Evaluation of the Putative Duplicity Effect of Novel Nutraceuticals Using Physico-Chemical and Biological In Vitro Models

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are experiencing a high-rise use nowadays, which is incomparable to a few years ago, due to a shift in consumers’ peculiarity tendencies regarding the selection of alternatives to Western medicine, potential immunity boosters, or gut-health promoters. Nutraceuticals’ compositions and actual effects should be proportional to their sought-after status, as they are perceived to be the middle ground between pharma rigor and naturally occurring actives. Therefore, the health benefits via nutrition, safe use, and reduction of potential harm should be the main focus for manufacturers. In this light, this study assess the nutritional profile (proteins, fats, fibers, caloric value, minerals) of a novel formulated nutraceutical, its physico-chemical properties, FTIR spectra, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins content, and potential hazards (heavy metals and microbiological contaminants), as well as its cytotoxicity, adherence, and invasion of bacteria on HT-29 cells, as well as its evaluation of beneficial effect, potential prebiotic value, and duplicity effect on gut microbiota in correlation with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The results obtained indicate the growth stimulation of Lb. rhamnosus and the inhibitory effects of E.coli, Ent. Faecalis and Lc. lactis. The interaction between active compounds suggested a modulator effect of the intestinal microbiota by reducing the number of bacteria that adhere to epithelial cells or by inhibiting their growth.

Organ-on-Chip: Advancing Nutraceutical Testing for Improved Health Outcomes

“…For centuries, nutraceuticals have been recognized and valued as an abundant source of therapeutic agents. Consequently, traditional treatments have been employed since ancient times to effectively treat and alleviate various diseases. − The rapid growth of the nutraceuticals industry requires the pharmaceutical industry to address emerging scientific challenges and global public concerns about the efficacy and safety of nutraceuticals claimed to promote health. − Herbal medication offers a rational approach for managing chronic conditions that may be difficult to treat using other medical systems. This has sparked a renewed interest in medicinal plants for disease control, leading to their widespread adoption by individuals seeking complementary and alternative medicine options as well as the pharmaceutical industry. , As a result, there is a growing global use of herbal medicine for addressing various health concerns.…”

“…Nutraceuticals are often sold in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, or beverages and are commonly marketed as dietary supplements. They are generally considered to be safe and nontoxic and usually have been scientifically proven to provide a range of health benefits that can help to treat and prevent disease. , This review aims to examine the various in vitro models for the toxicity and efficacy testing of phytochemicals and the protective and health-promoting effects of specific plant constituents, and the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the implications that arise from the collected data, thereby providing a foundation for future endeavors in the areas of development, discovery, and utilization of phytochemicals as nutraceuticals. , Phytochemicals may provide health benefits as they act as substrates or cofactors in enzymatic reactions, inhibit the enzymatic reactions, enhance the absorption and stability of essential nutrients, prebiotics, or probiotics for beneficial bacteria, or provide selective inhibition for the harmful bacteria. , Research supporting the beneficial role of phytochemicals against cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and microbial, viral, and parasitic infections is based on the investigations of chemical mechanisms of nutraceuticals using traditional in vitro models. Although such mechanisms of action certainly need to be established in vitro, the efficacy, potency, and safety of these active substances must also be proven in vivo .…”

“…The lack of efficacy and the risk of potential side effects of current pharmaceuticals have led researchers to explore advanced chemoprotective solutions that prescribe plant extracts as natural compounds. Many cultivated and wild plant species have been examined for their pharmaceutical potential to inhibit free radicals. − Several studies have successfully led to drug discovery processes from herbal sources and identified a diverse source of phyto-antioxidants. − The plant metabolites responsible for the high antioxidant potential, mainly flavonoids and phenols, can be further characterized by biochemical assays. In recent decades, plants have been used not only for their nutritional value but also for treating many health problems …”

“…Although such mechanisms of action certainly need to be established in vitro, the efficacy, potency, and safety of these active substances must also be proven in vivo . Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, tannins, polyphenols, and phenols, act as natural radical scavengers and organic sources of antioxidants. − Due to antimicrobial resistance and the toxicity issues of synthetic antimicrobial agents, there is an unmet need to discover novel therapeutic sources to counter infectious diseases . The lack of efficacy and the risk of potential side effects of current pharmaceuticals have led researchers to explore advanced chemoprotective solutions that prescribe plant extracts as natural compounds.…”

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry—Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.

“…Therefore, broad antimicrobial activity of certain polyphenol compounds could serve to open up niches in the gastrointestinal tract and allow for expansion of other taxa. To include this dualistic effect, the term "duplibiotics" has been coined [28,29].…”