Diabetes is a global health challenge. Currently, an effective treatment for diabetes is to reduce the postprandial hyperglycaemia by inhibiting the carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes in the digestive system. In this study, we investigated the in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory effects of free and bound phenolic extracts, from the bran and kernel fractions of five sorghum grain genotypes. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of sorghum phenolic extracts depended on the phenolic concentration and composition. Sorghum with higher phenolic contents generally had higher inhibitory activity. Among the tested extracts, the brown sorghum (IS131C)-bran-free extract (BR-bran-free, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 18 ± 11 mg sorghum/mL) showed the strongest inhibition against α-glucosidase which was comparable to that of acarbose (IC50 = 1.39 ± 0.23 mg acarbose/mL). The red sorghum (Mr-Buster)-kernel-bound extract (RM-kernel-bound, IC50 = 160 ± 12 mg sorghum/mL) was the most potent in inhibiting α-amylase but was much weaker compared to acarbose (IC50 = 0.50 ± 0.03 mg acarbose/mL).

Plant-derived exosomes (PLDEs) are small extracellular vesicles that encapsulate proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, and they are usually involved in intercellular communication and molecular transport in plants. PLDEs are widely used in the therapy of diseases due to their abundance and easy availability. The diverse roles of PLDEs, which include transportation of drugs, acting as biomarkers for diagnosis of diseases and their roles in different therapies, suggest that there is a need to fully understand all the mechanisms involved in order to provide the optimum conditions for their therapeutic use. This review summarizes the biogenesis, components and functions of PLDEs and focuses on their use as therapeutic agents in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. It also explores new ideas for novel approaches in which PLDEs could potentially help patients with inflammatory diseases in the future.

This study aimed to reveal the effects and regulatory mechanism of dietary NDF on the performance of pigs by multi-omics analysis. Results showed that 16 % dietary NDF significantly improved meat quality, increased flavor amino acid content, and reduced backfat thickness and the feed-to-gain ratio. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that 16 % NDF significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnoclostridium, and Ruminococcus. Transcript analysis showed that genes related to muscle development and lipid metabolism were significantly modified. Metabonomic analysis showed that 16 % NDF significantly increased amino and fatty acid related metabolites. Correlation analysis suggested that 16 % NDF treatment may alter the gut microbiota and metabolites, regulate the expression of genes related to lipid and amino metabolism, and ultimately affect the flavor and performance of pigs. This study provides a novel understanding about the effect and regulatory mechanism of NDF supplements on the finishing pigs and a relevant reference for the improvement of diet formulation.

The effects of dietary hydrolyzed Chinese gallnut tannic acid(GCT) as a replacement for ZnO were investigated on weaned piglets. A total of 72 weaned piglets at 31 ± 1 day (six replicate pens per treatment with six piglets per pen) were selected and divided randomly into two groups: a control group, with a basal diet of + 1600 mg/kg ZnO; and a treated group, with a basal diet of + 1899.5 mg/kg GCT. Data analysis showed that the significance of average daily gain and average daily feed intake between the two groups was p = 0.731 and p = 0.799, respectively. Compared with the control group, the diarrhea rate of piglets in the treated group underwent no noticeable change on days 0–7 (p = 0.383) and 7–14 (p = 0.263), but decreased significantly on days 14–21 (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found GCT can reduce the crypt depth of the ileum and improve its antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). High throughput sequencing showed that GCT increased the richness of the bacteria Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.005), Prevotella_2 (p = 0.046) and Lactobacillus amylovorus (p = 0.081), which are associated with the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose. The study indicated that 1899.5 mg/kg GCT could be an alternative for 1600 mg/kg ZnO in the diet of piglets.

Laying hens in the late laying period often experience reduced productivity and declining egg and meat quality, which limits breeding efficiency and resource utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of multi-component Botanical Crude Extracts (BCEs) on egg and meat quality, metabolic health, and gut microbiota in aged laying hens. A total of 4320 hens were supplemented with 0.3% BCEs for 100 days, with evaluations at 60 and 100 days. BCE supplementation significantly enhanced egg flavor by promoting aromatic and fat-soluble volatiles and reducing odorous compounds (p < 0.05). BCEs improved yolk nutrition by enriching n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and optimizing the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.05). A moderate reduction in amino acids was observed, which may reduce bitterness and ammonia burden (0.05 ≤ p < 0.10, trend). In muscle, BCEs improved protein–fat distribution, increased intramuscular fat, and enhanced flavor-related metabolites, significantly improving meat quality of culled hens (p < 0.05). BCEs also reshaped gut microbiota, reducing harmful taxa and promoting short-chain fatty acid and aromatic metabolite biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Serum metabolomics revealed modulation of AMPK, calcium, and cholesterol pathways, improving antioxidant capacity and lipid regulation (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses linked beneficial bacteria and metabolites with yolk DHA levels and flavor (p < 0.05). Overall, BCEs enhanced egg and meat quality and physiological health, providing guidance for functional feed strategies in aged laying hens.