Journal of Functional Foods最新文献

{"title":"Short-term intervention with Ancha tea reshapes the gut microbiota and metabolism in healthy mice: a comparative study among Ancha, green, and black teas","authors":"Yuexin Liu,&nbsp;Dan Liu,&nbsp;Wentao Wu,&nbsp;Yuning Sun,&nbsp;Fuqing Bai,&nbsp;Bayarsaikhan Tsevelsuren,&nbsp;Xinsong Lu,&nbsp;Jingming Ning,&nbsp;Shanshan Hu,&nbsp;Daxiang Li,&nbsp;Huimei Cai,&nbsp;Guijie Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Comparative studies evaluating the health benefits of different tea types are frequently confounded by variations in plant cultivars, geographical origins, and harvest seasons. To eliminate these variables, a single batch of fresh tea leaves was processed into unfermented green tea (GT), fully fermented black tea (BT), and post-fermented Ancha tea (AT). Healthy mice were administered these respective teas <em>via</em> oral gavage over a four-week period. All three tea interventions successfully attenuated visceral fat accumulation, and reduced colonic lipid peroxidation, while demonstrating distinct profiles in suppressing systemic inflammation with GT and AT exhibiting broader anti-inflammatory efficacy than BT. Metabolic assessments revealed distinct physiological advantages, thereinto, AT significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, whereas BT elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL<img>C) levels. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that while overall microbial alpha diversity remained stable, the specific degree of fermentation drove unique structural shifts within the gut microbiota. Notably, all teas enriched the probiotic <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em> and suppressed the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group; however, GT uniquely enriched <em>Butyricimonas synergistica</em> and <em>Alistipes timonensis</em>, BT increased <em>Eubacterium plexicaudatum</em>, and AT promoted <em>Ileibacterium valens</em> alongside <em>A. timonensis</em>. Consistent with these microbial shifts, metabolic profiling showed that GT increased fecal acetate, BT broadly enhanced cecal acetate and propionate, and AT uniquely stimulated an increase in n-butyric acid. Thus, these findings highlight the pivotal role of tea processing techniques in shaping the microbiota-gut-metabolism axis, providing valuable insights for the development of targeted functional food applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107568"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348297","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":"Dietary patterns in early pregnancy are associated with distinct gut and vaginal microbial profiles: Insights from the MicrobeMom study","authors":"Aoife Davis,&nbsp;Sophie Callanan,&nbsp;Gillian A.Corbett,&nbsp;Conor Feehily,&nbsp;Sai Ravi Chandra Nori,&nbsp;Alexander P. Douglass,&nbsp;Eileen C. O'Brien,&nbsp;Douwe Van Sinderen,&nbsp;Paul D. Cotter,&nbsp;Fionnuala M. McAuliffe","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alterations in gut and vaginal microbial communities during pregnancy have been linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Diet is a major modifiable factor that can shape the microbiome, through processes such as fibre fermentation and short chain fatty acid production. This study aimed to examine how dietary patterns relate to variation in gut and vaginal microbiome profiles in early pregnancy among healthy participants (<em>n</em> = 130) from the MicrobeMom trial. At 16-weeks' gestation, diet was assessed using 3-day food diaries to calculate five dietary indices: AHEIP, MD, PHDI, DASH, and DII. Stool and vaginal samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing. In adjusted models, higher DASH scores were associated with lower vaginal Shannon diversity (β = −0.01, <em>p</em> = 0.04). Gut microbiome composition differed between ‘High’ and ‘Low’ AHEIP groups (<em>p</em> = 0.005, R² = 0.02), while vaginal CST distribution also differed between AHEIP groups (<em>p</em> = 0.03). Unadjusted DASH-gut and DII/AHEIP-vaginal beta diversity associations did not persist after confounding adjustment. In this exploratory analysis of a healthy, predominantly White Irish cohort, maternal dietary quality was associated with modest differences in gut and vaginal microbial patterns in early pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107561"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348301","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":"Effects of coffee consumption on the prevention and management of diabetic complications: a comprehensive scientific review","authors":"Minerva Granado-Casas,&nbsp;Didac Mauricio","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coffee consumption has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential impact on the complications associated with diabetes mellitus. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current scientific literature examining the effects of coffee consumption. We have focused on the major bioactive compounds of coffee, i.e. caffeine and chlorogenic acid, and their effects on glycemic control, insulin resistance, and diabetic complications, including cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. While studies on the effects of caffeine on insulin sensitivity present mixed results, long-term trials indicate potential improvements in insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, albeit with contradictory results. Chlorogenic acid, on the other hand, demonstrates promising hypoglycemic effects and potential benefits in aiding glycemic control due to its antioxidant capacity. Regarding diabetic complications, moderate coffee consumption shows an association with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, evidence regarding its impact on retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and hepatopathy remains inconclusive, with very few experimental and epidemiologic studies specifically designed to assess these conditions. Nonetheless, further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between coffee components and diabetic complications to guide future management strategies effectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107556"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348373","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":"Effects of maternal fructose, sucrose, and erythritol exposure on renal development and function in mouse offspring","authors":"Jiujing Chen,&nbsp;Jiajia Wang,&nbsp;Xuan He,&nbsp;Shuang Zhang,&nbsp;Caixia Du,&nbsp;Shilin Guan,&nbsp;Xiaoyue Sun,&nbsp;Cheng Meng,&nbsp;Jingyu Wang,&nbsp;Yingxin Huang,&nbsp;Yalin Li,&nbsp;Juhong Yang,&nbsp;Yongmei Li,&nbsp;Baocheng Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107558","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107558","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Adverse maternal exposures during gestation and lactation may influence later renal health and susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether maternal exposure to fructose, sucrose, and erythritol affects offspring renal development and function remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Pregnant and lactating mice were administered fructose, sucrose or erythritol. Offspring renal development was assessed at 3 weeks via glomerular density and area. Renal structure, function, DNA damage, cell-cycle alterations, and molecular pathways were examined at 3 and 8 weeks. Transcriptomic, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), immunofluorescence colocalization and in vitro assays were used to explore underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Maternal exposure to fructose, sucrose, and erythritol was associated with reduced glomerular density in 3-week-old male offspring, with these alterations also observed at 8 weeks of age. At 8 weeks, male offspring exhibited decreased creatinine clearance, elevated kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in all sweetener-exposed groups, and increased urinary total protein in the erythritol group. Female offspring also showed alterations in glomerular area and histological features. Sweetener exposure was accompanied by increased DNA damage-related markers, PLK3 expression, and G2/M cell-cycle arrest in male offspring. PLK3 overexpression in vitro alters G2/M cell-cycle-related markers. Sucrose- and erythritol-exposed male offspring exhibited glucose intolerance and insulin resistance at 8 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Maternal exposure to fructose, sucrose, and erythritol during gestation and lactation was associated with renal developmental and functional alterations in male offspring, accompanied by PLK3 upregulation and G2/M cell-cycle-related alterations. In contrast, female offspring showed only mild histological changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107558"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348303","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":"Water-soluble tomato concentrate as a natural modulator of angiogenesis: Integrated in vitro and in ovo evidence","authors":"Keerthi Nethaji,&nbsp;Amit Dey,&nbsp;Surajit Pathak,&nbsp;Asim K. Duttaroy,&nbsp;Antara Banerjee","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107550","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107550","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Angiogenesis is essential for vascular repair and the restoration of blood flow after ischemic injury. The water-soluble tomato concentrate has established cardioprotective and antiplatelet properties, but has not been extensively investigated for its potential to promote angiogenesis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with various concentrations of water-soluble tomato concentrate. Endothelial cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species, tube formation, and angiogenesis-related gene expression were studied. An <em>in ovo</em> chick chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to assess vascular development and maturation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Water-soluble tomato concentrate increased cell viability, modulated intracellular ROS levels, promoted capillary-like tube formation, and upregulated expression of <em>VEGF-A,</em> <em>PECAM-1</em>, and <em>ENDOGLIN</em>. CAM assay showed increased vascular density and supported vascular maturation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Water-soluble tomato concentrate may promote vascular regeneration and support vascular health, exhibiting pro-angiogenic properties <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in ovo</em>. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine whether the water-soluble tomato concentrate may provide translational benefits for vascular regeneration and endothelial function in humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107550"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348372","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":"Multi-dimensional screening identifies Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Hi188 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lc19 as probiotics with enhanced gastrointestinal tolerance, organoid adhesion, and barrier protection","authors":"Liwen Liu,&nbsp;Cheng Wang,&nbsp;Linjun Wu,&nbsp;Xiangyu Bian,&nbsp;Xiaoqiong Li,&nbsp;Jian Kuang,&nbsp;Jianqiang Li,&nbsp;Fangshu Shi,&nbsp;Zhiyuan Yan,&nbsp;Yuejian Mao,&nbsp;Jing Yang,&nbsp;Jinjun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>The present study established a multi-dimensional screening and functional evaluation system for candidate probiotic strains, integrating</strong> <strong>tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal fluids</strong><strong>, bile salt resistance, adhesion to intestinal organoids, and intestinal barrier protective capacity. Sixteen candidate probiotic strains were screened using this framework, and <em>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</em> Hi188 (Hi188) and <em>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</em> Lc19 (Lc19) consistently performed at levels comparable to or better than the reference strain across all assessed parameters. Both strains maintained high resistance under simulated</strong> <strong>gastric fluids, intestinal fluids</strong> <strong>and 0.3% bile salt stress, comparable to the reference strain</strong> <em><strong>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</strong></em> <strong>GG (LGG), whereas several other strains showed marked reductions, indicating robust gastrointestinal resilience.</strong> <em><strong>L. plantarum</strong></em> <strong>Hi188 and</strong> <strong>L.</strong> <em><strong>paracasei</strong></em> <strong>Lc19 also exhibited significantly higher adhesion to colon organoids, supported by scanning electron microscopy, indicating strong intestinal adhesive potential. In colon organoid models of epithelial injury induced by TNF-α (60 ng/mL, 12 h), both strains effectively restored the expression of tight junction–related genes (<em>ZO-1</em>, <em>MUC-2</em>, <em>CLDN1</em> and <em>E-cadherin</em>), with</strong> <strong>L.</strong> <em><strong>paracasei</strong></em> <strong>Lc19 additionally upregulating the protein expression levels of Occludin, ZO-1 and E-cadherin, demonstrating their capacity to maintain or repair epithelial barrier integrity under inflammatory stress. These findings reveal a continuous functional chain from gastrointestinal survival to epithelial adhesion to barrier protection, highlighting</strong> <strong>L.</strong> <em><strong>plantarum</strong></em> <strong>Hi188 and</strong> <strong>L.</strong> <em><strong>paracasei</strong></em> <strong>Lc19 as promising multifunctional probiotics. This multi-dimensional evaluation provides a robust framework for probiotic selection and supports further investigation in animal models and clinical studies to explore their potential for functional food development and intestinal health interventions.</strong></div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107552"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348295","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":"Natural orange extract supplementation and its effects on gastrointestinal discomfort and gut microbiota in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial","authors":"Jayesh Chaudhary,&nbsp;Sanjay Vaze,&nbsp;Sayali Kale,&nbsp;Sonal Raote,&nbsp;Shubhangi Mote,&nbsp;Akshay Dhamne,&nbsp;Kushal Bangar","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107575","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107575","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural orange extract rich in citrus flavanones was evaluated for its effects on gastrointestinal discomfort and gut health in a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-four healthy adults aged 18–65 years with gastrointestinal discomfort received either natural orange extract (500 mg/day) or placebo once daily. Supplementation significantly improved digestive and total Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores compared with placebo at Days 45 and 90 (both <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001), with a greater proportion of participants achieving normal stool consistency by Day 45 (89.3%; <em>p</em> = 0.0210). No significant between-group differences were observed in inflammatory biomarkers, although trends toward increased short-chain fatty acid production and improved gut microbial diversity were noted with supplementation. These findings suggest that natural orange extract may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and stool consistency while supporting gut microbiome health. Larger studies are needed to confirm these effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107575"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348300","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":"Dietary chlorogenic acid and digestive health: sources, bioavailability, antioxidant mechanisms and intervention potential","authors":"Yihong Wang,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Huang,&nbsp;Sen Wang,&nbsp;Rongjie Li,&nbsp;Letian Zhang,&nbsp;Xinyu Yu,&nbsp;Yifei Liu,&nbsp;Ni Zhu,&nbsp;Yanhong Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107564","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107564","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a dietary phenolic compound that is widely distributed in plant-based foods and is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review summarizes the dietary sources, processing stability, bioavailability, metabolism, and health-related effects of CGA, focusing on oxidative stress and digestive health. CGA and related chlorogenic acids are widely distributed in coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal food homologous plants, but its stability is influenced by temperature, light, and pH. After ingestion, the bioavailability of CGA is limited, and it is extensively metabolized to generate bioactive derivatives. Its health-related effects are associated with reactive oxygen species regulation, Nrf2/ARE activation, inflammatory signaling, and cellular homeostasis. The current evidence suggests that CGA may support digestive health. However, its low bioavailability and limited clinical evidence remain challenges. Future studies should focus on delivery strategies and intervention in humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107564"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348371","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":"Theaflavin monomers extend Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan through insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway","authors":"Fenling Fan,&nbsp;Dongni Wu,&nbsp;Pan Luo,&nbsp;Song Ang,&nbsp;Jingwei Jin,&nbsp;Panpan Wu,&nbsp;Yongtao Yan,&nbsp;Chengwei He,&nbsp;Zhaodong Yuan,&nbsp;Dongli Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is a vital contributor to numerous disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and neurodegeneration. Theaflavins (TFs) exert anti-aging effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Nevertheless, prior investigations mainly employed crude TF extracts, while the anti-aging active monomers and their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-aging activities of the main monomeric compounds of TFs in <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em> and explored the molecular mechanism. 100 μM TF1 and 500 μM TF2B markedly increased lifespan, enhanced resistance, and reduced lipofuscin accumulation without affecting reproductive capacity. Mechanistically, TF1 and TF2B suppressed the DAF-2-mediated insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. The lifespan-extending effect relied on the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor and was independent of dietary restriction, as supported by molecular docking and mutant strain validation. Furthermore, TF1 upregulated the ubiquitin-proteasome system-related gene levels. This research revealed the molecular mechanisms for the anti-aging activity of theaflavin monomers and supports tea-based dietary strategies for healthy aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107560"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348302","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":"Effect of Opuntia humifusa on key enzymes of glycemic parameters and diabetic male mice","authors":"Jun-Hui Choi,&nbsp;Sung-Ja Ryu,&nbsp;Seung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of <em>Opuntia humifusa</em> stem and fruit extract (OHCE) in a diabetic animal model over 50 days, alongside <em>in silico</em> molecular docking of its major flavonoid, taxifolin. OHCE administration markedly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and improved insulin secretion and homeostasis model assessment-beta-cell function values. It also reduced the levels of key serum and hepatic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, including glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and pyruvate carboxylase, while higher-dose administration additionally inhibited serum α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and liver protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Molecular docking demonstrated that taxifolin, a flavonoid previously reported in <em>O. humifusa</em>, exhibits high binding affinity toward these target enzymes, providing mechanistic evidence for its efficacy. Overall, these findings indicate that OHCE may be a promising multifunctional antidiabetic food ingredient capable of improving glycemic control and pancreatic islets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 107579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149348304","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}