Plant Foods for Human Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"Advances in Alternative Protein Design: Nutritional Constraints, Sensory Limits, and Computational Solutions.","authors":"Karen Alejandra Tapia-Cervantes, Ericka Denice Herrera-Cardoso, Ma Fabiola León-Galván","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01501-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01501-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The transition toward sustainable protein sources has driven growing interest in plant, insects, and microalgae proteins as alternatives to animal-derived ingredients. However, their variable amino acid composition, functional and sensory characteristics limit their application in high-quality food formulations. Computational approaches such as linear programming, mathematical optimization, and artificial intelligence offer powerful tools to design nutritionally balanced and functionally feasible protein blends. By integrating data on protein quality, techno-functional properties, and sensory thresholds, these methods enable the rational selection and combination of ingredients. This review summarizes current advances in computational food design, highlighting how data-driven formulation can accelerate innovation in sustainable protein products and bridge the gap between empirical experimentation and predictive modeling.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Valorization of a Low-Pulp Brazilian Native Fruit Pitomba (Talisia esculenta Radlk) Through the Production of Nutritive Powders with the Whole Fruit.","authors":"Wanderson Dos Santos Carneiro, Carlos Eduardo de Farias Silva, Kaciane Andreola, Ana Silvia Prata","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01493-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01493-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to characterize powders obtained from pitomba (Talisia esculenta Radlk) which were prepared with pulp and seed (FA), seed (FB), and peel (FC) fractions in terms of physical, chemical and technological attributes to evaluate their potential for food applications. Proximal composition, minerals and functional–technological properties were determined. The powders presented low moisture content (4.88–10.67%) and water activity below 0.6. Protein levels ranged from 9.48% to 10.84%, while carbohydrates represented the major component. Ash content reached up to 5.26% in peel powder (FC), indicating a high mineral fraction and also exhibited the highest total dietary fiber content among the samples. Potassium was the predominant mineral (692.56–1578.23 mg/100 g), followed by calcium (62.01–354.35 mg/100 g) and magnesium (64.95–91.83 mg/100 g). When expressed as percentage of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), peel powder (FC) provided up to 60.7% of the potassium requirement for adult women (19–50 years) and up to 68.6% for children (4–8 years), while also contributing substantially to calcium and magnesium intake. These results indicated that pitomba powders may serve as nutrient-dense ingredients for food formulations aimed at improving mineral intake. Functional–technological properties revealed that all powders displayed gelation ability and absorption capacities, with water absorption (2.49–3.01 g/g) consistently higher than oil absorption (1.83–2.21 g/g), and pH-dependent solubility, indicating adaptability to different formulation conditions. Together, the nutritional and technological attributes support their use in composite formulations while valorize a Brazilian native fruit.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13100009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resveratrol Reduces Postharvest Losses of Fruit Firmness and Weight in Melothria pendula L. Berries.","authors":"Omar Franco-Mora, Álvaro Castañeda-Vildózola, Jesús Ricardo Sánchez-Pale, José Luis Martínez-Benítez","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01502-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01502-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147717724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gastrointestinal Digestion Enhances the In vitro Antitumor Activity of Red Grape Anthocyanins Against Colorectal Cancer Cells.","authors":"Daniel Cruceriu, Denisa Dobos, Stefan Miron, Oana Baldasici, Loredana Balacescu, Ovidiu Balacescu, Zorita Diaconeasa","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01498-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01498-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anthocyanins from red grapes possess notable anticancer properties, yet their biological activity after gastrointestinal digestion remains poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antitumor effects of a red grape anthocyanin extract digested using the INFOGEST protocol on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The study assessed cell viability, apoptosis induction, cell cycle progression, and confined 3D migration, and integrated whole-transcriptome microarray profiling to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Cell viability assays showed that simulated digestion markedly increased the extract’s potency, reducing the IC50 values by 2.25-fold in DLD1 cells and 1.59-fold in Caco2 cells. Transcriptomic profiling by microarray analysis demonstrated substantial gene expression changes upon treatment in DLD1 cells, with 873 genes showing a fold regulation greater than |±1.5|. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified enrichment of pro-apoptotic gene sets in treated cells, including p53 signaling, prolonged unfolded protein response activation and suppression of RNA metabolism. These findings were supported by the Annexin V/PI assay demonstrating apoptosis induction, and RT-qPCR validation of key apoptosis-regulating genes. The extract also displayed significant antiproliferative activity with cells arrested in the S phase, as evidenced by AlamarBlue and cell cycle analyses. Downregulation of key cell cycle promoters and upregulation of proliferation-inhibitory genes were also observed. Furthermore, the extract significantly impaired 3D migration in a microfluidic model, reducing migration speed, directionality, and number of migratory cells. GSEA revealed suppression of RHO GTPases and MIRO-mediated signaling, suggesting disruption of cytoskeletal and mitochondrial dynamics, strongly impacting cell migration. Together, these findings indicate that digested red grape anthocyanins exert a multifaceted anticancer effect in vitro by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, and impairing cell migration, highlighting their potential as functional bioactive compounds for CRC management.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13079503/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fortified Chestnut Honey Triggers Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells.","authors":"Amaia Iriondo-DeHond, Paloma Morales, Vanesa Sánchez-Martín, Xavier F Hospital, Manuela Fernández, Eva Hierro, Ana I Haza","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01495-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01495-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Honey, traditionally a food, is now also used as a complement in cancer therapy due to its anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro whether thyme and chestnut honey samples fortified with bee products that had previously shown apoptotic effects on the hepatic system, presented cytotoxic and apoptotic properties in colon cancer (Caco-2) and normal (CCD-18) cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, while apoptosis was evaluated through cell cycle analysis, annexin V binding, and the activation of DR5 (Death Receptor 5), BAX (BCL-2-Associated X), and caspases 8, 9, and 3. Chestnut honey mixtures selectively triggered apoptosis in colon cancer cells and not in normal cells, being the greatest effect observed in the sample enriched with 10% propolis and 10% royal jelly. Contrary to the effects previously noted in hepatic cells, the apoptotic properties of thyme honey were not improved when fortified with the same bee products, suggesting that the samples exhibit differential anticancer effects depending on the cellular model studied. In this study, selective induction of apoptosis may be attributed to the combined action of phenolic acids and flavones present in this fortified formulation. Samples that induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells did so through both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Fortification of chestnut honey with bee products may represent a promising approach for the development of functional food strategies related to colon cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13070085/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662685","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perfect Partner for a Dietary Alkaloid: Dual Role of Coptis chinensis Polysaccharide in Berberine Taste Masking and Immune Amplification.","authors":"Yikang Ding, Junpei Chen, Yujing Xu, Mingsong Xue, Dengke Yin, Guiming Yan, Wei Shen, Ye Yang","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01494-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01494-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As the global population aging, sub-healthy population expanding, and “Preventive Treatment of Disease” concept gaining ground, health industry has become a recognized Blue Ocean Market. Berberine, a natural plant-derived micromolecule, has attracted significant attention in the market for functional beverages and herbal preparations in recent years, due to its extraordinary versatility in bodyweight management, blood glucose and lipid control, intestinal health restoration, etc. In order to mask its intense bitterness, all the berberine-based commercially available products contain sweeteners. However, several kinds of sweeteners have been proved to trigger or accelerate the development of metabolic and immunologic abnormalities. In fact, a variety of berberine-containing plant materials have a historic history in both edible and medicinal use, in a simple approach of boiling. This study proposes a new perspective to explain multicomponent synergy in natural plants: the macromolecular polysaccharides in berberine-containing plants, represented by Coptis chinensis Franch. (C. Franch.), can simultaneously act as natural taste-masking agents and immune-amplifying agents for berberine, which can not only mask the inherent astringency of alkaloids but also amplify the regulatory effect of BBR on the balance of Th17/Treg cells, alleviate the inflammatory response in mice with ulcerative colitis. This work provides important insights into the cooperation of macromolecular polysaccharides derived from the same plant with small-molecule active ingredients and suggests potential mechanisms for the health benefits of these active ingredients.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Wild Fruits of Amelanchier ovalis Medik. (Rosaceae): A Valuable Neglected Resource of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds.","authors":"Patricia García-Herrera, Erika N Vega, José Ignacio Alonso-Esteban, Javier Tardío, Adriana K Molina, Filipa Mandim, Tânia C S P Pires, Lillian Barros, María Luisa Pérez-Rodríguez, Montaña Cámara, Virginia Fernández-Ruiz, Patricia Morales","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01497-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01497-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amelanchier ovalis Medik., is a neglected wild edible fruit traditionally consumed in several European regions and adapted to diverse agroecological conditions. The present study aimed to provides a preliminary physico-chemical and characterization of the fruits collected in central Spain. The analysis focused on fatty acids, tocopherols, soluble sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, alongside an evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. The results indicate that this wild edible fruit is characterized by a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic (34%) and linoleic (30%) acids, and contain appreciable amounts of tocopherols (28 mg/100 g, fw). The presence of sorbitol stands out in this species as a soluble sugar (> 2 g/100 g, fw), and the organic acid profile revealed a balanced composition. A high total phenolic content was observed, characterized by hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. In vitro assays demonstrate radical scavenging capacity and inhibitory activity against selected pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, no in vitro cytotoxicity was evidenced in non-tumour hepatic cell lines (PLP2). These findings provide a baseline characterization of the nutritional and bioactive compounds profile of A. ovalis fruits, suggesting their revalorization for its consumption as part of the Mediterranean diet and as a potential technological functional ingredient, although further studies on bioavailability and in vivo efficacy are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13068719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Terpenoids in Young Cladodes of Wild, Semi-Domesticated, and Domesticated Prickly Pear Cactus.","authors":"Christian Michel-Cuello, Hugo Magdaleno Ramírez-Tobías, Cristian López-Palacios","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01492-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01492-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the genus Opuntia, domestication has led to marked changes in young cladodes, including alterations in morphology, physiology, and soluble fiber content. However, information on how domestication-related categories influence the composition and abundance of terpenoids in young cladodes remains limited. This study aimed to extract, identify, and quantify terpenoid compounds in young cladodes from nine Opuntia variants distributed along a domestication gradient. Cladodes measuring 17.5 ± 2.5 cm in length from five species were analyzed. Organic compounds were extracted from one gram of powdered cladode tissue using hexane, followed by homogenization, ultrasonication, and centrifugation. The filtrate was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using terpenoid standards, and results were expressed as µg g⁻¹ dry matter (DM). A completely randomized design with three replicates was applied, and data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). Identified terpenoids included oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, α-amyrin, linalool, and β -sitosterol, while carnosol (limit of detection [LOD] = 0.235 µg mL⁻¹) and stigmasterol (LOD = 1.243 µg mL⁻¹) were not detected. Intervarietal differences were observed, with O. megacantha var. Amarillo Plátano showing the lowest concentration (1.7% of that in Atlixco) of terpenoids. Intraspecific variation was also notable, with Rubí Reyna containing up to thirteen times more terpenoids than Amarillo Plátano. Differences in specific compounds were observed among domestication categories, with α-amyrin being more abundant in domesticated variants and linalool detected exclusively in wild species. These results highlight compound-specific patterns that may be related to ecological functions and suggest potential implications for the nutritional and functional value of young Opuntia cladodes as plant foods.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147593882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Wild Edible Plants from Yemen.","authors":"Mohamed Al-Fatimi","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01484-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01484-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, there is increasing interest in natural antioxidants as potentially beneficial agents for the prevention or treatment of many diseases such as cancer. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are safe and strong natural antioxidant herbs compared to the synthetic antioxidant compounds due to their traditional consumption by humans since ancient times in different countries. However, analytical studies determining the antioxidant compounds and antioxidant properties of WEPs are still limited. Therefore, this review aims to collect and study available information on the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of WEPs, that shard their distribution in Yemen with other countries. It discusses the edible parts used of WEPs, their extraction solvents, analysis and evaluation methods of radical scavenging and reducing power for antioxidant activity. This review provides evidence that WEPs shared traditional uses in different countries with Yemen, are a phenolic-rich source with powerful antioxidant properties, which can be used as alternative natural nutraceuticals and medicines. Therefore, they hold promising potential for applications in the fields of food and pharmaceutical industry. However, the study showed that most of the WEP from Yemen has not yet been investigated and needs further analysis to identify their bioactive antioxidant contents and activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of Aroma-Active Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cold-Pressed Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) Seed Oils from cvs. Balci and Dincer.","authors":"Ozlem Kilic-Buyukkurt","doi":"10.1007/s11130-026-01488-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11130-026-01488-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual plant in the Compositae family and its seeds provide highly valuable edible oil that has been used since ancient times. In the present study, the aroma profile, aroma-active compounds (AACs), antioxidant activities (AA), and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of the cold-pressed safflower oils obtained from the seeds of two common Turkish varieties, Balci and Dincer, were investigated and compared. The samples from the Balci variety demonstrated greater TPC and AA values compared to the samples from Dincer variety. The oil samples from both varieties exhibited similar aroma profiles; however, significant quantitative differences were observed. The samples from the Balci variety (67,509.0 µg/kg) had higher concentrations of aroma compounds compared to the Dincer variety (32,221.9 µg/kg). A total of 28 volatiles, including terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and one compound from each of the carboxylic acid, furan, and ketone, groups were detected in the samples from both varieties. Terpenes were the most abundant aroma group in the samples from both varieties, followed by alcohols. In the oil samples from both varieties, the main AACs were 2,3-butanediol (creamy), (E)-β-caryophyllene (pungent, salted cheese), and an unidentified compound (green, leafy), all exhibiting high flavor dilution (FD) values. The AACs of the cold-pressed safflower seed oils were identified for the first time in the current study.</p>","PeriodicalId":20092,"journal":{"name":"Plant Foods for Human Nutrition","volume":"81 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13021708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147521620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}