Abstract. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide contained in brown algae, has a variety of immunomodulatory effects, including antitumor and antiviral effects. On the other hand, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) also have immunomodulatory effects such as anti-allergic effects. In this study, we demonstrated that fucoidan enhances the probiotic effects of LAB on immune functions. By using Peyer's patch cells and spleen cells in vitro, fucoidan amplified interferon (IFN)-γ production in response to a strain of LAB, Tetragenococcus halophilus KK221, and this activity was abolished by desulfation of fucoidan. Moreover, this IFN-γ response was abolished by interleukin (IL)-12 neutralization. These results indicate that fucoidan enhanced IL-12 production in response to KK221, resulting in promoting IFN-γ production. In an in vivo study, Th1/Th2 immunobalance was most improved by oral administration of both fucoidan and KK221 to ovalbumin-immunized mice. These findings suggest that fucoidan can enhance a variety of beneficial effects of LAB on immune functions.
Crocetin, a kind of carotenoid, is a yellow pigment composition found in gardenia fruits. Owing to its multifunctional physiological benefits, crocetin is used in many foods. For quantitative analysis of crocetin by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, we developed a process involving solid phase extraction (SPE). This novel method comprises the following steps: (1) preparation of the crocetin solution from food samples by dissolving in NaOH solution; (2) first step purification of crocetin via SPE of mixed-mode (reversed-phase/strong anion-exchange) polymer; (3) second step purification of crocetin via SPE of mixed-mode (reversed-phase/strong cation-exchange) polymer; (4) absorbance measurement of the purified crocetin solution. It was found that the lower limit of detection was 75 mg/100 g in the case of tablets and 0.3 mg/100 g in the case of beverages. The crocetin solution was added to three types of commercially available health food products and one beverage, which showed recoveries in the range of 100.4 %-102.8 %. The repeatability (relative standard deviation) was 1.03 % for a test repeated seven times with a soft capsule. The specificity of this method was confirmed by the UPLC method, mass spectrum and UV spectrum. The results demonstrated that this method is convenient and useful for the quantification of crocetin in various foods.
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