Health Benefits and Pharmacological Effects of Porphyra Species

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Porphyra, one of the most cultured red algae has gained economic importance across the globe for its nutritional benefits. Porphyra is being cultivated, harvested,...     

Flavonoids in Food and Their Health Benefits

There has been increasing interest in the research of flavonoids from dietary sources, due to growing evidence of the versatile health benefits of flavonoids through epidemiological studies. As occurrence of flavonoids is directly associated with human daily dietary intake of antioxidants, it is important to evaluate flavonoid sources in food. Fruits and vegetables are the main dietary sources of flavonoids for humans, along with tea and wine. However, there is still difficulty in accurately measuring the daily intake of flavonoids because of the complexity of existence of flavonoids from various food sources, the diversity of dietary culture, and the occurrence of a large amount of flavonoids itself in nature. Nevertheless, research on the health aspects of flavonoids for humans is expanding rapidly. Many flavonoids are shown to have antioxidative activity, free-radical scavenging capacity, coronary heart disease prevention, and anticancer activity, while some flavonoids exhibit potential for anti–human immunodeficiency virus functions. As such research progresses, further achievements will undoubtedly lead to a new era of flavonoids in either foods or pharmaceutical supplements. Accordingly, an appropriate model for a precise assessment of intake of flavonoids needs to be developed.Most recent research has focused on the health aspects of flavonoids from food sources for humans. This paper reviews the current advances in flavonoids in food, with emphasis on health aspects on the basis of the published literature, which may provide some guidance for researchers in further investigations and for industries in developing practical health agents.     

Pharmacological Studies of Tentacle Extract from the Jellyfish Cyanea capillata in Isolated Rat Aorta

Our previous studies demonstrated that tentacle extract (TE) from the jellyfish, Cyanea capillata, could cause a dose-dependent increase of systolic blood pressure, which seemed to be the result of direct constriction of vascular smooth muscle (VSM). The aim of this study is to investigate whether TE could induce vasoconstriction in vitro and to explore its potential mechanism. Using isolated aorta rings, a direct contractile response of TE was verified, which showed that TE could induce concentration-dependent contractile responses in both endothelium-intact and -denuded aortas. Interestingly, the amplitude of contraction in the endothelium-denuded aorta was much stronger than that in the endothelium-intact one, implying that TE might also bring a weak functional relaxation in addition to vasoconstriction. Further drug intervention experiments indicated that the functional vasodilation might be mediated by nitric oxide, and that TE-induced vasoconstriction could be attributed to calcium influx via voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs) from the extracellular space, as well as sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ release via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R), leading to an increase in [Ca²⁺]_c, instead of activation of the PLC/DAG/PKC pathway or the sympathetic nerve system.     

Natural Polyether Ionophores and Their Pharmacological Profile

This review is devoted to the study of the biological activity of polyether ionophores produced by bacteria, unicellular marine algae, red seaweeds, marine sponges, and coelenterates. Biological activities have been studied experimentally in various laboratories, as well as data obtained using QSAR (Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships) algorithms. According to the data obtained, it was shown that polyether toxins exhibit strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, and other activities. Along with this, it was found that natural polyether ionophores exhibit such properties as antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, cytostatic, anti-mycoplasmal, and antieczema activities. In addition, polyethers have been found to be potential regulators of lipid metabolism or inhibitors of DNA synthesis. Further study of the mechanisms of action and the search for new polyether ionophores and their derivatives may provide more effective therapeutic natural polyether ionophores for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. For some polyether ionophores, 3D graphs are presented, which demonstrate the predicted and calculated activities. The data presented in this review will be of interest to pharmacologists, chemists, practical medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry.     

Effects of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract on Obesity

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - The two main components from a Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NnEx) were investigated for their ability to prevent triglyceride accumulation and promoting...     

Sulfated and Sulfur-Containing Steroids and Their Pharmacological Profile

The review focuses on sulfated steroids that have been isolated from seaweeds, marine sponges, soft corals, ascidians, starfish, and other marine invertebrates. Sulfur-containing steroids and triterpenoids are sourced from sedentary marine coelenterates, plants, marine sediments, crude oil, and other geological deposits. The review presents the pharmacological profile of sulfated steroids, sulfur-containing steroids, and triterpenoids, which is based on data obtained using the PASS program. In addition, several semi-synthetic and synthetic epithio steroids, which represent a rare group of bioactive lipids that have not yet been found in nature, but possess a high level of antitumor activity, were included in this review for the comparative pharmacological characterization of this class of compounds. About 140 steroids and triterpenoids are presented in this review, which demonstrate a wide range of biological activities. Therefore, out of 71 sulfated steroids, thirteen show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of more than 90%, out of 50 sulfur-containing steroids, only four show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of more than 93%, and out of eighteen epithio steroids, thirteen steroids show strong antitumor activity with a confidence level of 91% to 97.4%.     

Anti-Photoaging and Potential Skin Health Benefits of Seaweeds

The skin health benefits of seaweeds have been known since time immemorial. They are known as potential renewable sources of bioactive metabolites that have unique structural and functional features compared to their terrestrial counterparts. In addition, to the consciousness of green, eco-friendly, and natural skincare and cosmetics products, their extracts and bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, fucoxanthin, and mycosporine like amino acids (MAAs) have proven useful in the skincare and cosmetic industries. These bioactive compounds have shown potential anti-photoaging properties. Furthermore, some of these bioactive compounds have been clinically tested and currently available in the market. In this contribution, the recent studies on anti-photoaging properties of extracts and bioactive compounds derived from seaweeds were described and discussed.     

Distinguishing Health Benefits of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids

Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) are recommended for management of patients with wide-ranging chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and depression. Increased consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended by many health authorities to prevent (up to 0.5 g/day) or treat chronic disease (1.0 g/day for coronary heart disease; 1.2–4 g/day for elevated triglyceride levels). Recommendations for dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFAs are often provided for α-linolenic acid, and for the combination of EPA and DHA. However, many studies have also reported differential effects of EPA, DHA and their metabolites in the clinic and at the laboratory bench. The aim of this article is to review studies that have identified divergent responses to EPA and DHA, and to explore reasons for these differences. In particular, we review potential contributing factors such as differential membrane incorporation, modulation of gene expression, activation of signaling pathways and metabolite formation. We suggest that there may be future opportunity to refine recommendations for intake of individual LC n-3 PUFAs.     

Marine-Derived Indole Alkaloids and Their Biological and Pharmacological Activities

Novel secondary metabolites from marine macroorganisms and marine-derived microorganisms have been intensively investigated in the last few decades. Several classes of compounds, especially indole alkaloids, have been a target for evaluating biological and pharmacological activities. As one of the most promising classes of compounds, indole alkaloids possess not only intriguing structural features but also a wide range of biological/pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiparasitic activities. This review reports the indole alkaloids isolated during the period of 2016–2021 and their relevant biological/pharmacological activities. The marine-derived indole alkaloids reported from 2016 to 2021 were collected from various scientific databases. A total of 186 indole alkaloids from various marine organisms including fungi, bacteria, sponges, bryozoans, mangroves, and algae, are described. Despite the described bioactivities, further evaluation including their mechanisms of action and biological targets is needed to determine which of these indole alkaloids are worth studying to obtain lead compounds for the development of new drugs.     

On the Health Benefits vs. Risks of Seaweeds and Their Constituents: The Curious Case of the Polymer Paradigm

To exploit the nutraceutical and biomedical potential of selected seaweed-derived polymers in an economically viable way, it is necessary to analyze and understand their quality and yield fluctuations throughout the seasons. In this study, the seasonal polysaccharide yield and respective quality were evaluated in three selected seaweeds, namely the agarophyte Gracilaria gracilis, the carrageenophyte Calliblepharis jubata (both red seaweeds) and the alginophyte Sargassum muticum (brown seaweed). It was found that the agar synthesis of G. gracilis did not significantly differ with the seasons (27.04% seaweed dry weight (DW)). In contrast, the carrageenan content in C. jubata varied seasonally, being synthesized in higher concentrations during the summer (18.73% DW). Meanwhile, the alginate synthesis of S. muticum exhibited a higher concentration (36.88% DW) during the winter. Therefore, there is a need to assess the threshold at which seaweed-derived polymers may have positive effects or negative impacts on human nutrition. Furthermore, this study highlights the three polymers, along with their known thresholds, at which they can have positive and/or negative health impacts. Such knowledge is key to recognizing the paradigm governing their successful deployment and related beneficial applications in humans.     

黑豆叶面积指数及干物质积累与产量的关系

试验以沈农黑豆3号和辽黑1号为试验材料,研究了黑豆在不同施肥水平下的干物质积累动态及叶面积指数与产量的关系。结果表明：各品种在施肥水平下的干物质、叶面积指数及产量均高出对照,叶面积指数与产量的相关性在始花期达显著水平,在结荚期达到极显著水平;干物质与产量的显著相关性出现在结荚期。始花期至结荚期黑豆保持着较高的叶面积指数可以增加相应的干物质积累量、荚数、粒数,选用优良品种辅以高产栽培措施,可以获得较高的产量。     

罗布麻茎叶粗提物及脱胶纤维的抑菌活性分析

文章研究了罗布麻茎叶粗提物对大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和黄曲霉的抑菌活性和最小抑菌浓度,并定性分析了脱胶后的罗布麻纤维对上述类型微生物的抑制效果。结果表明,罗布麻茎叶粗提物对黄曲霉和金黄色葡萄球菌的抑制效果较为明显,对大肠杆菌抑制效果稍差,其中,罗布白麻和罗布红麻对黄曲霉菌的最小抑菌浓度分别为5、7.5 mg/mL,对金黄色葡萄球菌最小抑菌浓度均为7.5 mg/mL,而对大肠杆菌的最小抑菌浓度分别为10、15 mg/mL;定性分析发现,经脱胶后的罗布麻纤维仍对细菌类的金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌具有一定的抑制作用,但对霉菌类的黄曲霉无明显抑制作用。     

Benefits of Daily Intake Tea on Human Health

The recent research achievements about the mechanisms of beneficial health effects of tea polyphenols and the epidemiological investigation on anti-cancer,anti-cardiovascular diseases,and anti-obesity through tea consumption were reviewed.It is proved that reactive oxygen species is the main reason to induce cell mutation,DNA damage,obesity,high blood pressure and many kinds of cancers.Tea catechins and theaflavins have excellent bioactivity on scavenging ROS due to their characteristic structure feature of phenolic hydroxyl group,which means drinking tea could prevent diseases.Epidemidogical investigations also showed that tea consumption could reduce the risk of lung cancer,gastric cancer,bladder cancer,and so on.However,the frequency of tea drinking or tea consumption amounts significantly affected the prevention efficiency.The epidemiologic investigations also find that drink green tea,especial black tea is useful to modify the cardiovascular diseases.In vivo and vitro tests showed that tea supplement could moderate the metabolism of blood lipid and prevent obesity.These indicated that tea and tea extracts might reduce the risk of many diseases.     

白茶功能性成分及保健功效研究进展

白茶是我国传统六大茶类之一,近年由于其独特的风味品质和良好的保健功能日益受到人们青睐,其产量在六大茶类中的占比逐年增加.文章重点对白茶中主要功能性成分以及白茶抗氧化、抗炎、抗菌、抗突变、抗癌及降血糖、降血压、降血脂等保健功效的研究进展进行综述,以期为白茶产业高质量发展提供理论参考.     

蓖麻叶水提取液对花生根结线虫的防治作用研究

通过应用不同浓度的蓖麻叶水提取液对花生根结线虫防治作用的研究,结果表明,蓖麻叶水提取液对花生根结线虫二龄幼虫和卵的孵化均有明显防治作用。蓖麻叶水提取液浓度为100g/L处理48h,花生根结线虫校正死亡率为81．25％,致死中浓度（LD50）为25．96g/L。蓖麻叶水提取液25g/L时处理10d对卵孵化抑制率达59．86％。     

茶叶儿茶素保健及药理功能研究进展

儿茶素是茶叶诸多保健及药理功能之首要成分,本文将儿茶素诸多的功能总结为"三抗(抗癌、抗衰、抗氧化)"、"三降(降血糖、降血脂、降血压)"及"三消(消毒、消炎、消臭)"等十大功效并对其进行了系统综述.     

Herbal Teas and their Health Benefits: A Scoping Review

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Herbal teas are used as therapeutic vehicles in many forms of traditional medicine and are a popular global beverage. The purpose of this scoping review was to...     

An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption

Currently, seaweeds are gaining major attention due to the benefits they give to our health. Recent studies demonstrate the high nutritional value of seaweeds and the powerful properties that seaweeds’ bioactive compounds provide. Species of class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta possess unique compounds with several properties that are potential allies of our health, which make them valuable compounds to be involved in biotechnological applications. In this review, the health benefits given by consumption of seaweeds as whole food or by assumption of bioactive compounds trough natural drugs are highlighted. The use of seaweeds in agriculture is also highlighted, as they assure soils and crops free from chemicals; thus, it is advantageous for our health. The addition of seaweed extracts in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial companies will enhance the production and consumption/usage of seaweed-based products. Therefore, there is the need to implement the research on seaweeds, with the aim to identify more bioactive compounds, which may assure benefits to human and animal health.     

高粱叶角遗传研究

利用高粱骨干不育系、恢复系和自选紧凑型恢复系,采用不完全双列杂交设计对高粱叶角性状进行遗传研究。分析表明,高粱叶角性状是由基因加性效应和显性效应共同作用的结果,大叶角具有不完全显性作用,基因加性效应起主要作用,高粱叶角遗传符合加性—显性遗传模型。在叶角的方差中,一般配合力方差占主要地位,所以在培育紧凑型品种时,直接选择是非常有效的。广义遗传力和狭义遗传力都很高,表明叶角受环境影响所造成的表型变异较小,在早代进行单株选择是有效的。     

植物叶片衰老机理及在烟叶生产上的应用

衰老死亡是植物叶片生长的最后阶段。作为重要的经济植物,烟叶在其生长后期,具有与大多数植物相似的衰老机理。由于卷烟的品质与烟叶体内代谢产物密切相关,适期收获和烘烤可使烟叶体内代谢产物向着有利于吸味要求方面转化,是提高卷烟品质的关键。而这些都涉及到烟叶衰老过程的人为调控。综述了植物叶片衰老机理及影响因素的最新研究进展,探讨如何利用植物衰老机理应用于烟草的生产,提高卷烟的品质。