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Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2020) | Viewed by 60534

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Dr. Jeremy J. Johnson

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Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Interests: dietary supplements; phytochemical; phytomedicine; prostate cancer; colon cancer; irritable bowel disease; functional foods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on selected plants and phytochemicals therein to describe the role of dietary phytochemicals that modify cell signaling pathways. Plants are well known to generate a variety of phytochemicals that possess unique physical and chemical properties. The attributes of each phytochemical are responsible for producing unique chemical interactions with traditional and novel disease targets. A layer of complexity includes the use of combinations of phytochemicals present in selected extracts and how these phytochemicals generative a comprehensive pharmacological response.

More specifically, this Special Issue will focus on understanding how dietary phytochemicals, isolated and present in unique combinations, can be used for generating positive benefits with respect to overall health.

Prof. Jeremy J. Johnson
Guest Editor

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Keywords

polyphenols
plants
phytochemicals
bioactive compounds
natural products
functional foods
medicinal products
disease prevention
inflammation
oxidative stress
vascular dysfunction
aging
mitochondrial functionality
apoptosis

Published Papers (12 papers)

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18 pages, 3654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asaronic Acid Inhibited Glucose-Triggered M2-Phenotype Shift Through Disrupting the Formation of Coordinated Signaling of IL-4Rα-Tyk2-STAT6 and GLUT1-Akt-mTOR-AMPK

by Hyeongjoo Oh, Sin-Hye Park, Min-Kyung Kang, Yun-Ho Kim, Eun-Jung Lee, Dong Yeon Kim, Soo-Il Kim, Su Yeon Oh, Woojin Na, Soon Sung Lim and Young-Hee Kang

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2006; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12072006 - 06 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

Macrophage polarization has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Macrophages responsiveness to polarizing signals can result in their functional phenotype shifts. This study examined whether high glucose induced the functional transition of M2 macrophages, which was inhibited by asaronic acid, one of purple perilla constituents. J774A.1 murine macrophages were incubated with 40 ng/mL interleukin (IL)-4 or exposed to 33 mM glucose in the presence of 1-20 μΜ asaronic acid. In macrophages treated with IL-4 for 48 h, asaronic acid further accelerated cellular induction of the M2 markers of IL-10, arginase-1, CD163, and PPARγ via increased IL-4-IL-4Rα interaction and activated Tyk2-STAT6 pathway. Asaronic acid promoted angiogenic and proliferative capacity of M2-polarized macrophages, through increasing expression of VEGF, PDGF, and TGF-β. In glucose-loaded macrophages, there was cellular induction of IL-4, IL-4 Rα, arginase-1, and CD163, indicating that high glucose skewed naïve macrophages toward M2 phenotypes via an IL-4-IL-4Rα interaction. However, asaronic acid inhibited M2 polarization in diabetic macrophages in parallel with inactivation of Tyk2-STAT6 pathway and blockade of GLUT1-mediated metabolic pathway of Akt-mTOR-AMPKα. Consequently, asaronic acid deterred functional induction of COX-2, CTGF, α-SMA, SR-A, SR-B1, and ABCG1 in diabetic macrophages with M2 phenotype polarity. These results demonstrated that asaronic acid allayed glucose-activated M2-phenotype shift through disrupting coordinated signaling of IL-4Rα-Tyk2-STAT6 in parallel with GLUT1-Akt-mTOR-AMPK pathway. Thus, asaronic acid has therapeutic potential in combating diabetes-associated inflammation, fibrosis, and atherogenesis through inhibiting glucose-evoked M2 polarization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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21 pages, 2400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combination of Sulforaphane and Fernblock^® XP Improves Individual Beneficial Effects in Normal and Neoplastic Human Skin Cell Lines

by Simona Serini, Roberta Guarino, Renata Ottes Vasconcelos, Leonardo Celleno and Gabriella Calviello

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1608; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12061608 - 30 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3576

Abstract

Plenty of evidence supports the health effects exerted by dietary supplements containing phytochemicals, but the actual efficacy and safety of their combinations have been seldom experimentally evaluated. On this basis, we investigated in vitro the antioxidant/antineoplastic efficacy and anti-aging activity of a dietary supplement containing sulforaphane (SFN), a sulfur-isothiocyanate present in broccoli, combined with the patented extract Fernblock^® XP (FB), obtained from the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos. We evaluated the effect of SFN and FB, alone or in combination, on migration ability, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) production, neoangiogenic potential and inflammasome activation in human WM115 and WM266-4 melanoma cells. Moreover, the effects on MMPs and reactive oxygen species production, and IL-1β secretion were studied in human normal keratinocytes. The SFN/FB combination inhibited melanoma cell migration in vitro, MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9 production, inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion more efficiently than each individual compound did. In normal keratinocytes, SFN/FB was more efficient than SFN or FB alone in inhibiting MMP-1 and -3 production and IL-1β secretion in the presence of a pro-inflammatory stimulus such as TNF-α. The potential use of SFN/FB based supplements for the prevention of skin aging and as adjuvants in the treatment of advanced melanoma is suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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13 pages, 2203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function Restoration in Mice by Maize Diet Containing Enriched Flavan-4-Ols

by Binning Wu, Rohil Bhatnagar, Vijaya V. Indukuri, Shara Chopra, Kylie March, Nina Cordero, Surinder Chopra and Lavanya Reddivari

Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 896; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12040896 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6108

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition, awaits safe and effective preventive strategies. Naturally occurring flavonoid compounds are promising therapeutic candidates against IBD due to their great antioxidant potential and ability to reduce inflammation and improve immune signaling mediators in the gut. In this study, we utilized two maize near-isogenic lines flavan-4-ols-containing P1-rr (F+) and flavan-4-ols-lacking p1-ww (F−) to investigate the anti-inflammatory property of flavan-4-ols against carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-induced low-grade colonic inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either 1% CMC (w/v) or water for a total of 15 weeks. After week six, mice on CMC treatment were divided into four groups. One group continued on the control diet. The second and third groups were supplemented with F+ at 15% or 25% (w/w). The fourth group received diet supplemented with F− at 15%. Here we report that mice consuming F+(15) and F+(25) alleviated CMC-induced increase in epididymal fat-pad, colon histology score, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 expression and intestinal permeability compared to mice fed with control diet and F−(15). F+(15) and F+(25) significantly enhanced mucus thickness in CMC exposed mice (p < 0.05). These data collectively demonstrated the protective effect of flavan-4-ol against colonic inflammation by restoring intestinal barrier function and provide a rationale to breed for flavan-4-ols enriched cultivars for better dietary benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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12 pages, 2485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Triterpene Acids of Loquat Leaf Improve Inflammation in Cigarette Smoking Induced COPD by Regulating AMPK/Nrf2 and NFκB Pathways

by Tunyu Jian, Xiaoqin Ding, Jiawei Li, Yuexian Wu, Bingru Ren, Jing Li, Han Lv, Jian Chen and Weilin Li

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12030657 - 28 Feb 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

Cigarette smoking (CS) is believed to be an important inducement in the pathological development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease. Loquat is an Asian evergreen tree commonly cultivated for its fruit. Its leaf has long been used as an important material for both functional and medicinal applications in the treatment of lung disease in China and Japan. As the principal functional components of loquat leaf, triterpene acids (TAs) have shown notable anti-inflammatory activity. However, their protective activity and underlying action of mechanism on CS-induced COPD inflammation are not yet well understood. In the present study, male C57BL/6 mice were challenged with CS for 12 weeks, and from the seventh week of CS exposure, mice were fed with TAs (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 6 weeks to figure out the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of TAs in CS-induced COPD inflammation. The results demonstrate that TA suppressed the lung histological changes in CS-exposed mice, as evidenced by the diminished generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Moreover, TA treatment significantly inhibited the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, TAs increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) expression level, while inhibiting phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in CS-induced COPD. In summary, our study reveals a protective effect and putative mechanism of TA action involving the inhibition of inflammation by regulating AMPK/Nrf2 and NFκB pathways. Our findings suggest that TAs could be considered as a promising functional material for treating CS-induced COPD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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11 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Angelica Gigas Nakai Extract on Blood Triglycerides

by Su-Jin Jung, Woo-Rim Kim, Mi-Ra Oh, Youn-Soo Cha, Byung-Hyun Park and Soo-Wan Chae

Nutrients 2020, 12(2), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020377 - 31 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3720

Abstract

Angelica gigas Nakai, Korean dang-gui, has long been widely used in traditional treatment methods. There have been a number of studies of the health effects of A. gigas and related compounds, but studies addressing effects on blood triglycerides (TG) are lacking. To investigate the effects of A. gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) on TG in Korean subjects, we carried out a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects who met the inclusion criterion (130 mg/dL ≤ fasting blood TG ≤ 200 mg/dL) were recruited for this study. One hundred subjects were assigned to the AGNE group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 50), who were given 1 g/day of AGNE (as a gigas Nakai extract 200 mg/d) in capsules and the control group for 12 weeks. Outcomes were efficacy TG, lipid profiles, atherogenic index, and safety parameters were assessed initially for a baseline measurement and after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of supplementation, TG and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration and TG/HDL-C ratio in the AGNE group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < 05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed. These results suggest that the ingestion of AGNE may improve TG and be useful to manage or prevent hypertriglyceridemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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21 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Acute and Chronic Cognitive and Cerebral Blood-Flow Effects of Nepalese Pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) Extract—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans

by David Kennedy, Emma Wightman, Julie Khan, Torsten Grothe and Philippa Jackson

Nutrients 2019, 11(12), 3022; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11123022 - 10 Dec 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4350

Abstract

Background: Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (ZA) is a traditional Asian culinary spice and medicinal compound, which is rich in monoterpenes and hydroxy α-sanshool. Mechanistic interactions with the monoamine, cholinergic and cannabinoid neurotransmission systems, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) and potassium ion channels, may predispose ZA to modulate human brain function. Objectives: To investigate the effects of a single dose and 56-days supplementation with a lipid extract of ZA on cognitive function, mood and cerebral blood-flow (CBF) parameters in the pre-frontal cortex during cognitive task performance. Design: Double-blind, randomized, parallel groups study with N = 82 healthy males and females between the ages of 30 and 55 years. Assessments were undertaken pre-dose and at 1, 3 and 5 h post-dose on the first (Day 1) and last (Day 56) days of supplementation. Results: A single dose of ZA (Day 1) resulted in acute improvements on a ‘Speed of Attention’ factor and the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) task, in comparison to placebo. However, following ZA participants were less accurate on the name-to-face recall task. After 56 days of ZA consumption (Day 56), speed was enhanced on a global ‘Speed of Performance’ measure, comprising data from all of the timed tasks in the computerized battery. Participants also completed more correct Serial 3s Subtractions at the 3 h assessment and were less mentally fatigued throughout the day than participants consuming placebo. These effects were complemented on both Day 1 and Day 56 by modulation of CBF parameters, as assessed by Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The primary finding here was a reduced hemodynamic response during the RVIP task. Conclusion: ZA improves aspects of cognitive performance, in particular the speed of performing tasks, in healthy humans and results in concomitant reductions in hemodynamic responses in the frontal cortex during task performance. The findings suggest an increase in neural efficiency following ZA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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19 pages, 950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aqueous Partition of Methanolic Extract of Dicranopteris linearis Leaves Protects against Liver Damage Induced by Paracetamol

by Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria, Farah Hidayah Kamisan, Nurliana Mohd. Nasir, Lay Kek Teh and Mohd. Zaki Salleh

Nutrients 2019, 11(12), 2945; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11122945 - 04 Dec 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3373

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of semi-purified aqueous partition obtained from the methanol extract of Dicranopteris linearis (AQDL) leaves against paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver intoxication in rats. The test solutions, AQDL (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg), were administered orally to rats (n = 6) once daily for seven consecutive days followed by the hepatotoxicity induction using 3 g/kg PCM (p.o.). Blood was collected for serum biochemical parameters analysis while the liver was collected for histopathological examination and endogenous antioxidant enzymes analysis. AQDL was also subjected to antioxidant determination and phytochemical analysis. Results obtained show that AQDL possessed high total phenolic content (TPC) value and remarkable radical scavenging activities. AQDL also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the liver weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio or serum level of ALT, AST, and total bilirubin while significantly (p < 0.05) increase the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) without affecting the malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver indicating its hepatoprotective effect. Phytoconstituents analyses showed only the presence of saponins and triterpenes, but lack of flavonoids. In conclusion, AQDL exerts hepatoprotective activity via its high antioxidant potential and ability to modulate the endogenous enzymatic antioxidant defense system possibly via the synergistic action of saponins and triterpenes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 3214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Punicalagin Prevents Inflammation in LPS- Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages by Inhibiting FoxO3a/Autophagy Signaling Pathway

by Yuan Cao, Jihua Chen, Guofeng Ren, Yahui Zhang, Xiuying Tan and Lina Yang

Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2794; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11112794 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 148 | Viewed by 12721

Abstract

Punicalagin, a hydrolysable tannin of pomegranate juice, exhibits multiple biological effects, including inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Autophagy, an intracellular self-digestion process, has been recently shown to regulate inflammatory responses. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of punicalagin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 macrophages and uncovered the underlying mechanisms. Punicalagin significantly attenuated, in a concentration-dependent manner, LPS-induced release of NO and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 release at the highest concentration. We found that punicalagin inhibited NF-κB and MAPK activation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Western blot analysis revealed that punicalagin pre-treatment enhanced LC3II, p62 expression, and decreased Beclin1 expression in LPS-induced macrophages. MDC assays were used to determine the autophagic process and the results worked in concert with Western blot analysis. In addition, our observations indicated that LPS-induced releases of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 were attenuated by treatment with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine, suggesting that autophagy inhibition participated in anti-inflammatory effect. We also found that punicalagin downregulated FoxO3a expression, resulting in autophagy inhibition. Overall these results suggested that punicalagin played an important role in the attenuation of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages and that the mechanisms involved downregulation of the FoxO3a/autophagy signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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11 pages, 1788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Baicalein as a Potential Inhibitor against BACE1 and AChE: Mechanistic Comprehension through In Vitro and Computational Approaches

by Jin Han, Yeongseon Ji, Kumju Youn, GyuTae Lim, Jinhyuk Lee, Dong Hyun Kim and Mira Jun

Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11112694 - 07 Nov 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3838

Abstract

One of the major neurodegenerative features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the presence of neurotoxic amyloid plaques composed of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). β-Secretase (BACE1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which promote Aβ fibril formation, have become attractive therapeutic targets for AD. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the major efflux pump of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), plays a critical role in limiting therapeutic molecules. In pursuit of discovering a natural anti-AD candidate, the bioactivity, physicochemical, drug-likeness, and molecular docking properties of baicalein, a major compound from Scutellaria baicalensis, was investigated. Baicalein exhibited strong BACE1 and AChE inhibitory properties (IC₅₀ 23.71 ± 1.91 µM and 45.95 ± 3.44 µM, respectively) and reacted in non-competitive and competitive manners with substrates, respectively. in Silico docking analysis was in full agreement with the in vitro results, demonstrating that the compound exhibited powerful binding interaction with target enzymes. Particularly, three continuous hydroxyl groups on the A ring demonstrated strong H-bond binding properties. It is also noteworthy that baicalein complied with all requirements of Lipinski’s rule of five by its optimal physicochemical properties for both oral bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability. Overall, the present study strongly demonstrated the possibility of baicalein having in vivo pharmacological efficacy for specific targets in the prevention and/or treatment of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Buckwheat d-Fagomine and Fish Omega-3 PUFAs Stabilize the Populations of Gut Prevotella and Bacteroides While Reducing Weight Gain in Rats

by Mercè Hereu, Sara Ramos-Romero, Roser Marín-Valls, Susana Amézqueta, Bernat Miralles-Pérez, Marta Romeu, Lucía Méndez, Isabel Medina and Josep Lluís Torres

Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2606; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11112606 - 31 Oct 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4094

Abstract

Some functional food components may help maintain homeostasis by promoting balanced gut microbiota. Here, we explore the possible complementary effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA 1:1) on putatively beneficial gut bacterial strains. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were supplemented with d-fagomine, ω-3 PUFAs, or both, for 23 weeks. Bacterial subgroups were evaluated in fecal DNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and short-chain fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. We found that the populations of the genus Prevotella remained stable over time in animals supplemented with d-fagomine, independently of ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Animals in these groups gained less weight than controls and rats given only ω-3 PUFAs. d-Fagomine supplementation together with ω-3 PUFAs maintained the relative populations of Bacteroides. ω-3 PUFAs alone or combined with d-fagomine reduced the amount of acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acids in feces. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid derived metabolites, triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in both groups supplemented with ω-3 PUFAs. The d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs combination provided the functional benefits of each supplement. Notably, it helped stabilize populations of Prevotella in the rat intestinal tract while reducing weight gain and providing the anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of ω-3 PUFAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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14 pages, 1559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sesame Lignans Suppress Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Senescence-Accelerated Mice

by Satomi Shimoyoshi, Daisuke Takemoto, Yoshiko Ono, Yoshinori Kitagawa, Hiroshi Shibata, Susumu Tomono, Keiko Unno and Keiji Wakabayashi

Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1582; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu11071582 - 12 Jul 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3908

Abstract

Sesame lignans, which are biologically active compounds present in sesame seeds and oil, are known to have neuroprotective effects in several models of brain dysfunction. However, the effects of sesame lignans on age-related brain dysfunction are not clear and were thus investigated in the present study using a senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP10). Two-month-old male SAMP10 mice were administrated a basal diet with 0% or 0.05% sesame lignans for two months, or with 0%, 0.02%, or 0.05% sesame lignans for 10 months and subjected to step-through passive avoidance tasks and forced swim tests. Reactive carbonyl species (RCs) were evaluated as markers of oxidative stress using a recently developed comprehensive analytical method. Both learning time in passive avoidance tasks and immobile time in forced swim tests became longer with aging (p < 0.05). However, the administration of sesame lignans significantly ameliorated age-related effects in both tests (p < 0.05). Age-related increases in RCs such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in the cerebral cortex and liver were reduced in mice fed sesame lignans. These results suggest that sesame lignans can prevent age-related brain dysfunction via anti-oxidative activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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28 pages, 1958 KiB

Open AccessReview

Health-Promoting Properties of Proanthocyanidins for Intestinal Dysfunction

by Carlos González-Quilen, Esther Rodríguez-Gallego, Raúl Beltrán-Debón, Montserrat Pinent, Anna Ardévol, M Teresa Blay and Ximena Terra

Nutrients 2020, 12(1), 130; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12010130 - 02 Jan 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 7272

Abstract

The intestinal barrier is constantly exposed to potentially harmful environmental factors, including food components and bacterial endotoxins. When intestinal barrier function and immune homeostasis are compromised (intestinal dysfunction), inflammatory conditions may develop and impact overall health. Evidence from experimental animal and cell culture studies suggests that exposure of intestinal mucosa to proanthocyanidin (PAC)-rich plant products, such as grape seeds, may contribute to maintaining the barrier function and to ameliorating the pathological inflammation present in diet-induced obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. In this review, we aim to update the current knowledge on the bioactivity of PACs in experimental models of intestinal dysfunction and in humans, and to provide insights into the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Dietary Phytochemicals)

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