Lutein exhibits effective antioxidant activity conferring protective action against oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration and cognitive decline. The inability to synthesize these ...compounds by the human body and the necessity to combat day-to-day oxidative stress prioritizes daily consumption of lutein. However, the bioavailability of the orally consumed lutein largely depends on its gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent metabolism which is in turn governed by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One of the most important yet least studied factors is the genetic make-up of an individual. The proteins that partake in the absorption, transportation, metabolism and excretion of lutein are encoded by the genes that experience inter-individual variability. Reports suggest that the unanimous effect of phenotypes resulting from such inter-individual variability in the genes of interest causes modulation of lutein bioavailability which is discussed in detail in this review article. However, despite the available reports, a community-based approach to a larger population is required to obtain a stronger understanding of the relationship between inter-individual variability among these genes and lutein bioavailability. Such an understanding of nutrigenetics could not only pave a way to decipher mechanisms that modulate lutein bioavailability but also help in setting the dosage requirements of each patient.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD) are the two most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases with limited knowledge on their cause and, presently, have no cure. There is an ...existence of multiple treatment methods that target only the symptoms temporarily and do not stop the progression or prevent the onset of disease. Neurodegeneration is primarily attributed to the natural process of aging and the deleterious effects of heightened oxidative stress within the brain, whether via direct or indirect mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that certain nutritional aspects play a crucial role in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, has been studied for its antioxidant properties for more than a decade with several applications against age‐related macular degeneration. It is high antioxidant potential and selective accumulation in the brain makes it a versatile compound for combatting various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the studies exhibiting neuroprotective properties of lutein against neurodegenerative conditions, more specifically AD and PD in various model systems as well as clinical observations have been reviewed. Accordingly, the concerns associated with lutein absorption and potential strategies to improve its bioavailability have been discussed.
Various external and internal factors influencing the risk level of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
Abstract
Lutein, a potent dietary carotenoid, has considerable biological activity and confers protection against age-related macular degeneration. Its bioavailability following consumption, however, ...depends on its rate of degradation. Nanodelivery systems with improved efficacy and stability are currently being developed to increase the bioavailability of lutein. This review examines nutraceutical approaches used in the development of such nanodelivery systems. It describes the methods of lutein preparation, the characteristics of various delivery systems, and the lutein delivery profile. In order to enhance lutein loading, provide electrostatic stabilization, and achieve the controlled release of lutein, adjuvants such as dextran moieties, whey proteins, medium-chain triglycerides, and chitosan polymers can be used to effectively reduce the particle size (< 70 nm) and improve encapsulation efficiency (to 99.5%). The improved bioavailability of lutein via nanocrystals incorporated into rapidly dissolving films for oral consumption is a new area of exploratory research. This review aims to provide clarity about current research aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of lutein through the development of nanodelivery systems.
The rising interest to utilize nutritionally exorbitant fish proteins has instigated research activities in fish waste utilization. The development of newer technologies to utilize fish waste has ...fostered use of bioactive value-added products for specific health benefits. Enzymatically obtained Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) is a rich source of biologically active peptides possessing anti-oxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive activity. Isolating natural remedies to combat alarming negative consequences of synthetic drugs has been the new trend in current research promoting identification of antihypertensive peptides from FPH. In this review, we aim to culminate data available to produce antihypertensive peptides from FPH, its composition and potential to be used as a therapeutic agent. These purified peptides are known to be rich in arginine, valine and leucine. Reports reveal peptides with low molecular weight (<1 kDa) and shorter chain length (<20 amino acids) exhibited higher antihypertensive activity. As these peptides have proven Angiotensin Converting Enzyme - I inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo, their potential to be used as antihypertensive drugs is outrageous. However, current focus on research in the field of molecular docking is necessary to have improved understanding of interaction of the peptides with the enzyme.
•The influence of fatty acid composition of cow ghee, olive oil and flaxseed oil on lutein absorption was investigated in mice.•Postprandial lutein responses were in the order; cow ghee > olive ...oil > flaxseed oil.•The postprandial plasma lutein level with cow ghee reached the maximum (Cmax) within 2 h (Tmax).•Cow ghee elevated lutein accumulation in brain and eye by 1.34 and 1.51 folds, respectively.•Cow ghee can be exploited as an effective carrier of lutein to improve its absorption and uptake in the gut.
In India, cow-ghee has been used in traditional medicinal preparations to solubilize lipophilic drugs and enhance intestinal absorption. However, reports exploring the role of cow-ghee, naturally rich in saturated fatty acids, in carotenoid chemistry is nil. We attempted to understand the influence of fatty-acid composition of cow-ghee and edible oils on intestinal absorption of lutein in mice. The postprandial plasma lutein level in the mice administered with cow-ghee significantly (p < 0.05) reached the maximum (Cmax-135.76 pmol/mL; AUC-592.80 pmol.h/mL) within 2 h (Tmax). Cow-ghee improved oral bioavailability of lutein by 2.02, 1.41 and 1.66 folds in comparison to control, olive oil and flaxseed oil respectively. Cow-ghee, composed of 69.28% saturated fatty-acids, has the potential to be a delivery vehicle for lutein as evidenced by higher postprandial triglyceride levels. This study is first of its kind which reports the influence of saturated fatty-acids on the oral bioavailability of lutein in an in-vivo system.
Lutein is a nutraceutical compound that promotes human eye health and prevents neurodegenerative diseases. The oral bioavailability of lutein is affected by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors in ...the host. Although hydrophobicity of the compound is further challenging, its lipophilicity can be utilized to micellize and thereby improve its oral bioavailability. Currently, available data on the effects of dietary fats on lutein micellization and permeation is limited and needs further exploration. In this study, the influence of 17 carrier type edible oils on lutein micellization and permeation, was investigated in a simulated digestion model. The overall effectiveness of these oils to permeate micellized lutein was attributed to its Fatty Acid (FA) profile. While 94% of the edible oils exhibited a positive influence on the permeation of micellized lutein, the micellization and permeation efficiency of these oils were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) modulated by the saturation of FA in the order Saturated (SFA) > Mono-Unsaturated (MUFA) > Poly-Unsaturated (PUFA). The highest apparent permeability coefficient was exhibited by lutein micellized in ghee (3.01 × 10−6 cm/s) and butter (2.93 × 10−6 cm/s), which was 1.28 and 1.24 folds higher than lutein alone (2.35 × 10−6 cm/s) respectively. Exceptionally MUFA rich olive oil and PUFA rich flaxseed oil improved lutein permeation by 1.19 (2.80 × 10−6 cm/s) and 1.14 folds (2.69 × 10−6 cm/s) respectively. This study is the first to report the influence of saturated fatty acids on micellization and permeation of lutein. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study offer the field of lutein delivery systems a fresh perspective.
•The oral bioavailability of lutein is modified by extrinsic and intrinsic factors.•Lipophilicity can be utilized to micellize and improve lutein oral bioavailability.•94% of the edible oils positively influence the permeation of micellized lutein.•Saturated fatty acids significantly improve lutein micellization and permeation.•This study offers the field of lutein delivery systems a novel perspective.
The alarming consequences of the current day lifestyle practices demand the need for natural metabolites. The recent shift of people's interest in natural therapy over synthetic medicine is gaining ...popularity. Carotenoids are one such group of pigments produced by photosynthetic organisms that have excellent antioxidant properties. Consumption of carotenoids is recommended for specific health benefits on the eye and the central nervous system. However, the increasing need for commercial availability of carotenoids has made it challenging for the researchers to identify better sources. The extraction of carotenoids for the production of nutraceutical-formulations requires the use of efficient sources concerning availability, production cost, extractability, and resourcefulness. Seaweeds are marine macroalgae that contain abundant photosynthetic pigments. Considering their availability and low cost of processing, seaweeds are a resourceful source of natural carotenoids like xanthophylls and provitamin-A carotenes. This study mainly focused on analyzing the carotenoid profile of locally found seaweeds of Dakshina Kannada district in India to understand their potential of using as an alternative source for commercial extraction of carotenoids. A total of 14 seaweeds including Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyceae were collected from the coastal belt of Mangaluru from selected representative stations. Xanthophyll carotenoids and provitamin-A carotenes were estimated and the former was found to be major pigments among the collected seaweeds. Results revealed the total carotenoid content in the order; Chlorophyta > Rhodophyta > Phaeophyceae. However, among the seaweeds studied only four showed the presence of β-carotene and α-carotene was detected only in Bryopsis sp. (40.72 μg/g). Among the xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin were detected in all the seaweed samples. Cladophora sp. showed the highest accumulation of lutein (248.67 μg/g) and zeaxanthin (50.20 μg/g). The findings of this study might consolidate the way to utilize natural bio-resources for commercial production of nutraceutical-formulations containing carotenoids.
•Seaweeds are marine macroalgae that contain abundant photosynthetic pigments.•Availability and low cost of processing makes them a natural source of carotenoids.•Carotenoids of locally found seaweeds of Dakshina Kannada district in India were studied.•Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta showed substantially high carotenoid content.•Lutein followed by zeaxanthin were major carotenoids found.
Food proteins are sources for ACE-I inhibitory peptides that can be extracted by enzymatic hydrolysis exhibiting anti-hypertensive activity. However, these peptides are prone to further degradation ...by gastrointestinal enzymes during oral consumption. Bio-activity of these peptides is dependent on the resultant peptide post gastrointestinal digestion. To exhibit the bio-activity, they need to be absorbed in intact form. Although studies suggest di and tri-peptides show better ACE-I inhibitory activity, few peptides show altered IC
50
values under simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Moreover, ACE-I inhibitory peptides with low IC
50
values have not shown effective anti-hypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats when administered orally. Few ACE-I inhibitory peptides have reported effective reduction in systolic blood-pressure when administered through intravenously. During oral consumption of such peptides, the actual peptide sequence responsible for reducing blood-pressure is a result of breakdown in gastrointestinal tract. The fate of targeted peptides during digestion depends on amino acid sequence of the protein containing the specific site for cleavage where the action of digestive enzymes takes place. Therefore, this review attempts to explain the factors that affect the anti-hypertensive activity of ACE-I inhibitory peptides during oral consumption. It also highlights subsequent absorption of ACE-I inhibitory peptides after gastrointestinal digestion.
Pre-processing treatments performed on lutein sources can cause it to degrade, generating superfluous metabolites and lowering lutein’s bioactivity. However, evidences suggesting extent of reduction ...in functional stability of lutein on exposure to such treatment conditions are nil. This study is first of its kind, where we attempted to gain clarity on the extent of degradation caused by the changes in temperature (40–100 °C), pH (2–8) and duration of such treatments. Increase (3.9 folds) in lutein loss within an hour at 40 °C occurred when pH was lowered from 8 to 2. Increase (1.7 folds) in lutein loss at neutral pH and 40 °C occurred when duration of exposure was increased from 1 to 4 h. Besides, lutein loss significantly increased on rising the temperature by every 10 °C. The functional stability of lutein in relation to its degradation was also studied by monitoring its radical scavenging activity. While lutein is highly unstable, lutein structure and its respective bioactivity can be significantly (
p
< 0.05) retained (< 12.44% and > 54.87% respectively) by maintaining the operating conditions at higher pH (7–8) and lower temperatures (40–50 °C) for a short period of time (< 1 h).
The study aims at removal of lipid from ribbon fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) to enhance the protein content and analyse its physicochemical and bioactive properties. Ribbon fish protein hydrolysate ...was prepared using commercially available papain enzyme (1.5% w/v for 4 h). The resulting supernatant was further treated with lipase (0.5–2.0% w/v for 1–5 h). The treatment used in this study reduced ~ 98% of lipids depending on the enzyme concentration, temperature, pH, and duration of the treatment. Lipase treatment for 2 h increased the protein content from 62.87 to 94.11%. FPH after lipase treatment showed 1.21 folds increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme-I (ACE-I) inhibitory activity and 1.7 folds increase in standard amino acids composition (32.193 to 61.493 g/100 g). The physicochemical properties of FPH samples were analyzed by solubility, hygroscopicity, color, FT-IR, SEM, SDS-PAGE, and Zeta Potential. Use of lipase enzyme for separating the lipid content from protein hydrolysate without conferring any undesirable adverse effects on the physicochemical properties of protein hydrolysate. Lipid-free protein hydrolysates can be of commercial importance for their enhanced ACE-I inhibitory activity, replacing the side effect causing synthetic drugs for hypertension, and can have potential applications in developing functional food formulations.
