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Antioxidants
Special Issues
The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants
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The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 123309

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Irene Dini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
Interests: food chemistry; food analysis; antioxidant activity; nutraceutics; dietary supplements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Domenico Montesano

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: food safety and food quality; metabolomics; food chemistry; chromatography; mass-spectrometry; nutraceuticals; novel foods; methods of extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between health and diet has been recognized since ancient times. A significant body of evidence shows that alteration of the cellular redox state is related to the production of reactive oxygen species, which play critical roles in various steps that initiate and regulate the progression of pathologies. Dietary antioxidants have high potential to act as nutraceuticals and drugs for the prevention or treatment of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Food fortification and dietary supplements are an alternative way of eating secondary plant metabolites with health properties.

Antioxidants are used as food additives to extend the shelf life of products by retarding adulteration of oxidizable foods (e.g., lipid oxidation) as well as in food packaging to prevent the discoloration of vegetables and fruits. They are also being applied in a new exciting cosmetic market: the nutricosmeceutical market. In this regard, functional foods, supplements, and beverages containing active molecules are used to increase human beauty, particularly in antiaging products. In recent years, numerous analytical methods have been developed to characterize and investigate the dosage of antioxidant compounds in food and supplements, and new nutrition delivery systems have been designed to permit their efficient distribution in the human body. However, unfortunately, excessive consumption of antioxidants is associated with negative toxicological effects.

This Special Issue of Antioxidants aims to collect research articles and review papers dealing with the potential uses of dietary antioxidants in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. In particular, the following topics are of interest: the study of genetically modified foods with high antioxidant potential, the use of agricultural practices to increase the concentration of antioxidant compounds in food, analytical procedures to isolate compounds of interest, the evaluation of their health properties, toxicological aspects related to antioxidant abuse, and the development of targeted delivery systems.

The Italian Society of Food Chemistry (ItaChemFood) founded on 24/12/2018 as the organ of expression of the University Professors belonging to the Italian scientific disciplinary sector "Food Chemistry", is a free, non-profit, non-political, non-confessional, non-commercial association. Members are interested in the didactic, research and training aspects related to the chemical characterization and evaluation of FOODs raw and processed. Moreover, they are interested in the characterization of the bioactive compounds present in foods and food supplements, nutraceutical and functional foods and chemicals, aroma and flavourings aspects, undesirable substances such as contaminants and residues and their metabolites and catabolites through the development of appropriate innovative analytical methods and techniques.

Members focus their analytic skills on the compositional profiles of food, also to determine health claims and related authorization dossiers and the drafting of food labels relating to food safety.

Significant attention is spent on scientific dissemination. The Society recognizing the high value of food education and the importance of issues related to the relationship between food, health and food safety, promotes appropriate initiatives to increase the knowledge among the media and citizens, students of schools and the teaching system at various levels.

Prof. Irene Dini
Dr. Domenico Montesano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidant activity
  • phenolic compounds
  • isolation and characterization
  • metabolomics
  • delivery system
  • cosmetic supplement
  • food supplement
  • functional food
  • nutraceuticals
  • food additives
  • genetically modified food
  • toxicological properties
  • biological activities

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Published Papers (30 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants
by Irene Dini
Antioxidants 2021, 10(11), 1752; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10111752 - 01 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1346
Abstract
Oxidative stress happens when the levels of reactive species made from oxygen and nitrogen exceed the body’s antioxidant capacity [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 883 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Nanoencapsulated Moringa Leaf Ethanolic Extract on the Physiology, Metabolism and Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does during Summer
by Nagwa I. El-Desoky, Nesrein M. Hashem, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Ahmed G. Elkomy and Zahraa R. Abo-Elezz
Antioxidants 2021, 10(8), 1326; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10081326 - 23 Aug 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2840
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) on heat-tolerance variables and the reproductive performance of rabbit does bred under hot climate conditions. Additionally, the effect of nanoencapsulation technology on the biological efficiency of MLEE was considered. A total of [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of Moringa leaf ethanolic extract (MLEE) on heat-tolerance variables and the reproductive performance of rabbit does bred under hot climate conditions. Additionally, the effect of nanoencapsulation technology on the biological efficiency of MLEE was considered. A total of 56 rabbit does were randomly divided into four experimental groups and treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) nonencapsulated MLEE, 25 or 10 mg/kg BW nanoencapsulated MLEE, or not treated (Control, C). The treatments continued for 50 days, including mating and pregnancy times. Physiological and hematochemical variables, hormonal profiles, and reproductive performance (kindling rate and litter characteristics) were determined. The active components of MLEE were identified. The results indicated that MLEE has 30 active components. All MLEE-based treatments reduced heat-stress-related indicators, such as rectal temperatures, respiratory rates and heart rate; improved hematochemical attributes, redox status, and hormones (progesterone and prolactin); and increased the total litter size, the kindling rate, litter size at birth and litter weight at birth. Adding MLEE can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress by improving metabolism, redox status, and hormonal balance during pregnancy. These effects were seen whether MLLE was in free or encapsulated forms. However, the use of nanoencapsulated MLEE allowed 80% reduction (10 mg/kg BW) in the optimal dose (50 mg/kg BW) without affecting the efficiency of the treatment. These results support the importance of nanoencapsulation technology in improving the bioavailability of active components when they are orally administered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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16 pages, 2401 KiB  
Article
Exposure to Salinity and Light Spectra Regulates Glucosinolates, Phenolics, and Antioxidant Capacity of Brassica carinata L. Microgreens
by Sylvia Maina, Da Hye Ryu, Jwa Yeong Cho, Da Seul Jung, Jai-Eok Park, Chu Won Nho, Gaymary Bakari, Gerald Misinzo, Je Hyeong Jung, Seung-Hoon Yang and Ho-Youn Kim
Antioxidants 2021, 10(8), 1183; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10081183 - 26 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3459
Abstract
The effect of salt treatment on Brassica carinata (BC) microgreens grown under different light wavelengths on glucosinolates (GLs) and phenolic compounds were evaluated. Quantifiable GLs were identified using ultra-high performance-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Extracts’ ability to activate antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [...] Read more.
The effect of salt treatment on Brassica carinata (BC) microgreens grown under different light wavelengths on glucosinolates (GLs) and phenolic compounds were evaluated. Quantifiable GLs were identified using ultra-high performance-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Extracts’ ability to activate antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) was evaluated on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116). Furthermore, BC compounds’ ability to activate expression of nuclear transcription factor-erythroid 2 related factor (Nrf2) and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins was examined using specific antibodies on HCT116 cells. Sinigrin (SIN) was the abundant GLs of the six compounds identified and its content together with total aliphatic GLs increased in saline conditions. Fluorescent (FL) and blue plus red (B1R1) lights were identified as stable cultivation conditions for microgreens, promoting biomass and glucobrassicin contents, whereas other identified individual and total indole GLs behaved differently in saline and non-saline environments. Blue light-emitting diodes and FL light in saline treatments mostly enhanced SIN, phenolics and antioxidant activities. The increased SOD and CAT activities render the BC microgreens suitable for lowering oxidative stress. Additionally, activation of Nrf2, and HO-1 protein expression by the GLs rich extracts, demonstrate their potential to treat and prevent oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders. Therefore, effective salt treatments and light exposure to BC microgreens present an opportunity for targeted regulation of growth and accumulation of bioactive metabolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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20 pages, 5869 KiB  
Article
Pomegranate Extract (POMx) Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells
by Sheng-Yao Peng, Li-Ching Lin, Shu-Rong Chen, Ammad A. Farooqi, Yuan-Bin Cheng, Jen-Yang Tang and Hsueh-Wei Chang
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1117; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071117 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3161
Abstract
The anticancer effect of pomegranate polyphenolic extract POMx in oral cancer cells has rarely been explored, especially where its impact on mitochondrial functioning is concerned. Here, we attempt to evaluate the proliferation modulating function and mechanism of POMx against human oral cancer (Ca9-22, [...] Read more.
The anticancer effect of pomegranate polyphenolic extract POMx in oral cancer cells has rarely been explored, especially where its impact on mitochondrial functioning is concerned. Here, we attempt to evaluate the proliferation modulating function and mechanism of POMx against human oral cancer (Ca9-22, HSC-3, and OC-2) cells. POMx induced ATP depletion, subG1 accumulation, and annexin V/Western blotting-detected apoptosis in these three oral cancer cell lines but showed no toxicity to normal oral cell lines (HGF-1). POMx triggered mitochondrial membrane potential (MitoMP) disruption and mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX) generation associated with the differential downregulation of several antioxidant gene mRNA/protein expressions in oral cancer cells. POMx downregulated mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and mitochondrial biogenesis gene mRNA/protein expression in oral cancer cells. Moreover, POMx induced both PCR-based mitochondrial DNA damage and γH2AX-detected nuclear DNA damage in oral cancer cells. In conclusion, POMx provides antiproliferation and apoptosis of oral cancer cells through mechanisms of mitochondrial impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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14 pages, 932 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants from a Series of Plant Extracts as Anticancer Agents against Melanoma, Glioblastoma, and Breast Cancer
by Mindaugas Liaudanskas, Vaidotas Žvikas and Vilma Petrikaitė
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1115; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071115 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2801
Abstract
In modern society, cancer is one of the most relevant medical problems. It is important to search for promising plant raw materials whose extracts have strong antioxidant and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of phenolic compounds [...] Read more.
In modern society, cancer is one of the most relevant medical problems. It is important to search for promising plant raw materials whose extracts have strong antioxidant and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of phenolic compounds in plant extracts, to evaluate their antioxidant and anticancer activity, and to find the correlations between those activities. Extracts of calendula, sage, bearberry, eucalyptus, yarrow, and apple were selected for the study. The phenolic compounds of these extracts were determined by the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method and the antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro by four different UV-VIS spectrophotometric methods (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP). The anticancer activity of extracts was tested against melanoma IGR39, glioblastoma U-87, and triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines in vitro by MTT assay. The highest content of identified and quantified phenolic compounds was found in sage leaf extract and the lowest in ethanol eucalyptus leaf extract. The highest antioxidant activity was determined by all applied methods for the acetone eucalyptus leaf extract. The majority of extracts were mostly active against the melanoma IGR39 cell line, and possessed the lowest activity against the glioblastoma U-87 cell line. Acetone extract of eucalyptus leaf samples exhibited the highest anticancer activity against all tested cell lines. Strong and reliable correlation has been found between antioxidant and anticancer activity in breast cancer and glioblastoma cell lines, especially when evaluating antioxidant activity by the FRAP method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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14 pages, 1238 KiB  
Article
Protective Effect of Red Algae (Rhodophyta) Extracts on Essential Dietary Components of Heat-Treated Salmon
by Jaime Ortiz-Viedma, José M. Aguilera, Marcos Flores, Roberto Lemus-Mondaca, María José Larrazabal, José M. Miranda and Santiago P. Aubourg
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1108; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071108 - 11 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3924
Abstract
Salmon paste contains nutritious components such as essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA), vitamin E and astaxanthin, which can be protected with the addition of red algae extracts. Phenolic extracts were prepared with an ethanol: water mixture (1:1) from the red seaweeds Gracilaria chilensis [...] Read more.
Salmon paste contains nutritious components such as essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA), vitamin E and astaxanthin, which can be protected with the addition of red algae extracts. Phenolic extracts were prepared with an ethanol: water mixture (1:1) from the red seaweeds Gracilaria chilensis, Gelidium chilense, Iridaea larga, Gigartina chamissoi, Gigartina skottsbergii and Gigartina radula, obtained from the Pacific Ocean. Most algae had a high content of protein (>7.2%), fiber (>55%) and β-glucans (>4.9%), all expressed on a dry weight basis. Total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and antibacterial power of the extracts were measured. In addition, the nutritional components of the algae were determined. Results showed that the content of TP in the six algae varied between 2.6 and 11.3 mg EAG/g dw and between 2.2 and 9.6 for TF. Also, the extracts of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis showed the highest antiradical activity (DPPH, FRAP). All samples exhibited a low production of primary oxidation products, and protection of the essential components and the endogenous antioxidants tocopherols and astaxanthin, particularly in the case of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis. Furthermore, all algae had inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms, coincident with their antioxidant capacity. Results show that the extracts may have future applications in the development and preservation of essential dietary components of healthy foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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18 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Green One-Pot Synthesis of Coumarin-Hydroxybenzohydrazide Hybrids and Their Antioxidant Potency
by Marko R. Antonijević, Dušica M. Simijonović, Edina H. Avdović, Andrija Ćirić, Zorica D. Petrović, Jasmina Dimitrić Marković, Višnja Stepanić and Zoran S. Marković
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071106 - 10 Jul 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Compounds from the plant world that possess antioxidant abilities are of special importance for the food and pharmaceutical industry. Coumarins are a large, widely distributed group of natural compounds, usually found in plants, often with good antioxidant capacity. The coumarin-hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives were synthesized [...] Read more.
Compounds from the plant world that possess antioxidant abilities are of special importance for the food and pharmaceutical industry. Coumarins are a large, widely distributed group of natural compounds, usually found in plants, often with good antioxidant capacity. The coumarin-hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives were synthesized using a green, one-pot protocol. This procedure includes the use of an environmentally benign mixture (vinegar and ethanol) as a catalyst and solvent, as well as very easy isolation of the desired products. The obtained compounds were structurally characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The purity of all compounds was determined by HPLC and by elemental microanalysis. In addition, these compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity. Mechanisms of antioxidative activity were theoretically investigated by the density functional theory approach and the calculated values of various thermodynamic parameters, such as bond dissociation enthalpy, proton affinity, frontier molecular orbitals, and ionization potential. In silico calculations indicated that hydrogen atom transfer and sequential proton loss–electron transfer reaction mechanisms are probable, in non-polar and polar solvents respectively. Additionally, it was found that the single-electron transfer followed by proton transfer was not an operative mechanism in either solvent. The conducted tests indicate the excellent antioxidant activity, as well as the low potential toxicity, of the investigated compounds, which makes them good candidates for potential use in food chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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12 pages, 969 KiB  
Article
Correlations between Total Antioxidant Capacity, Polyphenol and Fatty Acid Content of Native Grape Seed and Pomace of Four Different Grape Varieties in Hungary
by Éva Szabó, Tamás Marosvölgyi, Gábor Szilágyi, László Kőrösi, János Schmidt, Kristóf Csepregi, László Márk and Ágnes Bóna
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071101 - 09 Jul 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3209
Abstract
Grape pomace is a valuable source of various bioactive compounds such as plant-derived polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The commercial demand of grape skin and seed powders as nutraceuticals is still growing. However, no distinction is currently made between unfermented native grape [...] Read more.
Grape pomace is a valuable source of various bioactive compounds such as plant-derived polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The commercial demand of grape skin and seed powders as nutraceuticals is still growing. However, no distinction is currently made between unfermented native grape seed and grape seed pomace powders regarding their antioxidant activities. Our aim was to find the relationship between the polyphenol and fatty acid content as well as the antioxidant capacity of native and fermented grape seeds of four different grape varieties harvested in the Villány wine region. According to our results, none of the three investigated polyphenols (resveratrol, rutin, quercetin) could be detected in native grape seed samples in correlation with their significantly lower total antioxidant capacities compared to fermented seed samples. Pinot Noir (PN) grape seed pomace samples with the highest resveratrol and oil content showed significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than Cabernet Sauvignon (CS), Syrah (S) and Blue Portugal (BP) samples. Based on the statistical analysis, positive correlation was found between the fatty acid content and the resveratrol concentration in the pomace samples of different grape varieties. In contrast, rutin concentrations were negatively proportional to the fatty acid content of the fermented samples. No significant correlation was found considering the quercetin content of the samples. According to our findings, grape pomace seems a more promising source in the production of nutraceuticals, since it contains polyphenols in higher concentration and exerts significantly higher antioxidant activity than native grape seeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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16 pages, 1018 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Inflammatory Gene Expression Profiles of Bovine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Response to Arthrospira platensis before and after LPS Challenge
by Magdalena Keller, Elisa Manzocchi, Deborah Rentsch, Rosamaria Lugarà and Katrin Giller
Antioxidants 2021, 10(5), 814; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10050814 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2845
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are closely related processes that need to be controlled to ensure the desirable high performance of livestock. The microalga spirulina has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in monogastric species. To investigate potential beneficial effects in ruminants, we replaced [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases are closely related processes that need to be controlled to ensure the desirable high performance of livestock. The microalga spirulina has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in monogastric species. To investigate potential beneficial effects in ruminants, we replaced soybean meal (SOY) in the diets of dairy cows and fattening bulls by spirulina (SPI) and analyzed plasma concentrations of antioxidants (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, polyphenols) and serum total antioxidant capacity. Following in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for expression analysis of inflammation- and antioxidant-defense-related genes. Plasma β-carotene concentration was higher in SPI, compared to SOY cows, but did not differ in bulls. Plasma total phenol concentration was significantly higher in SPI, compared to SOY bulls, but not in cows. Stimulation of bovine PBMCs with LPS increased the expression of most cytokines and some antioxidant enzymes. Gene expression of PBMCs derived from SPI animals, compared to SOY animals, hardly differed. Our results indicate that in ruminants, spirulina might not have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Future studies should evaluate the microbial degradation of spirulina and its bioactive compounds in the rumen to provide further data on potential beneficial health effects in ruminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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13 pages, 1174 KiB  
Article
Production and Characterization of Medium-Sized and Short Antioxidant Peptides from Soy Flour-Simulated Gastrointestinal Hydrolysate
by Chiara Cavaliere, Angela Michela Immacolata Montone, Sara Elsa Aita, Rosanna Capparelli, Andrea Cerrato, Paola Cuomo, Aldo Laganà, Carmela Maria Montone, Susy Piovesana and Anna Laura Capriotti
Antioxidants 2021, 10(5), 734; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10050734 - 06 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2705
Abstract
Soybeans (Glycine max) are an excellent source of dietary proteins and peptides with potential biological activities, such as antihypertensive, anti-cholesterol, and antioxidant activity; moreover, they could prevent cancer. Also, soy contains all the essential amino acids for nutrition; therefore, it represents [...] Read more.
Soybeans (Glycine max) are an excellent source of dietary proteins and peptides with potential biological activities, such as antihypertensive, anti-cholesterol, and antioxidant activity; moreover, they could prevent cancer. Also, soy contains all the essential amino acids for nutrition; therefore, it represents an alternative to animal proteins. The goal of this paper was the comprehensive characterization of medium-sized and short peptides (two to four amino acids) obtained from simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Two different analytical approaches were employed for peptide characterization, namely a common peptidomic analysis for medium-sized peptides and a suspect screening analysis for short peptides, employing an inclusion list of exact m/z values of all possible amino acid combinations. Moreover, fractionation by preparative reversed-phase liquid chromatography was employed to simplify the starting protein hydrolysate. Six fractions were collected and tested for antioxidative activity by an innovative antioxidant assay on human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cell lines. The two most active fractions (2 and 3) were then characterized by a peptidomic approach and database search, as well as by a suspect screening approach, in order to identify potential antioxidant amino acid sequences. Some of the peptides identified in these two fractions have been already reported in the literature for their antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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18 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Effects of Drying Methods on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Potentials of Phenolic Acids in Lovage Elicited by Jasmonic Acid and Yeast Extract
by Urszula Złotek, Sławomir Lewicki, Anna Markiewicz, Urszula Szymanowska and Anna Jakubczyk
Antioxidants 2021, 10(5), 662; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10050662 - 24 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
The study presents the effect of drying methods (traditional, convection, microwave, and freeze-drying) on the content and bioactivity (determined as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative potential) of potentially bioavailable fractions of phenolic acids contained in lovage elicited with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract [...] Read more.
The study presents the effect of drying methods (traditional, convection, microwave, and freeze-drying) on the content and bioactivity (determined as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative potential) of potentially bioavailable fractions of phenolic acids contained in lovage elicited with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE) and in untreated control leaves. The highest amount of syringic acid was recorded in the convectionally dried lovage samples, while ethanolic extracts from lyophilized lovage had the highest content of protocatechuic and caffeic acids. The drying method significantly influenced the tested properties only in some cases. The traditional drying resulted in lower antioxidant potential, while convectional drying caused a reduction of the lipoxygenase inhibition ability of the samples after simulated digestion. Samples containing the control and elicited lovage leaves dried with convectional and traditional methods exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against a prostate cancer epithelial cell line. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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19 pages, 2790 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics of Korean Fermented Brown Rice Using UHPLC Q-TOF MS/MS Reveal an Abundance of Potential Dietary Antioxidative and Stress-Reducing Compounds
by Akanksha Tyagi, Su-Jung Yeon, Eric Banan-Mwine Daliri, Xiuqin Chen, Ramachandran Chelliah and Deog-Hwan Oh
Antioxidants 2021, 10(4), 626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10040626 - 19 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3549
Abstract
Free radical-induced oxidative stress is the root cause of many diseases, such as diabetes, stress and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research was to screen GABA levels, antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds in brown rice. In this study, we first fermented brown [...] Read more.
Free radical-induced oxidative stress is the root cause of many diseases, such as diabetes, stress and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research was to screen GABA levels, antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds in brown rice. In this study, we first fermented brown rice with different lactic acid bacteria (LABs), and the best LAB was selected based on the levels of GABA in the fermentate. Lactobacillus reuterii generated the highest levels of GABA after fermentation. To ascertain whether germination can improve the GABA levels of brown rice, we compared the levels of GABA in raw brown rice (Raw), germinated brown rice (Germ), fermented brown rice (Ferm) and fermented-germinated brown rice (G+F) to identify the best approach. Then, antioxidant activities were investigated for Raw BR, Germ BR, Ferm BR and G+F BR. Antioxidant activity was calculated using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazile radical assay, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylene benzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In Ferm BR, DPPH (114.40 ± 0.66), ABTS (130.52 ± 0.97) and FRAP (111.16 ± 1.83) mg Trolox equivalent 100 g, dry weight (DW), were observed as the highest among all samples. Total phenolic content (97.13 ± 0.59) and total flavonoids contents (79.62 ± 1.33) mg GAE/100 g and catechin equivalent/100 g, DW, were also found to be highest in fermented BR. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach using ultra-high-performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry revealed the abundance of bioactive compounds in fermented BR, such as GABA, tryptophan, coumaric acid, L-ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, β-carotenol, eugenol, 6-gingerol, etc., as well as bioactive peptides which could contribute to the health-promoting properties of L. reuterii fermented brown rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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21 pages, 5829 KiB  
Article
An Extract from Ficus carica Cell Cultures Works as an Anti-Stress Ingredient for the Skin
by Irene Dini, Danila Falanga, Ritamaria Di Lorenzo, Annalisa Tito, Gennaro Carotenuto, Claudia Zappelli, Lucia Grumetto, Antonia Sacchi, Sonia Laneri and Fabio Apone
Antioxidants 2021, 10(4), 515; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10040515 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4530
Abstract
Psychological stress activates catecholamine production, determines oxidation processes, and alters the lipid barrier functions in the skin. Scientific evidence associated with the detoxifying effect of fruits and vegetables, the growing awareness of the long-term issues related to the use of chemical-filled cosmetics, the [...] Read more.
Psychological stress activates catecholamine production, determines oxidation processes, and alters the lipid barrier functions in the skin. Scientific evidence associated with the detoxifying effect of fruits and vegetables, the growing awareness of the long-term issues related to the use of chemical-filled cosmetics, the aging of the population, and the increase in living standards are the factors responsible for the growth of food-derived ingredients in the cosmetics market. A Ficus carica cell suspension culture extract (FcHEx) was tested in vitro (on keratinocytes cells) and in vivo to evaluate its ability to manage the stress-hormone-induced damage in skin. The FcHEx reduced the epinephrine (−43% and −24% at the concentrations of 0.002% and 0.006%, respectively), interleukin 6 (−38% and −36% at the concentrations of 0.002% and 0.006%, respectively), lipid peroxide (−25%), and protein carbonylation (−50%) productions; FcHEx also induced ceramide synthesis (+150%) and ameliorated the lipid barrier performance. The in vivo experiments confirmed the in vitro test results. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL; −12.2%), sebum flow (−46.6% after two weeks and −73.8% after four weeks; on the forehead −56.4% after two weeks and −80.1% after four weeks), and skin lightness (+1.9% after two weeks and +2.7% after four weeks) defined the extract’s effects on the skin barrier. The extract of the Ficus carica cell suspension cultures reduced the transepidermal water loss, the sebum production, the desquamation, and facial skin turning to a pale color from acute stress, suggesting its role as an ingredient to fight the signs of psychological stress in the skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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22 pages, 2573 KiB  
Article
8-Week Supplementation of 2S-Hesperidin Modulates Antioxidant and Inflammatory Status after Exercise until Exhaustion in Amateur Cyclists
by Francisco Javier Martínez-Noguera, Cristian Marín-Pagán, Jorge Carlos-Vivas and Pedro E. Alcaraz
Antioxidants 2021, 10(3), 432; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10030432 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2991
Abstract
Both acute and chronic ingestion of 2S-hesperidin have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, but so far, no one has studied this effect of chronic ingestion in humans. The main objective was to evaluate whether an 8-week intake of 2S-hesperidin had [...] Read more.
Both acute and chronic ingestion of 2S-hesperidin have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, but so far, no one has studied this effect of chronic ingestion in humans. The main objective was to evaluate whether an 8-week intake of 2S-hesperidin had the ability to modulate antioxidant-oxidant and inflammatory status in amateur cyclists. A parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study was carried out with two groups (500 mg/d 2S-hesperidin; n = 20 and 500 mg/d placebo; n = 20). An incremental test was performed to determine the working zones in a rectangular test, which was used to analyze for changes in antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers. After 2S-hesperidin ingestion, we found in the rectangular test: (1) an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) after the exercise phase until exhaustion (p = 0.045) and the acute recovery phase (p = 0.004), (2) a decrease in the area under the oxidized glutathione curve (GSSG) (p = 0.016), and (3) a decrease in monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) after the acute recovery phase (p = 0.004), post-intervention. Chronic 2S-hesperidin supplementation increased endogenous antioxidant capacity (↑SOD) after maximal effort and decreased oxidative stress (↓AUC-GSSG) during the rectangular test, decreasing inflammation (↓MCP1) after the acute recovery phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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16 pages, 1994 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of the Antioxidative Effects of Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum arenarium Infusions
by Katja Kramberger, Zala Jenko Pražnikar, Alenka Baruca Arbeiter, Ana Petelin, Dunja Bandelj and Saša Kenig
Antioxidants 2021, 10(3), 380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10030380 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3177
Abstract
Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (abbrev. as HA) has a long tradition in European ethnomedicine and its inflorescences are approved as a herbal medicinal product. In the Mediterranean part of Europe, Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (abbrev. as HI) is more common. Since infusions [...] Read more.
Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (abbrev. as HA) has a long tradition in European ethnomedicine and its inflorescences are approved as a herbal medicinal product. In the Mediterranean part of Europe, Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (abbrev. as HI) is more common. Since infusions from both plants are traditionally used, we aimed to compare their antioxidative potential using in vitro assays. Two morphologically distinct HI plants, HIa and HIb, were compared to a commercially available HA product. Genetic analysis using microsatellites confirmed a clear differentiation between HI and HA and suggested that HIb was a hybrid resulting from spontaneous hybridization from unknown HI subspecies. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed the highest amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids and total arzanol derivatives in HIa, whereas HIb was richest in monohydroxybenzoic acids, caffeic acids, and coumarins, and HA contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, especially flavanones. HIa exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity; it was more efficient in protecting different cell lines from induced oxidative stress and in inducing oxidative stress-related genes superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and glutathione reductase 1. The antioxidative potential of HI was not only dependent on the morphological type of the plant but also on the harvest date, revealing important information for obtaining the best possible product. Considering the superior properties of HI compared to HA, the evaluation of HI as a medicinal plant could be recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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17 pages, 943 KiB  
Article
Onion Peel: Turning a Food Waste into a Resource
by Rita Celano, Teresa Docimo, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Patrizia Gazzerro, Marina Tucci, Rosa Di Sanzo, Sonia Carabetta, Luca Campone, Mariateresa Russo and Luca Rastrelli
Antioxidants 2021, 10(2), 304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10020304 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 13129
Abstract
Food waste is a serious problem for food processing industries, especially when it represents a loss of a valuable source of nutrients and phytochemicals. Increasing consumer demand for processed food poses the problem of minimizing waste by conversion into useful products. In this [...] Read more.
Food waste is a serious problem for food processing industries, especially when it represents a loss of a valuable source of nutrients and phytochemicals. Increasing consumer demand for processed food poses the problem of minimizing waste by conversion into useful products. In this regard, onion (Allium cepa) waste consisting mainly of onion skin is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Here, we characterized the flavonoid profiles and biological activities of onion skin wastes of two traditional varieties with protected geographical indication (PGI), the red “Rossa di Tropea” and the coppery “Ramata di Montoro”, typically cultivated in a niche area in southern Italy. The phytochemical profiles of exhaustive extracts, characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (UV) detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry, revealed that flavonols and anthocyanins were the characteristic metabolite classes of onion skins. Quercetin, quercetin glucosides and their dimer and trimer derivatives, and, among anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside, were the most abundant bioactive compounds. The potential of onion skins was evaluated by testing several biological activities: ABTS/oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and in vitro alpha-glucosidase assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of the extracts and of their main compounds, respectively, and proliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay on human fibroblasts. In the present study, by observing various biological properties of “Rossa di Tropea” and “Ramata di Montoro” onion-dried skins, we clearly indicated that this agricultural waste can provide bioactive molecules for multiple applications, from industrial to nutraceutical and cosmetical sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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17 pages, 2966 KiB  
Article
Antitussive, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Septum Extract Rich in Bioactive Compounds
by Ionel Fizeșan, Marius Emil Rusu, Carmen Georgiu, Anca Pop, Maria-Georgia Ștefan, Dana-Maria Muntean, Simona Mirel, Oliviu Vostinaru, Béla Kiss and Daniela-Saveta Popa
Antioxidants 2021, 10(1), 119; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10010119 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4779
Abstract
The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled [...] Read more.
The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses. On the third day, all rats were exposed to citric acid aerosols, the number of coughs being recorded. Each animal was sacrificed after exposure, and blood and lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological analysis and the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The results of the experiment showed a significant antitussive effect of WSE, superior to codeine. This activity could be due to cellular protective effect and anti-inflammatory effect via the stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and the decrease of IL-6 and CXC-R1 concentration in the lung tissue of WSE-treated animals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE were confirmed by biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. This is the first scientific study reporting the antitussive effect of walnut septum, a new potential source of non-opioid antitussive drug candidates, and a valuable bioactive by-product that could be used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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14 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
Quercetin and Egg Metallome
by Evangelos Zoidis, Athanasios C. Pappas, Michael Goliomytis, Panagiotis E. Simitzis, Kyriaki Sotirakoglou, Savvina Tavrizelou, George Danezis and Constantinos A. Georgiou
Antioxidants 2021, 10(1), 80; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10010080 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the natural flavonoid quercetin dietary supplementation on the alteration of egg metallome by applying the basic principles of elemental metabolomics. One hundred and ninety-two laying hens were allocated into 4 treatment [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the natural flavonoid quercetin dietary supplementation on the alteration of egg metallome by applying the basic principles of elemental metabolomics. One hundred and ninety-two laying hens were allocated into 4 treatment groups: the control (C) group that was fed with a commercial basal diet and the other experimental groups that were offered the same diet further supplemented with quercetin at 200, 400 and 800 mg per kg of feed (Q2, Q4 and Q8 group, respectively) for 28 days. The diets contained the same vitamin and mineral premix, thus all birds received the same amount of elements since no differences on feed intake existed. The egg elemental profile consisted of As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V, Zn and was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Quercetin supplementation altered the elemental profile. Most notably, quercetin altered the element concentrations predominantly in egg shell and albumen. It increased the concentration of Sb while reduced that of Cr and Se in both egg shell and albumen. Moreover, it increased As, Cd in albumen and V in yolk, while compared to the control, reduced As, Cd, Cr, Cu and V and also raised Ca, Fe, Mg and Ni in egg shell. The presence of quercetin led to differentiation of the deposition of certain trace minerals in egg compartments compared to that of hens fed a basal diet, possibly indicating that tailor made eggs for specific nutritional and health requirements could be created in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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18 pages, 6187 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Quantification of Antioxidants Paraxanthine and Caffeine in Human Saliva by Electrochemical Sensing for CYP1A2 Phenotyping
by Rozalia-Maria Anastasiadi, Federico Berti, Silvia Colomban, Claudio Tavagnacco, Luciano Navarini and Marina Resmini
Antioxidants 2021, 10(1), 10; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10010010 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
The enzyme CYP1A2 is responsible for the metabolism of numerous antioxidants in the body, including caffeine, which is transformed into paraxanthine, its main primary metabolite. Both molecules are known for their antioxidant and pro-oxidant characteristics, and the paraxanthine-to-caffeine molar ratio is a widely [...] Read more.
The enzyme CYP1A2 is responsible for the metabolism of numerous antioxidants in the body, including caffeine, which is transformed into paraxanthine, its main primary metabolite. Both molecules are known for their antioxidant and pro-oxidant characteristics, and the paraxanthine-to-caffeine molar ratio is a widely accepted metric for CYP1A2 phenotyping, to optimize dose–response effects in individual patients. We developed a simple, cheap and fast electrochemical based method for the simultaneous quantification of paraxanthine and caffeine in human saliva, by differential pulse voltammetry, using an anodically pretreated glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed for the first time that the oxidation of paraxanthine is diffusion controlled with an irreversible peak at ca. +1.24 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in a 0.1 M H2SO4 solution, and that the mechanism occurs via the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The simultaneous quantification of paraxanthine and caffeine was demonstrated in 0.1 M H2SO4 and spiked human saliva samples. In the latter case, limits of detection of 2.89 μM for paraxanthine and 5.80 μM for caffeine were obtained, respectively. The sensor is reliable, providing a relative standard deviation within 7% (n = 6). Potential applicability of the sensing platform was demonstrated by running a small scale trial on five healthy volunteers, with simultaneous quantification by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) of paraxanthine and caffeine in saliva samples collected at 1, 3 and 6 h postdose administration. The results were validated by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography and shown to have a high correlation factor (r = 0.994). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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16 pages, 352 KiB  
Article
Does Herbal and/or Zinc Dietary Supplementation Improve the Antioxidant and Mineral Status of Lambs with Parasite Infection?
by Klaudia Čobanová, Zora Váradyová, Ľubomíra Grešáková, Katarína Kucková, Dominika Mravčáková and Marián Várady
Antioxidants 2020, 9(12), 1172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9121172 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2276
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed supplementation with a medicinal herbs mixture (Hmix) and organic zinc (Zn), alone or in combination, on the antioxidant responses and mineral status of lambs infected with the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed supplementation with a medicinal herbs mixture (Hmix) and organic zinc (Zn), alone or in combination, on the antioxidant responses and mineral status of lambs infected with the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. A total of 24 experimentally infected lambs were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n = 6). The diets included an unsupplemented control diet (CON) and the CON further supplemented with Hmix, Zn, or both Hmix + Zn. Antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and microelement (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) concentrations were analyzed in serum, liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa. Zinc treatment elevated the superoxide dismutase activities in the duodenal mucosa and ileal TAC. Intake of Hmix resulted in higher kidney and ileal catalase activity and also influenced the TAC of the liver and intestinal mucosa. The inclusion of Hmix or Zn alone into the diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood, liver and duodenal mucosa. Tissue mineral uptake was not affected by herbal supplementation. Organic Zn intake increased the serum and liver Zn levels and influenced the Cu concentration in duodenal mucosa. Dietary supplementation with Hmix and/or Zn might promote the antioxidant status of lambs infected with Haemonchus spp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
17 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
Changes in Phenolics and Fatty Acids Composition and Related Gene Expression during the Development from Seed to Leaves of Three Cultivated Cardoon Genotypes
by Giulia Graziani, Teresa Docimo, Monica De Palma, Francesca Sparvoli, Luana Izzo, Marina Tucci and Alberto Ritieni
Antioxidants 2020, 9(11), 1096; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9111096 - 08 Nov 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2330
Abstract
Cultivated cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) has long been used as a food and medicine remedy and nowadays is considered a functional food. Its leaf bioactive compounds are mostly represented by chlorogenic acids and coumaroyl derivatives, known for their nutritional value [...] Read more.
Cultivated cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) has long been used as a food and medicine remedy and nowadays is considered a functional food. Its leaf bioactive compounds are mostly represented by chlorogenic acids and coumaroyl derivatives, known for their nutritional value and bioactivity. Having antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, these molecules are used for medicinal purposes. Apart from the phenolic compounds in green tissues, cultivated cardoon is also used for the seed oil, having a composition suitable for the human diet, but also valuable as feedstock for the production of biofuel and biodegradable bioplastics. Given the wide spectrum of valuable cardoon molecules and their numerous industrial applications, a detailed characterization of different organs and tissues for their metabolic profiles as well as an extensive transcriptional analysis of associated key biosynthetic genes were performed to provide a deeper insight into metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation sites. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenylpropanoids profile through UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis, of fatty acids content through GC-MS analysis, along with quantitative transcriptional analyses by qRT-PCR of hydroxycinnamoyl-quinate transferase (HQT), stearic acid desaturase (SAD), and fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes in seeds, hypocotyls, cotyledons and leaves of the cardoon genotypes “Spagnolo”, “Bianco Avorio”, and “Gigante”. Both oil yield and total phenols accumulation in all the tissues and organs indicated higher production in “Bianco Avorio” and “Spagnolo” than in “Gigante”. Antioxidant activity evaluation by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays mirrored total phenols content. Overall, this study provides a detailed analysis of tissue composition of cardoon, enabling to elucidate value-added product accumulation and distribution during plant development and hence contributing to better address and optimize the sustainable use of this natural resource. Besides, our metabolic and transcriptional screening could be useful to guide the selection of superior genotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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29 pages, 4758 KiB  
Article
Chemico-Biological Characterization of Torpedino Di Fondi® Tomato Fruits: A Comparison with San Marzano Cultivar at Two Ripeness Stages
by Cinzia Ingallina, Alessandro Maccelli, Mattia Spano, Giacomo Di Matteo, Antonella Di Sotto, Anna Maria Giusti, Giuliana Vinci, Silvia Di Giacomo, Mattia Rapa, Salvatore Ciano, Caterina Fraschetti, Antonello Filippi, Giovanna Simonetti, Carlos Cordeiro, Marta Sousa Silva, Maria Elisa Crestoni, Anatoly P. Sobolev, Simonetta Fornarini and Luisa Mannina
Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 1027; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9101027 - 21 Oct 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2995
Abstract
Torpedino di Fondi (TF) is a hybrid tomato landrace developed in Sicily and recently introduced in the south Lazio area along with the classical San Marzano (SM) cultivar. The present study aimed at characterizing TF tomatoes at both pink and red ripening stages, [...] Read more.
Torpedino di Fondi (TF) is a hybrid tomato landrace developed in Sicily and recently introduced in the south Lazio area along with the classical San Marzano (SM) cultivar. The present study aimed at characterizing TF tomatoes at both pink and red ripening stages, and at comparing them with traditional SM tomatoes. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of morphological, chemical (FT-ICR MS, NMR, HPLC, and spectrophotometric methods), and biological (antioxidant and antifungal in vitro activity) analyses was applied. Morphological analysis confirmed the mini-San Marzano nature and the peculiar crunchy and solid consistency of TF fruits. Pink TF tomatoes displayed the highest content of hydrophilic antioxidants, like total polyphenols (0.192 mg/g), tannins (0.013 mg/g), flavonoids (0.204 mg/g), and chlorophylls a (0.344 mg/g) and b (0.161 mg/g), whereas red TF fruits were characterized by the highest levels of fructose (3000 mg/100 g), glucose (2000 mg/100 g), tryptophan (2.7 mg/100 g), phenylalanine (13 mg/100 g), alanine (25 mg/100 g), and total tri-unsaturated fatty acids (13% mol). Red SM fruits revealed the greatest content of lipophilic antioxidants, with 1234 mg/g of total carotenoids. In agreement with phenolics content, TF cultivar showed the greatest antioxidant activity. Lastly, red TF inhibited Candida species (albicans, glabrata and krusei) growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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17 pages, 2356 KiB  
Article
Virgin Olive Oil Extracts Reduce Oxidative Stress and Modulate Cholesterol Metabolism: Comparison between Oils Obtained with Traditional and Innovative Processes
by Carmen Lammi, Nadia Mulinacci, Lorenzo Cecchi, Maria Bellumori, Carlotta Bollati, Martina Bartolomei, Carlo Franchini, Maria Lisa Clodoveo, Filomena Corbo and Anna Arnoldi
Antioxidants 2020, 9(9), 798; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9090798 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3966
Abstract
This study was aimed at demonstrating the substantial equivalence of two extra virgin olive oil samples extracted from the same batch of Coratina olives with (OMU) or without (OMN) using ultrasound technology, by performing chemical, biochemical, and cellular investigations. The volatile organic compounds [...] Read more.
This study was aimed at demonstrating the substantial equivalence of two extra virgin olive oil samples extracted from the same batch of Coratina olives with (OMU) or without (OMN) using ultrasound technology, by performing chemical, biochemical, and cellular investigations. The volatile organic compounds compositions and phenolic profiles were very similar, showing that, while increasing the extraction yields, the innovative process does not change these features. The antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenol extracts were also preserved, since OMU and OMN had equivalent abilities to scavenge the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals in vitro and to protect HepG2 cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels. In addition, by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme a reductase, both samples modulated the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway leading to increased LDLR protein levels and activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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18 pages, 2090 KiB  
Article
Effects of Processing on Polyphenolic and Volatile Composition and Fruit Quality of Clery Strawberries
by Stefania Garzoli, Francesco Cairone, Simone Carradori, Andrei Mocan, Luigi Menghini, Patrizia Paolicelli, Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin and Stefania Cesa
Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 632; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9070632 - 17 Jul 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2923
Abstract
Strawberries belonging to cultivar Clery (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston)), cultivated in central Italy were subjected to a multi-methodological experimental study. Fresh and defrosted strawberries were exposed to different processing methods, such as homogenization, thermal and microwave treatments. The homogenate samples [...] Read more.
Strawberries belonging to cultivar Clery (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston)), cultivated in central Italy were subjected to a multi-methodological experimental study. Fresh and defrosted strawberries were exposed to different processing methods, such as homogenization, thermal and microwave treatments. The homogenate samples were submitted to CIEL*a*b* color analysis and Head-Space GC/MS analysis to determine the impact of these procedures on phytochemical composition. Furthermore, the corresponding strawberry hydroalcoholic extracts were further analyzed by HPLC-DAD for secondary metabolites quantification and by means of spectrophotometric in vitro assays to evaluate their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. These chemical investigations confirmed the richness in bioactive metabolites supporting the extraordinary healthy potential of this fruit as a food ingredient, as well as functional food, highlighting the strong influence of the processing steps which could negatively impact on the polyphenol composition. Despite a more brilliant red color and aroma preservation, non-pasteurized samples were characterized by a lower content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity with respect to pasteurized samples, as also suggested by the PCA analysis of the collected data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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13 pages, 2670 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Olive Pâté with Nutraceutical Properties
by Pierpaolo Cavallo, Irene Dini, Immacolata Sepe, Gennaro Galasso, Francesca Luisa Fedele, Andrea Sicari, Sergio Bolletti Censi, Anna Gaspari, Alberto Ritieni, Matteo Lorito and Francesco Vinale
Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 581; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9070581 - 03 Jul 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2664
Abstract
Food plays a central role in health, especially through consumption of plant-derived foods. Functional foods, supplements, and nutraceuticals are increasingly entering the market to respond to consumer demand for healthy products. They are foods, supplements, and ingredients which offer health benefits beyond the [...] Read more.
Food plays a central role in health, especially through consumption of plant-derived foods. Functional foods, supplements, and nutraceuticals are increasingly entering the market to respond to consumer demand for healthy products. They are foods, supplements, and ingredients which offer health benefits beyond the standard nutritional value. Some benefits are associated with phenolic compounds and phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. An olive pâté (OP) was added with antioxidants derived from olive mill wastewater (OMWW) to obtain a functional product rich in phenolic compounds. The olive pâté is produced from the ground olive pericarp, which shows an excellent natural antioxidant content. The OMWW is a waste product from oil processing, which is also rich in phenolic compounds. The result was a product rich in trans-resveratrol, OH tyrosol, and tyrosol in concentrations such as satisfying the European community’s claims regarding the possible antioxidant action on plasma lipids with excellent shelf-life stability. The total phenolic content was assayed by a colorimetric method, the antioxidant activity by the ABTS [(2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] test, the phenolic profile by Q Exactive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS. The shelf-life stability was confirmed by yeast, molds, and total microbial count, pH, and water activity determinations, and the best pasteurization parameters were determined. The palatability was judged as excellent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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19 pages, 1081 KiB  
Article
Innovative and Conventional Valorizations of Grape Seeds from Winery By-Products as Sustainable Source of Lipophilic Antioxidants
by Ivana Dimić, Nemanja Teslić, Predrag Putnik, Danijela Bursać Kovačević, Zoran Zeković, Branislav Šojić, Živan Mrkonjić, Dušica Čolović, Domenico Montesano and Branimir Pavlić
Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 568; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9070568 - 01 Jul 2020
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4284
Abstract
The aim of this study was to valorize the oil recovery from red and white grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) that remains as by-product after the winemaking process. Oils were extracted by modern techniques, ultrasound assisted (UAE), microwave assisted (MAE) and supercritical [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to valorize the oil recovery from red and white grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) that remains as by-product after the winemaking process. Oils were extracted by modern techniques, ultrasound assisted (UAE), microwave assisted (MAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and compared to the Soxhlet extraction (SE). Firstly, SFE was optimized at different operating conditions: pressure (250–350 bar), temperature (40–60 °C), CO2 flow rate (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 kg h−1), and particle size (315–800 µm and >800 µm). The highest extraction yields were achieved by SFE at the optimal conditions: 350 bar, 60 °C, 0.4 kg h−1. Afterwards, SFE was compared to SE, UAE and MAE with respect to oil extraction yields, and analyzed for fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity. Considering the general classification of fatty acids, it was found that samples had high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, regardless of extraction technology. Tocopherol content was significantly influenced by all extraction methods, whereas UAE and MAE resulted in extracts richer with lipophilic antioxidants. In conclusion, modern extractions that are suited for industrial applications had better performance as compared to SE, as judging by the oil yield and quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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13 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
An Environmentally Friendly Practice Used in Olive Cultivation Capable of Increasing Commercial Interest in Waste Products from Oil Processing
by Irene Dini, Giulia Graziani, Francalisa Luisa Fedele, Andrea Sicari, Francesco Vinale, Luigi Castaldo and Alberto Ritieni
Antioxidants 2020, 9(6), 466; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox9060466 - 01 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2884
Abstract
In the Rural Development Plan (2014–2020), the European Commission encouraged the conversion and supported the maintenance of organic farming. Organic olive oil (bioEVOO) production involves the use of environmentally sustainable fertilizers and the recycling of olive pomace (Pom) and olive vegetation waters (VW) [...] Read more.
In the Rural Development Plan (2014–2020), the European Commission encouraged the conversion and supported the maintenance of organic farming. Organic olive oil (bioEVOO) production involves the use of environmentally sustainable fertilizers and the recycling of olive pomace (Pom) and olive vegetation waters (VW) to reduce the environmental impact of these wastes. An ecofriendly way to recycle olive wastes is to reuse them to extract bioactive compounds. In this study, the total phenolic compounds content, their profile and dosage, the antioxidant action in oil, pomace, and vegetation water was evaluated when the Trichoderma harzianum M10 was used as a biostimulant in agriculture. Two spectrophotometric tests (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS)) evaluated the antioxidant potential of samples, a spectrophotometric method estimated total phenolic content, and an Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)–Orbitrap method evaluated the phenolics profile. Our results showed that the biostimulation improved the antioxidant potential and the total concentration of phenolics in the bioEVOO and bio-pomace (bioPom) samples and mainly enhanced, among all classes of phenolic compounds, the production of the flavonoids and the secoiridoids. Moreover, they demonstrated the Trichoderma action in the mevalonate pathway to produce phenols for the first time. The decisive action of the Thricoderma on the production of phenolic compounds increases the economic value of the waste materials as a source of bioactive compounds useful for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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Review

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22 pages, 3488 KiB  
Review
Arbutin as a Skin Depigmenting Agent with Antimelanogenic and Antioxidant Properties
by Yong Chool Boo
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10071129 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 12455
Abstract
Arbutin is a compound of hydroquinone and D-glucose, and it has been over 30 years since there have been serious studies on the skin lightening action of this substance. In the meantime, there have been debates and validation studies about the mechanism of [...] Read more.
Arbutin is a compound of hydroquinone and D-glucose, and it has been over 30 years since there have been serious studies on the skin lightening action of this substance. In the meantime, there have been debates and validation studies about the mechanism of action of this substance as well as its skin lightening efficacy and safety. Several analogs or derivatives of arbutin have been developed and studied for their melanin synthesis inhibitory action. Formulations have been developed to improve the stability, transdermal delivery, and release of arbutin, and device usage to promote skin absorption has been developed. Substances that inhibit melanin synthesis synergistically with arbutin have been explored. The skin lightening efficacy of arbutin alone or in combination with other active ingredients has been clinically evaluated. Combined therapy with arbutin and laser could give enhanced depigmenting efficacy. The use of arbutin causes dermatitis rarely, and caution is recommended for the use of arbutin-containing products, especially from the viewpoint that hydroquinone may be generated during product use. Studies on the antioxidant properties of arbutin are emerging, and these antioxidant properties are proposed to contribute to the skin depigmenting action of arbutin. It is hoped that this review will help to understand the pros and cons of arbutin as a cosmetic ingredient, and will lead to future research directions for developing advanced skin lightening and protecting cosmetic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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32 pages, 3268 KiB  
Review
Spices, Condiments, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aromas as Not Only Flavorings, but Precious Allies for Our Wellbeing
by Irene Dini and Sonia Laneri
Antioxidants 2021, 10(6), 868; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10060868 - 28 May 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6212
Abstract
Spices, condiments and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are crucial components of human history and nutrition. They are substances added to foods to improve flavor and taste. Many of them are used not only to flavor foods, but also in traditional medicine and [...] Read more.
Spices, condiments and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are crucial components of human history and nutrition. They are substances added to foods to improve flavor and taste. Many of them are used not only to flavor foods, but also in traditional medicine and cosmetics. They have antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic, anticoagulant and antiinflammatory properties and exciting potential for preventing chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiomyopathy and cancer when used in the daily diet. Research and development in this particular field are deeply rooted as the consumer inclination towards natural products is significant. It is essential to let consumers know the beneficial effects of the daily consumption of spices, condiments and extra virgin olive oil so that they can choose them based on effects proven by scientific works and not by the mere illusion that plant products are suitable only because they are natural and not chemicals. The study begins with the definition of spices, condiments and extra virgin olive oil. It continues by describing the pathologies that can be prevented with a spicy diet and it concludes by considering the molecules responsible for the beneficial effects on human health (phytochemical) and their eventual transformation when cooked. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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28 pages, 3857 KiB  
Review
Recent Molecular Mechanisms and Beneficial Effects of Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Whole Foods in Reducing LDL-C and Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
by Salman Ul Islam, Muhammad Bilal Ahmed, Haseeb Ahsan and Young-Sup Lee
Antioxidants 2021, 10(5), 784; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox10050784 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7961
Abstract
Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to the development of hyperlipidemia, a common cause of multiple chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) currently remains the primary target for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Despite the advancement of treatment [...] Read more.
Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to the development of hyperlipidemia, a common cause of multiple chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) currently remains the primary target for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Despite the advancement of treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia, medications used to manage hyperlipidemia are limited to allopathic drugs, which present certain limitations and adverse effects. Increasing evidence indicates that utilization of phytochemicals and plant-based whole foods is an alternative and promising strategy to prevent hyperlipidemia and CVD. The current review focuses on phytochemicals and their pharmacological mode of actions for the regulation of LDL-C and prevention of CVD. The important molecular mechanisms illustrated in detail in this review include elevation of reverse cholesterol transport, inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption, acceleration of cholesterol excretion in the liver, and reduction of cholesterol synthesis. Moreover, the beneficial effects of plant-based whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dried nuts, flax seeds, whole grains, peas, beans, vegan diets, and dietary fibers in LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular health are summarized. This review concludes that phytochemicals and plant-based whole foods can reduce LDL-C levels and lower the risk for CVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants)
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