Waste by-products from Olea europaea as a potential application in Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome

The use of agri-food by-products represents an important resource in the nutraceutical field in a circular economy perspective oriented to the valorization of our territory products: among these, the olive tree (Olea europaea, Coratina cultivar in particular), is an excellent nutraceutical even though it derives from food waste. In this study we present a polyphenolic complex - derived from the mechanical filtration process of wastewater resulting from olive oil production - called MOMAST®. Based on the results obtained from the chemical composition analysis, we hypothesized a possible application of the phytocomplex as a food supplement in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) [1] [2]. After testing three different types of extracts (MOMAST Plus30, PW25, and HY100) on some IBS-related targets, we verified their antioxidant action and effects on spontaneous and induced intestinal contractility of ileum and colon [3, 4]. From the scientific evidence found, MOMAST® compounds have proved to be excellent candidates to become food supplements in the treatment of IBS [5]: in particular, Plus30 also showed an interesting action against some microorganisms due to its high concentration of polyphenols and oleuropein. References [1] L. Recinella, A. Chiavaroli, G. Orlando, L. Menghini, C. Ferrante, L. Di Cesare Mannelli, C. Ghelardini, L. Brunetti, S. Leone, Molecules, 2019, 24, 3002. [2] T. Tian, Z. Wang, J. Zhang, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, 2017, 4535194. [3] J.K. Triantafillidis, A. Triantafyllidi, C. Vagianos, A. Papalois, Annals of Gastroenterology, 2016, 29, 268. [4] M. Micucci, M. Malaguti, T.G. Toschi, G. Di Lecce, R. Aldini, A. Angeletti, A. Chiarini, R. Budriesi, S. Hrelia, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2015, 2015, 318125. [5] M.J. Oliveras-López, G. Berna, E.M. Carneiro, H.L.G. De La Serrana, F. Martin, M.C. López, The Journal of Nutrition, 2008, 138, 1074

Chemical Features and Biological Effects of Astaxanthin Extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow: Focus on Gastrointestinal System

The main purpose of this review is to analyze published data concerning the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin, a xanthophyll, produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis in response to specific conditions of “environmental stress” and characterized by its typical deep red color. Natural astaxanthin establishes effective protections against oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals in both the inner and outer layer of cell membranes, especially in mitochondria. The most recent preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the beneficial properties of this molecule toward the gastrointestinal tract were included

Further Quinolizidine Derivatives as Antiarrhythmic Agents- 3

Fourteen quinolizidine derivatives, structurally related to the alkaloids lupinine and cytisine and previously studied for other pharmacological purposes, were presently tested for antiarrhythmic, and other cardiovascular effects on isolated guinea pig heart tissues in comparison to well-established reference drugs. According to their structures, the tested compounds are assembled into three subsets: (a) N-(quinolizidinyl-alkyl)-benzamides; (b) 2-(benzotriazol-2-yl)methyl-1- (quinolizidinyl)alkyl-benzimidazoles; (c) N-substituted cytisines. All compounds but two displayed antiarrhythmic activity that was potent for compounds 4, 1, 6, and 5 (in ascending order). The last compound (N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)aminohomolupinane) was outstanding, exhibiting a nanomolar potency (EC50 = 0.017 µM) for the increase in the threshold of ac-arrhythmia. The tested compounds shared strong negative inotropic activity; however, this does not compromise the value of their antiarrhythmic action. On the other hand, only moderate or modest negative chronotropic and vasorelaxant activities were commonly observed. Compound 5, which has high antiarrhythmic potency, a favorable cardiovascular profile, and is devoid of antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats, represents a lead worthy of further investigation

Olive Tree in Circular Economy as a Source of Secondary Metabolites Active for Human and Animal Health Beyond Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Abstract Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains many bioactive compounds with multiple biological activities that make it one of the most important functional foods. Both the constituents of the lipid fraction and that of the unsaponifiable fraction show a clear action in reducing oxidative stress by acting on various body components, at concentrations established by the European Food Safety Authority’s claims. In addition to the main product obtained by the mechanical pressing of the fruit, i.e., the EVOO, the residual by-products of the process also contain significant amounts of antioxidant molecules, thus potentially making the Olea europea L. an excellent example of the circular economy. In fact, the olive mill wastewaters, the leaves, the pomace, and the pits discharged from the EVOO production process are partially recycled in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields also because of their antioxidant effect. This work presents an overview of the biological activities of these by-products, as shown by in vitro and in vivo assays, and also from clinical trials, as well as their main formulations currently available on the market

Effects of turmeric powder on intestinal and biliary functions: The influence of curcuminoids concentration on spontaneous contractility

Two turmeric food powders (C1 and C2) were studied for curcuminoid content and their effects on the guinea pig intestinal tract in vitro. C1 contained a higher curcuminoid content than C2 (5.22% vs 2.31%). C1 and C2 increased gallbladder (similar to 10%) and biliary smooth muscle tone (similar to 15%), without affecting the sphincter of Oddi smooth muscle contractility. C2 was more effective than C1 in lowering ileum tone (-22% vs -37%), whereas the reverse occurred in the colon (-50% vs 20%). Standard Fast Fourier transforms and absolute powers analysis of the frequency bands highlighted that, in the bile duct, C2 induced contractions of higher variability and ampler oscillations of low-frequency waves. At the Oddi sphincter, C1 had a biphasic effect, increasing and then drastically decreasing the oscillations. The same occurred with C2 in the ileum, while both samples reduced the fluctuations in the colon

Magnolia officinalis L. bark extract and respiratory diseases: From traditional Chinese medicine to western medicine via network target

The understanding of the use of Magnolia officinalis L. (Magnoliaceae) as a possible dietary supplement for supporting the treatment of airway pathologies might be of clinical interest. Two commercially available bark extracts (M. officinalis extract [MOE]) were characterized by quantitation in honokiol and magnolol content by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. MOE effects, as well as those of the reference compounds per se, on some targets connected to airway pathologies (antibacterial- and lung and trachea relaxing- activities) were investigated. Results showed that MOE possessed interesting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This was accompanied by a spasmolytic and antispasmodic activity, possibly owing to its ability to concurrently modulate different targets such as H-1-, beta(2)- and muscarinic receptors and l-type calcium channels involved in bronchodilation. All these effects were directly related to the MOE content in honokiol and magnolol. In conclusion, the properties of MOE highlighted here strongly encourage its application as dietary supplement in the treatment of airway diseases

Activity of Antioxidants from Crocus sativus L. Petals: Potential Preventive Effects towards Cardiovascular System.

The petals of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) are considered a waste material in saffron production, but may be a sustainable source of natural biologically active substances of nutraceutical interest. The aim of this work was to study the cardiovascular effects of kaempferol and crocin extracted from saffron petals. The antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects of saffron petal extract (SPE), kaempferol, and crocin were evaluated through in vitro biological assays. The antioxidant activity of kaempferol and crocin was investigated through the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay using rat cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2. The MTT assay was applied to assess the effects of kaempferol and crocin on cell viability. SPE showed weak negative inotropic and chronotropic intrinsic activities but a significant intrinsic activity on smooth muscle with a potency on the ileum greater than on the aorta: EC50 = 0.66 mg/mL versus EC50 = 1.45 mg/mL. Kaempferol and crocin showed a selective negative inotropic activity. In addition, kaempferol decreased the contraction induced by KCl (80 mM) in guinea pig aortic and ileal strips, while crocin had no effect. Furthermore, following oxidative stress, both crocin and kaempferol decreased intracellular ROS formation and increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The results indicate that SPE, a by-product of saffron cultivation, may represent a good source of phytochemicals with a potential application in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Essential Oil Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Eucalyptus largiflorens F. Muell

In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, the antibacterial activity, and the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Eucalyptus largiflorens F. Muell. The antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract of aerial parts of the plant, obtained by Soxhlet apparatus, were estimated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods. The essential oils were chemically characterized by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) and flame ionization detector (FID). Thirty compounds were identified, with 1,8-cineol, α-pinene, aromadendrene, globulol and α-phellandrene being the major components. The antibacterial activities of the essential oils were tested against several bacterial isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia Coli, using the disc diffusion method. All the essential oils exhibited antibacterial activity. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed for Escherichia coli, with the fruit essential oil in the concentration (100 μL). There was no significant antioxidant activity in the essential oils, while the extracts exhibited considerable antioxidant effects in comparison to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In this regard, the flower extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in both DPPH (IC50 = 21.5±0.2 μg/mL) and β-carotene/linoleic acid tests (Inhibition (%) = 84.3±0.7). Finally, the fruit essential oil exerts a significant antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains and exhibits a significant antioxidant effect in the β-carotene/linoleic acid tests, thus it may represent an innovative nutraceutical tool able to act on bacteria and host oxidative stress related to infections

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Lentil Wastes: Antioxidant Activity Evaluation and Metabolomic Characterization

The recovery of industrial by-products is part of the zero-waste circular economy. Lentil seed coats are generally considered to be a waste by-product. However, this low-value by-product is rich in bioactive compounds and may be considered an eco-friendly source of health-promoting phytochemicals. For the first time, a sustainable microwave-assisted extraction technique was applied, and a solvent screening was carried out to enhance the bioactive compound content and the antioxidant activity of green and red lentil hull extracts. With respect to green lentil hull extracts that were obtained with different solvents, the aqueous extract of the red lentil seed coats showed the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid content (TPC = 28.3 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g dry weight, TFC = 1.89 ± 0.01 mg CE/100 mg dry weight, respectively), as well as the highest antioxidant activity, both in terms of the free radical scavenging activity (ABTS, 39.06 ± 0.73 mg TE/g dry weight; DPPH, IC50 = 0.39 μg/mL) and the protection of the neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y, IC50 = 10.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL), the latter of which has never been investigated so far. Furthermore, a metabolite discovery analysis was for the first time performed on the aqueous extracts of both cultivars using an HPLC separation which was coupled with an Orbitrap-based high-Resolution Mass Spectrometry technique