Article
Food Science & Technology
Jian-Hui Ye, Ying Ye, Jun-Feng Yin, Jing Jin, Yue-Rong Liang, Ru-Yi Liu, Ping Tang, Yong-Quan Xu
Summary: The bitter and astringent taste of tea is not favored by many consumers, and reducing strategies such as agronomic practices and processing methods can be used to decrease the bitterness and astringency of tea and improve its sensory quality.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanqi Li, Nigel Langley, Jiantao Zhang
Summary: Bitterness is a fundamental taste that helps mammals recognize toxic substances. Efforts have been made to decrease the bitterness in food and oral medications, as it can decrease consumer compliance. Therefore, the detection of bitterness is important to evaluate the success of taste-masking technology. This review summarizes the progress of bitterness response mechanisms and the development of novel sensors for detecting bitterness, including commercial electronic devices and micro-type sensors.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
A. Cosson, E. Meudec, C. Ginies, A. Danel, P. Lieben, N. Descamps, V Cheynier, A. Saint-Eve, I Souchon
Summary: Pea protein isolates contain high-quality plant protein, but their sensory drawbacks, such as bitterness and astringency, have limited their use in commercial foods. This study identified the main phytochemicals in pea-based samples and explored their associations with sensory attributes. The study found that certain compounds were correlated with perceived bitterness and/or astringency, suggesting that these phytochemicals can contribute to negative sensory attributes in pea-protein-based products.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wilson Vicente-Silva, Francisca Rayanne Silva-Freitas, Jose Ivo Araujo Beserra-Filho, Gabriela Nascimento Cardoso, Suellen Silva-Martins, Tamires Alves Sarno, Sara Pereira Silva, Beatriz Soares-Silva, Jose Ronaldo dos Santos, Regina Helena Silva, Carla Maximo Prado, Anderson Keity Ueno, Joao Henrique Ghilardi Lago, Alessandra Mussi Ribeiro
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of sakuranetin (SAK) on seizures in a mouse model of status epilepticus. The results showed that low doses of SAK can reduce the frequency of seizures and death. Additionally, SAK treatment can decrease neuronal activity in the dentate gyrus of mice treated with epilepsy drugs.
FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ichie Ojiro, Hiromi Nishio, Toyomi Yamazaki-Ito, Shogo Nakano, Sohei Ito, Yoshikazu Toyohara, Tadahiro Hiramoto, Yuko Terada, Keisuke Ito
Summary: A novel inhibitor named Trp-Trp was discovered in this study for hTAS2R14, which also showed inhibitory effects on hTAS2R16, hTAS2R43, and hTAS2R46. Its multifunctional characteristic makes it advantageous for being used as bitterness-masking agents in functional foods.
BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad K. Parvez, Mohammed S. Al-Dosari, Mazin A. S. Abdelwahid, Tawfeq A. Alhowiriny, Adnan J. Al-Rehaily
Summary: This study isolated two flavonoids, Sakuranetin (SEK) and Velutin (VEL), from R. retinorrhoea and demonstrated their significant inhibitory activities against HBV. The two flavonoids were able to suppress the production of HBsAg and HBeAg in cultured HepG2.2.15 cells. Molecular docking analysis also revealed their stable interactions with HBV polymerase and capsid proteins, supporting their antiviral mechanism based on structure.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Leona Chidinma Muoka, Steven A. Ross, Md Sadeque Hossain Mithu, Uttom Nandi, Dennis Douroumis
Summary: The study focused on evaluating the taste masking effectiveness of Smartseal 30D and ReadyMix on bitter drug substances for paediatric formulations. Microencapsulation of drugs in polymer carriers using spray-drying process showed significant reduction in bitterness in vivo.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shuyana Deba-Rementeria, Alicia Paz, Olaia Estrada, Laura Vazquez-Araujo
Summary: This study characterized a new product made from discarded orange peels. The orange peel was fermented in sugary brines with different salt concentrations to reduce its bitterness. The fermentation process resulted in significant differences in physicochemical characteristics between the fermented samples and the original peel. The snack made with the orange peel fermented in a 2% salt brine was more liked by consumers, indicating potential value for this orange juice by-product.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GASTRONOMY AND FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tanja Hell, Adriano Rutz, Lara Durr, Maciej Dobrzynski, Jakob K. Reinhardt, Timo Lehner, Morris Keller, Anika John, Mahabir Gupta, Oliv Pert, Matthias Hamburger, Jean-Luc Wolfender, Eliane Garo
Summary: The combination of HPLC-based activity profiling and advanced UHPLC-HRMS/MS metabolite profiling allows for the identification of highly active compounds in crude extracts, which can be beneficial to the drug discovery process. This strategy was successfully applied to a subset of extract library screening, leading to the identification and isolation of potent natural products inhibiting oncogenic signaling in melanoma.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cam Thi Hong Tran, Parushi Nargotra, Hoa Thi Cam Pham, Dong My Lieu, Phung Kim Huynh, Hui-Min David Wang, Cheng-Di Dong, Chia-Hung Kuo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and beta-cyclodextrin on the bitterness and properties of bitter gourd extract (BGE). The results showed that 0.75% beta-cyclodextrin significantly reduced the bitterness of BGE, and the formation of a complex between beta-cyclodextrin and BGE components was confirmed. The debittering agents did not inhibit the bioactivities of BGE.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao-Ran Li, Liu-Xiu Yang, Zi-Fan Guo, Hua Yang, Ying Zhang, You-Mei Wang, Guan-Zhong Zhang, Ping Li, Wen Gao
Summary: In this study, an untargeted metabolomics strategy was used to analyze the metabolome differences in Cannabis leaves collected from different provinces, revealing specific flavonoids and cannabinoids. Flavonoid glucuronides were more abundant in leaves from Xinjiang and Qinghai, while flavonoid glycosides were more prevalent in those from Sichuan.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jing Wu, Junpeng Zhao, Yubo Zhou, Chun Cui, Jucai Xu, Laihao Li, Yunzi Feng
Summary: A structure-based virtual screening was used to identify taste-active N-Lac-AAs, with N-L-Lac-L-Trp showing higher affinity for taste receptors. N-L-Lac-L-Trp was synthesized and its chemical structure was confirmed. Sensory evaluation revealed that N-L-Lac-L-Trp had a significant taste-masking effect on quinine, D-salicin, caffeine, and L-Trp, particularly L-Trp and caffeine.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ji Yu, Jin Xie, Huijuan Xie, Qi Hu, Zhenfeng Wu, Xinfu Cai, Zhiping Guo, Junzhi Lin, Li Han, Dingkun Zhang
Summary: Orodispersible dosage forms, which can be dissolved and swallowed without water, have attracted great attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their suitability for children, the elderly, and patients with mental illnesses. However, the unpleasant taste resulting from drug dissolution in the oral cavity hinders the effectiveness of these dosage forms. To address this issue, we propose three taste-masking strategies based on time, concentration, and perception. We further investigate the impact of raw material processing, auxiliary material composition, formulation techniques, and process control on taste masking.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jiali Huang, Yu-Jing Lu, Chenglong Guo, Shanshan Zuo, Jin-Lin Zhou, Wing-Leung Wong, Baohua Huang
Summary: Twelve citrus flavonoids were found to inhibit the bitter taste of naringin, quinine hydrochloride, and stevioside, with neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) and neodiosmin showing excellent bitterness inhibition effects. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that the 7-linked neohesperidosyloxy group in the A-ring of the citrus flavonoid skeleton had the best bitterness inhibition effect.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Allie Richards, Savita Chaurasia
Summary: Modern life factors, such as processed food consumption, exposure to pollutants, sedentary lifestyle, excessive technology use, etc., contribute to oxidative stress which can harm our physical and mental health. As healthcare costs rise and trust in conventional medicine decreases, there is a growing demand for alternatives like nutraceuticals. Plant-based natural products with high antioxidant content could be an important source of nutraceuticals. This research highlights the antioxidant potential of Eriodictyon californicum, a herb used by Native Americans for centuries. The extract from the leaves of this herb showed strong antioxidant activity and the ability to neutralize various types of free radicals, suggesting its potential in combating oxidative stress and its possible use in nutraceutical development.
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Garima Agarwal, Peter J. Blanco Carcache, Ermias Mekuria Addo, A. Douglas Kinghorn
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2020)
Review
Plant Sciences
Garima Agarwal, Long-Sheng Chang, Djaja Doel Soejarto, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: Aglaia is a large genus in the family Meliaceae, native to tropical rainforests in the Indo-Australian region. Since the 1960s, researchers have focused on investigating the phytochemical constituents and biological properties of various Aglaia species, particularly the rocaglates. These compounds have shown potential as lead compounds with antineoplastic and antiviral effects, attributed to their unique structures and ability to inhibit eIF4A.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanjay Varikuti, Andrew B. Shelton, Sainath R. Kotha, Travis Gurney, Gaurav Gupta, Thomas J. Hund, James R. Fuchs, A. Douglas Kinghorn, Nidhi Srivastava, Abhay R. Satoskar, Narasimham L. Parinandi
Summary: Our study demonstrated that pentalinonsterol activates cPLA(2) in macrophages, which could potentially be used in the development of pharmacological interventions against leishmaniasis.
CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ermias Mekuria Addo, Yulin Ren, Gerardo D. Anaya-Eugenio, Ninh Tran Ngoc, Harinantenaina L. Rakotondraibe, Esperanza J. Carcache de Blanco, Djaja D. Soejarto, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: Phytochemical investigation of Homalium cochinchinensis led to the isolation of 11 secondary metabolites, including two rare spermidine alkaloids and six previously undescribed glycosides. The structures of these new isolates were determined primarily by interpreting spectroscopic and spectrometric data.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Anusha Amaravathi, Janet L. Oblinger, D. Bradley Welling, A. Douglas Kinghorn, Long-Sheng Chang
Summary: Neurofibromatosis syndromes, characterized by multiple nervous system tumors, are mainly treated by surgery but some are refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Recent advances in genetics and animal models have led to a better understanding of NF tumor biology and potential targeted therapies. Natural compounds may serve as effective treatments in the future for patients with tumor predisposition syndromes.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Philip J. Proteau, A. Douglas Kinghorn
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Amrita Salvi, Alexandria N. Young, Andrew C. Huntsman, Melissa R. Pergande, Melissa A. Korkmaz, Rathnayake A. Rathnayake, Brittney K. Mize, A. Douglas Kinghorn, Xiaoli Zhang, Kiira Ratia, Markus Schirle, Jason R. Thomas, Scott M. Brittain, Claude Shelton, Leslie N. Aldrich, Stephanie M. Cologna, James R. Fuchs, Joanna E. Burdette
Summary: PHY34 is a synthetic small molecule with potent anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cells. It induces apoptosis in these cells by inhibiting late-stage autophagy. CAS protein is identified as a likely target of PHY34, and its elevated expression in HGSOC is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Additionally, PHY34 interacts with ATP6V0A2 subunit and induces cell death.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Leslie N. Aldrich, Joanna E. Burdette, Esperanza Carcache de Blanco, Christopher C. Coss, Alessandra S. Eustaquio, James R. Fuchs, A. Douglas Kinghorn, Amanda MacFarlane, Brittney K. Mize, Nicholas H. Oberlies, Jimmy Orjala, Cedric J. Pearce, Mitch A. Phelps, Liva Harinantenaina Rakotondraibe, Yulin Ren, Djaja Doel Soejarto, Brent R. Stockwell, Jack C. Yalowich, Xiaoli Zhang
Summary: Research progress in the discovery of potential anticancer agents from various organisms has been summarized. Lead compounds with structural diversity have been obtained, and potential antitumor activities have been demonstrated. Further investigations are warranted for promising lead compounds.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Philip J. Proteau, Douglas A. Kinghorn
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Peter J. Blanco Carcache, Gerardo D. Anaya Eugenio, Tran Ngoc Ninh, Curtis E. Moore, Jose Rivera-Chavez, Yulin Ren, Djaja D. Soejarto, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: Compound kimcuongin (2) isolated from Vietnamese tropical plants showed high cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells in combination with other compounds and enhanced the inhibitory effects of flavonoid 10 on NF -KB and PARP-1. In the zebrafish model, compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 did not exhibit discernible toxicity effects.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yulin Ren, Tyler Frank, Gunnar Meyer, Jizhou Lei, Jessica R. Grebenc, Ryan Slaughter, Yu G. Gao, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: Aronia berries have multiple bioactivities beneficial to human health, with phenolic compounds being the major active components. This review focuses on the molecular targets and promising lead compounds of Aronia berry extracts, as well as clinical trial investigations and the potential development of these berries as therapeutic agents.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yulin Ren, Elizabeth N. Kaweesa, Lei Tian, Sijin Wu, Kongmany Sydara, Mouachanh Xayvue, Curtis E. Moore, Djaja D. Soejarto, Xiaolin Cheng, Jianhua Yu, Joanna E. Burdette, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: A cardiac glycoside epoxide, (-)-cryptanoside A (1), was isolated from Cryptolepis dubia and showed potent cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines. It also inhibited Na+/K+-ATPase activity and increased the expression of Akt and the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Molecular docking analysis suggested that (-)-cryptanoside A (1) directly targets Na(+)/K+-ATPase to exhibit its cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charmaine A. Lindsay, A. Douglas Kinghorn, Harinantenaina L. Rakotondraibe
Summary: Penicillium fungi, represented by various species, can be found worldwide in different environments and have been a source of bioactive compounds with varied bioactivities. This short review focuses on specialized metabolites of the steroid class produced by Penicillium fungi, discussing their cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and phytotoxic activities. The review also highlights the structural diversity of these compounds and their potential for further exploration of their activity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Esperanza Carcache J. de Blanco, Ermias Mekuria Addo, H. Liva Rakotondraibe, Djaja D. Soejarto, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: This review summarizes the recent accomplishments of a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional anticancer drug discovery project. Plants from Southeast Asia, Central America, and the West Indies were collected and subjected to extraction and biological evaluation. Several bioactive compounds with diverse structures were obtained and characterized. Strategies were developed to optimize the research components, including plant collections and taxonomic identification, in accordance with international treaties and species conservation.
NATURAL PRODUCT REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gerardo D. Anaya-Eugenio, Peter J. Blanco Carcache, Tran Ngoc Ninh, Yulin Ren, Djaja D. Soejarto, A. Douglas Kinghorn
Summary: PMF isolated from Glycomis ovoidea showed antiproliferative effects against MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis through BCL-2 protein family regulation, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell migration. Additionally, PMF did not exhibit toxicity in a zebrafish model, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapy for breast cancer.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
