Little is known about how diet and nutraceuticals modulate Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Plant-based yogurts (PBYs) are potential sources of functional components and are made from a variety of plant-milks with varying cultures and protein sources. This study assessed the recombinant human (rh)ACE2 inhibitory activity of PBYs available in the United States. Extracts from 21 almond, cashew, coconut, oat and soy PBYs were screened for rhACE2 inhibitory activity. Among these samples, 9 PBYs inhibited recombinant human (rh)ACE2 by 50% at less than 50 mg/mL (dry weight (dw) PBY basis). Extracts of soy, almond, and oat PBYs were among the most active inhibitors, from 4–11 mg/mL IC₅₀ (dw PBY). Among plant milks, soy milk extracts were more active rhACE2 inhibitors than oat or almond milks. Isoflavones contributed to activity, as purified isoflavones inhibited rhACE2. Therefore, rhACE2 inhibition by PBY varies considerably between products. These results suggest that there are a variety of nutraceuticals in PBYs that inhibit ACE2, and their bioactivity depends on the method of manufacturing and ingredient selection.

Aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa and Aronia mitschurinii) are underutilized functional food, rich in bioactives. Aronia berries have abundant levels of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and phenolic acids that may reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and neurological disease. Aronia polyphenols are bioavailable, and the majority are transformed into low molecular-weight phenolics. The impact of biotransformation on aronia polyphenols health effects is not fully understood. The objective of this review is to analyze aronia berry composition, including polyphenols nutrients. Additionally, this review summarizes recent preclinical and clinical studies on the polyphenol bioavailability and health benefits upon aronia berry consumption to better understand its potential as a functional food.

Chronic intestinal inflammation, occurring in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is associated with compromised intestinal barrier function. Inflammatory cytokines disrupt tight junctions and increase paracellular permeability of luminal antigens. Thus, chronic intestinal barrier dysfunction hinders the resolution of inflammation. Dietary approaches may help mitigate intestinal barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation. A growing body of work in rodent models of colitis has demonstrated that berry consumption inhibits chronic intestinal inflammation. Berries are a rich dietary source of polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins. However, berry anthocyanins have limited bioavailability and are extensively metabolized by the gut microbiota and host tissue. This review summarizes the literature regarding the beneficial functions of anthocyanin-rich berries in treating and preventing IBD. Here, we will establish the role of barrier function in the pathogenesis of IBD and how dietary anthocyanins and their known microbial catabolites modulate intestinal barrier function.