The present study aimed to compare the absorption and transport patterns of three main betalains, betanin, vulgaxanthin I and indicaxanthin, into intestinal epithelial cells and to assess their distinct molecular effects on inflammatory and redox-related cell signalling in association with their radial scavenging potencies. All three betalains showed anti-inflammatory effects (5–80 μM), reflected by attenuated transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO-synthase. Concomitant increases in antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 were only observed for betanin. Moreover, betanin uniquely demonstrated a potent dose-dependent radical scavenging activity in EPR and cell-based assays. Results also indicated overall low permeability for the three betalains with Papp of 4.2–8.9 × 10−7 cm s−1. Higher absorption intensities of vulgaxanthin and indicaxanthin may be attributed to smaller molecular sizes and greater lipophilicity. In conclusion, betanin, vulgaxanthin I and indicaxanthin have differentially contributed to lowering inflammatory markers and mitigating oxidative stress, implying the potential to ameliorate inflammatory intestinal disease. Compared with two betaxanthins, the greater efficacy of betanin in scavenging radical and promoting antioxidant response might, to some extent, compensate for its poorer absorption efficiency, as demonstrated by the Caco-2 cell model.

The efficiency of l-valine and l-proline nitriles and a tert-butyl­ l-proline imidate as organocatalysts for the aldol reaction have been evaluated. l-Valine nitrile was found to be a syn-selective catalyst, while l-proline nitrile was found to be anti-selective, and gave products in modest to good enantioselectivities. tert-Butyl l-proline imidate was found to be a very efficient catalyst in terms of conversion of starting reagents to products, and gave good anti-selectivity. The enantioselectivity of the tert-butyl l-proline imidate was found to be good to excellent, with products being formed in up to 94% enantiomeric excess.

Extracts from rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) are analyzed for their phytochemistry using LC‐MS and the phytochemistry identified. The same extracts were tested for their efficacy to act as antioxidants by both hydrogen‐atom transfer (ORAC) and single electron transfer (FRAP). A correlation analysis was performed to identify the key phytochemistry responsible for antioxidant efficacy. The top performing extracts were then tested in a peptide model and in hair with the presence of UV to measure ability to protect against UV‐induced peptide and protein damage. Polyphenols (e.g. rosmarinic acid, glycosides of selgin) and abietane diterpenes (e.g. carnosic acid) in rosemary were identified as the principal compounds which enables the extracts to protect hair from UV.

Scope: Betalain pigments are increasingly highlighted for their bioactive and anti‐inflammatory properties, although research is lacking to demonstrate contributions of individual betalains. The work herein aimed to compare effects of four main betalains on inflammatory and cell‐protective markers and to highlight potential structure‐related relationships of the two main subgroups: betacyanins vs betaxanthins. Methods and results: Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide following incubation with betacyanins (betanin, neobetanin) and betaxanthins (indicaxanthin, vulgaxanthin I) in concentrations from 1 to 100 µM. All betalains suppressed expression of pro‐inflammatory markers IL‐6, IL‐1β, iNOS, and COX‐2 with tendency for stronger effects of betacyanins compared to betaxanthins. In contrast, HO‐1 and gGCS showed mixed and only moderate induction, while more emphasized effects were observed for betacyanins. While all betalains suppressed mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX‐2), a superoxide generating enzyme, only betacyanins were able to counteract hydrogen peroxide induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in alignment with their radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, betaxanthins exerted pro‐oxidant properties, elevating ROS production beyond hydrogen peroxide stimulation. Conclusion: In summary, all betalains display anti‐inflammatory properties, although only betacyanins demonstrate radical scavenging capacities, indicating potential differing responses under oxidative stress conditions, which requires further research.

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