Generic placeholder image

Current Nutrition & Food Science

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-4013
ISSN (Online): 2212-3881

Mini-Review Article

Hemp Seeds, Flaxseed, and Açaí Berries: Health Benefits and Nutritional Importance with Emphasis on the Lipid Content

Author(s): Pedro Magalhães, Rosário M. Domingues and Eliana Alves*

Volume 18, Issue 1, 2022

Published on: 24 June, 2021

Page: [4 - 14] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/1573401317666210624142643

Price: $65

Abstract

Abstract: Some plant seeds and berries have gained increased recognition due to their wide variety of bioactive compounds. Many of these foods are rich in lipids with high nutritional value, of which n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids stand out. However, knowledge of the chemical composition and biological activity of these compounds and their value as a source of healthy lipids is far from being fully explored.

The benefits of the intake of hemp seeds, flaxseed, and açaí berries, considered functional foods, have been compiled in this review. Likewise, their general chemical composition will be described to evaluate their relevance in a healthy diet, highlighting their lipid components and health lipid indices.

The fibres and essential fatty acids of hemp seeds and flaxseed and the antioxidant properties of açaí berries provide them protective roles against several chronic non-communicable diseases and represent significant beneficial effects that add value to these healthy natural products. More research is needed to deepen the knowledge on their lipids’ molecular composition and bioactivity.

Keywords: Monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3 fatty acid, n-6 fatty acid, antioxidant, functional food.

Graphical Abstract

[1]
Hancox D. The unstoppable rise of veganism: How a fringe movement went mainstream | Life and style | The Guardian 2018. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/01/vegans-are-coming-millennials-health-climate-change-animalwelfare
[2]
Vecka M, Staňková B, Kutová S, Tomášová P, Tvrzická E, Žák A. Comprehensive sterol and fatty acid analysis in nineteen nuts, seeds, and kernel. SN Appl Sci 2019; 1(12): 1531.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-1576-z]
[3]
Wei W, Sun C, Jiang W, et al. Triacylglycerols fingerprint of edible vegetable oils by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Q-ToF-MS. LWT 2019; 112: 108261.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2019.108261]
[4]
Yamaguchi KK de L, Pereira LF, Lamarão CV, Lima ES, da Veiga-Junior VF. Amazon acai: Chemistry and biological activities: A review. Food Chem 2015; 179: 137-51.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.01.055] [PMID: 25722148]
[5]
Menezes EM da S, Torres AT. Sabaa Srur AU. Valor nutricional da polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) liofilizada. Acta Amazon 2008; 38(2): 311-6.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0044-59672008000200014]
[6]
Deferne J-L, Pate DW. Hemp seed oil: A source of valuable essential fatty acids. J Int Hemp Assoc 1996. Available from: http://www.internationalhempassociation.org/jiha/iha03101.html
[7]
Mungure TE, Birch E. Analysis of intact triacylglycerols in cold pressed canola, flax and hemp seed oils by HPLC and ESI-MS. SOP Trans Anal Chem 2014; 1: 48-6.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.15764/ACHE.2014.01005]
[8]
Cansell M, Bardeau T, Morvan E, Grélard A, Buré C, Subra‐Paternault P. Phospholipid profiles of oleaginous pressed cakes using NMR and gas chromatography. JAOCS. J Am Oil Chem Soc 2017; 94(9): 1219-23.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11746-017-3022-y]
[9]
Bin Sayeed MS, Karim SMR, Sharmin T, Morshed MM. Critical analysis on characterization, systemic effect, and therapeutic potential of beta-sitosterol: A plant-derived orphan phytosterol. Medicines 2016; 3(4): 29.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/medicines3040029] [PMID: 28930139]
[10]
Montserrat-de la Paz S, Marín-Aguilar F, García-Giménez MD, Fernández-Arche MA. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil: analytical and phytochemical characterization of the unsaponifiable fraction. J Agric Food Chem 2014; 62(5): 1105-10.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf404278q] [PMID: 24422510]
[11]
Stone WL, Papas AM. Tocopherols and the etiology of colon cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 1997; 89(14): 1006-14.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.14.1006] [PMID: 9230882]
[12]
Bhathena SJ, Berlin E, Judd JT, et al. Effects of ω 3 fatty acids and vitamin E on hormones involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in men. Am J Clin Nutr 1991; 54(4): 684-8.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/54.4.684] [PMID: 1832814]
[13]
Wolf G. γ-Tocopherol: An efficient protector of lipids against nitric oxide-initiated peroxidative damage. Nutr Rev 1997; 55(10): 376-8.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.1997.tb01566.x] [PMID: 9354084]
[14]
Callaway J, Laakkonen T. Cultivation of cannabis oil seed varieties in Finland. J Int Hemp Assoc 1996. Available from: http://www.druglibrary.org/olsen/hemp/iha/iha03114.html
[15]
Nuutinen T. Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157: 198-228.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076] [PMID: 30096653]
[16]
Formukong EA, Evans AT, Evans FJ. Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation 1988; 12(4): 361-71.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00915771] [PMID: 3169967]
[17]
Silvestro S, Mammana S, Cavalli E, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Use of cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy: Efficacy and security in clinical trials. Molecules 2019; 24(8): 1459.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules24081459] [PMID: 31013866]
[18]
Lazarini-Lopes W, Do Val-da Silva RA, da Silva-Júnior RMP, Leite JP, Garcia-Cairasco N. The anticonvulsant effects of cannabidiol in experimental models of epileptic seizures: From behavior and mechanisms to clinical insights. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111: 166-82.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.014] [PMID: 31954723]
[19]
Leizer C, Ribnicky D, Poulev A, Dushenkov S, Raskin I. The composition of hemp seed oil and its potential as an important source of nutrition. J Diet Suppl 2000; 2(4): 35-53.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J133v02n04_04]
[20]
Jang E, Kim H, Jang S, et al. Concentrations of THC, CBD, and CBN in commercial hemp seeds and hempseed oil sold in Korea. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 306: 110064.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110064] [PMID: 31786513]
[21]
Vonapartis E, Aubin M-P, Seguin P, Mustafa AF, Charron J-B. Seed composition of ten industrial hemp cultivars approved for production in Canada. J Food Compos Anal 2015; 39: 8-12.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2014.11.004]
[22]
Berto BM, Garcia RKA, Fernandes GD, Barrera-Arellano D, Pereira GG. Linseed oil: Characterization and study of its oxidative degradation. Grasas Aceites (Sevilla, Spain) 2020; 71(1): e337-7.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3989/gya.1059182]
[23]
Zhou Y, Wang S, Lou H, Fan P. Chemical constituents of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed with potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity. Phytochem Lett 2018; 23: 57-61.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2017.11.013]
[24]
Wang S, Luo Q, Fan P. Cannabisin F from hemp (Cannabis sativa) seed suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 microglia as SIRT1 modulator. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20(3): 507.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20030507] [PMID: 30691004]
[25]
Luo Q, Yan X, Bobrovskaya L, et al. Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of grossamide from hemp seed via suppression of TLR-4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 428(1-2): 129-37.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11010-016-2923-7] [PMID: 28224333]
[26]
Rodriguez-Martin NM, Toscano R, Villanueva A, et al. Neuroprotective protein hydrolysates from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds. Food Funct 2019; 10(10): 6732-9.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C9FO01904A] [PMID: 31576391]
[27]
Yan X, Tang J, Dos C, Passos S, Nurisso A, Avello C. Characterization of lignanamides from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed and their antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63(49): 10611-9.
[28]
Rea J, García-Giménez MD, Santiago M, De la Puerta R, Fernández-Arche MA. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives isolated from hempseed and their effects on central nervous system enzymes. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2021; 72(2): 184-94.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2020.1793305] [PMID: 32664762]
[29]
Krist S, Stuebiger G, Bail S, Unterweger H. Analysis of volatile compounds and triacylglycerol composition of fatty seed oil gained from flax and false flax. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol 2006; 108(1): 48-60.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.200500267]
[30]
Malomo SA, Aluko RE. Kinetics of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by hemp seed protein-derived peptides. J Food Biochem 2019; 43(7): e12897.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.12897] [PMID: 31353736]
[31]
Malomo SA, Aluko RE. in vitro acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory properties of enzymatic hemp seed protein hydrolysates. J Am Oil Chem Soc 2016; 93(3): 411-20.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11746-015-2779-0]
[32]
Rezapour-Firouzi S, Kheradmand F, Shahabi S, Tehrani AA, Mazloomi E, Mohammadzadeh A. Hemp seed/evening primrose oil affects expression of STAT3, IL-17, and FOXP3+ in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Res Pharm Sci 2019; 14(2): 146-54.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/1735-5362.253362] [PMID: 31620191]
[33]
Rezapour-Firouzi S, Shahabi S, Mohammadzadeh A, Tehrani AA, Kheradmand F, Mazloomi E. The potential effects of hemp seed/evening primrose oils on the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and interferon-gamma genes expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Res Pharm Sci 2018; 13(6): 523-32.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/1735-5362.245964] [PMID: 30607150]
[34]
Maiolo SA, Fan P, Bobrovskaya L. Bioactive constituents from cinnamon, hemp seed and polygonum cuspidatum protect against H2O2 but not rotenone toxicity in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease. J Tradit Complement Med 2018; 8(3): 420-7.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.11.001] [PMID: 29989058]
[35]
Bravi E, Perretti G, Marconi O, Patrizi E, Fantozzi P. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside determination in flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil and application to a shelf life study. Food Chem 2011; 126(4): 1553-8.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.11.169] [PMID: 25213926]
[36]
Cupersmid L, Fraga APR, de Abreu ES, Pereira IRO. Linhaça: Composição química e efeitos biológicos. e-Scientia 2012. Available from: https://revistas.unibh.br/dcbas/article/view/825
[37]
Bhatty RS, Cherdkiatgumchai P. Compositional analysis of laboratory-prepared and commercial samples of linseed meal and of hull isolated from flax. JAOCS. J Am Oil Chem Soc 1990; 67(2): 79-84.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02540631]
[38]
Oomah BD, Mazza G. Flaxseed proteins - A review. Food Chem 1993; 48(2): 109-14.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0308-8146(93)90043-F]
[39]
Ding HH, Cui SW, Goff HD, Wang Q, Chen J, Han NF. Soluble polysaccharides from flaxseed kernel as a new source of dietary fibres: Extraction and physicochemical characterization. Food Res Int 2014; 56: 166-73.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2013.12.005]
[40]
El‐Shattory Y. Chromatographic column fractionation and fatty acid composition of different lipid classes of linseed oil. Food/Nahrung 1976; 20(3): 307-11.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/food.19760200311]
[41]
Matsumoto T, Shishido A, Morita H, Itokawa H, Takeya K. Conformational analysis of cyclolinopeptides A and B. Tetrahedron 2002; 58(25): 5135-40.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(02)00476-3]
[42]
Shahidi F, Ambigaipalan P. Phenolics and polyphenolics in foods, beverages and spices: Antioxidant activity and health effects – A review. J Funct Foods 2015; 18: 820-97.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.018]
[43]
de Magalhães BEA, Santana D de A, Silva IM de J, Minho LAC, Gomes MA, Almeida JRG da S, et al. Determination of phenolic composition of oilseed whole flours by HPLC-DAD with evaluation using chemometric analyses. Microchem J 2020; 155: 104683.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2020.104683]
[44]
Kuijsten A, Arts ICW, Vree TB, Hollman PCH. Pharmacokinetics of enterolignans in healthy men and women consuming a single dose of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. J Nutr 2005; 135(4): 795-801.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jn/135.4.795] [PMID: 15795437]
[45]
Mali AV, Padhye SB, Anant S, Hegde MV, Kadam SS. Anticancer and antimetastatic potential of enterolactone: Clinical, preclinical and mechanistic perspectives. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 852: 107-24.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.02.022] [PMID: 30771348]
[46]
Prasad K, Mantha SV, Muir AD, Westcott ND. Protective effect of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside against streptozotocin-induced diabetes and its mechanism. Mol Cell Biochem 2000; 206(1-2): 141-9.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1007018030524] [PMID: 10839204]
[47]
Parikh M, Maddaford TG, Austria JA, Aliani M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN. Dietary flaxseed as a strategy for improving human health. Nutrients 2019; 11(5): 1171.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu11051171] [PMID: 31130604]
[48]
Zhang X, Wang H, Yin P, Fan H, Sun L, Liu Y. Flaxseed oil ameliorates alcoholic liver disease via anti-inflammation and modulating gut microbiota in mice. Lipids Health Dis 2017; 16(1): 44.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12944-017-0431-8] [PMID: 28228158]
[49]
Power KA, Lepp D, Zarepoor L, et al. Dietary flaxseed modulates the colonic microenvironment in healthy C57Bl/6 male mice which may alter susceptibility to gut-associated diseases. J Nutr Biochem 2016; 28: 61-9.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.09.028] [PMID: 26878783]
[50]
Shah NR, Patel BM. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside rich extract of L. usitatissimum prevents diabetic colon cancer through inhibition of CDK4. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83: 733-9.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.041] [PMID: 27470575]
[51]
Soltanian N, Janghorbani M. Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2019; 29: 41-8.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.002] [PMID: 30661699]
[52]
Bobbio FO, Druzian JI, Abrão PA, Bobbio PA, Fadelli S. Identificação e quantificação das antocianinas do fruto do açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea) mart. Food Sci Technol (Campinas) 2000; 20(3): 388-90.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0101-20612000000300018]
[53]
Mattietto RA, Carvalho AV. Composição química e nutricional da polpa de açaí: Comparação entre variedades roxa e branca.: XXV Congr Bras Ciência e Tecnol Aliment Brazil: Gramado, RS 2016. Available from: https://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/bitstream/doc/1056503/1/CBCTAID948.pdf
[54]
Del Pozo-Insfran D, Brenes CH, Talcott ST. Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). J Agric Food Chem 2004; 52(6): 1539-45.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf035189n] [PMID: 15030208]
[55]
Chin Y-W, Chai H-B, Keller WJ, Kinghorn AD. Lignans and other constituents of the fruits of Euterpe oleracea (Acai) with antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. J Agric Food Chem 2008; 56(17): 7759-64.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf801792n] [PMID: 18656934]
[56]
Spada PDS, Dani C, Bortolini GV, Funchal C, Henriques JAP, Salvador M. Frozen fruit pulp of Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai) prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus of rats. J Med Food 2009; 12(5): 1084-8.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2008.0236] [PMID: 19857073]
[57]
Matheus ME, Mantovani ISB, Santos GB, Fernandes SBO, Menezes FS, Fernandes PD. Ação de extratos do açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) sobre a produção de óxido nítrico em células RAW 264.7. Rev Bras Farmacogn 2003; 13: 3-5.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2003000300002]
[58]
de Moura RS, Pires KMP, Santos Ferreira T, et al. Addition of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) to cigarettes has a protective effect against emphysema in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 49(4): 855-63.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.12.007] [PMID: 21147193]
[59]
Pacheco-Palencia LA, Mertens-Talcott S, Talcott ST. Chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and thermal stability of a phytochemical enriched oil from Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). J Agric Food Chem 2008; 56(12): 4631-6.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf800161u] [PMID: 18522407]
[60]
Rocha APM, Carvalho LCRM, Sousa MAV, et al. Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açaí) extracts in mesenteric vascular bed of the rat. Vascul Pharmacol 2007; 46(2): 97-104.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2006.08.411] [PMID: 17049314]
[61]
Xie C, Kang J, Burris R, et al. Açaí juice attenuates atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Atherosclerosis 2011; 216(2): 327-33.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.02.035] [PMID: 21411096]
[62]
Jensen GS, Wu X, Patterson KM, et al. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J Agric Food Chem 2008; 56(18): 8326-33.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf8016157] [PMID: 18717569]
[63]
Ulbricht TLV, Southgate DAT. Coronary heart disease: Seven dietary factors. Lancet 1991; 338(8773): 985-92.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0140-6736(91)91846-M] [PMID: 1681350]
[64]
Zamani Ghaleshahi A, Ezzatpanah H, Rajabzadeh G, Ghavami M. Comparison and analysis characteristics of flax, perilla and basil seed oils cultivated in Iran. J Food Sci Technol 2020; 57(4): 1258-68.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13197-019-04158-x] [PMID: 32180622]
[65]
Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, et al. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai). J Agric Food Chem 2006; 54(22): 8598-603.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf060976g] [PMID: 17061839]
[66]
Hajar R. Risk factors for coronary artery disease: Historical perspectives. Heart Views 2017; 18(3): 109-14.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/HEARTVIEWS.HEARTVIEWS_106_17] [PMID: 29184622]
[67]
Lamine M, Gargouri M, Rahali FZ, Mliki A. Authentication of Citrus fruits through a comprehensive fatty acid profiling and health lipid indices: A nutraceutical perspectives. Food Measure 2019; 13(3): 2211-7.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11694-019-00141-4]

Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy