Search Results (30)

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., is a major economic burden in poultry production, prompting growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic anticoccidials. This study evaluated the use of Polygain™, a sugarcane-derived polyphenol-rich feed material, as a natural anticoccidial in broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Eimeria tenella, E. maxima, and E. acervulina. A total of 144 Ross 308 chicks were allocated to six groups: uninfected–untreated control, infected–untreated control, infected plus nicarbazin + narasin, and three Polygain™ treatment groups (250, 500, and 1000 ppm). Birds were orally challenged with mixed oocysts on day 14. Parameters assessed included body weight gain (BWG), lesion scores (LS), oocyst per gram (OPG), and calculated indices such as relative oocyst production (ROP), reduction in lesion score (RLS), percent optimum anticoccidial activity (POAA), and anticoccidial index (ACI). Polygain™ reduced intestinal lesions (p < 0.05), particularly in the caecum, with complete lesion resolution observed at 1000 ppm by 21 days post-infection. Polygain™ ACI values (143–146) were limited in comparison to nicarbazin + narasin treatment (ACI 160). These findings demonstrate that Polygain™ supplementation confers measurable protective dose related effects against coccidiosis without impairing growth performance, supporting its potential as a natural feed material for integrated coccidiosis management. Full article

Although α-amylase is crucial for postprandial glucose control, existing inhibitors present various side effects, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives. The ability of sugarcane polyphenol (SP) to inhibit α-amylase remains unclear. This study assessed the inhibitory activity of SP via in vitro assays, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence quenching, and stability analysis, while the mechanism of action was elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD). The results showed that the IC₅₀ of the SP was 0.841 ± 0.029 mg/mL, with proanthocyanidin-B1 (PC-B1) presenting the most potent effect (IC₅₀ = 0.504 ± 0.019 mg/mL). CD and barycentric mean (BCM) analysis indicated that the complexes might limit substrate binding. The mechanistic assessment showed that the polyphenols bonded to the active enzyme pockets to form stable complexes with reduced key residue fluctuations. In conclusion, SP, especially PC-B1, effectively inhibited α-amylase activity via structural regulation and molecular interactions, providing a theoretical basis for developing natural hypoglycemic agents. Full article

Background/Objective: The prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) urgently require safe and effective nutritional intervention strategies. Polyphenol extracts from sugarcane molasses (SP) show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, yet their protective effects against ALD have not been elucidated. This study explored the therapeutic potential of SP in alcohol-induced chronic liver damage. Methods: A graded alcohol concentration-induced liver damage model was established in C57BL/6J mice to systematically evaluate SP’s regulatory effects on liver function markers, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory factors, and related molecular mechanisms through a 10-week nutritional intervention. Results: The results demonstrated that SP intervention significantly inhibited the liver index, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and triglyceride and total cholesterol accumulation in mice. SP enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group increasing catalase activity by 161.19% and superoxide dismutase activity by 22.97%. Furthermore, SP significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, thereby alleviating hepatic inflammatory infiltration. Mechanistic studies revealed that SP effectively mitigated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1 overexpression, regulating the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 signaling pathway, and suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B pathway activation. Conclusions: The findings reveal that SP mitigates ALD via synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, providing a novel strategy for high-value utilization of sugarcane molasses byproducts in agricultural industries. Future studies should focus on the contribution of the different phenolics in SP and validate their specific hepatoprotective mechanisms. Full article

Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE), derived from Saccharum officinarum, demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta (Aβ_1–42)-induced deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study utilized transgenic C. elegans expressing Aβ_1–42 to investigate PRSE’s impact on lifespan, sensory behavior, learning, memory, and amyloid fibril accumulation. Supplementation with 5 mg/mL of PRSE extended the mean lifespan of Aβ_1–42 worms by 11% (17.78 ± 0.36 days) and reduced amyloid fibril levels by 34% in aged worms compared to untreated worms. PRSE also improved sensory behavior, with a 27% increase in naïve chemotaxis at day 8. Memory deficits were mitigated, with PRSE-treated worms showing 21% and 30% reductions in short-term associative memory loss after 1 h intervals on days 8 and 12, respectively. These improvements can be associated with the polyphenolic compounds in PRSE, which aid in reducing amyloid aggregation. The findings highlight PRSE’s potential as a dietary supplement to address AD-related symptoms and pathologies. Further studies are needed to understand its mechanisms and confirm its effectiveness in mammals, supporting its potential use as a natural preventative supplement for Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

This study, conducted on a commercial dairy farm using a robotic milking system in Victoria, Australia, examined the effects of Polygain™ (The Product Makers Australia), a polyphenol-rich sugarcane feed material (PRSFM), on CH₄ emissions in grazing dairy cattle using an inverse-dispersion model (IDM) combined with open-path laser techniques. Thirty lactating Holstein Friesian cows (aged 2–5 years with an average body weight of 663 kg and average daily milk production of 28.9 kg) were divided into two dietary treatment groups of fifteen cows each. Before the measurement, the PRSFM (0.25%) was supplemented for 3 weeks as an adaptation period and mixed with pellet feed for the treatment group. Over the 2-week measurement period, CH₄ production (MP) was 495 ± 12 and 377 ± 12 (mean ± standard error) g CH₄/animal/day for the control and treatment groups, respectively. Methane intensity (MI) was 17.04 and 13.01 g CH₄/animal/kg milk/day in the control and treatment groups, respectively. On average, Polygain supplementation reduced MP and MI by 24%. This potential CH₄ reduction extrapolated across Australia contributes to a 2.63% reduction in national agricultural emissions. This study underscores the potential of Polygain for CH₄ mitigation in dairy cattle. Full article

Polygain™ (PG), a polyphenolic extract from sugarcane, has recently been identified as a potential additive to reduce methane (CH₄) emissions in livestock. This experiment examined the effects of PG on the enteric CH₄ emission from Holstein Friesian weaned calves. Calves were allocated to annual pasture grazing and received supplementary pellets (200 g/calf/day; Barastoc calf-rearer cubes—Ridley Corporation). The experimental design followed was a completely randomized design (CRD), comprising 24 female calves (4–5 months old) allocated to two equal groups; control (standard pellets) vs. treatment (pellets formulated by adding PG to control pellets to deliver 10 g PG/calf/day). Experimental diets were fed for three months between August and November 2023, including a two-week adaptation period. Calves were weighed at the start and at the end of the study. A GreenFeed (C-Lock Pvt Ltd.) emission monitoring unit (GEM) was used to measure GHG emissions from the experimental calves in their groups in a 2-day rotational cycle. During a visit to the GEM, the calves were encouraged to enter an enclosed area or individual feeding stall where enteric CH₄, CO₂, O₂, H₂, and H₂S measurements were taken. The results indicated a significant effect of PG supplementation on enteric methane emission in calves, with a lower production of CH₄ in calves supplemented with PG (26.66 ± 2.06 g/day) as compared to the control group (35.28 ± 1.39 g/day, p < 0.001). The CO₂/O₂ ratio in the treatment (235 ± 14) and control groups (183 ± 9.6) differed significantly (p < 0.001). Overall, PG supplementation (10 g/calf/day) reduced their average methane emission per day and did not adversely affect the growth and development of experimental calves, confirming its useful anti-methanogenic potential. Full article

Polyphenols are recognized for their potential benefits in enhancing lifespan and stress resistance. This study investigates the impact of Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE) from Saccharum officinarum on the chemosensory behavior, learning, and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The C. elegans worms were administered PRSE at 5 mg/mL from the first larval stage. Chemotaxis assays, positive butanone learning, and short-term associative memory assays were conducted at days four, eight, and twelve to evaluate chemosensory response, learning index, and short-term memory loss index. PRSE significantly improved the naïve chemotaxis index by 28.8% on day four, 30% on day eight, and 35.3% on day twelve compared to controls. The learning index increased by 14.5% on day four, 21% on day eight, and 31.9% on day twelve. Additionally, PRSE reduced the short-term memory loss index by 46.4% one hour after conditioning on day four and by 48.6% two hours after conditioning on day four, with similar reductions observed on days eight and twelve. These findings indicate that PRSE has the potential to enhance chemosensory behavior, learning, and memory in C. elegans, suggesting the need for further research to explore its applicability in addressing age-related chemosensory and cognitive decline. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sugarcane bagasse-extracted polyphenolic mixture (SBPM) supplementation on the harmful effects of chronic heat stress (HS) in broiler chickens. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight day-old male Ross 308 chicks were fed an SBPM in 0, 75, 150, or 300 ppm-supplemented diets and reared under thermoneutral (TN, 22.1–24.8 °C) or chronic HS (28.3–36.2 °C) conditions from 11 d to 42 d. Results: The chronic HS treatment negatively affected body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05), and these changes were partially attenuated by the SBPM supplementation (p < 0.05). Plasma lipid peroxidation content, inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-β], corticosterone, and uric acid concentrations were significantly increased by HS, and these increases were attenuated by the SBPM supplementation (p < 0.05). Intestinal permeability indicator and serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran levels after oral gavage were increased by HS and were also suppressed by the supplementation (p < 0.05). The HS-decreased muscle drip loss, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione content were also suppressed by the SBPM supplementation. The abovementioned alleviating effects of the SBPM were of a dose-dependent manner in most cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that SBPM supplementation can improve the growth performance, meat quality, inflammation, and intestinal permeability of chronic HS-treated broiler chickens. Full article

This study investigated the antioxidant potential of sugarcane vinegar, an emerging functional food, by analyzing its polyphenols and underlying molecular mechanisms that intervene in oxidative stress. Using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) assay combined with UPLC-MS analysis, six key polyphenols were identified: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, luteolin, protocatechuic acid, and syringic acid. These compounds showed a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity. In a simulated sugarcane vinegar environment, these polyphenols exhibited synergistic antioxidant effects, while in methanol, antagonistic interactions were predominant. Network pharmacology revealed five key polyphenols targeting 10 critical proteins involved in oxidative stress, including the PI3K-Akt and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between these polyphenols and core targets like PTGS2, STAT3, and GSK3B. This study establishes a reference for the antioxidant mechanisms of sugarcane vinegar and highlights its potential for developing functional products. Full article

Agricultural waste is rich in bioactive molecules. When evaluating the viability of circular models for the development of health-promoting substances and final products, it is important to highlight that the industrial processing of fruits and other valuable herbal materials generates a considerable number of by-products and significant amounts of waste that contain health-promoting components. These by-products can be utilized purposefully in pharmaceuticals and related areas for the development of health-promoting products. The linear utilization of agricultural waste results in the loss of a range of valuable bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and related compounds), antioxidants from other groups, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids. As an illustrative example, the waste materials of species belonging to the Vaccinium L. genus represent a notable secondary resource that can be purposefully applied to the development of health-promoting preparations. The fruits of these wasted herbal materials have been found to contain beneficial polyphenols, which play a pivotal role in the prevention of various chronic conditions, including precancerous conditions, inflammatory diseases, and other ailments. In addition, the fruits of blackberries, elderberries, and purple corn—which are similarly rich in anthocyanins—also provide a promising avenue for further development. Phenolic compounds suitable for recycling are also found in the by-products of sugarcane harvesting. Tomato waste contains a significant amount of lycopene, which is a valuable carotenoid. Other physiological functions may be attributed to the aforementioned by-products of fruit processing which, if used properly, can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases and improving quality of life. This review assesses the gaps in the existing literature on the development of health-promoting substances from herbal secondary materials. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding sugarcane-derived polyphenolic supplement (Polygain, The Product Makers Australia, Keysborough, VIC, Australia) on enteric methane (CH₄) emission, rumen microbiota, and performance of second-cross lambs. For this purpose, 24 Poll Dorset × (Border Leicester × Merino) lambs were allocated to 3 different treatments: Control (C), 0.25% Polygain (0.25 PG), and 1% Polygain (1 PG) diets with a uniform basal feed (25% cracked wheat grain, 25% cracked barley grain, 25% oaten chaff, 25% lucerne chaff). Both doses of Polygain reduced the total CH₄ production (g/day; p = 0.006), CH₄ yield (CH₄, g/kg of dry matter intake; p = 0.003) and CH₄ intensity (CH₄, g/kg of BW; p = 0.003). Dry matter intake tended to be greater (p = 0.08) in sheep fed 1 PG compared to the C group, with the 0.25 PG group being intermediate. The average daily gain of the lambs was improved (p = 0.03) with 1% Polygain supplementation. The relative abundance of genera Methanobrevibacter_unidentified, Methanomethylophilaceae_uncultured, Methanogenic archaeon mixed culture ISO4-G1, Methanosphaera uncultured rumen methanogen, Methanogenic archaeon ISO4-H5, and Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani JH1 were reduced with Polygain supplementation. In conclusion, feeding Polygain reduced lambs’ enteric CH₄ emissions, altered the rumen microbiome, and improved the growth performance of lambs. Full article

Previous research has established that polyphenols increase lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans. However, the effects of timing of exposure on the extension of lifespan and the mechanisms involved are not completely understood. This study aims to clarify the influence of the timing of polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) administration on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans worms were subjected to a diet containing PRSE powder at various larval stages until their death. The optimal concentration for lifespan extension was found to be 5 mg/mL PRSE, which increased the lifespan of N2 worms by 18.12% compared to the control group. Mutant strains were also tested, and worm thermotolerance assays were used to assess age-related health at different life stages. Lifespan was notably extended when PRSE was introduced at the first larval stage and 15 h thereafter. No significant extension of lifespan was observed when introduced later in life. The lifespan of DAF-16 and DAF-2 mutants remained unaffected by PRSE. Improved thermotolerance was observed, especially in young and middle-aged worms. Early initiation and sustained intake of PRSE might improve the heat stress and lifespan, implicating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway as a likely mediator in C. elegans. Full article

Jaggery, a non-centrifugal sugar (NCS), is a naturally produced sweetener and a good source of minerals, essential vitamins and bioactives. Jaggery manufacturing is a continuous heat and mass transfer process which involves various unit operations and in which the effectiveness of juice clarification plays an important role in maintaining the nutritional quality and storage life of jaggery. The major components of nutritional interest in NCSs are minerals and bioactives and they are gaining worldwide attention due to their nutraceutical properties. Hence, there is a need to quantify the nutrients present in NCSs as well as assess their biological absorption and function. This work aims to study the potential flow of materials within a jaggery processing unit by combining sampling, analysis and quantification. Sugarcane juice, clarified juice, scum and jaggery were analyzed for their total sugars, total phenolic and flavonoid content, mineral content and antioxidant potential to clearly understand at which step of jaggery manufacturing nutritional losses take place, if at all. A profiling of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy. The total ash content in raw cane juice, scum and jaggery was found to be in the range of 0.1–0.4%, 1–3% and 1–2% (dry basis), respectively. It was found that almost half of the mineral contents from sugarcane juice were lost in scum (p < 0.05). All the mineral elements showed a similar affinity towards scum. However, through liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, it was seen that most of the polyphenols (75%) that positively influence human health, such as oryzarol, hydrocinnamic acids, gentisic acid, hydrobenzoic acids, etc., were retained in jaggery. The same could be validated when looking at the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of sugarcane juice, scum and jaggery along with their antioxidant potential. Some unreported phenolics and flavonoids, such as isoferulic acid, prunitrin and maritimetin, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, were detected in selected NCS samples. In order to retain maximum mineral content in jaggery and to ensure the removal of appropriate amounts of scum, technological upgrades must be studied and the clarification step must be optimized and standardized. Full article

Sugarcane straw (Saccharum officinarum) is a valuable coproduct renowned for its abundant polyphenolic content. However, extracting these polyphenols for natural ingredients faces challenges due to their inherent variability, influenced by biotic stress factors and plant characteristics. We explored the impact of five crucial factors on sugarcane straw polyphenolic diversity: (i) production area (Guariba, Valparaíso), (ii) borer insect (Diatraea saccharalis) infestation, (iii) plant age (first to seventh harvest), (iv) harvest season, and (v) plant variety. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to optimize polyphenol extraction conditions. A second-order polynomial model guided us to predict ideal sugarcane straw harvesting conditions for polyphenol-rich extracts. The analysis identified CU0618-variety straw, harvested in Guariba during the dry season (October 2020), at the seventh harvest stage, with 13.81% borer insect infection, as the prime source for high hydroxybenzoic acid (1010 µg/g), hydroxycinnamic acid (3119 µg/g), and flavone (573 µg/g) content and consequently high antioxidant capacity. The ANN model surpasses the RSM model, demonstrating superior predictive capabilities with higher coefficients of determination and reduced mean absolute deviations for each polyphenol class. This underscores the potential of artificial neural networks in forecasting and enhancing polyphenol extraction conditions, setting the stage for AI-driven advancements in crop management. Full article

Foods high in available carbohydrates, such as plain white sugar or sucrose, increase the postprandial blood glucose levels that may aggravate the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. One class of compounds that is gaining popularity due to its potential application in reducing the release of sugars for absorption into the body is polyphenols. The study aimed to investigate the effect of adding different doses of polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) to sucrose to lower the postprandial glycemia of the participants in a non-randomized study. The four test samples’ Glycemic Index (GI) values were calculated based on the standardized recommended methodology by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) of the test samples against the glucose standard. The glucose concentration curves were similar for the four test foods. The glucose response curves, and GI values were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study indicate that PRSE-coated sugar can lower postprandial glycemia in normal individuals. Additionally, decreasing GI values with an increasing concentration of polyphenols suggests a dose-dependent effect between polyphenol levels and GI. Full article