1.
Microalgae as a source of lutein: chemistry, biosynthesis, and carotenogenesis.
Sun, Z, Li, T, Zhou, ZG, Jiang, Y
Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology. 2016;:37-58
Abstract
Microalgae represent a sustainable source of natural products, and over 15,000 novel compounds originated from algal biomass have been identified. This chapter focuses on algae-derived lutein, a group of high-value products. Lutein belongs to carotenoids which have extensive applications in feed, food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The production of carotenoids has been one of the most successful activities in microalgal biotechnology. This chapter gives a mini review of microalgae-based lutein, where emphasis is placed on the biosynthetic pathway and the regulation of carotenogenesis.
2.
Natural Products with Anti-obesity Effects and Different Mechanisms of Action.
Fu, C, Jiang, Y, Guo, J, Su, Z
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2016;(51):9571-9585
Abstract
Obesity, a primary influence on health condition, causes numerous comorbidities and complications and, therefore, pharmacotherapy is considered a strategy for its treatment. However, the adverse effects of most chemical drugs targeting weight loss complicate their approval by regulatory authorities. Recently, interest has increased in the development of ingredients from natural sources with fewer adverse effects for preventing and ameliorating obesity. This review provides an overview of current anti-obesity drugs and natural products with anti-obesity properties as well as their mechanisms of action, which include interfering with nutrient absorption, decreasing adipogenesis, increasing energy expenditure (thermogenesis), appetite suppression, modifying intestinal microbiota composition, and increasing fecal fat excretion.