Journal of Functional Foods最新文献

{"title":"Protective role of egg white protein hydrolysate against streptozotocin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats","authors":"Rungrudee Srisawat ,&nbsp;Naiyana Nontamart ,&nbsp;Kusuma Ruamthum ,&nbsp;Pongsak Cherngkhuntod ,&nbsp;Parin Suwannaprapha ,&nbsp;Ratsa Sripirom ,&nbsp;Supawadee Khamphuech ,&nbsp;Suphaket Seanthaweesuk ,&nbsp;Nuntiya Somparn ,&nbsp;Jirawat Yongsawatdigul ,&nbsp;Atcharaporn Thaeomor","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes contributes to oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in liver injury. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of egg white protein hydrolysate (EWH) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats, diabetic and non-diabetic, received oral water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or EWH (300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg) for four weeks. STZ-induced diabetes significantly increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), while decreasing the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). EWH treatment, particularly at 600 mg/kg, significantly decreased liver enzymes and MDA levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activities. Histological analysis revealed that EWH markedly improved liver architecture by reducing hepatocellular degeneration, inflammation, and bile duct proliferation. These results suggest that EWH has hepatoprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidant bioactive peptides, and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent against liver damage in diabetes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107151"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923592","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":"Rice bran fermented by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MJM60392 reduces fat accumulation and adipose tissue on high-fat diet induced obese mice","authors":"Hak Yong Lee ,&nbsp;Young Mi Park ,&nbsp;Dong Yeop Shin ,&nbsp;Hai Min Hwang ,&nbsp;Sung Hak Chun ,&nbsp;Sang Jin Lim ,&nbsp;Myung-Sunny Kim ,&nbsp;Min-Jung Kim ,&nbsp;Hye-Jeong Yang ,&nbsp;Yong Hee Jung ,&nbsp;Jun Sang Bae ,&nbsp;Jae Gon Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity, which can develop owing to a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle, may increase the risk of developing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, management through exercise and dietary control is essential. However, supplementation may be necessary if exercise and dietary management are difficult. This study aimed to evaluate materials that could potentially prevent obesity. The research investigated whether the intake of rice bran fermented by <em>Lactococcus lactis</em> subsp. <em>lactis</em> MJM60392 (FRBL) would affect body fat reduction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. During the intake period, a reduction in body weight was observed in FRBL fed- compared with that in only HFD fed-obese mice. After autopsy, a decrease in liver and visceral fat weights was noted, along with a reduction in levels of ALP and leptin, which were elevated in the obesity model. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver due to FRBL and a decrease in adipocyte size in the epididymal fat tissue. Finally, the expression of genes related to fat synthesis and differentiation was also found to be reduced. In conclusion, FRBL intake was found to help reduce body fat by inhibiting fat synthesis and differentiation, thereby suppressing the accumulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107178"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073798","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":"Anti-inflammatory effect of Cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside from Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells","authors":"Amylin Jay Eunice Cabuloy ,&nbsp;Seo-Jin Lee ,&nbsp;Don Carlo Batara ,&nbsp;Heon-Woong Kim ,&nbsp;Sung-Hak Kim ,&nbsp;Jeong-Yong Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The anti-inflammatory effect of cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by examining cell morphology and quantifying pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by qPCR. Extracellular cytokine levels and the activity of inflammatory mediators were measured using ELISA and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Immunoblotting of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway targets and immunofluorescent staining of p65 were performed to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism. Treatment with cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside consistently reduced macrophage activation, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The phosphorylation of IκB-α and the nuclear translocation of p65 were also effectively inhibited by cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside at higher concentrations. Overall, the results demonstrate a dose-dependent suppression of LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells, supporting the potential of cyanidin-3-O-lathyroside as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107169"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023908","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":"Hemp seed fiber supplementation alleviates myocardial hypertrophy in aging mice through activation of mitophagy","authors":"Tao Feng ,&nbsp;Hong Chen ,&nbsp;Yinjun Luo ,&nbsp;Zhiyi Zhou ,&nbsp;Biao Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Fang ,&nbsp;Jinhua Wang ,&nbsp;Lingling Huang ,&nbsp;Suchan Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging-induced cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The gut-heart axis, gut microbiota, and their metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—which regulate cardiac function—have attracted significant attention. Hemp seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which can be fermented by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs. However, whether hemp seed fiber alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in aging mice by improving gut microbiota composition and increasing SCFA levels remains unclear. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups: adult control group (5-month-old, standard diet), old control group (18-month-old, standard diet), and three old mice groups supplemented with low, medium, and high-dose hemp seed fiber group, with a 12-week intervention. Cardiac hypertrophy (thicker ventricular walls, larger cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area) was observed in old mice. Hemp seed fiber significantly improved this phenotype, reduced hypertrophy markers (myh7, bnp), increased SCFA-related microbiota abundance, and elevated serum SCFAs. The mechanism may involve upregulating GPR41, inhibiting excessive Akt phosphorylation, and promoting mitophagy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107156"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974511","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":"Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) extract alleviates age-induced hepatic lipid profile change in rats during ageing","authors":"Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku ,&nbsp;Siti Liyana Saud Gany ,&nbsp;Jen Kit Tan ,&nbsp;Nur Fathiah Abdul Sani ,&nbsp;Nur Fatin Nabilah Mohd Sahardi ,&nbsp;Mariam Firdhaus Mad Nordin ,&nbsp;Suzana Makpol","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipid metabolism undergoes significant alterations with age, contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em> Roscoe) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on hepatic lipid profiles during ageing remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate age-related lipidomic changes in the liver and evaluate the modulatory effects of ginger extract using untargeted lipidomics. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into young (3 months), adult (9 months), and old (21 months) groups. Each age group was further subdivided into control and treatment groups (<em>n</em> = 10) receiving either distilled water or ginger extract (200 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 3 months. Liver function tests (LFTs) and untargeted lipidomic profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS were performed. Statistical analysis included mixed-design ANOVA, oPLS-DA, and pathway enrichment using LION/web. Ageing increased serum albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), globulin (Glo), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, particularly in adult rats. Lipidomic analysis identified 985 lipid species, with glycerophospholipids (GP), glycerolipids (GL), sphingolipids (SP), and fatty acyls (FA) being most affected by ageing and ginger treatment. Ageing was associated with increased DG in adults, a decline in ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelins (SM) in old rats, and an age-dependent change in triacylglycerols (TG), which increased in adults but declined in old rats. Phosphatidylcholines (PE) decreased significantly only in old rats. Ginger supplementation increased FA in adults and modulated TG levels in an age-dependent manner, reducing TG in adults while increasing it in young rats. Correlation analysis revealed weak to moderate associations between specific lipids and LFT markers. These findings support the potential of ginger as a natural intervention to preserve liver health and counteract lipid dysregulation during ageing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107159"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023904","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":"Unveiling the anticancer potential of isoorientin in digestive system cancers: mechanistic insights and nanoformulation strategies","authors":"Diwakar Aggarwal ,&nbsp;Sachin Kumar Mandotra ,&nbsp;Jagjit Kaur ,&nbsp;Vasudha Datta ,&nbsp;Hardeep Singh Tuli ,&nbsp;Satish Kumar ,&nbsp;Damandeep Kaur ,&nbsp;Ritu Chauhan ,&nbsp;Shafiul Haque ,&nbsp;Pallvi Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Isoorientin, a C-glycosyl flavonoid belonging to the class of polyphenolic compounds, has recently gained attention for its superior pharmacological profile compared to other polyphenols in anticancer research. Unlike many flavonoids, such as quercetin or luteolin, isoorientin exhibits higher stability, stronger antioxidant capacity, and improved water solubility, which contribute to its enhanced bioefficacy and lower cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Present study <em>examines</em> the anticancer efficacy of the flavonoid isoorientin in gastrointestinal malignancies, elucidating its mechanisms of action and the advantages of nanoformulations for enhanced therapeutic administration. Isoorientin has strong anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic properties in many digestive cancer models, including colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. These effects are facilitated by the control of dysregulated signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK. Isoorientin also increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation, thereby enhancing total therapeutic effectiveness. Nano-formulation strategies, including liposome and micelle-based systems, have effectively addressed issues of solubility, bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, facilitating targeted administration, increased stability, and greater accumulation at tumour locations. Given its distinctive structural stability, multifaceted anticancer mechanisms, and compatibility with advanced delivery systems, isoorientin stands out as a promising adjunct or alternative therapeutic candidate for digestive cancers. Combining isoorientin with advanced drug delivery systems could improve current treatment outcomes. Further preclinical and clinical research is required to establish its therapeutic viability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107181"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073676","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":"Agarononaose from red algae delays cardiomyocyte aging by improving mitochondrial function via enhanced oxidative phosphorylation: A mitochondrial transplantation perspective","authors":"Tongxiao Luan ,&nbsp;Song Hu ,&nbsp;Weihong Nie ,&nbsp;Jia Liu ,&nbsp;Li Jia ,&nbsp;Wei Yang ,&nbsp;Shan Wang ,&nbsp;Nina An ,&nbsp;Zhenyu Liao ,&nbsp;Xinru Wangqu ,&nbsp;Yufei Li ,&nbsp;Qiuxia Ji ,&nbsp;Jing Zhou ,&nbsp;Yongjun Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study found that agarononaose (A9) exhibits the most significant anti-senescence effect on HL-1 cardiomyocytes among agarose-derived oligosaccharides. Meanwhile, we found that this feature appears to be associated with the mechanism of nutritional intervention dysregulation. Further investigation revealed that A9 improved a series of mitochondrial mechanisms, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt), mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Importantly, through mitochondrial transplantation experiments and OXPHOS inhibition, it was demonstrated that the enhancement of OXPHOS is a primary mechanism through which A9 ameliorates cellular senescence. Moreover, this bioactivity could be transferred to recipient cells via mitochondrial transplantation. This study identifies a natural marine oligosaccharide as a potential functional food and pharmaceutical agent for ameliorating cardiac cell senescence, and elucidates its key mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose a novel research approach based on mitochondrial transplantation for investigating drug interventions targeting mitochondrial function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107131"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923605","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":"Tempeh and microalgae-fortified tempeh exhibit anticancer potential through S-phase arrest and EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway modulation in BT-474 breast cancer cells","authors":"Hesti Lina Wiraswati ,&nbsp;Nur Akmalia Hidayati ,&nbsp;Ilma Fauziah Ma'ruf ,&nbsp;Julia Ramadhanti ,&nbsp;Enny Rohmawaty ,&nbsp;Vira Putri Yarlina ,&nbsp;Ardimas Andi Purwita ,&nbsp;Kengo Suzuki ,&nbsp;Keiichi Mochida","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tempeh, a traditional fermented soybean product, is valued for its nutritional and functional properties. Its health benefits can be enhanced through fortification. The diverse anticancer activities of microalgae pose a promising option for tempeh fortification. This study investigated the anticancer potential of tempeh and algae-fortified tempeh against BT-474 luminal B breast cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis of the 96% ethanol extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and high phenolic content. Algae-fortified tempeh reduced the cell viability by up to 60%, surpassing conventional tempeh. Mechanistically, all extracts suppressed EGFR expression, elevated <em>HIF-1α</em> gene, induced S-phase arrest, and reprogrammed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. <em>Spirulina</em> fortification demonstrated a relative predominance of EGFR suppression and <em>PI3K/AKT</em> modulation, potentially influenced by its pinocembrin content, while <em>Euglena</em> fortification uniquely amplified HIF-1α-mediated metabolic stress through compound triad targeting FABP4, AHCY, and BACE1. Flow cytometry confirmed a strong cytostatic effect in a non-lethal manner. These findings highlight algae fortification as a food-biotechnology strategy for pathway-targeted cancer prevention and complementary health applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107158"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974512","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":"Garlic as a functional food: a dual therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases and cancer via shared molecular pathways","authors":"Long Li ,&nbsp;Izhar Ahmed ,&nbsp;Amal Alotaibi ,&nbsp;Luqman Shah ,&nbsp;Lin Yang ,&nbsp;Muhammad Zahoor ,&nbsp;Majid Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Garlic, a widely consumed culinary and medicinal plant, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad-spectrum health benefits, particularly in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. The anticancer and cardiovascular protective effects of garlic are closely linked through its capacity to modulate common physiological and pathological pathways, particularly those related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This review compiles evidence on garlic's dual cardioprotective and anticancer effects, which stem from its ability to simultaneously reduce cholesterol, improve vascular stiffness, and disrupt oncogenic processes such as tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the review examines garlic's safety profile, the stability of its various processed forms (raw and aged), as well as its efficacy and regulatory status as a functional food. Finally, to fully elucidate garlic's therapeutic potential within the framework of precision medicine, biomarker-driven clinical trials are essential for the development of standardized formulations. Moreover, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with garlic-based nanomedicine presents a promising frontier and advancing personalized treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107152"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974516","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":"Gut microbiota and serum metabolites reveal the effects of chongqing tuo tea on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in high-fat diet-fed mice","authors":"Rui Chang,&nbsp;Hongyu Luo,&nbsp;Shanmin Chen,&nbsp;Xue Chen,&nbsp;Ruiqi Duan,&nbsp;Ying Zhang,&nbsp;Yingfu Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders constitute a major and growing global health challenge, creating an urgent need for safe and effective dietary interventions. Chongqing Tuo Tea, a traditionally compressed tea produced from summer-autumn leaves, has a distinctive chemical profile. Although it has been found that Chongqing Tuo Tea extract (TTE) can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, the underlying mechanisms, particularly those mediated via the gut-liver axis, are not well-understood. In the present study, TTE ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation, attenuated pancreatic damage, improved the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reduced white adipose tissue deposition and promoted its browning, enhanced glucose tolerance, alleviated insulin resistance, and alleviated lipid metabolic disorders and hepatic oxidative stress in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. TTE ameliorated disorders of glucose metabolism and reduced insulin resistance by activating the hepatic AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. It restored the gut microbiota by reversing the <em>Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes</em> (F/B) ratio and promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as <em>Oscillospira</em> and <em>Bacteroides</em>, thereby increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetic, butyric, and propionic acids. Serum metabolomics and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that TTE significantly regulated metabolism-related pathways, including caffeine metabolism; central carbon metabolism in cancer; phenylalanine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; ABC transporters; and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Several potential biomarkers of HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation were identified, including L-histidine, uridine monophosphate, shikimate-3-phosphate, arachidonic acid, and diaminopimelic acid. These findings highlight the potential of dietary TTE supplementation as a strategy for mitigating HFD-induced weight gain and metabolic abnormalities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107164"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023825","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}