LC-QTOF/MS-Based Profiling of the Phytochemicals in Ice Plant () and Their Bioactivities.

Recent assessments of the correlations between food and medicine underscore the importance of functional foods in disease prevention and management. Functional foods offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, with fresh fruits and vegetables being particularly prominent because of their rich polyphenol content. In this study, we elucidated the phytochemicals in ice plant (), a globally consumed vegetable, using an LC-QTOF/MS-based untargeted detection method.

Anti-Metastatic Effects of Standardized Polysaccharide Fraction from Leaves via GSK3β/β-Catenin and JNK Inactivation in Human Colon Cancer Cells.

A polysaccharide fraction from (PLE0) leaves was previously reported to possess immunostimulatory, anti-osteoporotic, and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitory activities. Although a few beneficial effects against colon cancer metastasis have been reported, we aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic activity of PLE0 and its underlying molecular mechanisms in HT-29 and HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. We conducted a wound-healing assay, invasion assay, qRT-PCR analysis, western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, luciferase assay, and small interfering RNA gene silencing in colon cancer cells.

Engineering Bacillus subtilis J46 for efficient utilization of galactose through adaptive laboratory evolution.

Efficient utilization of galactose by microorganisms can lead to the production of valuable bio-products and improved metabolic processes. While Bacillus subtilis has inherent pathways for galactose metabolism, there is potential for enhancement via evolutionary strategies. This study aimed to boost galactose utilization in B.

Anti-Colitic Effect of an Exopolysaccharide Fraction from KFT-18 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis through Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators.

We previously reported the immunostimulatory effect of an exopolysaccharide fraction from KFT18 (PE-EPS), a lactic acid bacterium, in macrophages and primary splenocytes, as well as in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. In this study, the anti-colitic activity of PE-EPS was investigated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis animal model. PE-EPS relieved DSS-induced colitis symptoms, such as stool blood, decreased colon length, crypt disruption, and mucus layer edema.

Ginsenoside Rf Enhances Exercise Endurance by Stimulating Myoblast Differentiation and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in C2C12 Myotubes and ICR Mice.

Ginsenoside Rf (G-Rf) is a saponin of the protopanaxatriol family and a bioactive component of Korean ginseng. Several ginsenosides are known to have a positive effect on exercise endurance, but there is not yet a report on that of G-Rf. Forced swimming tests were performed on G-Rf-treated mice to evaluate the effect of G-Rf on exercise endurance.

Strain-Specific Identification and In Vivo Immunomodulatory Activity of Heat-Killed K040706.

We previously reported that the immunostimulatory activity of heat-killed K040706 in macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-treated mice. However, identification of heat-killed K040706 (heat-killed LS06) using a validated method is not yet reported. Further, the underlying molecular mechanisms for its immunostimulatory effects in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice remain unknown.

Protective effect of exopolysaccharide fraction from Bacillus subtilis against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis through maintenance of intestinal barrier and suppression of inflammatory responses.

We previously reported that an exopolysaccharide-enriched fraction from Bacillus subtilis J92 (B-EPS) could improve immune functions by regulating the immunological parameters of IFN-γ-primed macrophages, CD3/CD28-stimulated splenocytes, and in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. In the present study, we investigated whether B-EPS contributes to the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model that mimics human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). B-EPS treatment improved histological characteristics and common features including a high disease activity index (DAI), an increased spleen weight, and colon shortening in DSS-induced colitis.

Ganoderma lucidum Rhodiola compound preparation prevent D-galactose-induced immune impairment and oxidative stress in aging rat model.

Aging is an irreversible process. This research aims to study the anti-aging effects of GRCP, a compound preparation made by Ganoderma lucidum and Rhodiola rosen, in aging rats. Rats were subcutaneously injected with 400 mg/kg of D-galactose daily, and aging could be induced after 8 weeks.

Selective activation of the estrogen receptor-β by the polysaccharide from Cynanchum wilfordii alleviates menopausal syndrome in ovariectomized mice.

The menopausal syndrome caused by rapid changes in hormone levels greatly influences the quality of life of women. Though hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used to treat the menopausal syndrome, it exhibits many side effects, including the risk of thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, and increased incidence of breast cancer; thus, diversifying the interest for phytotherapy-based materials as alternatives to HRT. Here, we isolated a crude polysaccharide fraction (CWPF) from Cynanchum wilfordii root that alleviated the ovariectomy-induced uterine atrophy and bone loss without changes in plasma estradiol concentration in mice.

Polysaccharide isolated from persimmon leaves (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) suppresses TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells.

In the present study, to verify the effect of polysaccharides derived from persimmon leaves (PLE) at epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), A549 cells were treated with TGF-β1 alone or co-treated with TGF-β1 and PLE (50 and 75 μg/mL). PLE-treated cells showed higher expression of E-cadherin and lower expression of N-cadherin and vimentin compared to TGF-β1-treated cells by inhibiting the levels of transcription factors, including Snail, Slug, and ZEB1, all associated with EMT. PLE also significantly decreased migration, invasion, and anoikis resistance through TGF-β1 mediated EMT suppression, whereby PLE inhibited the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while cleaving PARP.

Acute Oral Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Polysaccharide Fraction from Young Barley Leaves ( L.).

Polysaccharides isolated from various plants are considered precious bioactive materials owing to their potent biological activities. Previously, we prepared a polysaccharide fraction (BLE0) isolated from young barley leaves ( L.), demonstrating its anti-osteoporotic and immunostimulatory activities.

Polysaccharides isolated from lotus leaves (LLEP) exert anti-osteoporotic effects by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Nelumbo nucifera, more commonly known as the Indian lotus, is an important plant that has been incorporated into traditional herbal remedies along the years. Even today, lotus leaves are considered reservoirs for bioactive compounds that can be used as nutritional supplements to treat various human diseases. However, despite the wide ranging biological activities of lotus polysaccharides, limited information is available regarding the anti-osteoporotic effects of these substances.

Effect of enzyme-assisted extraction on the physicochemical properties and bioactive potential of lotus leaf polysaccharides.

Lotus leaf polysaccharides were extracted by enzyme-assisted extraction using α-amylase (LLEP-A), cellulose (LLEP-C), pectinase (LLEP-P) or protease (LLEP-PR). Their physicochemical properties and immunostimulatory activities were compared with those of hot-water extracted polysaccharides (LLWP). HPAEC-PDA and HPSEC-RI profiles indicated that variations in their molecular weight patterns and chemical compositions.

Red Ginseng Improves Exercise Endurance by Promoting Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Myoblast Differentiation.

Red ginseng has been reported to elicit various therapeutic effects relevant to cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of red ginseng on exercise endurance and skeletal muscle function remains unclear. Herein, we sought to investigate whether red ginseng could affect exercise endurance and examined its molecular mechanism.

Immunostimulatory effects of polysaccharides isolated from young barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.) with dual activation of Th1 and Th2 in splenic T cells and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Botanical polysaccharides have been widely known to possess immunological activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunostimulatory properties of polysaccharides isolated from barley leaf (Hordeum vulgare L.) (BLE0) in splenocytes and cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of novel polysaccharides from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaves and their immunostimulatory effects.

In this study, a crude water-soluble polysaccharide (LLWP-C) was extracted from lotus leaves and further purified by size exclusion chromatography, to obtain the two main polysaccharides, LLWP-1 and LLWP-3. Physical and chemical analyses showed that they were homogeneous polysaccharides in β-type glycosidic linkage. LLWP-1 was devoid of helical conformation, had a molecular weight of 85.

Discrimination of Structural and Immunological Features of Polysaccharides from Persimmon Leaves at Different Maturity Stages.

In this study, we investigated changes in the structural and immunological features of polysaccharides (S1-PLE0, S2-PLE0, and S3-PLE0) extracted from persimmon leaves at three different growth stages. Physicochemical analyses revealed that their chemical compositions, molecular weight distributions, and linkage types differed. High-performance size-exclusion chromatograms showed that the molecular weights of the polysaccharides increased during successive growth stages.

Protective effects of a polysaccharide BLE0 isolated from barley leaf on bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

Potent anti-osteoporotic drugs have been developed over the past decades; however, the substantial need for treatments that can effectively and safely manage osteoporosis remains unmet. Barley leaf-derived products are one of best functional foods that can be used as nutritional supplements and detoxifiers in humans and are beneficial in improving bone disease. However, little information is available regarding the anti-osteoporotic effects of polysaccharides as the main component of barley leaf.

The Effect of Pectinase-Assisted Extraction on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Polysaccharides from .

The edible and medicinal perennial herb is known to have anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. However, the biological effects of its polysaccharides are not well understood. Here, we aimed to extract novel polysaccharides with enhanced biological properties from using enzyme-assisted methods.

Inhibitory Effect of Fruit Water Extract on Solar Ultraviolet-Induced MMP-1 Expression.

is a type of cactus whose fruits have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether fruit water extract (OHE) has inhibitory effects against solar ultraviolet (sUV)-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression. In ex vivo human skin, we found that OHE suppressed sUV radiation-induced MMP-1 expression.

Anti-Osteoporotic Effects of Polysaccharides Isolated from Persimmon Leaves via Osteoclastogenesis Inhibition.

Persimmon ( L.f.) leaves have traditionally been used as a phytomedicine, in health beverages to treat cardiovascular and respiratory disease and to promote maternal health in East Asia.

Enzyme-assisted extraction, chemical characteristics, and immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer).

In this study, enzyme-assisted extraction was used to isolate functional polysaccharides from Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) and the physicochemical and biological properties of the extracted polysaccharides were investigated, comparing with those from traditional hot-water extraction (FGWP). In macrophages, their effects on cytokines production could be ordered as FGEP-CA ≥ FGEP-A > FGEP-C > FGWP, suggesting that FGEP-CA (combined cellulase- and α-amylase-extracted polysaccharide) is a potent immunostimulator. In addition, enzymatic digestion led to differences in the monosaccharide profile of the extract.

Mixing ratio optimization for functional complex extracts of , , and using mixture design and verification of immune functional efficacy in animal models.

We aimed to identify the optimum mixing ratio for various ingredients to obtain complex extracts with high extract yields and immune-enhancing activity in animals. The extract yield and amounts of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-6 were set to maximum for modeling predictions. The predicted optimum values for the mixing ratio were 49.

Polysaccharides Suppress Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Acute Colitis in Mice and the Production of Inflammatory Mediators from Macrophages.

We recently reported the immune-enhancing effects of a high-molecular-weight fraction (HMF) of CW in macrophages and immunosuppressed mice, and this effect was attributed to a crude polysaccharide. As polysaccharides may also have anti-inflammatory functions, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related molecular mechanisms of a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) obtained from HMF of CW in mice with dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis and in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.