Protein fraction from Artocarpus altilis pulp exhibits antioxidant properties and reverses anxiety behavior in adult zebrafish via the serotoninergic system

Publication date: Available online 25 January 2020Source: Journal of Functional FoodsAuthor(s): Nidyedja Goyanna Gomes Gonçalves, José Ismael Feitosa de Araújo, Francisco Ernani Alves Magalhães, Francisco Rogênio Silva Mendes, Marina Duarte Pinto Lobo, Ana Cristina de Oliveira Monteiro Moreira, Renato de Azevedo MoreiraAbstractBreadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a staple food in tropical regions and has several uses. The aim of this study was to establish the nutraceutical potential of an enriched protein fraction of breadfruit pulp (PFBp). PFBp was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrophoresis, zymography, thin-layer chromatography, and mass spectrometry. PFBp toxicity was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Its pharmacological effects were determined using zebrafish anxiety models, open field test, and light/dark test. PFBp is rich in essential amino acids (49.59 g/100 g), predominantly lysine and leucine. It contains proteases, including cysteine proteases and three major proteins (20–30 kDa). PFBp was not cytotoxic and showed ion-chelating antioxidant activity. It induced anxiolysis in zebrafish anxiety models. This effect was mediated by the serotoninergic system, mainly, 5-HTR1A, 5-HTR2C, and 5-HTR3. PFBp is a natural nutraceutical product. As a food supplement, PFBp could improve and sustain mental health.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Functional Foods - Category: Nutrition Source Type: research