Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with liver injury. This study examines the therapeutic potential of Fucus vesiculosus-derived low-molecular-weight fucoidan (Fuc-S) in mitigating T2DM-related hepatic damage. In STZ/HFD-induced diabetic mice, Fuc-S treatment (100 or 200 mg/kg, 5 weeks) significantly improved glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and liver function, while reducing hepatic steatosis and serum ALT/AST levels. Fuc-S enhanced hepatic antioxidant defenses, increasing SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity while decreasing MDA levels. Gut microbiota analysis showed that Fuc-S promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides acidifaciens) and elevated fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Furthermore, Fuc-S reinforced intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin). These results indicate that Fuc-S alleviates T2DM-induced liver injury by modulating the gut microbiota-SCFA-liver axis, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The study suggests Fuc-S as a promising dietary intervention for T2DM, acting through multi-target microbiota-metabolite interactions.

Natural biopolymer food packaging materials face limitations in practical applications due to insufficient packaging performance and functional activity. To address these drawbacks, this study developed a strategy combining film matrix modification with synergistic active ingredient introduction to effectively enhance physicochemical properties and functional activity of polysaccharide-based films. Specifically, silver-based meta-organic frameworks (SA/Ag-2MI) were synthesized within sodium alginate, enabling it to serve as both a film-forming matrix and a functional component. Subsequently, curcumin-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CUR@CD) were incorporated as active additives into the film-forming matrix composed of SA/Ag-2MI, guar gum and carboxylated cellulose nanofibers, further enhancing the film's physicochemical properties and functional activity. Compared to the pristine film, GSC/Ag-2MI/CUR@CD film exhibited superior water vapor barrier property (water vapor permeability decreased by 22.98 %), light barrier property (transmittance at 600 nm decreased by 30.24 %), antioxidant activity (scavenging rate for two free radicals increased to over 50 %) and antibacterial active (inhibition zone appearance of three bacteria). Furthermore, the GSC/Ag-2MI/CUR@CD film effectively maintained strawberry storage quality by significantly inhibiting appearance changes, weight loss, firmness reduction and rot occurrence. In summary, this work offers a promising and feasible pathway for enhancing the performance of natural biopolymer packaging, with considerable potential in active packaging and fruit preservation fields.

This study investigated the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of walnut peptides prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis (alkaline (A), neutral (N), combined proteases (A + N)) and explored their hypoglycemic mechanisms. Results showed that peptides hydrolyzed by N exhibited the strongest activity, with an IC50 value (0.36 mg/mL) significantly lower than that of groups A (0.92 mg/mL) and A + N (1.01 mg/mL), which was attributed to their higher content of hydrophobic amino acids (36%). HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS were applied for peptides N identification and 199 peptides were detected. Virtual screening and molecular docking identified two oligopeptides, VVDW (docking score: -8.3) and FA-9 (docking score: -10.4), whose hydrophobic terminals effectively bound to the active site of alpha-glucosidase. The superior binding affinity of FA-9 was consistent with its lower IC50 value (5.76 +/- 0.25 mmol/L) compared to VVDW (11.17 +/- 0.61 mmol/L). Enzyme inhibition kinetic analysis showed that the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by walnut peptides was irreversible mixed inhibition type. In Caco-2 monolayer model, the FA-9 significantly reduced glucose transport, outperforming VVDW and crude peptides. Furthermore, by observing the cell morphology and growth curve, peptides showed no cytotoxicity on the three typical cells (L-O2, Caco2, HT29) at concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL. These findings indicate that walnut peptides are safe and effective natural alpha-glucosidase inhibitors with promising applications in functional foods for postprandial blood glucose management.

Fatigue impacts both mental and physical health, significantly reducing quality of life and daily productivity. Natural bioactive compounds have emerged as promising agents to combat fatigue due to their multifaceted biological activities and minimal side effects. Key mechanisms through which these compounds exert anti-fatigue effects include enhancing energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, supporting mitochondrial integrity, modulating the immune response, and regulating neurotransmitter balance. Plant-derived metabolites such as flavonoids, ginsenosides, saponins, and polysaccharides, as well as animal-based peptides and microbial-derived substances, have demonstrated significant potential in alleviating fatigue symptoms in both clinical and preclinical studies. Additionally, fermented products like kefir, fermented rice bran, and yogurt enhance endurance performance, reduce lactate buildup, and improve glycogen storage, further contributing to fatigue mitigation. As consumer interest in natural alternatives grows, future research should prioritize improving the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of these compounds. This review consolidates recent advances in the understanding of anti-fatigue mechanisms of natural products and highlights emerging directions for their development as functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a major threat to global crop production and food security, necessitating the development of sustainable control agents. This study investigated the antifungal potential of Pseudophaeolus soloniensis, a wood-decaying fungus. A wild strain was isolated from Hebei, China, and identified via morphology and ITS sequencing. A bioactive crude extract (P1) was obtained through optimized solid-state fermentation on A3M medium. Its antimicrobial spectrum was evaluated against major phytopathogenic fungi (e.g., Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus flavus) and model bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) using mycelial growth inhibition, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and agar diffusion assays. P1 exhibited strong, selective activity, showing significantly greater inhibition against S. aureus than E. coli and pronounced effects against F. graminearum (43.79% inhibition at 20 µg/mL) and A. flavus (73.5% at 0.2 mg/mL). A hormetic-like response was observed for F. oxysporum. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse secondary metabolome, including flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, and saponins. These results establish P. soloniensis as a promising source of bioactive metabolites for developing eco-friendly fungicides.

Non-starch polysaccharides have been demonstrated to have significant benefits in treating some chronic metabolic diseases such as hyperglycemia. However, the preventive effect of non-starch polysaccharides from Castanea mollissima Bl. (CMNSP) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain underexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of CMNSP on glucose and lipid metabolism, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota and their metabolites in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced T2DM mice. The results revealed that CMNSP significantly mitigated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and prevented pancreatic atrophy, hepatic steatosis and enhanced the expression at mRNA level and corresponding protein of PI3K/AKT/Glut2 signaling pathway in liver. Moreover, CMNSP enhanced the level of SCFAs and restored intestinal barrier damage and gut microbiota disturbance in diabetic mice. Further fecal metabolomics analysis identified that CMNSP primarily influenced the metabolic pathways such as Primary bile acid biosynthesis and Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and were significantly correlated with changes in dominant bacterial genera including Bacteroides and Lactobacillus.

Oxidative stress is caused by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors [...]

The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe mental health disorders, has been constantly increasing over the last two decades [...]

With the increasing global attention to food safety, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have become potential materials in the food industry due to their high specific surface area (typically>1000m2/g). Their value in encapsulating natural actives is recognized, but how synthesis/structure affects food system performance remains unclear, limiting application. This study hypothesizes solvothermal, diffusion and ionothermal synthesized MOFs can encapsulate actives to extend shelf life, enhance nutrition and antibacterial properties. According to existing research, we analyzed the application of MOF-based food systems and evaluated its preservation, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. We have come to some conclusions: solvothermal MOFs exhibit the highest encapsulation efficiency (curcumin 92 %, 14-21 days release in aqueous matrices); Customized MOFs enable efficient encapsulation release, extending food shelf life by 30 %-50 %. The research results are within the scope of inclusion in the Journal of Food Chemistry.

Herein, Korla fragrant pear (KFP) was subjected to ultrasonication (UA), microwave (MA), high-pressure humid heat (HPHH), and composite enzyme hydrolysis (CEH) pretreatments before the extraction of soluble dietary fiber. The yield, structural characteristics, and functional properties of SDF obtained after the different pretreatments were compared. All the aforementioned pretreatment methods increased the yield of SDF and decreased that of insoluble dietary fiber. The highest yield of SDF was obtained after the HPHH pretreatment (10.11 %). The SDF obtained after pretreatment exhibited loose, cracked, and porous structures, decreased crystallinity and molecular weight (Mw), and improved physicochemical and functional properties. The highest water solubility (72.35 %), cation exchange capacity (0.92 mmoL/g), glucose adsorption capacity (7.80 mmoL/g), and cholesterol adsorption capacity (11.95 and 16.59 mg/g at pH 2 and 7, respectively), in vitro antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were achieved following the CEH pretreatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that most of the functional properties were negatively correlated with the crystallinity and Mw of SDF but positively correlated with the antioxidant activities (e.g., DPPH and ABTS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the extraction, modification, and application of SDF extracted from KFP.

This study systematically evaluated and compared the effects of six extraction methods, namely hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), acid-assisted extraction (CAE), alkali-assisted extraction (AAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), on the structural characteristics, in vitro biological activities, and cytotoxicity of polysaccharides from chestnut flowers (CFPs). The results show that CFPs extracted by different extraction methods have significant differences in terms of chemical composition, monosaccharide spectrum, molecular weight distribution, and surface morphology. However, their similar infrared spectra, crystal structures and thermal stabilities indicate that despite the different degrees of degradation, the main structure of CFPs remains basically intact in different extraction methods. It is worth noting that the CFPs produced by HWE have the strongest antioxidant activity (98.5 ± 0.48%, evaluated by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay), while the CFPs produced by EAE have the highest hypoglycemic activity (94.3 ± 0.4%, evaluated by the α-glucosylase inhibition assay). Furthermore, the CFPs of all extraction methods showed biocompatibility. Under the condition of conforming to physiological relevance, the selected cell concentrations all promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, indicating their lack of cytotoxicity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the selection of CFPs extraction methods with targeted biological activity. Specifically, HWE is recommended for the production of CFPs rich in antioxidants, while EAE is the best choice for preparing CFPs with hypoglycemic properties. This study also lays a foundation for further research on the in vivo biological activity of CFPs.

To improve the solution pulsed plasma (SPP) degradation process of pectin, H 2 O 2 was added to enhance the degradation effect. The effects of H 2 O 2 concentration, discharge voltage, the distance between the electrodes, and pectin concentration on the degradation effect were studied. The results showed that H 2 O 2 effectively enhanced the degradation effect of SPP. The pectin concentration and the distance between the electrodes were negatively correlated with the degradation rate, whereas H 2 O 2 concentration and discharge voltage were positively correlated. The structural properties of the degraded pectin indicated that the primary structure of pectin was not affected by SPP/H 2 O 2 treatment, whereas the average particle size, dispersion index, zeta potential absolute value, crystallinity, 2 > z 1/2 , and M w were reduced. Furthermore, the degraded pectin exhibited a more evident non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behavior and a second Newtonian fluid domain. SPP/H 2 O 2 degradation enhanced the elasticity of pectin and its antioxidant activity. The influence was positively correlated with the degradation effect. This study will be beneficial to develop a new process technology for pectin degradation.

The thermal process is the predominant method in chestnuts industry. However, it presents nutritional paradox due to high glycemic index (GI) conflicting with low-GI dietary guidelines. This study evaluated four conventional cooking methods systematically, revealing their striking differences in expected glycemic index (eGI). eGI values of moist-heat processed chestnuts (boiled: 81.40; steamed: 86.67) were higher than dry-heat chestnuts (baked: 69.47; fried: 69.85). Through structure analysis, texture profile analysis and 1H low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), the mechanisms of eGI differences were elucidated. Structural and texture in baked/fried samples demonstrated superior textural integrity, correlating with restricted starch accessibility. Furthermore, LF-NMR results shown that immobilized water (A21) in fresh chestnut (4.23) decreased after cooked, and A21 in moist-heat processed chestnuts (boiled: 2.25; steamed: 1.11) were higher than dry-heat counterparts (fried: 1.07; baked: 0.89), while free water (A22) increased inversely (boiled: 32.36; steamed: 27.34; fried: 22.02; baked: 20.18) when compared with fresh chestnut (14.15), indicating that the presence of immobilized water could block the binding of enzymes and starch, thereby slowing down the digestion. These results indicated that water phase transitions would be the predominant determination of chestnut GI. These findings provide valuable insights for designing low-GI chestnut products through targeted processing optimization.

BACKGROUND:Plant pathogenic fungi are a major contributor to reductions in crop yield and quality, posing significant challenges to global food security. The extensive application of chemical fungicides has led to the development of resistance in pathogenic fungi and the accumulation of harmful residues, which threaten environmental sustainability and human health. Plant-derived fungicides, with low toxicity and broad-spectrum activity, offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. RESULTS:This study evaluated the antifungal activity of chestnut flower extract (CFE) against Fusarium graminearum (FG) and investigated its underlying mechanisms through cellular and transcriptomic analyses. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified phenolic acids and flavonoids as the primary active constituents of CFE. CFE inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 2.51 and 0.39 mg mL-1, respectively. It disrupted biofilm integrity and membrane permeability by reducing ergosterol content, increasing extracellular conductivity, and affecting malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Protein and nucleic acid leakage were observed. Additionally, CFE inhibited energy metabolism by reducing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and suppressing the activities of key respiratory enzymes, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that CFE affected multiple biological processes in FG, including cell structure, protein synthesis, ion transport and mitochondrial function. CONCLUSION:The chestnut flower contains active antibacterial ingredients that exhibit targeted inhibition of FG, thereby providing theoretical and technical support for the development of natural antibacterial agents with specific targeting capabilities. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chestnut shell polyphenols are widely known as antioxidants, but there are few studies on the inhibition of α-amylase to control postprandial blood glucose. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of chestnut shell ethanol extract (CSEE) on postprandial blood sugar-related α-amylase and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Twenty-three polyphenols in CSEE were identified via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry. CSEE exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on α-amylase in a mixed type inhibition mode (IC50 = 16.50 µg/mL), and two or three polyphenols with high abundance in CSEE exhibited positive synergistic effects on α-amylase after mixing. Further, analysis by molecular docking and spectroscopy indicated that CSEE binding with active site through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces, via changing conformation and microenvironment of α-amylase, eventually reducing the enzyme activity. In vitro starch digestion suggested that CSEE decreases the rapidly digestible starch content and increases the resistant starch content, thereby decreasing starch digestibility and the glycaemic index of starch hydrolysis. These results represent that chestnut shells may be a new potential source of α-amylase inhibitor, as well as a valuable resource for managing postprandial blood glucose levels.

Investigating the structure of polysaccharides enables a better understanding of the structure-activity relationship. Different modification methods help to improve the biological activities of polysaccharides. When different functional groups were introduced into polysaccharides, the activity changes of the derivatives obtained will be different. The ultrasonic assisted-H₂O₂/VC-three-phase partitioning (TPP) extraction coupled with high-pressure membrane filtration system was utilized to prepare low molecular weight (Mw) polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis. These were then subjected to various modifications, resulting in sulfated T. fuciformis polysaccharides (SLTP), carboxymethylated (CLTP), phosphorylated (PLTP), and acetylated (ALTP). FT-IR spectroscopy verified the successful incorporation of desired functional groups. The measured degrees of substitution (DS) for SLTP, PLTP, CLTP, and ALTP were found to be 0.971, 0.803, 0.475, and 0.313, respectively. SEM imaging revealed that ALTP possessed a unique porous morphology. The modified polysaccharides demonstrated the ability to activate immune responses in RAW264.7 cells, with PLTP showing the strongest enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) production. Moreover, the modified polysaccharides improved cellular antioxidant defenses and reduced oxidative injury by an oxidative stress model. These results offer valuable guidance for the advanced utilization of T. fuciformis polysaccharides in food applications.

Non-starch polysaccharides are major bioactive components in chestnuts, and can serve as water-soluble polysaccharides with potential prebiotic properties. This study aims to establish an in vitro digestion and fermentation model to reveal the digestive and fermentative characteristics of Non-starch polysaccharides from chestnut kernels (NSPCK). The results indicated that under simulated digestion, NSPCK was partially digested in gastric juice but remained significantly undigested in saliva and intestinal juice, demonstrating considerable resilience against hydrolysis. After digestion, NSPCK still exhibited stable rough, lamellar, and porous structure and maintained strong antioxidant capacity. Animal experiments revealed positive effects of NSPCK on blood lipid level, and colon tissue of mice. Moreover, NSPCK enhanced the accumulation of short-chain fatty acids during fermentation, particularly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. Furthermore, NSPCK intervention increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and at the same time reduced that of harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus.

The wine-making industry produces a large amount of grape pomace, which is rich in anthocyanins. To avoid wasting these resources, choline chloride: lactic acid (molar ratio of 1:2) (DES-1) was selected as the optimal solvent. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: temperature 60 degrees C, time 60 min, water content 25%. The anthocyanins yield was 5.73 mg (cyanidin-3-glucoside) equivalent/g under the optimal conditions, which was significantly higher than that obtained by DES-3 (Choline chloride: 1,4 butanediol), DES-5 (Choline chloride: 1,2 propylene glycol), and ethanol. The DES-1 extract showed significant higher color stability and antioxidant activities compared with the anthocyanins extracted by DES-3, DES-5, and ethanol. A total of eight individual anthocyanin compounds were identified in each extract, with delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, peonidin 3-O- glucoside, petunidin, and delphinidin as the dominant compounds. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that DES-1 system showed a larger average number of hydrogen bonds (11.63), average lifetime of hydrogen bonds (364.21 ps) and with a reduced total interaction energy (-706.82 kJ/moL), thus improving the extraction efficiency and stability of anthocyanins. This study would provide new protocols for the extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace.

Potential competing interests: No potential competing interests to