAIDs and propolis and evaluated different parameters. Propolis has proven to be a good alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcer disease. However, future studies should be carried out to identify the compounds responsible for these effects and to determine their potential use in people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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13 pages, 1249 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Polyphenols Intake on Obesity-Induced Maternal Programming

by Isabela Monique Fortunato, Tanila Wood dos Santos, Lucio Fábio Caldas Ferraz, Juliana Carvalho Santos and Marcelo Lima Ribeiro

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072390 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3629

Abstract

Excess caloric intake and body fat accumulation lead to obesity, a complex chronic disease that represents a significant public health problem due to the health-related risk factors. There is growing evidence showing that maternal obesity can program the offspring, which influences neonatal phenotype [...] Read more.

Excess caloric intake and body fat accumulation lead to obesity, a complex chronic disease that represents a significant public health problem due to the health-related risk factors. There is growing evidence showing that maternal obesity can program the offspring, which influences neonatal phenotype and predispose offspring to metabolic disorders such as obesity. This increased risk may also be epigenetically transmitted across generations. Thus, there is an imperative need to find effective reprogramming approaches in order to resume normal fetal development. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in vegetables and fruits that exert its anti-obesity effect through its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenol supplementation has been proven to counteract the prejudicial effects of maternal obesity programming on progeny. Indeed, some polyphenols can cross the placenta and protect the fetal predisposition against obesity. The present review summarizes the effects of dietary polyphenols on obesity-induced maternal reprogramming as an offspring anti-obesity approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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Other

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16 pages, 1571 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effects of Fruit-Derived Polyphenols on Cognition and Lung Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Lillian Morton and Andrea J. Braakhuis

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124273 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3629

Abstract

Polyphenols are plant derived nutrients that influence oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may have positive benefits on cognition and lung function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit derived polyphenol intakes on cognition and lung capacity in [...] Read more.

Polyphenols are plant derived nutrients that influence oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may have positive benefits on cognition and lung function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit derived polyphenol intakes on cognition and lung capacity in healthy adults. In August 2020 and October 2021, Medline and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies examining the effects of fruit derived polyphenol intakes on cognition and/or lung function in healthy adults (<70 years old). Fourteen studies related to cognition (409 healthy subjects) and seven lung/respiratory studies (20,788 subjects) were used for the systematic review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The meta-analysis (using six cognition and three lung function studies) indicated a protective effect on lung function from dietary intakes of fruit-derived polyphenols. Neither a benefit nor decrement from fruit-derived polyphenol intakes were detected for cognition. Human intervention trials examining the effects of polyphenol supplementation on lung function in healthy adults are scarce and intervention studies are warranted. More conclusive results are needed to provide recommendations for polyphenol supplementation to support aspects of cognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments)

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