Journal of Functional Foods最新文献

{"title":"Structural characteristics of oligosaccharides obtained from Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides and their alleviation of colitis by modulating macrophage polarization and gut microbiota","authors":"Biao Yu ,&nbsp;Baojun Xu ,&nbsp;Karsoon Tan ,&nbsp;Saiyi Zhong ,&nbsp;Kit-Leong Cheong","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Undaria pinnatifida</em> oligosaccharides (UPO) are recognized for their multifaceted bioactive properties. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to establish the protective effects of UPO in mitigating UC. In this study, the structural characteristics of UPO were elucidated as 1,4-linked α-L-fucopyranose units with minor 1,2-linked β-<span>d</span>-galactopyranose units through NMR spectroscopy. UPO treatment improved the structural integrity of the intestinal barrier in DSS-induced colitis mice. Additionally, UPO administration induced the polarization of macrophages towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, evidenced by the downregulation of M1 macrophage marker (CD68) and upregulation of M2 macrophage marker (CD163). UPO treatment, significant alterations in the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal microbiota were observed compared to colitis mice. UPO boosted the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in fecal samples. These findings indicate that UPO could alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice, potentially offering insights into its application as a novel therapeutic option for colitis treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106835"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855173","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":"Protective effect of Antroquinonol B, an active ingredient of Antrodia camphorata, on acute liver injury","authors":"Hui Li ,&nbsp;Hongyun Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhaochu Wang ,&nbsp;Fatao He ,&nbsp;Le Chu ,&nbsp;Guangpeng Liu ,&nbsp;Lianzhong Ai ,&nbsp;Yongjun Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Antrodia camphorata</em>, a well-known and highly valued edible mushroom, with a concentration of triterpenoids, active polysaccharides, succinic acid, maleic acid derivatives, antroquinonol and its derivatives. Liver disease has emerged as a major global health concern. In this study, we obtained ethanol extracts and isolating three active ingredients. We then employed a mouse model to assess these ingredients and identify the most effective one. Our findings indicated that active ingredients effectively mitigated CCl₄-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced serum levels of ALT, AST, and AKP in mice. Moreover, it exhibited potent antioxidant activity marked by decreased MDA levels and increased GSH and T-AOC concentrations. Animal experiments and L-O2 cell assays revealed that Antroquinonol B demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. Through analysis of MAPKs pathway-related protein expression, we found that Antroquinonol B suppressed protein phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. These findings suggestted potential applications for <em>Antrodia camphorata</em> in hepatoprotection</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106836"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855174","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":"Lycopus lucidus Turcz. extract ameliorates CCl4-induced liver damage by MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways and gut microbiota in mice","authors":"Yuehong Lu ,&nbsp;Yue Hong ,&nbsp;Tianze Sun ,&nbsp;Fengjuan Li ,&nbsp;Yuyao Li ,&nbsp;Bo Liu ,&nbsp;Wenjing Wang ,&nbsp;Chunyan Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106834","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106834","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work explored the protection of free phenolic extract from <em>Lycopus lucidus</em> root (FPLR) against liver damage caused by CCl₄ and its underlying mechanisms in mice. Mice were separated into the normal group (control), model group (CCl₄), and FPLR group (FPLR+ CCl₄). FPLR reduced liver or spleen index, improved liver function, and alleviated histopathological lesions, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Meanwhile, FPLR inhibited protein phosphorylation in the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway, up-regulated gene and protein expression in the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and down-regulated kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) expression. Furthermore, FPLR increased the number of beneficial gut microbes, including <em>Bacteroidales_S24_7_group</em>, <em>Lactobacillus,</em> and <em>Parabacteroides distasonis</em>, while lowering the <em>Firmicutes</em>/<em>Bacteroidetes</em> ratio and harmful ones, such as <em>Streptococcaceae</em>, <em>Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, and Oscillibacter</em> (all <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis suggested nine bacteria, including <em>Lactobacillus</em>, <em>Staphylococcus,</em> and <em>Parabacteroides_distasonis</em>, played an important role in preventing liver damage, activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting Keap1. In conclusion, FPLR successfully mitigated CCl₄-induced liver damage by modulating the MAPK/Nrf2 pathways and gut microbiota.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106834"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851613","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":"Protective effects and potential mechanisms of Pyracantha fortuneana fruit extract on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia revealed by transcriptomic analysis","authors":"Hang Xu ,&nbsp;Shuwen Lei ,&nbsp;Jing Li ,&nbsp;Daiwei Xianyu ,&nbsp;Dong Li ,&nbsp;Mengjie Lei ,&nbsp;Zhiyong Lei ,&nbsp;Xiaojuan Chen ,&nbsp;Chunfang Zhao ,&nbsp;Chunhua Fu ,&nbsp;Longjiang Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pyracantha fortuneana</em> fruit is traditionally consumed as a dietary supplement in China known for its benefits in blood nourishment. Thrombocytopenia is often associated with blood deficiency. However, scientific studies on the platelet-enhancing activity of <em>P. fortuneana</em> fruit are lacking. This study investigates the protective effects of <em>P. fortuneana</em> fruit extract (PFE) against chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying its platelet-enhancing effects. Results showed that PFE, particularly its ethyl acetate fraction (PFEEA), significantly increased platelet counts by 48.7 %, reduced bleeding and clotting times, and decreased bleeding volume. PFEEA also mitigated organ injuries and lowered serum alanine transaminase levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes enriched in the hematopoietic cell lineage pathway by PFEEA, along with normalization of hematopoiesis-related cytokine levels and thrombopoietin mRNA expression in the liver. This study establishes PFE's potential against CIT and provides insights into its mechanisms, supporting its application as a functional food.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106838"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851614","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":"Mechanistic insights and synergistic effects of Qi-Fu-Qing-You formulation in combating Helicobacter pylori infection and maintaining gut microbial homeostasis","authors":"Shuyi Sang ,&nbsp;Chuqiu Zhang ,&nbsp;Bingyun Lu ,&nbsp;Yuanjing Zou ,&nbsp;Chang Peng ,&nbsp;Yuqian Lai ,&nbsp;Meicun Yao ,&nbsp;Ye Chen ,&nbsp;Qingchang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106824","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106824","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)</em> infection affects over half of the global population, leading to chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers and cancer. Traditional antibiotic therapies face challenges such as resistance and gut microbiota dysbiosis, necessitating alternative solutions. Qi-Fu-Qing-You (QFQY) formulation was developed using medicinal and edible plants. This study investigated its anti-<em>H. pylori</em> efficacy, active components, and mechanisms of action. Phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds such as ellagic acid, gallic acid, and psoralen, which demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant <em>H. pylori</em> strains. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that these compounds bind to the allosteric site of penicillin-binding protein 1 A (PBP1A), enhancing antibiotic binding affinity and improving antibacterial efficacy. In vivo studies confirmed QFQY's ability to mitigate antibiotic-induced intestinal damage through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, maintaining gut microbiota balance. The results underscore QFQY's potential as a functional food for <em>H. pylori</em> management and as an adjunct to antibiotic therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106824"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851611","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":"Soft-shelled turtle-derived antioxidant peptides inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and mitigate AGE-induced damage to HUVECs via the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway","authors":"Xuejiao Xu ,&nbsp;Jia Li ,&nbsp;Shilei Wang ,&nbsp;Caiqin Liu ,&nbsp;Junkang Ye ,&nbsp;Jianchang Jin ,&nbsp;Yizhi Zhong ,&nbsp;Wei Wang ,&nbsp;Nan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may trigger oxidative stress, resulting in atherosclerotic plaques. This study investigated the effects of soft-shelled turtle-derived antioxidant peptides on glucose-related protein glycation. Our results indicate seven antioxidant peptides derived from soft-shelled turtle have inhibitory effects on the AGEs formation, especially for N-3-A. To study the potential protective impacts of N-3-A against AGEs-induced damage, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured. Interestingly, cells treated with N-3-A show significant upregulation of GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT activities while down-regulate the content of oxidative damage marker-MDA. Mechanistically, molecular docking analysis showed the interaction pattern between N-3-A and C-terminal domain of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). We identified five hydrogen bonds between the active peptides, highlighting arginine as the primary inhibitory site. It demonstrated N-3-A can protect against AGEs-induced health disorders through inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106828"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143851612","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":"L.acidophilus combined with HKL alleviated colon inflammation in rats by inhibiting JAK2-STATI and affecting taurine metabolism","authors":"Kasimujiang Aximujiang ,&nbsp;Kuerbannaimu Kaheman ,&nbsp;Jiwei Zhu ,&nbsp;Tongshu Shang ,&nbsp;Kurexi Yunusi ,&nbsp;Xilinguli Wushouer","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>Objective</strong> To explore the therapeutic mechanism of <em>L.acidophilus</em> combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Huan Kui Le(HKL) on ulcerative colitis(UC) by intestinal flora,intestinal immunity and metabolism.</div><div><strong>Methods</strong> The male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into Control group, UC Group, HKL Group, Lac Group, Lac + HKL Group (LH Group), and 5-ASA group. The UC model was established by TNBS/ethanol method in all groups except the Control group. After the model was successfully established, the corresponding drugs were administered intragastrically for 14 days. The expression of JAK2, STAT1, and STAT3 was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC). The metagenomic technique was used to analyze fecal microbiome formation and function changes in UC rats after LH Tretment. <strong>Result</strong> The IHC results showed that the expression of JAK2 and STAT1 protein was down-regulated after LH intervention, but the expression of STAT3 protein was not significantly changed.The abundance of genes related to taurine metabolism was significantly higher in the UC group, while the abundance of related genes decreased after LH intervention. GT45, GH114, GH104, and PL3 were highly expressed in the UC group, while the expression was downregulated after LH intervention.<em>Staphylococcus</em> is a major contributor to the expression of carbohydrate related genes.<strong>Conclusion</strong> The LH Treatment can affect the composition of intestinal flora in UC rats and inhibit JAK2-STAT1 signal pathway.LH treatment can inhibit the abnormal increase of taurine metabolism in the gut of UC rats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106819"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850582","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":"Structural modification, total synthesis, and biological activity of natural product piperine: A review","authors":"Nan Wu ,&nbsp;Xiongjie Yin ,&nbsp;Chengyu Cui,&nbsp;Mingjing Zhao,&nbsp;Chonghao Sun,&nbsp;Lili Jin,&nbsp;Changhao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Piperine is the main chemical constituents of the medicinal and edible plant <em>Piper nigrum</em> L. As an alkaloid compound, it is widely used due to its various biological effects, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, and lipid-lowering properties. The utilization of piperine as a platform for drug discovery can be employed to enhance the water solubility and bio-availability, thereby facilitating the generation of high-quality drug candidates with distinct targets and improved drug properties. Numerous derivatives of piperine have been developed, leading to significant advancements in the discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of human cancers and other diseases, as well as in the investigation of associated molecular mechanisms. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the structural modification, total synthesis, and pharmacological effects of piperine, aiming to enhance understanding of the research advancements in this field and offer valuable recommendations for future investigations on piperine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106827"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143847911","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":"Enhanced bioaccessibility and anti-inflammatory effect of chrysin nanoemulsion","authors":"Yuna Lee,&nbsp;Eui-Baek Byun","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, its utilization is hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability. In this study, a chrysin-loaded oil-in-water emulsion system (chrysin-ES) stabilized by octenyl succinate anhydride (OSA)-modified starch was developed to overcome these limitations. The resulting chrysin-ES exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency (99 %), with drug loading of 0.0093 %, a uniform droplet size (82 nm), and stable colloidal properties over 30 days<em>.</em> In an <em>in vitro</em> digestion assay, chrysin-ES displayed a fourfold increase in bioaccessibility compared to raw chrysin. Furthermore, chrysin-ES demonstrated improved permeability in a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay, suggesting enhanced gastrointestinal absorption. It also showed superior anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophages, as confirmed by dose-dependent reductions in LPS-induced ROS, IL-6, and PGE2 levels. These findings indicate that OSA-modified starch-stabilized chrysin-ES holds promise as a delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive compounds like chrysin, with potential utilizations in functional foods and nutraceuticals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106820"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838561","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":"Evaluation of PTSO delivery approaches for gut microbiota modulation in colorectal cancer: A comparative study of microcapsules containing Allium derivatives","authors":"Enrique Guillamón ,&nbsp;Beatriz Navajas-Porras ,&nbsp;Adriana Delgado-Osorio ,&nbsp;Lidia Gil-Martínez ,&nbsp;Nuria Mut-Salud ,&nbsp;Antonio Cuberos-Escobar ,&nbsp;Julia Ruiz Vozmediano ,&nbsp;Silvia Pastoriza de la Cueva ,&nbsp;María Chávarri ,&nbsp;Izaskun Marañón ,&nbsp;Juristo Fonollá ,&nbsp;Encarnación González-Flores ,&nbsp;Alberto Baños ,&nbsp;José Ángel Rufián-Henares","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with gut microbiota modulation emerging as a critical factor in its development. Propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), an organosulfur compound derived from <em>Allium</em> species, has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for CRC due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated three PTSO delivery systems (dextrin, pectin microcapsules, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules) designed to enhance bioavailability and protect PTSO through digestion. We assessed their antioxidant capacity, cytotoxic effects on CRC cells, and impact on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and gut microbiota composition after in vitro digestion and fermentation with feces of healthy individuals and CRC patients. Results demonstrated that each formulation displayed distinct release profiles and antioxidant activities post-digestion and fermentation, with microencapsulated PTSO showing superior stability, bioavailability and the highest antitumoral efficacy in CRC cell lines, achieving an IC50 value of 20.5 μM. Significant differences in SCFA production and gut microbiota modulation were observed across the formulations. Although further in vivo studies are needed to validate these findings and understand long-term effects, PTSO shows promise as a bioactive compound within functional nutrition. Its ability to modulate gut microbiota composition, alongside its enhanced bioavailability through innovative delivery systems, suggests that PTSO could play a key role in the development of dietary strategies aimed at reducing CRC risk and progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 106818"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834235","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}