Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, highlighting the need for safe and effective nutraceutical interventions. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of pumpkin seed protein hydrolysate (PSPH), an underexplored plant-derived bioactive ingredient, in a high-fat diet- and streptozotocin-induced Wistar rat model of T2DM. Diabetic rats were orally administered PSPH at three dose levels for 28 days, with pioglitazone serving as the reference treatment. PSPH significantly improved glycemic control, body weight, serum lipid profile, and hepatic function while enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses through increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels and reduced lipid peroxidation. PSPH further attenuated systemic inflammation by suppressing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and preserved pancreatic and hepatic histoarchitecture. PSPH treatment was also associated with increased pancreatic PPAR-γ and GLUT2 expression, indicating preliminary molecular associations with altered glucose homeostasis. Collectively, these findings suggest that PSPH may mitigate diabetes-associated metabolic dysfunction, with improvements observed in oxidative status, inflammatory responses, and glucose homeostasis. The observed changes in PPAR-γ and GLUT2 should be considered preliminary molecular associations and warrant further investigation using direct functional and insulin-signaling assessments. These findings support the potential of PSPH as a promising functional food ingredient candidate for the dietary management of T2DM.
Marine macroalgae have emerged as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds, particularly sulfated polysaccharides with potential prebiotic functionality. This review examines the role of marine sulfated polysaccharides, including fucoidan, carrageenan, and ulvan, for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and promote human health. We synthesize current evidence on how structural characteristics, such as molecular weight and degree of sulfation, influence bioaccessibility, fermentation, and potential bioavailability. The resulting metabolites play central roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, regulating immune responses, and supporting metabolic health. In addition to functional benefits, we evaluate key challenges that limit the translation of seaweed-derived polysaccharides into food applications, including variability in composition, structural instability during processing, and safety concerns related to heavy metal accumulation and iodine content. We further discuss how extraction techniques, chemical characterization, and standardization strategies influence both efficacy and safety. Emerging approaches, such as metabolomic profiling, controlled aquaculture, and nano-enabled delivery systems, where appropriate, are highlighted as tools to enhance reproducibility and functional performance. Overall, this review provides a critical framework linking marine polysaccharide structure, gut microbiota interactions, and health outcomes, while identifying practical considerations for their incorporation into functional foods. Unlike prior reviews that treat polysaccharide structure, microbiota modulation, safety, and clinical translation as separate topics, this review integrates all four into a single structure-microbiota-safety-translation framework applied comparatively across fucoidan, carrageenan, and ulvan. Advancing these compounds as next-generation prebiotic ingredients, with evidentiary support that currently varies markedly across compounds, will require integration of food science, microbiology, and translational research to ensure consistent, safe, and clinically relevant applications.
The effective delivery of bioactive compounds remains a major challenge in the development of functional foods, particularly when stability, bioavailability, and controlled release must be achieved using sustainable and food-grade materials. Multilayer plant-based carriers (MPBCs) have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional single-layer delivery systems by combining complementary plant-derived proteins, polysaccharides, and, in some cases, lipid components within a single structured carrier. This review critically examines the design principles, material selection strategies, fabrication approaches, and functional performance of MPBCs for food applications. Evidence from studies involving probiotics, polyphenols, vitamins, carotenoids, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds demonstrates that MPBCs consistently improve encapsulation efficiency, enhance protection against thermal, oxidative, and gastrointestinal stresses, and provide tunable release profiles. Across diverse food matrices, including bakery, dairy, beverage, meat, and emulsion-based products, multilayer systems have been associated with improved probiotic survival, enhanced retention of sensitive bioactives, delayed lipid oxidation, prolonged shelf life, and improved bioavailability compared with single-layer counterparts. The review further evaluates the advantages and limitations of major fabrication techniques and discusses the relationship between carrier structure, functionality, and scalability. Overall, current evidence indicates that MPBCs represent an effective and sustainable platform for improving the stability, delivery, and functional efficacy of bioactive ingredients in food systems. However, challenges related to process complexity, production costs, and large-scale manufacturing remain important barriers to their broader commercial implementation.
An improved understanding of the impact of formulation of toothpaste tribology is essential for tuning formulations to individual consumer preference, which in turn has the potential to improve adherence to a robust oral care regime. In this work a prototype, 3-ball rheo-tribometry geometry and measurement protocol were trialled. This system was found to demonstrate excellent reproducibility and, when combined with toothpaste rheology, improved understanding of toothpaste microstructure during tribological measurements. By varying solvent, binder, surfactant and solid composition of model toothpaste formulations, a negative, power law correlation between high shear viscosity (HSV) and coefficient of friction (CoF) of toothpaste slurries has been established. It was apparent that sodium carboxymethylcellulose, whilst not typically very beneficial in toothpastes for other commercially-relevant properties like shape retention (height loss on a brush) and stringiness (Ahuja and Potanin, 2018), was excellent in reducing CoF/increasing HSV. Although not typically used in commercial toothpaste formulations, gellan and locust bean gum in combination with xanthan gum demonstrated excellent rheological performance on a w/w% basis, particularly in terms of shape retention. However, low binder concentration in slurries imparted high CoF values and therefore there is a trade-off involved between tribological and rheological properties when using atypical binders. Humectant type and ratio and surfactant (SLS) content made little difference to neat paste/slurry rheology. However, CoF at low sliding speeds were observed but did reduce CoF at low sliding speeds. Hypothesized improvements in wetting, molecular/micellar hindrance and surface passivation have been related to humectant and surfactant concentration. Relative dependence of formulation effects on slurry HSV and CoF were established through multiple linear regression. A microstructural model of neat toothpastes and slurries during the tribological measurements performed in this work has been suggested, with some significant limitations that arise from the measurement protocol used. Overall, the impact of the findings of this work, combined with recent consumer panel studies on toothpastes (Teoman and Potanin, 2025), progresses understanding of how to potentially tune toothpaste formulations for specific consumer experiences.
In low-income countries like Bangladesh, ensuring proper nutrition for infants after six months of age remains a significant challenge, as conventional foods often fail to meet their nutritional needs. This study developed and evaluated three complementary food formulations (F1, F2, and F3) for infants and young children aged 6–24 months, using indigenous raw materials such as broken rice, carrots, soybeans, peanuts, cowpeas, and skim milk powder, to support healthy infant nutrition and growth. The proximate analysis demonstrated F2 as the most nutrient-dense formulation on a dry weight basis, with 19.92 ± 1.58% protein and 9.01 ± 0.10% fat, while F3 delivered the highest carbohydrate content, 63.55 ± 1.79%, providing balanced energy suitable for complementary feeding. Furthermore, based on the minerals and vitamins profiles of the formulations, F2 contained elevated levels of iron (4.86 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), calcium (270.26 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), and vitamin A (0.92 ± 0.02 mg/100 g), which are essential for resisting deficiencies and supporting immune and skeletal health. Additionally, the absence of heavy metals in the formulations ensures the safety for consumption. Moreover, functional tests indicated F2’s superior water absorption (3.27 ± 0.06 g/g) and viscosity (2103.33 ± 5.77 cP), increasing feeding suitability, whereas F3 scored highest in sensory appeal (overall acceptability: 8.5/9). Microbial stability was confirmed, respectively, remaining within permissible limits, while no coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were detected in any formulation. These findings contribute to enhancing infant nutrition in low-resource settings and support global nutrition initiatives. This approach offers a promising strategy for improving dietary diversity and nutritional intake for infants in vulnerable populations.
Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) derived from marine brown algae have gained considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities and potential biomedical applications. In the present study, SPs were isolated and purified from Padina tetrastromatica, followed by comprehensive biochemical and structural characterization. Sequential purification resulted in an enriched fraction (F3) with increased carbohydrate and sulfate content, which exhibited potential antioxidant activity across DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and reducing power assays. Structural characterization using FTIR, HPLC, and NMR confirmed the presence of fucose-rich SPs, characteristic of fucoidan. Manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) NPs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and subsequently functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and fucoidan (FU) to enhance stability and biocompatibility. Physicochemical characterization using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed an increase in hydrodynamic size from 62.6 nm for MnFe₂O₄ NPs to 179.8 nm for PEGylated MnFe₂O₄-FU NPs, while zeta potential shifted from −6.1 mV to −10.9 mV, indicating successful surface modification., X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM analysis showed particle sizes ranging from 9.2 to 49.8 nm for MnFe₂O₄ NPs and 11.6–158.9 nm for PEGylated MnFe₂O₄-FU NPs, indicating successful surface modification and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) confirmed successful synthesis, surface modification, and structural integrity of the nanocomposites. UV–Vis stability studies demonstrated enhanced colloidal stability of PEGylated MnFe₂O₄-FU NPs over 11 weeks. In vitro fucoidan release studies showed a sustained release profile with 99.23% cumulative release at pH 7.4, following first-order kinetics. Cytotoxicity assessment against A549 lung cancer cells revealed IC₅₀ values of 54.02 µg/mL for free FU and 43.94 µg/mL for PEGylated MnFe₂O₄-FU NPs. Furthermore, AO/EtBr staining indicated apoptosis-associated morphological changes in treated cells. These findings suggest that PEGylated MnFe₂O₄-FU nanocomposites possess improved antioxidant activity, sustained fucoidan release, and enhanced anticancer activity against A549 cells.
Gelatin hydrolysates derived from bigeye snapper processing byproducts with antioxidant and DPP-IV inhibitory activities were prepared, including skin gelatin hydrolysates with alcalase (GHSK-AL) and papain (GHSK-PA), and bone gelatin hydrolysates with alcalase (GHB-AL) and papain (GHB-PA). Physicochemical and bioactivity properties, as well as peptide isolation and characterization, were carried out. The obtained gelatin hydrolysates exhibited high protein contents (90.75-98.42%) and degree of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 49.41% to 73.25%. Skin gelatin hydrolysates yielded higher amounts and exhibited higher DH than bone gelatin hydrolysates. Crude hydrolysates (GHSK-AL, GHSK-PA, GHB-AL, and GHB-PA) exhibited DPPH, ABTS, OH, and H2O2 radical-scavenging activities and DPP-IV inhibitory activity, ranging from 1.32-2.49 mg/mL, 2.06-3.25 mg/mL, 0.18-1.58 mg/mL, 14.27-17.64 mg/mL, and 2.41-4.27 mg/mL, respectively. These crude hydrolysates were fractionated using ultrafiltration membranes (UF) with cut-offs of >10, 3-10, 1-3, and <1 kDa, and antioxidant and DPP-IV inhibitory activities were determined. Based on bioactivities, the 4 selected UF fractions (1-3 kDa and <1 kDa GHB-AL, and 3-10 kDa and <1 kDa GHSK-PA) were subjected to cytotoxicity testing in Caco-2 cells and Sephadex G-25 gel filtration chromatography for peptide isolation. The 47 potential peptides, with molecular weights ranging from 839 to 1520 Da and peptide lengths of 9-16 amino acids, were identified by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis.
Antimicrobial resistance is reducing the clinical durability of glycopeptide antibiotics by combining target-site adaptation with biofilm protection, poor tissue penetration, limited intracellular access, and host-mediated barriers to treatment. These limitations indicate that improving antibacterial potency alone is insufficient; effective therapy increasingly depends on material design, delivery behavior, and immunological compatibility. This review examines how nano-enabled strategies can extend glycopeptide performance, with emphasis on exosome-based carriers as biologically derived nanomaterials capable of improving transport across infected tissues, facilitating intracellular delivery, and modulating host immune responses. Review has discussed recent advances in glycopeptide structural redesign, exosome engineering, passive and targeted delivery, and hybrid antimicrobial-immunological mechanisms relevant to resistant Gram-positive infections. Preclinical studies indicate that exosome-mediated antibiotic delivery can enhance intracellular drug accumulation by approximately 2-5-fold and reduce effective minimum inhibitory concentrations by up to one order of magnitude in resistant Staphylococcus aureus models. However, these findings remain context-dependent and require validation in controlled clinical settings. Review has also evaluated analytical and computational frameworks, including proteomics, immune profiling, live-cell imaging, and machine learning, as enabling tools for mechanistic mapping, biomarker discovery, and rational combination design. Finally, review has outlined translational priorities involving manufacturing consistency, immunotoxicity assessment, regulatory classification, and costeffective scalability. By integrating antibiotic chemistry with nanocarrier design and host-directed biology, glycopeptide-exosome platforms represent a promising materials-based strategy for overcoming persistent therapeutic barriers in antimicrobial resistance.
The essential oil of Syringa reticulata var. mandshurica (SR-EO) is extracted from the flowers of this plant. In this study, we prepared polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) antibacterial composite films with SR-EO concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 (g/L). We analyzed and characterized various indicators of the composite films and investigated their application in strawberry preservation.The results indicate that with an increase in SR-EO content, there is a gradual decrease in both the tensile strength and maximum tensile force of the composite film, whereas the elongation at break progressively increases. When the SR-EO content is 8 g/L, the O2transmission rate reaches its peak.The water vapor transmission rate and CO2 transmission rate of the composite film with SR-EO are significantly higher than the PVA film. The mass change and thermal effect information of SR-EO/PVA films were obtained using the TG-DSC combined testing method. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that the addition of SR-EO did not alter the crystal type of the composite film.The research results indicate that the antibacterial activity of SR-EO/PVA film solution against Escherichia coli is not significant. However, the film solution exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and its antibacterial activity increases with the increase of SR-EO content. When the SR-EO content is 10 g/L, the film solution has excellent antibacterial effects on the above two bacteria.In the strawberry preservation test, when the SR-EO content was 8 g/L, the composite film demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, as well as the best antibacterial and preservation effects. These results suggest that the SR-EO antibacterial composite film holds potential application value in the field of strawberry packaging.
beta-Alanine supplementation enhances skeletal muscle carnosine synthesis but is commonly associated with concentration-dependent paresthesia that may compromise user acceptability. This study aimed to develop a structurally engineered beta-alanine complex (TriBsyn) with improved physicochemical stability and compatibility across diverse liquid and semi-solid matrices, and to evaluate its oral bioavailability and sensory tolerability compared with a conventional beta-alanine formulation in healthy aged participants. Solid-state characterization was performed using FT-IR, XRD, particle size distribution, zeta potential analysis, FE-SEM, and TGA-DTA. In vitro release was assessed under simulated physiological conditions. Stability and compatibility were evaluated across aqueous, saline, protein-based, acidic carbonated, and dairy matrices under real-time and accelerated conditions. The engineered formulation exhibited favorable multi-matrix stability (>98% active retention) without physical instability and demonstrated a moderated release profile compared with conventional beta-alanine. Thermal analysis supported structural modification with altered decomposition behavior. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical study (n = 12), the beta-alanine complex showed significantly higher systemic exposure (approximately 4-fold higher AUC and nearly 3-fold higher C-max; p < 0.001). Despite enhanced exposure, paresthesia intensity and sensory burden were reduced, with improvements in mood, anxiety-related descriptors, and pain perception measures (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that structural engineering of beta-alanine may improve oral bioavailability while modulating release characteristics and reducing sensory side effects, providing preliminary support for advanced amino acid delivery systems in functional food applications.
The study investigates the impact of ethanol content and temperature on the formation of casein-ritonavir amorphous dispersions, aiming to enhance the drug's effective solubility and delivery. Ritonavir, a poorly water-soluble crystalline antiviral medication, was combined with casein in aqueous ethanol solutions ranging from 0 to 60 % v/v ethanol and 60°C. Solubility tests revealed a sharp increase in ritonavir solubility in 50% ethanol, highlighting that reduced solvent polarity facilitates drug dispersion. After solvent removal, thermal analysis confirmed ritonavir-casein interaction leading to the formation of ritonavir amorphous dispersions. Microstructural analysis revealed a significant decrease in crystalline peaks and spectral shifts in the amide regions, particularly in ethanol-treated samples, indicating changes in the local microenvironment and noncovalent molecular associations of ritonavir within the casein matrix. Zeta potential measurements showed a consistent increase in negative surface charge (-45 mV to -60 mV) with increasing ethanol content during complex fabrication, indicating changes in surface charge characteristics and electrostatic dispersion stability. Therefore, these findings support the formation of stable, amorphous casein-ritonavir complexes with improved solubility and potential for oral delivery applications.
Nowadays, gelatin is widely used in the food industry for various applications, but due to ethical, religious, and sustainability concerns, there has been increasing research on its alternatives. In this regard, plant-based hydrocolloids have emerged as promising biopolymer alternatives to gelatin. These hydrocolloids have a renewable origin, functional versatility, and favorable rheological properties, so they are suitable for performing the role of gelatin. In the present study, a complete and comprehensive review of the main hydrocolloids derived from plant sources such as pectin, carrageenan, agar, alginate, guar, and konjac has been carried out. These hydrocolloids have been studied in terms of structural characteristics, technical-functional roles, and applications. Comparative evaluations of these hydrocolloids show their effectiveness as gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming agents. Also, analyses and evaluations of plant-based hydrocolloids in terms of sustainability, life cycle, carbon footprint, and biodegradability have shown positive and valuable results. Therefore, despite scalability and regulatory challenges, synergistic academic-industrial collaborations and bioengineering approaches are expected to establish plant-based hydrocolloids as suitable and versatile alternatives to gelatin in next-generation food applications.
Oil-in-water submicron emulsions encapsulating polyphenol-rich leaf extract from Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso & Banfi (syn. Acacia tortilis) subsp. raddiana were developed using gum-derived arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) hydrocolloids and seed-derived proteins from the same species as natural emulsifiers for functional food applications. Hydroethanolic extraction (80 % v/v ethanol) yielded tissue-specific compositions: gum extract exhibited the highest polyphenol (538.2 & micro;g/g DM) and saponin (3142.1 & micro;g/g DM) contents, while seed and leaf extracts contained comparable soluble protein contents (52.7 and 63.2 & micro;g/g DM, respectively) relevant to interfacial anchoring. LC-MS (SIM mode) profiling revealed complementary metabolite distributions, with leaves accumulating flavonoid glycosides (849.3 & micro;g/g DM) and seeds enriched in gallic acid (1698.6 & micro;g/g DM). Interfacial tensiometry demonstrated synergistic surface activity for the gum-seed combination (GS80), achieving equilibrium interfacial tension of 37.9 mN/m, a 26 % reduction relative to gum alone. Primary human erythrocyte assays confirmed hemocompatibility of all extracts with preserved membrane integrity. Leaf-loaded gum-seed emulsions (LGS; leaf extract stabilized by the 1:1 GS80 blend) exhibited the smallest mean droplet size (158 nm), lowest polydispersity (0.32), and highest centrifugal stability (separation index Ke = 0.6 %). After 45 d refrigerated storage, colloidal integrity was maintained (c-potential: -38.6 mV; Ke <= 2 %) with robust tolerance to thermal (40 degrees C), pH (6-9), and ionic strength (60-240 mM NaCl) stresses. Encapsulation preserved ferric reducing power 3-fold more effectively than free extract (27 % loss versus 75 %), with DPPH IC50 reaching 0.61 & micro;g/mL. These findings establish V. tortilis-derived hydrocolloids as hemocompatible, effective co-emulsifiers for polyphenol delivery in functional food and nutraceutical applications.
The nutritional and functional qualities of fermented dairy yogurts are highly prized worldwide, primarily due to the complex interactions between hydrocolloids/biopolymers. The use of hydrocolloids in yogurt still faces many unanswered questions despite tremendous progress in our understanding of interactions, especially with regard to the mechanisms underlying processing characteristics and nutritional advantages. Cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing have exciting prospects for determining the roles of hydrocolloids, streamlining manufacturing procedures, and improving their sensory and health qualities. Besides, since the qualities of yogurt are related to the gel formation mechanism, it requires additional consideration. Because they are crucial to the development of yogurt structure and texture, interactions between biopolymers/hydrocolloids are critical when designing yogurt formulations. Furthermore, products that comprise non-interacting biopolymers must be carefully regulated since they have the potential to cause segregative phase separation, which might have a significant impact on the final matrix’s stability and quality. The molecular specifics of the interactions between polysaccharides and casein micelles—which are crucial in giving yogurt products their structure—will be the focus of this review. The potential for generating new microstructures through the interaction or incompatibility of milk proteins with various polysaccharides will be evaluated. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the typical set-type yogurt gel forming process in this article. To comprehend their influence on gel formation and behaviour, the primary ingredients—including biopolymers—as well as their interactions (protein-polysaccharide interaction mechanisms) within the gel are explored. This review examines the interaction mechanisms, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and related structural changes, offering new opportunities and theoretical guidance for effectively enhancing the gel properties of yogurt as an important dairy product.
Food component interactions are important as they affect the properties of food and its digestibility. Combinations were investigated of different protein concentrations and Sargassum sp. extract on the viscosity, lubrication properties, and in vitro protein digestibility after reconstitution using water to obtain 10 % or 15 % protein content as high-protein beverage models. A low (5 % w/v, named 5W) or high (10 % w/v, named 10W) concentration of whey protein isolate was combined with the Sargassum sp. extract, using different hot-water extraction methods (at 50 +/- 5 degrees C, SE-LT or 70 +/- 5 degrees C, SE-HT), followed by heating at 75 +/- 5 degrees C for 3 min before lyophilization. After reconstitution using water, the 5W+SE-LT and 5W+SE-HT samples displayed Newtonian-like flow behavior with independent particle sizes, resulting in improved lubrication properties and promoting rapid protein digestibility. However, the 10W+SE-LT and 10W+SE-HT samples had the best lubrication properties and delayed protein digestibility, based on the shear-thinning behavior of their larger particle sizes and higher viscosity. The FTIR results revealed distinct conformational transitions within the Amide I region between the two concentrations. The 5W (+SE-LT/HT) samples were characterized predominantly by loosened beta-sheet aggregates, whereas the 10W (+SE-LT/HT) samples exhibited a prevalence of random coil structures. Therefore, the preparation using different protein concentrations and combinations of Sargassum sp. extract played a role in determining the resultant properties and nutrient digestibility of the food samples that could be further utilized for texture-modified foods.
Gum Arabic is a commonly used emulsifier and stabilizer that, when acting synergistically with IFN-gamma, enhances pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages. This study aimed to determine if this activity derives from its primary polysaccharide component, arabinogalactan, and to examine how polysaccharide structure (core vs. side chain) influences this activity. We used the Smith degradation method to purify arabinogalactan from Gum Arabic. This process removed most side chains and drastically reduced protein content (from 131.85 to 1.36 mu g/mL). Key findings showed that the purified arabinogalactan, after Smith degradation, had markedly different immunomodulatory properties compared to unpurified Gum Arabic. Purified arabinogalactan with IFN-gamma did not induce nitric oxide nor significantly affect reactive oxygen species production. Nonetheless, a new observation was the induction of GM-CSF (2.3-fold increase) in the RAW 264.7 cells, which subsequently led to elevated TNF-alpha and IL-6, while significantly decreasing IL-10.In stark contrast to Gum Arabic, which induced a > 10-fold increase in IL-17, the purified arabinogalactan core failed to stimulate IL-17 production. This abrogation correlated with reduced downstream TNF-alpha and IL-6, and the complete absence of IL-1 beta. Purified arabinogalactan promotes a more balanced M1/M2 phenotype, rather than the intense M1 polarization seen with Gum Arabic. This study suggests that the high pro-inflammatory activity of Gum Arabic (including NO and IL-17 induction) is likely attributable to protein impurities or to the intact side-chain structure, rather than the arabinogalactan polysaccharide core itself. Therefore, the purity of arabinogalactan is essential for its immunomodulatory function.
With the global population continuing to age, the prevalence of age-related conditions such as poor muscle health and related sarcopenia is growing. Sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging, has recently become a major public health concern. Traditional interventions rely heavily on animal-based protein, even though there is growing interest in plant-based alternatives. Hence, questions about the feasibility, nutritional effectiveness, and environmental impact of plant-based proteins for muscle health in older adults rise. This review evaluates the potential of plant-based beverages in managing sarcopenia, focusing on the nutritional adequacy of plant proteins and their techno-functional suitability for product development. The narrative and bibliometric analyses indicate that, although animal-derived proteins still dominate sarcopenia management, advances in food technology and changing consumer preferences are opening promising opportunities for plant-based functional products to support healthy aging. Nevertheless, important gaps remain in understanding the nutritional needs of older individuals, especially regarding plant proteins. Future research should address: (1) protein intake guidelines tailored to older adults, covering both dose and protein source for counteracting sarcopenia; (2) exploit the use of processing innovations that enhance digestibility and bioavailability, solubility, and sensory quality of plant proteins; (3) the lack of sex-specific investigations, particularly in postmenopausal women, who are disproportionately affected by sarcopenia; and (4) the need for integrated, evidence-based work that translates current knowledge into practical and cost-effective interventions for sarcopenia management.
This study investigates the prebiotic potential of date seed (DS) and date pomace (DP), two major agro-industrial byproducts, using a combined metabolomic and functional approach. Untargeted LC-MS profiling revealed distinct metabolite patterns in the two byproducts: DP showed a greater proportion of soluble sugars and carbohydrate-derived organic acids, whereas DS showed a broader distribution of antioxidant-, aromatic-, and lipid-associated metabolites. In vitro screening with four probiotic strains showed that Bifidobacterium bifidum exhibited the highest viability in 2% DP and produced the highest levels of fermentation-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Lactobacillus acidophilus demonstrated optimal growth in 3% DS. SCFAs from DP-B. bifidum cultures displayed antimicrobial activity against common food-borne Gram-negative pathogens (Salmonella MIC80 = 280 & micro;g/mL) and selectively suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting anti-inflammatory properties. These findings position DS and DP as sustainable gut-modulating substrates that selectively support probiotic growth and SCFA production, suggesting that date-processing waste can be converted into functional ingredients with gut-modulating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global public health burden, affecting over 800 million individuals worldwide and being associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The progressive nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating expensive renal replacement therapies. As conventional pharmacological treatments often fail to effectively arrest disease progression, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on fucoidan derived from brown seaweeds, which has garnered considerable attention due to its diverse biological activities. Traditionally used in East Asian medicine, fucoidan exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for renal protection. This review explores the mechanisms by which fucoidan supports kidney health, including the attenuation of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammation, and inhibition of renal fibrosis. In addition, the effects of fucoidan on renal hemodynamics and its potential benefits in managing common CKD-associated comorbidities are discussed. Despite encouraging preclinical and clinical evidence, challenges such as limited bioavailability and the need for dosage optimization remain barriers to its widespread clinical application. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the renoprotective effects of fucoidan, highlight ongoing research, and identify future directions for its integration into CKD management strategies. By elucidating the therapeutic potential of fucoidan, this work seeks to advance the development of effective natural interventions for kidney health.
