PNExo™ Exosome-Onion(PNE-VO45)

Benefits of Onions

• Reduced Blood Pressure: Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to help reduce blood pressure.
• Lower Cholesterol: Regular consumption of onions can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Antibacterial Properties: Onions have potent antibacterial properties, helping to ward off infections.
• Rich in Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for a strong immune system, and onions are a good source of it.
• Quercetin and Anti-Inflammation: The quercetin in onions helps reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating conditions like arthritis.
• Inhibition of Inflammatory Markers: Onions can reduce markers of inflammation, contributing to overall health.
• Antioxidants: Onions are high in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.
• Sulfur Compounds: These compounds, found in onions, have been linked to reduced cancer risk.
• Antioxidants for Skin: The antioxidants in onions can help maintain healthy skin by preventing oxidative damage.
• Anti-Aging Properties: Onions help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to their rich vitamin and antioxidant content.

What Are Onion-Derived Exosomes?

Onion-derived exosomes are nanoscale vesicles that encapsulate a variety of bioactive molecules. These include proteins, miRNA, and flavonoid compounds, with quercetin and its glycosides being the primary flavonoids present. Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, plays a key role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The presence of these bioactive components within the exosomes enhances their stability and bioavailability, allowing them to effectively modulate various biological processes.
Research has demonstrated that onion-derived exosomes significantly inhibit nitrate production in RAW264 cells induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria that triggers inflammation. Remarkably, this inhibition occurs without cytotoxic effects, suggesting that the exosomes can exert anti-inflammatory effects even at low concentrations. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory action of onion-derived exosomes is concentration-dependent, indicating that higher doses may yield more pronounced benefits.

Applications of Onion-Derived Exosomes

• Therapeutic Uses of Onion-Derived Exosomes

  The unique properties of onion-derived exosomes make them promising candidates for therapeutic applications. Their ability to deliver bioactive molecules efficiently and their inherent anti-inflammatory properties position them as potential treatments for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. By targeting inflammatory pathways directly, these exosomes could reduce reliance on conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, which often come with significant side effects.

• Onion-Derived Exosomes in Skin Care and Cosmetic Industry

  The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of onion-derived exosomes have intriguing implications for the skincare and cosmetic industries. These exosomes could be integrated into topical formulations to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote overall skin health. Their ability to stabilize and deliver bioactive compounds makes them an attractive ingredient for innovative skincare products aimed at combating inflammation and oxidative stress at the cellular level.

• Onion-Derived Exosomes in Agricultural and Food Industry

  Beyond therapeutic and cosmetic applications, onion-derived exosomes have potential uses in the agricultural and food industries. Their natural origin and bioactive properties make them suitable for developing functional foods and dietary supplements that promote health and wellness. Additionally, their incorporation into animal feed could enhance the health and productivity of livestock by reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.

Case study 1: Yamasaki M, 2021

This study evaluated onion-derived nanoparticles (exosomes) as anti-inflammatory agents. Using ultracentrifugation, nanoparticles containing quercetins, proteins, lipids, and small RNA were extracted from onions. These nanoparticles significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264 cells without cytotoxic effects. Fluorescent staining confirmed cellular incorporation, though inhibiting endocytosis did not affect their anti-inflammatory action, indicating extracellular mechanisms at play. Thus, consuming minimally processed onions may offer effective anti-inflammatory benefits while preserving exosome integrity.

Figure 1. Impact of onion-derived nanoparticles on nitric oxide production in LPS-treated RAW264 cells. The cells were incubated with two distinct concentrations of onion nanoparticles, 17 Kp and 200 Kp, for a duration of 24 hours prior to a subsequent 24-hour incubation with LPS at a concentration of 100 ng/mL. (A) The metabolic activity of the cells was evaluated utilizing the Cell Counting Kit-8, and the outcomes were depicted in terms of relative viability, normalized to the untreated control group. (B) The quantification of nitric oxide was conducted through the application of the Griess reagent system, with results expressed in terms of nitrate concentration. The presented values are the average ± standard error derived from triplicate experimental runs. Notable disparities from the group treated solely with LPS are denoted by asterisks, with * indicating a p-value less than 0.05 and ** signifying a p-value less than 0.01.

Figure 2. Effect of clathrin-dependent endocytosis inhibitor on intracellular uptake of onion-derived nanoparticles in RAW264 cells. These nanoparticles, categorized by their size into two groups (17 Kp and 200 Kp), were fluorescently tagged using the PKH26 dye. Prior to the introduction of the nanoparticles at concentrations of 400 μg/mL, the cells were subjected to a 1-hour pre-treatment with 10 mM of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). The subsequent 2-hour incubation period facilitated the nanoparticles' interaction with the cells. The cellular nuclei were visualized post-staining with the Hoechst33342 fluorescent dye, and the cellular uptake was scrutinized under a confocal scanning laser microscope. Statistically significant variations in comparison to the groups treated with the 17 Kp or 200 Kp nanoparticles are denoted by asterisks, with a single asterisk representing a p-value below 0.05 and a double asterisk indicating a p-value below 0.01.

Case study 2: Sharma V, 2024

Plant-derived compounds are gaining attention in medicine for their potential in cancer therapy due to their rich phytochemical content. This study explores the anti-cancer effects of onion-derived nanovesicles (ODNVs) for the first time. ODNVs were isolated through differential and ultracentrifugation, then characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The anti-cancer effects of ODNVs were tested on HeLa (cervical cancer) and PC-3 (prostate cancer) cell lines. Methods included MTT assays, DNA damage assessment, colony formation, migration assays, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis evaluation via flow cytometry and western blotting. Results showed that ODNVs exerted dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effects, selectively targeting cancer cells, inhibiting colony growth, and causing S-phase cell cycle arrest. Apoptosis was indicated by changes in nuclear morphology, increased apoptotic cell numbers, and alterations in apoptosis-related proteins such as bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3. These findings highlight the significant potential of ODNVs in inducing apoptosis and their promising anti-cancer properties.

References

1. Yamasaki M, et al. Onion (Allium cepa L.)-derived nanoparticles inhibited lps-induced nitrate production, however, their intracellular incorporation by endocytosis was not involved in this effect on RAW264 cells. Molecules. 2021. 26(9): 2763.
2. Sharma V, Sinha E S, Singh J. Investigation of In Vitro Anti-cancer and Apoptotic Potential of Onion-Derived Nanovesicles Against Prostate and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 2024: 1-17.

• What are the primary components of onion-derived exosomes, and how do they contribute to their biological activity?

  Onion-derived exosomes primarily contain proteins, miRNA, and flavonoid compounds, such as quercetin and its glycosides. These components contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them potential candidates for therapeutic applications.

• How are onion-derived exosomes isolated and purified to ensure high quality and consistency?

  We isolate and purify onion-derived exosomes using a combination of differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation techniques. This process ensures that the exosomes are of high quality and consistency, suitable for research purposes.

• Can onion-derived exosomes be used in in vivo studies, and what are the potential therapeutic applications?

  Yes, onion-derived exosomes can be used in in vivo studies. They have shown potential in anti-inflammatory therapies, cancer treatment, and as carriers for drug delivery, given their ability to modulate immune responses and target specific cells.

• What methods are used to characterize the size and composition of onion-derived exosomes?

  We can use dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to characterize the size and composition of onion-derived exosomes. These methods ensure precise measurement and detailed understanding of the exosomes’ properties.

• How stable are onion-derived exosomes under various storage conditions, and what is their shelf life?

  Onion-derived exosomes are stable under various storage conditions, typically maintaining their integrity for several months when stored at -80°C. For optimal results, we recommend using them within six months of preparation, ensuring they retain their biological activity.

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