Dietary flavonoids exhibit many biologically-relevant functions and can potentially have beneficial effects in the treatment of pathological conditions. In spite of its well known antioxidant properties, scarce structural information is available on the interaction of flavonoids with membrane receptors. Advances in the structural biology of a specific class of membrane receptors, the G protein-coupled receptors, have significantly increased our understanding of drug action and paved the way for developing improved therapeutic approaches. We have analyzed the effect of the flavonoid quercetin on the conformation, stability and function of the G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin, and the G90V mutant associated with the retinal degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa. By using a combination of experimental and computational methods, we suggest that quercetin can act as an allosteric modulator of opsin regenerated with 9-cis-retinal and more importantly, that this binding has a positive effect on the stability and conformational properties of the G90V mutant associated with retinitis pigmentosa. These results open new possibilities to use quercetin and other flavonoids, in combination with specific retinoids like 9-cis-retinal, for the treatment of retinal degeneration associated with retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, the use of flavonoids as allosteric modulators may also be applicable to other members of the G protein-coupled receptors superfamily.

This research identified the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the extractable (EP) and non-extractable (NEP) polyphenol fractions of berrycactus (BC). Additionally, the effects of BC and its residue (BCR) on preventing AOM/DSS-induced early colon carcinogenesis were evaluated in vivo. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 12/group): healthy control (C), AOM/DSS, BC, BCR, BC+AOM/DSS, and BCR+AOM/DSS. NEP was obtained through acid hydrolysis using H₂SO₄ and HCl (1 M or 4 M). The HCl-NEP fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, while condensed tannins were more abundant in the H₂SO₄-NEP fraction. A total of 33 polyphenols were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE in both EP and NEP, some of which were novel to BC. Both NEP hydrolysates demonstrated significant total antioxidant capacity (TEAC), with HCl-NEP exhibiting the highest ORAC values. The BC+AOM/DSS and BCR+AOM/DSS groups exhibited fewer aberrant crypt foci (p < 0.05), reduced colonic epithelial injury, and presented lower fecal β-glucuronidase activity, when compared to AOM/DSS group. No differences in butyric acid concentrations were observed between groups. This study presents novel bioactive compounds in EP and NEP from BC that contribute to chemopreventive effects in early colon carcinogenesis, while reducing fecal β-glucuronidase activity and preserving colonic mucosal integrity.

While fruit is a common ingredient in beer, our research takes a unique approach by studying the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) on the physicochemical and nutraceutical characteristics of craft fruit beer. These properties have been studied in PJ and other beverages using pomegranate; however, there is insufficient information on fruit beer. PJ, known for its health benefits, was obtained by compressing the fruit in a manual press and characterizing it. The base beer, a blonde ale with two hops, Cascade (C) and Saaz (S), was used. PJ was added to the beer during the second and third fermentation steps. Beer quality was analyzed using ASBC methods: phenolic compounds, sugars, and ethanol content by HPLC, and antioxidant capacity by ORAC. PJ presented a pH of 3.8 and 14°Brix. The beer evaluated was the third fermentation beer called 3FC and 3FS; due to the type of hops used, in general, 3FS presented better physicochemical characteristics; the relevant result was alcohol content around 6.0%, but ethanol content by HPLC was 7.36% for 3FS and 7.19% for 3FC. PJ in phenolic compounds provides the beer with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, and synaptic acid. However, the hop used influenced the phenolic profile of each beer. The antioxidant capacity of 3FC was higher at 19.75 mm ET/L. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that pomegranate juice in a fruit beer style provides good physicochemical and nutraceutical characteristics, offering a unique twist to the craft beer industry.

This study investigates the potential of blackberry juice fortified with whey as a carrier for transporting and protecting lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The interactions between whey proteins and the juice were examined to assess their impact on probiotic stability and protection during storage and passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the study explored how this combination influences the antioxidant properties of the product. The results indicated that the blackberry juice and whey protein mixture provided moderate protection to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG compared to the positive control (inulin), suggesting that whey proteins may enhance probiotic viability. Proteolytic analysis revealed progressive protein hydrolysis during fermentation, leading to the release of bioactive peptides, indicating the formation of compounds with potential functional benefits. Moreover, samples inoculated with LAB exhibited higher antioxidant activity than those without inoculum. This research demonstrates the promise of fermented blackberry juice fortified with whey proteins as an effective probiotic delivery system. It opens new possibilities for developing functional foods to promote intestinal health and overall well-being.