New Insights into Boron Essentiality in Humans and Animals

Abstract

Boron (B) is considered a prebiotic chemical element with a role in both the origin and evolution of life, as well as an essential micronutrient for some bacteria, plants, fungi, and algae. B has beneficial effects on the biological functions of humans and animals, such as reproduction, growth, calcium metabolism, bone formation, energy metabolism, immunity, and brain function. Naturally organic B (NOB) species may become promising novel prebiotic candidates. NOB-containing compounds have been shown to be essential for the symbiosis between organisms from different kingdoms. New insights into the key role of NOB species in the symbiosis between human/animal hosts and their microbiota will influence the use of natural B-based colon-targeting nutraceuticals. The mechanism of action (MoA) of NOB species is related to the B signaling molecule (autoinducer-2-borate (AI-2B)) as well as the fortification of the colonic mucus gel layer with NOB species from B-rich prebiotic diets. Both the microbiota and the colonic mucus gel layer can become NOB targets. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the essentiality of the NOB species in the symbiosis between the microbiota and the human/animal hosts, with the stated aim of highlighting the MoA and targets of these species.

Diester Chlorogenoborate Complex: A New Naturally Occurring Boron-Containing Compound

“…Our previous studies demonstrated that using HPTLC/UV densitometry with confirmation by online HPTLC/ESI-MS, the identification of nicotinamide riboside and naturally occurring B (NOB) compounds is accurate, precise, rapid, selective, and sensitive [18,24]. For the analysis of semisynthetic DCB complex and for the DCB identification in GCB, the previously developed methods were chosen (HPTLC/UV densitometry with confirmation by online HPTLC/ESI-MS) [18,24] together with UHPLC/MS [22].…”

“…After the rigorous tests previously reported, we chose only the GCB that had the highest amount of B organic species [23]. DCB complex being a B phenolic compound can be considered as a prebiotic, acting as a vector both of B (an essential micronutrient for symbiosis) and CA [22]. CA has previously been established as a prebiotic phenolic acid that is only partially digestible in the gastric system [14].…”

“…We were able to synthesize and identify DCB, and the uses of this new natural B complex were provisionally patented in the USA [25]. In the future, B phenolic complexes, such as DCB, may be promising new prebiotic candidates [22]. However, the latest investigation proves that in bacteria, the furanosyl borate diester [autoinducer-2 borate (AI-2B)] signaling molecule could contribute to the health of intestinal flora and its defense against bacteria pathogens [1,2,27].…”

“…Our communication is based on the discovery and semisynthesis of a new natural B phenolic compound -diester chlorogenoborate (DCB) complex -which, being a complex of B with a phenolic acid, can be nutritive prebiotic for human and animal microbiota [22]. We chose only plants with a B concentration higher than 10 ppm and high phenolic acids to increase the possibility of identifying new B compounds (especially B-containing phenolic acid compounds).…”

“…In vitro digestion of DCB was performed using a human gastric simulator for stomach (gastric phase) and duodenum (small intestinal phase), according to our previously published paper [22].…”