In the context of public health awareness and the ongoing enhancement of social living standards, tea polyphenols have garnered significant attention due to their associated health benefits. However, the instability of tea polyphenols and their poor bioavailability—stemming from environmental sensitivity—render them susceptible to oxidation and degradation during processing and utilization. This instability severely impacts the bioactive potential of tea polyphenols, highlighting considerable limitations in their application. Consequently, it is crucial to implement effective strategies aimed at improving the bioavailability of these compounds. The extraction technology employed for tea polyphenols plays a pivotal role in determining their product efficacy and applications. This paper provided a review of the composition, extraction methodologies, and metabolic absorption processes related to tea polyphenols. Furthermore, it summarized recent advancements in enhancing the bioefficacy of tea polyphenols through various nanotechnological systems—including nano-emulsions, nanoparticles, and nano-liposomes. The findings presented herein provide valuable insights for optimizing the utilization and development of products derived from tea polyphenols.

In recent years, the incidence of glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases has increased significantly, often accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Mannans, as a class of functional polysaccharides with diverse sources, play an important role in regulating the gut microbiota and impacting host health, garnering widespread attention. This review delved into the structural characterization of glucomannans, galactomannans, and mannan oligosaccharides from various sources, with particular emphasis on the impact of mannans on the gut microbiota and their potential applications in precision nutrition. Studies indicated that mannans could selectively promote the growth of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while inhibiting the proliferation of pathogens like Escherichia coli, affecting the production of short-chain fatty acids and the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, thereby optimizing the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The review also summarized the intestinal fermentability of mannans and their health benefits in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, offering new intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases.

Brassica rapa L., a biennial herb belonging to the genus Brassica of the family Cruciferae, is a unique edible plant resource with medicinal, food, and feed uses. It is rich in various functional components with high content, which vary due to different growth environments. This paper reviewed the recent research progress on the functional components of Brassica rapa L. and the development and utilization of functional foods. It introduced the research status of functional components such as vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins in Brassica rapa L., including their types, content, and physiological functions. It pointed out the deficiencies in the analysis and research of functional components and the development of functional foods. Simultaneously, it provided an outlook on the future development of the Brassica rapa L. industry, aiming to provide valuable references for further research on the functional components of Brassica rapa L. and promote the development and utilization of functional foods.

Objective To explore the stabilizing effects and mechanism of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP) on soybean oil Pickering emulsion. Methods In this study, TFP was used to construct soybean oil Pickering emulsion. The effects of TFP concentration on emulsion stability were systematically analyzed by characterizing the particle size distribution, rheological properties, thermal stability and storage stability of the emulsion. Results Microscopic observation and particle size analysis indicated that when the TFP concentration was 0.5%, the droplet size was the smallest and the uniformity was the highest. In addition, rheological analysis showed that the Pickering emulsion was characterized by pseudoplastic fluid, and the viscosity of the emulsion decreased significantly with the increase of temperature, while the increase of TFP concentration increased the viscosity of the emulsion. Especially when the shear rate was 0.1 s^-1, the apparent viscosity of 0.5% TFP emulsion reached 516.4400 mPa·s, which was 45 times of 0.1% emulsion. When the TFP concentration were 0.4% and 0.5%, after heating treatment at 95 ℃ for 30 min, the emulsion stability still reached (99.03±0.15)% and (91.38±0.70)%, and the particle size remained stable, showing excellent thermal stability. After 14 days of storage, there was no stratification appeared in the 0.5% TFP emulsion, exhibiting excellent storage stability. The results showed that the concentration of TFP was positively correlated with the stability of Pickering emulsion. Conclusion TFP inhibits droplet aggregation through interfacial film enhancement and steric hindrance effects, thereby improving the stability of Pickering emulsions. This study provides theoretical support and experimental reference for the development and application of polysaccharides stabilizers in Pickering emulsions.

Objective To develop a compound beverage suitable for diabetics using Auricularia auricula and Stigma maydis as raw materials. Methods Using Auricularia auricular and Stigma maydis as raw materials, xanthan gum as a stabilizer, and mogroside as a flavoring agent, the preparation process of the compound beverage was optimized through orthogonal experiments. The hypoglycemic effects of the beverage was evaluated by in vitro hypoglycemic and antioxidant tests. Results The optimal formula for the compound beverage was as follows: 30% of Auricularia auricula enzymatic hydrolysate, 40% of Stigma maydis extract, 0.10 g of mogroside, and 0.03 g of xanthan gum. Under these conditions, the sensory score of the compound beverage was 73.57 points. The α-glucosidase inhibition rate and α-amylase inhibition rate of the composite beverage were (55.26±2.05)% and (34.64±0.40)%, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rate, superoxide anion scavenging rate, and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of the compound beverage were (77.08±1.20)%, (30.56±0.41)%, and (38.95±0.43)%, respectively, all superior to those of the single Auricularia auricula enzymatic hydrolysate and Stigma maydis extract. Conclusion The composite beverage demonstrates positive effects in regulating blood glucose levels and eliminating endogenous free radicals. This study establishes the optimized formulation and preparation process for Auricularia auricula and Stigma maydis compound beverage, which demonstrates both feasibility and effectiveness. These findings provide both a theoretical foundation and practical references for developing functional beverages with dual hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties.

Objective To develop a nutritional beverage rich in Auricularia auricula polysaccharide and polypeptide, explore its biological activity in health care. Methods Polysaccharides and polypeptide were extracted from high-quality Auricularia auricula by enzymatic hydrolysis. The regulation of blood pressure and antioxidant activity were evaluated by in vitro experiments, and the content was determined. With sensory evaluation as the key index, the best formula was finally determined by screening sweeteners, sour agents and stabilizers. Results The optimum formula was as follows: The addition amount of Auricularia auricular polypeptide extract was 0.1 %, the addition amount of Auricularia auricular polysaccharide extract was 0.5%, the addition amount of citric acid was 0.04%, the addition amount of sucrose was 6%, the polysaccharide content was 528.1 mg/100 mL, the polypeptide content was 177.9 mg/100 mL, and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition rate was (58.61±0.72)%. The scavenging rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was (68.22±1.06)%, the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical was (70.31±0.68)%, and the scavenging ability of superoxide anion was (61.70±0.37)%, which indicated that the beverage had good health care effect in regulating blood pressure, blood glucose and antioxidant. Conclusion The beverage not only retains the traditional health benefits of Auricularia auricula, but also optimizes the taste through scientific matching and advanced processing technology to obtain higher content of polysaccharides and peptides. The verification results of its biological activity provide a scientific basis for the commercial production of Auricularia auricula beverage in the field of health care.

Objective To investigate the quality characteristics of wild Rosa roxbunghii seeds polysaccharides from different regions in Guizhou Province. Methods Wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides were extracted from 11 different regions in Guizhou Province by ultrasonic assisted enzymatic method, and the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharides were determined to compare their differences. Results The composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant properties and application quality of wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides from different regions in Guizhou Province were not the same. In terms of physical and chemical properties, the extraction ratio of wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides in region QD3 was the highest (26.23%); the solubility of wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides in region QD5 was the best (98%); the holding oil capacity of wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides in region QD9 was the highest (5.06 g/g) and the content of galacturonic acid was the highest (55.90%); the content of protein in wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides in region QD7 was the highest (18.53%); and the content of neutral sugar in wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides in region QD10 was the highest (15.04%). In terms of in vitro antioxidant activity, the wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharide from region QD3 had the strongest 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cationic radical scavenging ability [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value=0.09 mg/mL]; the wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharide from region QD10 had the strongest hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ value=0.24 mg/mL); and the wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharide from region QD2 had the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ value=0.13 mg/mL). In terms of application quality, the hardness of the cookie formula with wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides from region QD4 was the largest; and the crispiness of the cookie formula with wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides from region QD1 was the best. Conclusion The quality of wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides from different regions in Guizhou Province is obviously different and has its own characteristics. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for developing functional products from wild Rosa roxbunghii seed polysaccharides, broadening the way of deep processing and utilization of wild Rosa roxbunghii fruit, improving the economic benefits of wild Rosa roxbunghii fruit, and providing data reference for the development of related industries and scientific research.

Objective To study protective effects of total polyphenols from Nymphaea candida (NCTP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory injury in A549 cells. Methods Polyphenol content in NCTP was determined by Folin-Ciocalte method, and its characteristic components were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A549 cells were treated with 1.0 μg/mL LPS for 12 h to induce inflammatory damage model, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to screen out the optimal intervention concentration of NCTP. The experiment was divided into control group, lipopolysaccharide model group, dexamethasone (DXM 0.039 μg/mL) group, and NCTP (6.0, 15.0, 30.0 μg/mL) groups. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were detected by biochemical method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in A549 cells. The expression of related proteins [Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)] in nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway was detected by Western Blot. Results The content of total polyphenols in NCTP was (90.15±0.17)%, and the content of isostrictiniin, ellagic acid and nicotiflorin was (28.05±0.02)%, (2.15±0.03)% and (3.50±0.01)%, respectively. The mass concentrations of NCTP screened by CCK-8 were 6.0, 15.0, 30.0 μg/mL. After LPS stimulation of A549 cells, the expressions of intracellular inflammatory mediators NO, PGE2 and inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), indicating that the inflammatory damage model of A549 cells was successfully constructed. Compared with the model group, NCTP significantly inhibited the expression of NO, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA and increased the activities of SOD and GSH in LPS-induced A549 cells. Compared with the model group, NCTP also significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the damaged cells, and decreased the expression level of Keap1 proteins. Conclusion NCTP has the better protective effect on LPS-induced inflammatory injury in A549 cells, and its mechanism is relative to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. The results of this study can provide a basis for the research and development of functional foods with this effective part to prevent respiratory diseases.

Objective To analyze the active components, antioxidant activities, flavor compounds, and microstructure of Astragalus fermented by 3 kinds of different lactic acid bacteria. Methods Astragalus was solid-state fermented for 6 d using Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium breve, and Lactobacillus plantarum. The content of active components including total phenols and total flavonoids, as well as antioxidant activities including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation (ABTS⁺), hydroxyl (OH) free radical scavenging rates and total reducing power was determined. The flavor analysis was conducted using electronic nose, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). In addition, the microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Results Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Astragalus (HB-MR) showed the highest content of total phenols and flavonoids, reaching 1.02 mg GAE/g and 13.69 mg RE/g, respectively. HB-MR also demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity, with DPPH, ABTS⁺, OH free radical scavenging rates and total reducing power reaching 74.44%, 65.60%, 67.49% and 0.54, respectively. Different lactic acid bacteria fermentation reduced the original stimulating odor of Astragalus, with producing distinct volatile flavor characteristics. HB-MR increased the content of esters, acids, and hydrocarbons, enriching the coconut aroma. Additionally, the amounts of absorbed particles on Astragalus surface were obviously reduced with compact microstructure after lactic acid bacteria fermentation. Conclusion Lactic acid bacteria fermentation enhances the active component content and antioxidant capacity of Astragalus, and reduces its original stimulating flavor. This provides beneficial bacterial strains and technical support for future product development, and accumulates data for subsequent research on compound microbial agents.

Objective To explore the applicability of different Zea mays L. varieties in the processing of functional beverages and analyze the impact of their physical and chemical properties on processing efficiency and product functional indicators, meanwhile, study and compare the retention effects of traditional hydrothermal sterilization and ultra-high-pressure sterilization techniques on the functional components and sensory quality of Zea mays L. juice. Methods The 4 kinds of Zea mays L. varieties, including 3 kinds of sweet Zea mays L. varieties and 1 kind of waxy Zea mays L. variety, were selected for evaluation. Key parameters such as juice yield, sugar content, protein, vitamin C, total phenols and dietary fiber were measured. Zea mays L. juice samples were subjected to sterilization treatments using water-heat sterilization and ultra-high-pressure sterilization. The effects of these treatments on microbial safety, sensory evaluation, and nutritional indicators were compared. Results Significant differences in nutritional and functional indicators were observed among the Zea mays L. varieties. The “Xuetian 7401” sweet Zea mays L. variety demonstrated remarkable advantages in juice yield, sugar content, and dietary fiber content, making it the optimal raw material. Compared to water-heat sterilization, ultra-high-pressure sterilization more effectively preserved soluble dietary fiber while minimizing sedimentation and sensory quality deterioration. A 15-minute ultra-high-pressure sterilization treatment ensured microbial safety while maximizing the retention of functional and sensory properties of the beverage. Conclusion The “Xuetian 7401” sweet Zea mays L. is an ideal raw material for developing high-quality functional Zea mays L. beverages. Ultra-high-pressure sterilization, with its low-temperature and non-thermal characteristics, is superior to traditional water-heat sterilization in preserving functional components and optimizing sensory attributes. This study provides a scientific reference for the selection of raw materials and process optimization for functional Zea mays L. beverages, contributing to enhanced market competitiveness and consumer acceptance.