{"title":"Investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. Seeds on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell line with in-silico analysis","authors":"Komal Raghuvanshi , Sunil Kumar , Mehak Thakur , Rohit Sharma , Dinesh Kumar , Rachna Verma , Tabarak Malik","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic extract of <em>Eleusine coracana</em> seeds in RAW264.7 cells with <em>in-silico</em> analysis. The Phytoconstituents present in <em>E. coracana</em> seed extract were identified using GC–MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, and the results showed the presence of various anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, fatty acids, and their esters. Furthermore, LPS stimulation in RAW264.7 cells increased the ROS production from 23.36 ± 0.22 (control) to 43.35 ± 0.54, while <em>E. coracana</em> seed extract significantly reduced ROS to 31.23 ± 0.66 and 30.56 ± 1.35 at 10 and 50 μL/mL concentrations, respectively. Similarly, secretory levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α increased to 52.14 ± 6.06, 90.38 ± 0.54, and 2739.55 ± 3.85 pg/mL, respectively, in LPS-treated cells. However, treatment with <em>E. coracana</em> seed extract reduced these cytokines to 38.57 ± 5.05, 79.48 ± 0.72, and 2512.73 ± 7.07 pg/mL at 10 μL/mL, and further to 28.57 ± 1.01, 74.35 ± 0.72, and 2473.64 ± 28.92 pg/mL at 50 μL/mL. NF-κB expression was also suppressed, decreasing from 1.66 ± 0.10 in LPS-treated cells to 1.55 ± 0.14 at a 10 μL/mL concentration of <em>E. coracana</em> seed extract. Additionally, <em>in-silico</em> analysis showed that apiin exhibited the most favorable binding affinity (−7.2 kcal/mol) toward the key inflammatory target (TNF-α) when compared with other phytochemicals. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns further confirmed the stability of the apiin-TNF-α complex, with both protein and ligand remaining stable throughout the simulation. Overall, this study highlights the first evidence from a cell line model and <em>in silico</em> methods that the methanolic extract of <em>E. coracana</em> seeds exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties, which offer a novel natural approach to addressing inflammation-related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107042"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156542","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}
Fan Meng , Yi Zhong , Zhilin Xu , Yuechuan Wang , Yu Qin , Jiangyue Zhao
{"title":"Association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cataracts: results from a cross-sectional survey and mendelian randomization analysis","authors":"Fan Meng , Yi Zhong , Zhilin Xu , Yuechuan Wang , Yu Qin , Jiangyue Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107034","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107034","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cataract risk by combining observational and genetic approaches. A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2008) showed that higher omega-3 PUFA intake was inversely associated with cataract risk (fully adjusted OR = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.57–0.97, <em>P</em> = 0.041). This protective effect was corroborated by Mendelian randomization analyses using large-scale genetic data (inverse variance weighted OR = 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.86–0.99, <em>P</em> = 0.044), with consistent results across sensitivity analyses. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization further identified ten genes linking omega-3 PUFA metabolism to cataract through pathways related to lipid biosynthesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These findings provide convergent evidence that omega-3 PUFA intake may reduce cataract risk and highlight putative molecular mechanisms underlying this association.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107034"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156543","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}
Binhui Han , Qiyao Wu , Ziyue Hu, Ruixin Zhang, Xiujuan Yang, Bo Li, Mengxue Ma, Xiaoni Shao
{"title":"Health-promoting mechanisms and food applications of Sambucus nigra L.: A comprehensive review","authors":"Binhui Han , Qiyao Wu , Ziyue Hu, Ruixin Zhang, Xiujuan Yang, Bo Li, Mengxue Ma, Xiaoni Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review systematically examines the phytochemical composition of <em>Sambucus nigra</em> L. (SN) —particularly terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids—and their structure-function relationships in food matrices. We analyze traditional uses, modern applications in functional foods, and underlying molecular mechanisms through comprehensive literature evaluation. SN's health benefits primarily stem from flavonoid-mediated modulation of NF-κB and PPARγ pathways, demonstrating dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, its anthocyanins demonstrate significant potential in natural food preservation and immune-support applications. Despite these advantages, challenges persist in standardizing bioactive compounds and substantiating health claims. The study underscores the groundbreaking method of amalgamating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific evidence to propose strategies for enhancing bioavailability and creating functional foods from elderberry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107025"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156539","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}
Yuan-Yuan Chen , Lei Liu , Yu-Sen Deng , Jun-Jie Hu , Ying-Xin Mi , Ao-Nan Li , Tao Wei , Qian Li , Xin-Feng Zhao , Yi Tang
{"title":"Neuroactive phytochemicals from hawthorn: Preliminary evidence for malic acid and chlorogenic acid as 5-HTR1A ligands with antidepressant potential","authors":"Yuan-Yuan Chen , Lei Liu , Yu-Sen Deng , Jun-Jie Hu , Ying-Xin Mi , Ao-Nan Li , Tao Wei , Qian Li , Xin-Feng Zhao , Yi Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Serotonin receptor subtype 1 A (5-HTR<sub>1A</sub>) is a critical therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders. <em>Crataegus pinnatifida</em> Bge. (hawthorn) exhibits potent antidepressant-like effects via 5-HTR<sub>1A</sub> activation, yet its bioactive constituents remain unidentified. Herein, we engineered 5-HTR<sub>1A</sub>-haloalkane dehalogenase fusion protein and immobilized it on 6-bromohexanoic acid-functionalized microspheres to establish affinity-based screening platform. Bioactivity-guided isolation identified malic acid and chlorogenic acid as 5-HTR<sub>1A</sub> ligands, and their binding energies were − 12.9 kcal/mol and − 44.7 kcal/mol, respectively. In vitro assays demonstrated that chlorogenic acid significantly protected PC12 cells from corticosterone-induced damage at concentrations as low as 2.5 μM (<em>p</em> = 0.0305), whereas malic acid exhibited comparable effects at 20 μM. Both compounds effectively counteracted corticosterone-induced reductions in serotonin, dopamine, and BDNF levels likely through interactions with 5-HTR<sub>1A</sub>. Collectively, these findings suggest that malic acid and chlorogenic acid are stable, high-affinity 5-HTR<sub>1A</sub> ligands with significant neuroprotective potential, making them promising lead compounds for developing novel 5-HTR<sub>1</sub><sub>A</sub>-targeted therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107039"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156541","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}
Lidwien M. Boven , Paul de Vos , Luis A. Silva Lagos , Marjolein M.P. Oerlemans , Michela Ferrari , Marthe T.C. Walvoort , Renate Akkerman
{"title":"Exopolysaccharides from Bifidobacterium longum supsp. Infantis and Bifidobacterium adolescentis protect gut epithelial cells from antibiotic- induced disruption but do not affect epithelial responses to Escherichia Coli","authors":"Lidwien M. Boven , Paul de Vos , Luis A. Silva Lagos , Marjolein M.P. Oerlemans , Michela Ferrari , Marthe T.C. Walvoort , Renate Akkerman","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotic use is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and can compromise gut epithelial integrity. However, strategies to mitigate these side effects remain limited. This study investigated whether exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from <em>Bifidobacterium infantis</em> and <em>Bifidobacterium adolescentis</em> can protect intestinal epithelial cells from barrier disruption caused by doxycycline (DOX) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Using T84 cells, we found that both DOX and ZnO significantly reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicating impaired barrier function. EPS from <em>B. adolescentis</em> effectively preserved barrier integrity against both agents. In contrast, EPS from <em>B. infantis</em> was protective only against DOX at higher concentrations. DOX and ZnO downregulated genes involved in tight junction and inflammatory pathways. EPS effects on gene expression were strain-specific and partly restorative. IL-8 secretion was enhanced by <em>B. adolescentis</em> EPS and modulated during DOX exposure, suggesting immune pathway involvement. In contrast, neither EPS type affected <em>Escherichia coli</em> O119 adhesion or inflammatory responses in Caco-2 cells. These findings demonstrate that bifidobacterial EPS can mitigate antibiotic-induced epithelial damage in a structure- and strain-dependent manner, supporting their potential as adjunctive agents to preserve gut barrier function during antimicrobial treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107035"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110115","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}
Inhye Park , Minji Kim , Sangoh Kwon , Min-Sun Kim , Suengmok Cho , Min Young Um
{"title":"Phlorotannin supplement mitigates anxiety- and depression-like symptoms in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress","authors":"Inhye Park , Minji Kim , Sangoh Kwon , Min-Sun Kim , Suengmok Cho , Min Young Um","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anxiety and depression are major mental health disorders often triggered by chronic stress. Although phlorotannins from <em>Ecklonia cava</em> have shown various pharmacological effects, their efficacy in mood disorders remains unclear. This study investigated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of phlorotannin supplement (PS) in a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model. Mice were administered PS (100 or 500 mg/kg/day) or fluoxetine (20 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. PS treatment significantly improved behavioral outcomes in the tail suspension, forced swim, open field, and elevated plus maze tests. Biochemically, PS reduced serum corticosterone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, suppressed hippocampal phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptor expression, and elevated monoamine neurotransmitters while decreasing monoamine oxidase levels. PS also downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, activated ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling, and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis. These findings suggest PS as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for stress-related anxiety and depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107033"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119783","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}
D.S. Dissanayake , R.P.G.S.K. Amarasiri , Jun Geon Je , Fengqi Yang , H.D.T.U. Wijerathne , Jin Hwang , Hyo-Geun Lee , Hyun-Soo Kim
{"title":"Blood pressure regulatory effect of enzyme-assisted hydrolysate from Parapristipoma trilineatum by regulation of angiotensin II and ACE: Identification of ACE inhibition through in silico molecular docking","authors":"D.S. Dissanayake , R.P.G.S.K. Amarasiri , Jun Geon Je , Fengqi Yang , H.D.T.U. Wijerathne , Jin Hwang , Hyo-Geun Lee , Hyun-Soo Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the blood pressure-regulating effects of a pepsin-assisted hydrolysate from <em>Parapristipoma trilineatum</em> (PepH) through both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies. <em>P. trilineatum</em> was hydrolyzed with deionized water and three enzymes (α-chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pepsin). After enzymatic hydrolysis, the ACE inhibitory potential of the hydrolysates was evaluated. Among them, PepH exhibited the strongest ACE inhibitory activity, leading to its selection for subsequent <em>in vivo</em> studies. PepH administration significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and ameliorated hypertension-induced tissue damage in the aorta and heart. Furthermore, PepH significantly decreased serum Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) levels. Furthermore, <em>in silico</em> molecular docking confirmed that purified peptides strongly bound to the active site of ACE. Collectively, our results suggest that PepH lowers blood pressure and protects against hypertension-induced tissue damage in SHRs. PepH shows potential as a functional food for managing hypertension and preventing related tissue damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107032"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119787","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}
Lixia Yang , Haihua Huang , Yue Fan , Lei Xu , Xiaoming Jin , Baoguo Xiao , Cungen Ma , Huijie Fan , Zhi Chai
{"title":"AS-IV-HP-β-CD molecular capsules alleviated motor dysfunction and DA neuronal loss by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation in MPTP-induced PD mice","authors":"Lixia Yang , Haihua Huang , Yue Fan , Lei Xu , Xiaoming Jin , Baoguo Xiao , Cungen Ma , Huijie Fan , Zhi Chai","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study employed molecular simulation docking technology to identify the most suitable host molecules for encapsulating <em>Astragaloside IV</em> (AS-IV). AS-IV-HP-β-CD molecular capsules were prepared by encapsulating the hydrophobic groups of AS-IV in the inner cavity of HP-β-CD through the grinding method. The encapsulation behaviours were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and liquid nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was found that AS-IV was encapsulated inside the HP-β-CD cavity and presented a layered structure after encapsulation. Content determination showed that the solubility and dissolution rate of AS-IV-HP-β-CD in vitro were significantly increased compared to AS-IV. Pharmacodynamic tests demonstrated that oral administration of AS-IV-HP-β-CD effectively ameliorated motor dysfunction, alleviated dopaminergic (DA) TH-positive neuronal loss, and reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in the substantia nigra pars compacta of MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice. Simultaneously, the AS-IV-HP-β-CD intervention inhibited the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway proteins. This study addressed the issues of poor water solubility and dissolution rate, laying the groundwork for developing AS-IV formulations. Meanwhile, new data further support the potential of AS-IV as an effective dietary combination for adjuvant therapy of PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107031"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108482","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}
Rou Zhang , Yizhen Ma , Zhijun Zhan , Xiuying Tan , Yuhan Zhang , Ziyi You , Yue Huang , Wei Li , Lina Yang
{"title":"Goat milk fat blends promote conversion of ALA to DHA in rats","authors":"Rou Zhang , Yizhen Ma , Zhijun Zhan , Xiuying Tan , Yuhan Zhang , Ziyi You , Yue Huang , Wei Li , Lina Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of different fats on the conversion of “Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA) to docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA)” in female and male SD rats. The results showed that compared with the control group, the number of platform crossings in the water maze experiment in the goat milk fat group significantly increased, and the contents of DHA and the expression of ALA-DHA converting enzyme in plasma and brain tissue both increased. We believe that goat milk fat promotes the conversion of ALA to DHA in the body and increases the content of DHA in plasma by increasing the expression of key enzymes in the ALA-DHA conversion pathway. The mixture of goat milk fat and ALA can increase the expression of the DHA transporter MFSD2a, thereby increasing the DHA content in the cerebral cortex and ultimately enhancing the learning and memory ability of rats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"134 ","pages":"Article 107023"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108479","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}