Search Results (475)

Momordica charantia L. is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, including steroidal glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. This review summarizes its nutritional and phytochemical composition, green extraction technologies, molecular mechanisms, and industrial applications based on literature from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and other scientific databases. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is an efficient and eco-friendly method that provides higher recovery of bioactive compounds from M. charantia and improved bioavailability compared with enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, and conventional methods. The phytochemicals of M. charantia regulate oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and glucose homeostasis. Studies show that its antidiabetic effects involve improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake, and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. These compounds also exhibit antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. M. charantia further demonstrates anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis, causing cell-cycle arrest, and downregulating proliferation pathways in several cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, HCT-116, HepG2, A549, and PANC-1. Beyond medicinal uses, it is applied in the food industry as a functional ingredient in products such as yogurt, cookies, pickles, bread, juice, oil, and beverages. Overall, M. charantia shows strong potential for therapeutic applications, including functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations targeting diabetes, inflammation, liver diseases, and cancer; however, further studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy. Full article

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in terrestrial plant feeds constrain efficient herbivore production, an issue intensified by rising feed costs and growing demand for animal products. Unlike previous reviews that focus on single ANFs or feed types, this review provides an integrated, cross-species framework linking ANF chemistry, rumen microbial interactions, and mitigation strategies. It examines major ANF classes—tannins, phytates, saponins, oxalates, protease inhibitors, lectins, glucosinolates, and gossypol—and their distribution and biochemical modes of action. Mechanistic pathways are grouped into digestive effects (reduced palatability and enzyme inhibition), microbial effects (altered rumen microbiota and fermentation), metabolic effects (impaired absorption), and mineral interactions (nutrient complexation and chelation). Species-specific responses are evaluated, emphasizing the partial detoxification capacity of the rumen microbiome and the dose-dependent nature of ANF effects. Mitigation strategies—physical, chemical, microbial, enzymatic, probiotic, and genetic—are critically assessed for efficacy, scalability, and sustainability. Emerging metabolomic and metagenomic evidence shows that certain ANFs confer functional benefits at controlled doses; for example, tannins improve nitrogen retention, saponins reduce methane, and phytic acid scavenges free radicals. This synthesis supports strategic management rather than complete elimination, informing safe and sustainable use of terrestrial feeds under evolving food-security and environmental challenges. Full article

Heat and Cd²⁺ stress are major environmental challenges for marine benthic invertebrates. This study examined their combined effects on growth, physiology, and transcriptomic responses in the peanut worm (Sipunculus nudus). After 30 days, Cd²⁺ reduced survival at 26 °C without significantly affecting growth, whereas at 32 °C, both survival and growth declined with increasing Cd²⁺ concentration, indicating that heat stress exacerbates Cd²⁺ toxicity. Cd accumulation increased with exposure concentration but was not affected by temperature. Heat stress increased immune (AKP) and antioxidant (SOD, CAT) enzyme activities, although significant increases in SOD and CAT were observed only under Cd²⁺ exposure. AKP activity rose at low Cd²⁺ concentrations and fell at high Cd²⁺ concentrations at 26 °C, whereas no significant difference occurred at 32 °C between 0 and 0.25 mg/L Cd²⁺. At the same temperature, SOD and CAT activities were significantly higher under high Cd²⁺ exposure than under low Cd²⁺ exposure. Transcriptome analysis showed that Cd²⁺ exposure activated longevity-related pathways, protein processing, and translation initiation. Heat stress activated Jak-STAT signaling and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing while inhibiting the ribosome pathway. Under combined stress, pathways related to xenobiotic metabolism, nutrient digestion and absorption, and amino acid derivative metabolism were broadly suppressed. These results highlight that heat stress exacerbates Cd²⁺ toxicity, affecting growth, enzyme activity, and transcriptomic responses, and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of marine benthic organisms under the combined pressures of climate change and heavy metal pollution. Full article

Sustainable rabbit production requires effective nutritional strategies to enhance productivity, health status, and immune competence. Following the restriction of antibiotic growth promoters, organic acids (OAs) have gotten increasing attention as promising functional feed additives due to their multiple biological roles. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the functional roles of OAs in rabbit nutrition, with a focus on their effects on gut morphology, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, antioxidative status, immunity, and growth performance in growing rabbits. The OAs may modulate gut microbiota balance through inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and promotion of beneficial microbial populations, thereby contributing to the establishment of a balanced intestinal ecosystem. This effect is particularly important during the post-weaning period, a critical stage characterized by increased susceptibility to enteric disorders and associated economic losses. The OAs may also enhance digestive enzyme activities, leading to improving nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, and reducing feed wastage. In addition, OAs have been shown to improve intestinal histomorphology through coordinated effects on epithelial proliferation, mucosal renewal, and tight junction integrity. Furthermore, OAs have been shown to modulate antioxidative status and immune responses, which are essential for maintaining intestinal health and overall production sustainability. Collectively, OAs represent a promising and viable nutritional strategy to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of rabbit production systems through their beneficial effects on gut health, nutrient utilization, immune competence, and antioxidative status. Full article

The interaction with various food matrix constituents can affect the beneficial effects of phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the effect of cellulose on the potential of phenolic compounds from Aronia melanocarpa after simulated gastrointestinal digestion to inhibit activity of enzymes important in carbohydrate digestion in vitro was investigated. Enzyme inhibitory activity was assessed by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Cellulose was studied at three different levels. Phenolic compounds were released in the stomach (61–69%) and small intestine (58–66%). Cellulose increased recovery in the stomach (p < 0.05) and decreased it in the small intestine (p < 0.05), and the influence was dose-dependent. After digestion, phenolic compounds inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Cellulose increased the inhibition of α-amylase (p < 0.05), while it did not affect the inhibition of α-glucosidase. In conclusion, phenolic compounds after gastrointestinal digestion in the presence of cellulose can still inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Since the results represent only the in vitro model of digestion, further studies should focus on in vivo studies, and the effects of different food sources of cellulose to confirm the results. Full article

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a polyphenol-rich berry increasingly recognized as a functional food ingredient for postprandial glycemic management. However, it remains unclear whether its polyphenols can modulate intestinal glucose transport in addition to inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. In this study, blue honeysuckle polyphenol extract (BHPE) was characterized by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and its effects on α-glucosidase activity and intestinal glucose transport were evaluated using enzyme kinetics, fluorescence quenching, molecular docking, and differentiated Caco-2 monolayers. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid derivatives as the major constituents. BHPE exhibited a mixed-type, static-quenching inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 75.05 μg/mL). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that key constituents, including cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, and proanthocyanidin B1, bind the enzyme via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In Caco-2 cell monolayers, BHPE reduced glucose transport by up to 51.56% under simulated postprandial conditions and coordinately downregulated SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA expression to 0.58- and 0.51-fold, respectively. These findings extend the bioactivity profile of blue honeysuckle polyphenols from enzyme-level inhibition to functional regulation at the intestinal epithelial barrier, highlighting their potential as multi-target natural ingredients for the attenuation of postprandial hyperglycemia. Full article

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are essential precursors in chemical synthesis for various chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and fragrance compounds. Acidogenic anaerobic digestion (or arrested methanogenesis) is a promising method to stabilize organic wastes and convert them to value-added products such as VFAs. However, the VFAs’ accumulation could in turn suppress the fermentation process through product inhibition and limit the titer of VFA in the digestate. Therefore, in situ separation and recovery of VFAs from the fermentate is crucial to constructing an effective continuous VFA-producing system. Recent research has been dedicated to addressing these issues and advancing the utilization of biobased VFAs, particularly through process-intensified strategies employing novel green solvents such as natural deep eutectic solvents. Furthermore, in situ conversion of VFAs into esters is another potential strategy for VFA removal. However, VFA esterification in an aqueous medium is challenging due to the abundant water driving the reaction toward hydrolysis. Recent advances in free or immobilized enzyme catalysis in solvents have demonstrated improved ester yield by providing a hydrophobic space for the esterification reaction in aqueous solution. In this review, we present an overview of critical aspects on the state-of-the-art of green solvent-based process intensification strategies, including feedstock selection and pretreatment, operating condition optimization, advances in membrane- and solvent-based recovery methods, and biocatalytic in situ esterification. Lastly, we provide perspectives toward cost-effective, continuous, high-solid, environmental-benign, and industrial-relevant VFA production applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Betanin (Bet), a natural compound, exhibits potent antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties, yet its effect on cellular glucose utilization remains unclear. This study investigated, for the first time, the impact of Bet on glucose consumption and the activation of key carbohydrate–catabolic pathways in human erythrocytes. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to evaluate enzyme inhibition and activation. Human erythrocytes were incubated with Bet to assess glucose consumption. Enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically, and molecular docking was used to analyze binding interactions. Results: Our results demonstrate that Bet inhibits digestive enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition at 90 µg/mL for pancreatic lipase and 70 µg/mL for α-amylase, showing IC₅₀ values of 48.8 and 31.9 µg/mL, respectively, supported by strong binding affinities of −9.3 and −8.9 Kcal/mol. These interactions are stronger than those of orlistat (−6.9 Kcal/mol) and acarbose (−7.7 Kcal/mol). Bet also induced the activity of AMPK with an IC₅₀ of 1.83 µg/mL and a BE of −7.90 Kcal/mol, compared to the specific AMPK activator A-769662, which had an IC₅₀ of 1.29 µg/mL and a binding energy of −10.0 Kcal/mol. Consequently, Bet stimulated key glycolytic enzymes, reaching maximal activation (~62%) at 1.4 µg/mL for hexokinase (HK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and at 1.6 µg/mL for pyruvate kinase (PK), supported by binding energies of −7.2, −7.5, and −9.0 Kcal/mol and AC₅₀ values of 0.87, 0.98, and 0.91 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Bet enhanced key Krebs cycle enzymes (IDH, SDH, MDH, LDH) in a dose-dependent manner, with AC₅₀ values of 0.76, 0.80, 0.72, and 0.52 µg/mL and strong binding energies (−7.8, −7.8, and −8.4 Kcal/mol), reaching maximal activation near 1.4 µg/mL. Bet also increased glucose consumption by human erythrocytes. Conclusions: Bet enhances glucose utilization by inhibiting digestive enzymes and activating intracellular metabolic pathways, suggest potential metabolic regulatory effects. Full article

This paper analyzes the role of cereal products in the diet of individuals with disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, with particular emphasis on their impact on postprandial glycemia and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cereal products, as the main source of dietary carbohydrates, also provide dietary fiber, minerals, B vitamins, and key bioactive compounds such as β-glucans, arabinoxylans, resistant starch (RS), and polyphenols. These components may reduce the rate of starch digestion and glucose absorption in the small intestine by increasing the viscosity of intestinal contents or by directly inhibiting digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase. It has been shown that fermentation of these compounds by the gut microbiota leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve insulin sensitivity and stimulate the secretion of incretin hormones such as GLP-1. A literature review confirms that regular consumption of whole-grain products is associated with a reduced risk of T2D, whereas refining processes and excessive grain fragmentation lead to an increased glycemic index of products. Based on clinical guidelines and a narrative synthesis of the available literature, minimally processed whole-grain products were identified as a fundamental component of dietary therapy for diabetes, which is illustrated by the cereal product pyramid presented in the paper. This review involved a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and meta-analyses (mainly 2000–2025) were included based on their relevance. Full article

Flavonoids from Pinus koraiensis needle (PN) litterfall were efficiently recovered using an enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction (EAU) method optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions (enzyme dosage 1.7%, ethanol concentration 70%, ultrasonic time 21 min, cellulase–pectinase ratio 1:3, liquid–solid ratio 40:1, enzymatic hydrolysis at 42.5 °C for 1 h, ultrasonic extraction at 50 °C and 150 W) yielded a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 17.08 mg rutin/g, which was significantly higher than that obtained via conventional extraction (CE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the treatment disrupted the cell wall, promoting flavonoid release. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS) identified 60 flavonoids in the purified extract obtained under the optimal EAU conditions (OT group), including quercitrin, tiliroside, taxifolin, and procyanidin B2. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed higher crystallinity but slightly reduced thermal stability for OT flavonoids. Notably, compared with the purified flavonoids obtained by CE (CK1 group), the OT group achieved a higher TFC and exhibited significantly better in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 71.82 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 28.93 μg/mL) and in vitro carbohydrate-digesting-enzyme-inhibitory activity (α-glucosidase (α-GLU) IC₅₀ = 79.52 μg/mL; α-amylase (α-AMY) IC₅₀ = 793.9 μg/mL), with α-AMY inhibition being approximately 8.2-fold higher. These findings suggest that enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction is an efficient and reliable method for recovering flavonoids from PN and may provide a theoretical reference for the development and utilization of these flavonoids. Full article

The global rise in metabolic disorders demands novel interventions targeting starch digestion. This study investigated two dietary phenolic acids (caffeic acid (CA) and p-hydroxycinnamic acid (p-HA)) as inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase through integrated experimental and computational approaches. Molecular docking showed distinct binding modes, and CA formed stable hydrogen bonds with catalytic residues of α-glucosidase, while p-HA interacted mainly with α-amylase via hydrophobic contacts. Enzyme kinetics revealed concentration-dependent mixed-type inhibition, with CA being more potent against α-glucosidase and p-HA against α-amylase. Spectroscopic analysis indicated both acids induced structural changes in the enzymes, with CA causing greater α-helix reduction (Δ7.03% vs. Δ2.10%) by altering the tryptophan microenvironment. Moreover, both compounds significantly suppress glucose absorption in the proximal small intestine in an ex vivo everted gut sac model, with p-HA exhibiting exceptional efficacy in the duodenum. These findings clarify structure–activity relationships and support the potential use of CA and p-HA as local intestinal agents for modulating carbohydrate absorption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep deprivation (SD) induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestine, causing inflammation in the intestine, thereby damaging the intestinal epithelial barrier function. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Dendrobium huoshanense (DHS) modulates intestinal flora, maintains the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promotes gastrointestinal motility and digestive secretion. However, the role and mechanism of DHS in improving SD-induced intestinal injury have not been fully studied. Methods: The SD model was established by subjecting rats to complete SD using a specialised SD instrument. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate pathological injury in ileal tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods were used to quantify the main inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity. The expression levels of E-cadherin and Occludin proteins in the ileum tissue were analyzed by Western blotting. Additionally, the pH value of ileal mucus, unit secretion, water content, and dry matter weight were measured. Differential metabolites in rat ileum mucus were profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Results: DHS alleviated the pathological injury of the ileum induced by SD. DHS reduced the levels of serotonin (5-HT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels, thereby attenuating systemic inflammatory responses. Furthermore, DHS decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and elevated glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in ileal tissues. DHS also upregulated the protein expression of E-cadherin and Occludin in intestinal tissues. In addition, DHS decreased the pH of ileal mucus, promoted intestinal mucus secretion, and increased dry matter content, facilitating the restoration of the mucus barrier. DHS may alleviate SD-induced ileal injury by modulating steroid hormone biosynthesis. DHS decreased the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), indicating that DHS suppresses the abnormal activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Conclusions: In this study, a comprehensive multi-index evaluation showed that DHS could significantly improve the ileal injury caused by SD in rats. The mechanism involved regulating the balance of serum neurotransmitters and inflammatory factors, reducing oxidative stress in tissues, and improving the physicochemical properties of intestinal mucus. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that these protective effects may be mediated via the regulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways and are associated with the inhibition of abnormal HPA axis activation. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where type 2 diabetes predominates. In West Africa, Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. is traditionally used for diabetes management. This study investigates previously reported metabolites from Uvaria chamae using an integrated in silico approach to explore their potential antidiabetic activity and underlying mechanisms. Methods: A comprehensive literature survey identified 106 phytochemicals from stems, roots, leaves, and seeds. Diabetes-related protein targets were retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank, while ligand structures were obtained from PubChem and the COCONUT database. Molecular docking, MM-GBSA rescoring, induced-fit docking, QSAR, and ADMET analyses were performed to evaluate interaction profiles, predicted activity, and developability. Results: The integrated analysis supports a polypharmacological mixture-based profile with organ-associated trends. Stem- and root-derived flavonoids, particularly isouvaretin and diuvaretin, showed the most consistent profiles for PPARγ-related pathways, while uvarinol was associated with PTP1B. Leaf alkaloids were mainly linked to DPP-4 and digestive enzyme inhibition. These compounds displayed more favorable predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles compared to acetogenins, which, despite favorable binding energies, were not prioritized as drug-like candidates due to their high lipophilicity, low QED values, and predicted toxicity liabilities, but may contribute to extract-level activity. Conclusion: These findings provide a hypothesis-generating and hierarchical framework for the prioritization of Uvaria chamae metabolites and extracts, supporting further experimental validation through enzymatic, cellular, and gene expression studies. Full article

This study utilized a proprietary dynamic biomimetic digestion reactor to compare the differential behaviors of broken-wall pine pollen (PB), whole-wall pine pollen (WPB), and pine pollen wall extract (T) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation in middle-aged individuals. Morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy, and glucose release, enzyme activity, intestinal gas composition, and gut microbiota structure were dynamically monitored. The results indicate that cell wall disruption significantly accelerated structural breakdown, resulting in the highest glucose release, superoxide dismutase, and lipase activities during the gastric and small intestinal phases, as well as the highest activity of alkaline phosphatase and H₂ and CO₂ gases during colonic fermentation. Due to its intact outer wall, WPB exhibited more robust and sustained enzyme activity and gas production, which was particularly beneficial for maintaining catalase activity in the descending colon of women. The T group demonstrated exceptional glucose and flavonoid release during digestion, but exhibited low SOD activity in the colon and a specific increase in H₂S and VOCs in the descending colon. Furthermore, all three groups inhibited Escherichia-Shigella, with gender differences observed in the regulatory patterns. This study elucidates the processing-driven differential regulatory characteristics of pine pollen on in vitro intestinal fermentation behaviors, providing an in vitro experimental basis for the development of differentiated pine pollen products tailored to the needs of different populations. Full article

Zn-CS chelate has shown beneficial effects on gut health and growth in piglets, but its impact on weaned foals remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the effects of dietary Zn-CS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological status, and fecal microbiota in weaned Ili foals. Thirty-two six-month-old foals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups receiving 0, 2, 4, or 6 mg Zn-CS/kg body weight per day for 90 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemical parameters, liver function enzymes, serum hormones, antioxidant indices, fecal pH, volatile fatty acids, and fecal microbial composition were measured. Dietary Zn-CS supplementation significantly increased final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain (p < 0.05), while linearly improving body size indicators. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and acid detergent fiber was markedly enhanced (p < 0.05). Zn-CS supplementation also effectively regulated plasma albumin and total cholesterol levels and hepatic enzyme activities, and strongly enhanced antioxidant function by increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities, and total antioxidant capacity, while reducing malondialdehyde content (p < 0.01). Additionally, Zn-CS upregulated plasma growth hormone, insulin, and triiodothyronine concentrations, decreased somatostatin secretion (p < 0.05), reduced fecal pH, and increased VFA contents. Notably, Zn-CS reshaped the fecal microbial structure by increasing beneficial bacteria and inhibiting potential pathogens. In conclusion, dietary Zn-CS supplementation effectively promotes growth and health in weaned Ili foals, with 6 mg/kg BW/day being the optimal supplemental dose under experimental conditions. Full article