We studied the molecular self-assembly of commercial and pure-saturated and pure-unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in vegetable (VO) and mineral (MO) oils. The PtdCho self-assembly was monitored through rheology, differential scanning calorimtery (DSC), and polarized light microscopy. The results showed that in the presence of just the constituent water, the PtdCho selfassembly occurred through the formation of a "liquid structure" stabilized by electrostatic interactions. The DSC measurements did not evidence the development of the "liquid structure." However, the phase shift angle (δ) measured by rheology closely followed the PtdCho self-assembly in both oils. The kinetics of the PtdCho self-assembly and the crystal habit developed depended on the PtdCho solubility in the oil, the PtdCho purity, and the extent of unsaturation. Thus, the saturated PtdCho crystallized in the VO developing an organization of intertwined crystals that resulted in organogels with a true-gel behavior (G 0 of 12.2 × 10 5 to 16 × 10 5 Pa). In the MO, the saturated PtdCho crystallized in smaller microstructures developing organogels with higher G 0 , particularly with the commercial PtdCho (i.e., G 0 of 32 × 10 5 Pa). With the unsaturated PtdCho, the presence of cis unsaturations favored the formation of inverted micelles in the VO and MO organogels. Thus, in contrast to the saturated PtdCho organogels, the unsaturated PtdCho organogels had lower G 0 (30 × 10 2 to 45 × 10 2 Pa) with a gel-like behavior.

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Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). NDs are characterized by progressive damage and death of nerve cells accompanied by high levels of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress conditions. Punicic acid, the main bioactive component of pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil, is an omega-5 isomer of conjugated α-linoleic acid that has shown strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects that contributes towards its positive effect against a wide arrange of diseases. Punicic acid decreases oxidative damage and inflammation by increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. In addition, it can reduce beta-amyloid deposits formation and tau hyperphosphorylation by increasing the expression of GLUT4 protein and the inhibition of calpain hyperactivation. Microencapsulated pomegranate, with high levels of punicic acid, increases antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Likewise, encapsulated pomegranate formulations with high levels of punicic acid have shown an increase in the antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Because of the limited brain permeability of punicic acid, diverse delivery formulations have been developed to enhance the biological activity of punicic acid in the brain, diminishing neurological disorders symptoms. Punicic acid is an important nutraceutical compound in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of capsaicin and particular phenolic compounds pro le from cellulase assisted extracts of Habanero (Capsicum chinense) chili pepper seeds (CPS) on the concentration of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Capsaicin was quanti ed by HPLC-DAD, and the phenolic pro le was determined by UPLC-MS-QqQ. Anti-in ammatory activity was evaluated by Mouse Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel 96-well plate assay. Among the 15 different phenolics found in CPS extracts obtained at 120 or 150 minutes of maceration with 2500 UI/L at 30ºC or 45 ºC in a 1:15 (w:v) proportion, the most abundant was vanillic acid (7.97-12.66 µg/g). The extract obtained at 30ºC and 120 minutes, showed similar effects than the observed for synthetic anti-in ammatory drugs indomethacin and dexamethasone and capsaicin standard. Beyond capsaicin, salicylic, protocatechuic and trans-cinnamic acids as well as vanillin in CPS extracts were correlated with the anti-in ammatory effect. On the other hand, capsaicin and chlorogenic acid contents were potential immunostimulants whose concentration varied depending on the cellulase treatment time.

Medicinal plants possess natural compounds that can be used as an alternative for synthetic medicines that may cause long-term side effects on patients such as neurocognitive effects, muscular and hepatic toxicity. Metabolic Syndrome is associated with increased risk of several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension thus, becoming the greatest challenge as a growing public health concern worldwide. Latin-American countries possess a wide diversity of medicinal plants that have been used to treat different health conditions since pre-Hispanic times. Eryngium spp. has been studied due to their beneficial properties mainly to treat diabetes, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and digestive problems. This review gives an update mainly on the pharmacological activities of the Eryngium spp., summarizing the biological activities and plausible mechanism of action of their bioactive components toward metabolic syndrome. For instance, flavonoids and tannins proved to increase the levels of HDL and reduced the levels of VLDL, LDL. On the other hand, phenolic acids improved glucose metabolism through the inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and reestablished the impaired activity of enzymes related to glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis. The terpenes and sesquiterpenes like β-farnese, β-pinene, and calamenene exhibited a protective effect by reducing the oxidizing damage by the regulation of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Saponins controlled the dyslipidemia by reducing the serum concentrations of lipids, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Finally, the aerial parts of Eryngium had the capacity of inhibiting dietary carbohydrate digestive enzymes, thus controlling glucose levels. The Eryngium plant is normally consumed as an infusion to obtain the benefits of the plants, however novel technologies such as cavitation, ultrasound assisted, microwave assisted, and supercritical fluid have been applied to improve the extraction yields and selectivity of bioactive compounds. The common treatment to control diabetic dyslipidemia are synthetic medicines such as metformin and ezetimibe, which allows the regulation of glucose, cholesterol and insulin resistance. However, patients that take these medications may present side effects such as muscular toxicity, hepatic toxicity, neurocognitive effects, just to name a few. More studies regarding the efficacy and safety of the use of traditional medicinal herbs are required. However, these materials may be used in the treatment of diabetes related conditions to ensure life quality and reduce side effects among the diabetic population