The intestinal barrier is crucial for homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of earthworm protein hydrolysates (EWPH) on the intestinal mucosal barrier and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We first hydrolyzed earthworm protein using alcalase and identified the primary peptide components of EWPH through Nano LC-MS/MS analysis. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were employed to predict potential targets associated with the intestinal mucosal barrier. Experimentally, we demonstrated that EWPH effectively protects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier damage in mice. The protective mechanisms involve not only the inhibition of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor-κ (NF-κ)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway in the intestinal epithelium but also the suppression of other key molecules implicated in intestinal mucosal barrier damage, including phosphorylated-SRC proto-oncogene (p-SRC), phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), Caspase-3, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), thereby mitigating intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier injury. This study provides evidence that EWPH have the potential to safeguard the intestinal barrier hemostasis.

Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) derived from glycoxidation, mainly α-dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs), can induce covalent modifications in biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and DNA, leading to formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The excessive accumulation of RCS and AGEs contributes to a pathophysiological condition known as carbonyl stress. Carbonyl stress varies with age, diet, and environmental factors. It is further aggravated by oxidative stress and health conditions like hyperglycemia and renal dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that RCS/AGEs-mediated carbonyl stress is involved in disruption of cellular homeostasis and damage of physiological functions of the skin, clinically presenting as chronic inflammation, yellowish discoloration, accelerated aging, and other dermatological abnormalities. Consequently, targeted modulation of the RCS/AGEs axis represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cutaneous health preservation. This review provides a first systematic discussion on the role of RCS/AGEs-induced carbonyl stress in skin ageing and damage. Furthermore, the key intervention strategies against carbonyl stress are summarized, including (i) inhibition of RCS/AGE formation and exogenous intake; (ii) scavenging of preformed RCS/AGEs; (iii) blockade of AGE-receptor interactions. Notably, interventions based on dietary bioactives hold promise for designing personalized diets and developing functional foods to mitigate carbonyl stress-associated skin ageing and damage.

Aluminum is the most abundant environmental pollutant. Recent studies suggest that aluminum exposure increases the risk of multiple diseases, including intestinal barrier dysfunction. We investigated whether Pueraria lobata extract (PLE) is effective in safeguarding against aluminum chloride exposure-exacerbated intestinal barrier dysfunction. Using an experimental colitis model of aluminum-exacerbated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-treated mice, clinical and pathological evidence suggested that the administration of PLE counteracted aluminum exposure-induced intestinal barrier damage. In addition, we found that aluminum toxicities, including loss of tight junction molecules (TJs), upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, were significantly suppressed by PLE administration. Furthermore, PLE administration was identified to inhibit activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signal pathways, which contribute to upregulation of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) in inflamed intestine. Taken together, these results suggest that PLE might be a potential candidate for aluminum exposure-related intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Tea is one of the most popular health drinks around the world, especially in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Drinking tea has become a traditional culture and healthy lifestyle for preventing diseases in these countries and regions. Recent scientific researches indicate that tea has good efficacy in anti-cancer. The bioactive components and related anti-cancer mechanisms of tea are constantly being supplemented. Drinking tea can reduce the incidence of cancers. However, there is a lack of a systematic summary of the current tea anticancer research process to date. Here, we conduct an update on the bioactive components and r anti-cancer mechanisms of tea.

Angelica sinensis is well documented as a traditional medicine for a broad spectrum of disease. Recently, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction has been developed as an emerging green technology for processing of Angelica sinensis essential oil (AEO). To investigate the volatile components and antioxidant activity of AEO both in vitro and in vivo, we conducted an analysis of its chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that AEO was mainly composed of phthalides, such as (Z)-Ligustilide (12.85%), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (11.6%), and 3-Butylidenephthalide (3.16%). In vitro antioxidant experiments indicated that when the concentration of Vitamin C was 10 μg/mL, the scavenging capacity of 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) for free radicals approached 100%, while the required AEO concentrations were 0.5 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the iron-reducing capacity also showed a concentration-dependent relationship with AEO. In vivo experiments showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cytotoxic after treatment with AEO at concentrations greater than 0.2 mg/mL. Furthermore, in a model of oxidative stress under 2 mM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) stress, AEO increased the resistance of yeast to H₂O₂-promoted oxidative stress and improved its survival rate. These results demonstrate that AEO has good antioxidant capacity, and we hope to actively expand the application of AEO in various fields to fully develop and utilize this plant resource.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. At present, there is no specific drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD, so it is urgent to find natural products contributing to alleviation of AD. Nobiletin is one of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) extracted mainly from citrus peels. Nobiletin has multiple bioactivities, good bioavailability and low side effects. Studies have shown that nobiletin improves cognitive impairment and pathological features in animal models of AD and exerts neuroprotective effects. In addition, 5-demethylnobiletin (5-DN), the main derivative of nobiletin, achieves neuroprotection through anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic and cholinergic effects for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Other PMFs (for example tangeretin) also have the potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects similar to nobiletin. Taken together, PMFs, including nobiletin, have potential as therapeutic agents for AD.

A simple and efficient ultrasonic-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix was developed and optimized by using quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker combined with response surface methodology approaches. The quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector was established and applied to determine the contents of six bioactive compounds in raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix. In order to maximize extraction of six bioactive compounds in raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions were obtained by the response surface methodology coupled with Box–Behnken design. The conditions of ultrasonic-assisted extraction were found to be effective for the extraction of bioactive compounds from raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix. The test results showed that the difference in saikosaponins contents in these samples was obvious; a quantitative analysis of saikosaponins will contribute significantly to improving the quality control of raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix. In conclusion, the designed protocol is suitable for the quality control of raw Bupleuri Radix and vinegar-baked Bupleuri Radix.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) as a common dietary adjunct is widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its health-promoting properties, but the differences between white ginseng and red ginseng was rarely studied. In the present study, color parameters and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were determined to evaluate the differences of ginseng color and microstructure induced by processing procedure. Quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker (QAMS) method and anti-α-amylase activity test were used to assess variations of chemical ingredients and pharmacological activity between white and red ginseng. Finally, molecular docking studies were carried out to screen out the most effective compound against α-amylase. Results indicated that processing had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties and pharmacological activity of white and red ginseng. After processing, the color value of L^* declined significantly. Red ginseng sample displayed a compact structure and presented of a gel layer on the surface compared to white ginseng. Additionally, the content of ginsenosides and the activity of anti-α-amylase decreased. The contents of total ginsenosides were positively correlated with the anti-α-amylase activities of ginseng, and ginsenoside Rb1 might be the most effective compound to inhibit the activity of α-amylase.

Hesperidin, a flavanone glucoside, is rich in citrus fruits, especially in citrus peels. Experimental and clinical data has demonstrated that hesperidin is a good candidate in cardiovascular diseases due to its lipid-lowing, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent report has revealed a new mechanism of hesperidin on myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury through targeting Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II δ (CaMKII-δ) kinase. Herein, we highlight the finding and summarize the recently published clinical trials of hesperidin with regard to cardiovascular diseases. Akin to hesperidin, polymethoxylated flavones and flavanone – naringin are also very rich and found in some citrus peels. Therefore, clinical data are needed to address the perspectives of citrus peels in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Long-term artificial sweetener intake is linked to increased risk of obesity. In the present study, supplement of natural sweetener from Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) (or Momordica grosvenorii) fruit, compared with the artificial sweetener aspartame (ASM), was evaluated for anti-obesity effects on mice fed with high fat diet (HFD). We found that, in contrary to ASM, SG extracts prevented body weight gain, the insulin resistance and fat mass accumulation in HFD mice. SG extracts treatment inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory macrophages and lowered the levels of the fat inflammatory cytokines (leptin, macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) in adipose tissues. In addition, SG extracts supplement counteracted the remodeling of gut microbiota resulted from HFD. However, ASM supplement aggravated the HFD-induced obese performances, fat inflammation and dysregulation of gut microbiota. Taken together, our results indicate that supplement of SG extracts may represent a promising alternation of artificial sweeteners in preventing metabolic diseases.