Methods for stimulating GLP-1 production

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing a dry product comprising a plant material selected from the species of Brassica oleracea, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing the plant material selected from the species of Brassica oleracea; (ii) optionally, cleaning the plant material provided in step (i), providing a cleaned plant material; and (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii), providing a dried plant material; wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions in which the energy applied to dry the plant material is provided as a pulsed treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing a composition comprising plant material selected from the species Brassica oleracea. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for providing a composition comprising plant material selected from the species Brassica oleracea, which composition exhibits improved medical effects such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol. Background Art

[0002] Plants have been used in traditional medical practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for various functions, including defense against insects, fungi, diseases, and herbivorous mammals.

[0003] Thus, as a result of years of optimization by nature, various plant materials are perfectly suited to provide biological macromolecules such as fibers, proteins, nucleic acids, organic acids, and other metabolites, providing health benefits to consumers. Thus, all natural product sources such as plants, microorganisms, animals, etc. can have potential biomedical relevance to elucidate cellular mechanisms and regulate their functions according to the needs of modern medicine.

[0004] Plant material selected from the species Brassica oleracea can include many common varieties used as vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy cabbage, kohlrabi, and gai lan.

[0005] The species Brassica oleracea has been identified as an important human food crop plant, used for its large food reserves that are stored in its leaves during winter.

[0006] The species Brassica oleracea has been shown to have enhanced beneficial effects on key factors associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

[0007] Obesity is one of the major health problems of high prevalence worldwide. However, current pharmacological anti-obesity treatments are not satisfactory because of poor efficacy, high cost, and rather large side effects.

[0008] During the past decade, many natural bioactive components in foods have been found to have anti-obesity properties, and this possibility of controlling body weight through food components has been emphasized.

[0009] It has been described that food components are able to interact with enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate the secretion of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and thereby enhance satiety and reduce food intake.

[0010] GLP-1 is one of the most important satiety hormones and is secreted by enteroendocrine L cells that are distributed throughout the small and large intestines. However, due to the rapid degradation of active GLP-1, its secretion is usually measured by total GLP-1, which is the sum of active and inactive GLP-1.

[0011] Previous studies have shown that impaired GLP-1 function is a key contributing factor to obesity, and synthetic GLP-1 agonists have been used in obesity therapy.

[0012] GLP-1 secretion can be stimulated by many nutrients and bioactive components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and polyphenols from plants.

[0013] In vivo, GLP-1 regulates blood glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying, which will in turn enhance satiety, reduce food intake, and lead to subsequent weight loss.

[0014] GLP-1 has been shown to be extremely effective against diabetes. The incretin effect, in which various metabolic hormones cause a decrease in blood glucose levels, is thought to be triggered by glucagon-like peptides. One of the main hormones responsible for stimulating this effect is GLP-1, which is considered to be the most effective in reducing hyperglycemic levels.

[0015] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide improved methods for providing compositions that are capable of improving GLP-1 secretion stimulation, and particularly more effective and / or reliable methods for providing compositions that are capable of improving GLP-1 secretion stimulation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Accordingly, an object of the present invention relates to a method for providing a composition comprising a plant material selected from the species of Brassica. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for providing a composition comprising a plant material selected from the species of Brassica, the composition showing improved medical effects such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol.

[0017] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a dried product comprising a plant material selected from the species of Brassica, the method comprising the steps of:

[0018] (i) providing the plant material selected from the species of Brassica;

[0019] (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide a washed plant material; and

[0020] (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide a dried plant material;

[0021] Wherein, the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions where the energy applied to dry the plant material is provided as a pulsed treatment.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a dried product comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] (i) providing the plant material selected from the Brassica species;

[0024] (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide a washed plant material; and

[0025] (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide a dried plant material;

[0026] Wherein, the drying in step (iii) is carried out under the following conditions: during the drying in step (iii), the temperature of the plant material is maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example 10 °C or lower, such as 5 °C or lower.

[0027] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein, relative to a conventional composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid.

[0028] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) determined by an in vitro assay by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0029] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an edible product comprising the composition according to the present invention.

[0030] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product comprising the composition according to the present invention for treating or alleviating obesity in a mammal.

[0031] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product comprising the composition according to the present invention for controlling blood glucose and / or insulin levels in a mammal and / or alleviating type 2 diabetes in a mammal.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter. Detailed implementation mode

[0033] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention surprisingly found that a specific combination of features would enable the preservation of metabolites of interest in plant materials selected from the Brassica species.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from the Brassica species, the method comprising the following steps:

[0035] (i) providing the plant material selected from the Brassica species;

[0036] (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide a washed plant material; and

[0037] (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide a dried plant material;

[0038] wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions in which the energy applied to dry the plant material is provided as a pulsed treatment.

[0039] During the drying in step (iii), the temperature of the plant material can be maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example 10 °C or lower, such as 5 °C or lower.

[0040] The pulsed treatment can include the following alternating sequence: (a) a sequence of applying energy, followed by (b) a sequence of reducing energy treatment or no energy treatment.

[0041] The pulsed treatment can involve a continuous alternation of the energy applied to the plant material, from a higher energy level to a lower energy level, and vice versa (the lower energy level is lower than the higher energy level).

[0042] During the drying process, the change between the continuous alternation of the higher energy level to the lower energy level and vice versa can be carried out 2 - 200 times, such as 5 - 150 times, for example 7 - 100 times, such as 10 - 75 times, for example 12 - 50 times, such as 15 - 40 times, for example 20 - 35 times.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, an alternation between a higher energy level and a lower energy level can be provided by adding energy to the drying chamber of a dryer (preferably a freeze dryer). Preferably, adding energy to the drying chamber of the dryer can be provided by adding a hot gas (such as hot air).

[0044] Preferably, the temperature of the hot gas (such as hot air) can be maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example in the range of 10 - 60 °C, such as in the range of 25 - 57 °C, for example in the range of 35 - 56 °C, such as in the range of 40 - 55 °C, for example in the range of 45 - 50 °C.

[0045] After a period of time in the drying chamber, the temperature of the hot air in the drying chamber can drop, resulting in a decrease in the hot air temperature.

[0046] After a predetermined time, the hot air with a reduced temperature can be removed from the drying chamber (this is the sequence of the lower energy level).

[0047] Preferably, the hot air with a reduced temperature can be replaced by introducing hot air (this is the sequence of the higher energy level).

[0048] (a) The change between an alternating sequence of applying energy, followed by (b) a sequence of no energy treatment, and vice versa can be controlled according to a specified time interval and / or specified by a predetermined temperature change in the drying chamber.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the change between an alternating sequence of (a) applying energy, followed by (b) a sequence of no energy treatment can be controlled according to a specified time interval and / or specified by a predetermined temperature change in the drying chamber.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined temperature change in the drying chamber can be between 0.1 °C and 25 °C, such as between 0.2 °C and 20 °C, for example between 0.3 °C and 18 °C, such as between 0.4 °C and 15 °C, for example between 0.5 °C and 12 °C, such as between 0.6 °C and 10 °C, for example between 0.7 °C and 6 °C, such as between 0.8 °C and 5 °C, for example between 0.9 °C and 4 °C, such as between 1.0 °C and 3 °C, for example between 1.5 °C and 2 °C.

[0051] The higher energy level that can be provided in the form of heat during the drying in step (iii) can be maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example 10 °C or lower, such as 5 °C or lower.

[0052] During drying, the plant material can be subjected to a pressure reduced relative to atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the pressure during drying is below 1 mbar, such as below 0.8 mbar, for example below 0.6 mbar, such as below 0.4 mbar, for example below 0.3 mbar, such as below 0.2 mbar, for example below 0.1 mbar, such as below 0.09 mbar, for example below 0.07 mbar, such as below 0.05 mbar, for example below 0.03 mbar.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drying can preferably be freeze-drying. The freeze-drying according to the present invention can involve primary drying or primary drying and secondary drying.

[0054] After primary drying, the moisture content of the dried plant material can be in the range of 5 - 15% (w / w) water, such as in the range of 6 - 14% (w / w), for example in the range of 7 - 13% (w / w), such as in the range of 8 - 12% (w / w), for example in the range of 9 - 11% (w / w), such as about 10% (w / w).

[0055] After secondary drying, the moisture content of the dried plant material can be in the range of 2 - 10% (w / w) water, such as in the range of 3 - 9% (w / w), for example in the range of 4 - 8% (w / w), such as in the range of 5 - 7% (w / w), for example in the range of 4 - 6% (w / w), such as about 5% (w / w).

[0056] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from the Brassica species, the method comprising the following steps:

[0057] (i) providing the plant material selected from the Brassica species;

[0058] (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide washed plant material; and

[0059] (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide dried plant material;

[0060] Among them, the drying in step (iii) is carried out under the following conditions: during the drying in step (iii), the temperature of the plant material is maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example 10 °C or lower, such as 5 °C or lower.

[0061] The temperature during drying can be maintained by reducing the amount of energy provided during the drying process and / or by the program of applying energy during drying.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy provided for drying the plant material can be applied as a pulsed treatment to reduce the drying effect on the plant material.

[0063] The cabbage species can preferably be selected from kale (Brassica oleracea acephala), leafy kale (Brassica oleracea laciniata), curly kale (Brassica oleracea sabellica), cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata) or a combination thereof.

[0064] Preferably, the cabbage species can be selected from kale.

[0065] The plant material provided in step (i) can consist essentially of cabbage species. The cabbage species can be selected from kale, leafy kale, curly kale, cabbage or a combination thereof. Preferably, the cabbage species can be selected from kale.

[0066] In the context of the present invention, the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consist essentially of" can be used interchangeably and can relate to restricting the scope of the claim to the specified features or steps and those features or steps that are not mentioned and do not substantially affect one or more basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning process (in step (ii)) includes a washing step of the plant material provided in step (i).

[0068] Preferably, the washing step can be carried out with water and can remove microorganisms, dirt and other foreign substances from the surface of the plant material. In some cases, the washing can be a thorough washing because dirt and other foreign substances can be hidden within the plant material structure. The thorough washing can include shaking, agitation or hosing (hosing and rinsing are preferably carried out under conditions where the surface of the plant material remains substantially intact).

[0069] The washing can be carried out using one or more chemicals approved by the food industry. The one or more chemicals can include one or more salts, which can be included to remove, inhibit or kill unwanted microorganisms and / or unwanted microbial growth.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plant material can be provided in step (i) within 7 days of harvesting the plant material, preferably within 5 days of harvesting the plant material, more preferably within 3 days of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 24 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 20 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 15 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 12 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 10 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 8 hours of harvesting the plant material.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the plant material provided in step (i) and / or the washed plant material obtained in step (ii) can be cut before being subjected to drying in step (iii).

[0072] Preferably, the plant material can be cooled and / or frozen before being subjected to the drying defined in step (iii).

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, the frozen plant material can be completely frozen.

[0074] The plant material can be frozen to a temperature of at least -10°C, such as at least -15°C, for example at least -20°C, such as at least -30°C, for example at least -40°C, such as at least -50°C, for example at least -60°C.

[0075] Preferably, the dried plant material obtained in step (iii) can be subjected to at least one disintegration step to provide disintegrated plant material.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one disintegration of the dried plant material can involve grinding the dried plant material.

[0077] The disintegration or grinding of the plant material can produce powdered plant material.

[0078] The dry plant material may have a moisture content of less than 15% (w / w), such as less than 12% (w / w); for example, less than 10% (w / w), such as less than 8% (w / w); for example, less than 6% (w / w), such as less than 5% (w / w); for example, less than 4% (w / w), such as less than 3% (w / w); for example, less than 2% (w / w).

[0079] The powdered plant material may have a particle size (d50) of 5 mm or less, such as an average diameter of 4 mm or less, such as an average diameter of 3 mm or less, such as an average diameter of 2 mm or less, such as a particle size (d50) of 1 mm or less, such as an average diameter in the range of 25 μm to 5 mm, such as from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, such as an average diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, such as an average diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0080] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid relative to a conventional composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species.

[0081] Sinapic acid (or Sinapinic acid) is a naturally occurring small hydroxycinnamic acid present in plant materials. Sinapic acid (and its derivatives), together with other secondary metabolites, can be biosynthesized by plants via a series of chemical reactions. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these chemical reactions, as well as development or degradation, can continue in the harvested plant material.

[0082] The composition according to the present invention comprises sinapic acid (and its derivatives). Preferably, the composition according to the present invention comprises naturally occurring sinapic acid (and its derivatives).

[0083] Preferably, the plant material may be kale, and the composition may comprise an increased amount of sinapic acid relative to other Brassica species.

[0084] Relative to a dry product obtained by a conventional method comprising a plant material selected from similar Brassica species, the composition according to the present invention comprising a dry product comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species obtained according to the present invention may comprise a higher content of sinapic acid.

[0085] The conventional method may comprise freeze-drying the harvested plant material, wherein the plant material may reach a temperature above 70 °C, and / or wherein the time from harvest to the start of the method is longer than 7 days.

[0086] Preferably, the Brassica species may be selected from kale, savoy cabbage, curly kale, cabbage, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the Brassica species may be selected from kale.

[0087] The compositions according to the invention may comprise an increased amount of sinapic acid. Preferably, relative to other compositions of the prior art, the compositions according to the invention may comprise a higher concentration of sinapic acid. Preferably, the sinapic acid concentration obtained in the compositions of the invention may be at least 10% higher than the sinapic acid content in the compositions of the prior art, such as at least 20% higher in sinapic acid content, for example at least 30% higher in content, such as at least 40% higher in sinapic acid content, for example at least 50% higher in content, such as at least 60% higher in sinapic acid content, for example at least 70% higher in content, such as at least 80% higher in sinapic acid content, for example at least 90% higher in content, such as at least 100% higher in sinapic acid content, for example at least 110% higher in content.

[0088] Examples of compositions of the prior art may be:

[0089] - Compositions produced at a maximum temperature above 60 °C during drying;

[0090] - Compositions produced more than 5 days after harvesting;

[0091] - Compositions produced under non-pulsed conditions during lyophilization; and / or

[0092] - Compositions produced from species other than kale.

[0093] The composition may preferably comprise plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein the composition may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) determined by in vitro assays by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0094] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition comprising plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) determined by in vitro assays by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0095] Preferably, the in vitro assay for determining the production or content of GLP-1 may be described by Yue et al. (2019) and / or by the method described in the examples according to the invention.

[0096] The compositions according to the invention may preferably be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in mammals. Preferably, the mammal may be a human or a pet and / or a farm animal.

[0097] In an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises a plant material selected from the Brassica species, wherein, relative to a conventional composition comprising a plant material selected from the Brassica species, the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid, and wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) determined by an in vitro assay by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0098] In an embodiment, the composition according to the present invention consists essentially of a plant material selected from the Brassica species, preferably the Brassica species according to the present invention.

[0099] The Brassica species can be an annual plant grown from seeds and has a wide range of germination temperatures.

[0100] Raw kale may comprise about 84% water, about 9% carbohydrates, about 4% protein and about 1% fat. In a 100 g serving, raw kale provides about 207 kJ (49 kcal) of food energy and a large amount of vitamin K (about 3.7 times the daily recommended value). It is generally rich in sources of vitamins and minerals (about 20% or more of the daily recommended value), such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and manganese. Raw kale can also be a good source of thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E and various dietary minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus (about 10 - 19% of the daily recommended value). When preparing raw kale, for example by boiling, most of these nutrients may be reduced while the values of vitamins A, C and K and manganese remain substantially the same.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises a food energy value of less than 75 kcal per 100 g serving, such as less than 70 kcal, for example less than 65 kcal, such as less than 60 kcal, for example less than 55 kcal, such as less than 50 kcal, for example less than 45 kcal, such as less than 40 kcal, for example less than 35 kcal.

[0102] The food energy value can be the chemical energy that an animal (including a human) obtains from consuming a food product for maintaining metabolism (including muscle activity).

[0103] In an embodiment of the present invention, the food energy value and / or the level of GLP-1 produced / secreted can be based on a 100 g serving.

[0104] Preferably, the composition according to the present invention may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 determined by an in vitro assay by at least 25 pmol / l, and the composition comprises a food energy value of less than 75 kcal, such as less than 70 kcal, for example less than 65 kcal, such as less than 60 kcal, for example less than 55 kcal, such as less than 50 kcal, for example less than 45 kcal, such as less than 40 kcal, for example less than 35 kcal.

[0105] Preferably, the in vitro assay for determining GLP-1 secretion is described in Example 4.

[0106] The plant material according to the invention may comprise the leaves of the plant material, or the leaves and stems. Preferably, the plant material comprises the leaves of the invention.

[0107] Preferably, the plant material according to the invention does not comprise the seeds of the Brassica species.

[0108] Determined on a dry matter basis, the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 can be increased by at least 25 pmol / l / g of dry plant material, such as at least 50 pmol / l / g of dry plant material, such as at least 75 pmol / l, such as at least 100 pmol / l, such as at least 125 pmol / l, such as at least 150 pmol / l, such as at least 175 pmol / l, such as at least 200 pmol / l, such as at least 225 pmol / l, such as at least 250 pmol / l, such as at least 275 pmol / l, such as at least 300 pmol / l, such as at least 325 pmol / l, such as at least 350 pmol / l, such as at least 375 pmol / l, such as at least 400 pmol / l, such as at least 425 pmol / l, such as at least 450 pmol / l, such as at least 475 pmol / l, such as at least 500 pmol / l.

[0109] In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the composition comprises less than 1.5 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 1.25 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 1.00 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.75 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.50 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.25 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.10 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.08 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.07 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.06 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition).

[0110] Preferably, the composition according to the invention may comprise a fibrous material. Preferably, the fibrous material may be obtained from the plant material defined herein.

[0111] In an embodiment of the invention, the fibrous material of the plant material may be retained in the dry plant material and / or composition according to the invention, or may be substantially retained.

[0112] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially retained" relates to retaining at least 25% (w / w) of the fibrous material; such as at least 50% (w / w); for example at least 75% (w / w); such as at least 90% (w / w); for example at least 95% (w / w); such as at least 98% (w / w); for example at least 99% (w / w).

[0113] The composition according to the present invention may comprise a fibrous material in the range of 15 - 60 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a fibrous material in the range of 25 - 55 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), for example a fibrous material in the range of 35 - 50 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a fibrous material in the range of 40 - 49 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), for example a fibrous material in the range of 45 - 48 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition).

[0114] The composition according to the present invention may comprise a fat in the range of 2 - 12 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a fat in the range of 4 - 10 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), for example a fat in the range of 6 - 8 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition).

[0115] The composition according to the present invention may comprise a carbohydrate in the range of 5 - 25 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a carbohydrate in the range of 8 - 20 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), for example a carbohydrate in the range of 10 - 15 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a carbohydrate in the range of 12 - 14 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition).

[0116] The composition according to the present invention may comprise a protein in the range of 5 - 30 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a carbohydrate in the range of 10 - 28 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), for example a carbohydrate in the range of 14 - 25 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition), such as a carbohydrate in the range of 16 - 22 g per 100 g of dry plant material (or composition).

[0117] The composition according to the present invention consists essentially of cabbage species. Preferably, the composition according to the present invention may consist essentially of cabbage species selected from kale, savoy cabbage, curly kale, napa cabbage or a combination thereof. Preferably, the composition according to the present invention may consist essentially of the cabbage species selected from kale.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present invention, the increase in the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 provided by the composition according to the present invention can be determined relative to the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 in a fasting state.

[0119] The Brassica species can be selected from Brassica oleracea var. acephala, Brassica oleracea var. laciniata, Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba, Brassica oleracea var. capitata or combinations thereof, and the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 can be increased by at least 10%, such as at least 20%, for example at least 30%, such as at least 40%, for example at least 50%, such as at least 60%, for example at least 70%, such as at least 80%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 100%, for example at least 125%, such as at least 150%, for example at least 175%, such as at least 200%, for example at least 250% relative to different Brassica species.

[0120] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Brassica species of the present invention can be Brassica oleracea var. acephala, and the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 can be increased by at least 10%, such as at least 20%, for example at least 30%, such as at least 40%, for example at least 50%, such as at least 60%, for example at least 70%, such as at least 80%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 100%, for example at least 125%, such as at least 150%, for example at least 175%, such as at least 200%, for example at least 250% relative to Brassica species selected from Brassica oleracea var. laciniata, Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba, and / or Brassica oleracea var. capitata.

[0121] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an edible product comprising a composition according to the present invention.

[0122] The edible product can be a beverage, a dry food product, a wet food product or a dietary supplement.

[0123] The edible product can be prepared for human consumption, or it can be prepared as a feed product for animals. The animal can be a pet.

[0124] In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dietary supplement can be provided in the form of a powder, a mixture (dry mixture or wet mixture), a bar or a gel.

[0125] The dietary supplement can be provided with one or more flavoring components, one or more binding combinations.

[0126] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical product comprising a plant material selected from Brassica species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0127] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or a pharmaceutical product comprising a composition according to the present invention for treating or alleviating obesity in a mammal.

[0128] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product for controlling one or more parameters associated with type 2 diabetes in mammals, comprising a composition according to the present invention.

[0129] In yet a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product for controlling one or more parameters associated with type 2 diabetes in mammals, comprising a composition according to the present invention.

[0130] One or more parameters associated with type 2 diabetes may include:

[0131] - Controlling blood glucose levels, especially for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes; and / or

[0132] - Reducing the level of HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin).

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product for reducing the level of cholesterol (especially LDL cholesterol) in mammals, comprising a composition according to the present invention.

[0134] Cholesterol is a fatty substance. It is not inherently "bad", and the mammalian body needs cholesterol to build cells and to make vitamins and other hormones. However, too much cholesterol can cause problems.

[0135] Cholesterol comes from two sources: the liver, which makes all the cholesterol needed, or from eating animal food products such as meat, poultry, and dairy products, which all contain dietary cholesterol.

[0136] Cholesterol can exist as low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol). LDL cholesterol is considered unhealthy cholesterol and is not desirable in the blood.

[0137] When there is too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood, these particles can form deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries and other arteries throughout the body. Such deposits are called plaques, which can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. When a plaque breaks, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, reducing the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood is desirable.

[0138] Preferably, the composition for treating / relieving obesity, controlling one or more parameters associated with type 2 diabetes and / or for reducing cholesterol (in mammals) may comprise a composition comprising a plant material selected from Brassica oleracea, wherein the composition may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0139] In the context of the present invention, the term "comprising" may be synonymous with the terms "including", "containing", or "characterized by", which may relate to an inclusive or open-ended list of features and does not exclude additional, unrecited features or method steps. The term "comprising" renders the claims open to even include a large number of unspecified components.

[0140] Since the inventors have demonstrated that the content of sinapic acid can be increased by the methods and compositions according to the present invention, it is thus believed that the compositions according to the present invention exhibit improved antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and / or anti-lipidemic activity.

[0141] Sinapic acid can provide antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and exhibits antioxidant activity, improving the antioxidant status. This is significant in various situations because oxidative stress can be associated with aging and many pathological processes, which can be delayed by the compositions according to the present invention.

[0142] Anti-hyperglycemic activity (anti-diabetic activity) can be provided because sinapic acid can lower blood glucose, for example, by enhancing the body's glucose utilization and reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin production, reducing food intake, and regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

[0143] Sinapic acid can improve anti-lipidemic activity by regulating cholesterol synthesis, resulting in a reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, and an increase in HDL-cholesterol, thereby maintaining normal lipid levels in the body.

[0144] It should be noted that the embodiments and features described in the context of one aspect of the present invention are also applicable to other aspects of the present invention.

[0145] The present invention will now be described in further detail in the following non-limiting examples.

[0146] Examples

[0147] Example 1 - Preparation of dry powder plant material according to the present invention.

[0148] 1 kg of kale was harvested, washed with water, cut into smaller pieces, and subjected to freeze-drying (lyophilization). The freeze-drying process was carried out by pulsed treatment, in which the plant material was subjected to the following alternating sequence: (a) a sequence of energy application, followed by (b) a sequence of no energy treatment, and vice versa.

[0149] During the entire freeze-drying process, the plant material was maintained at a temperature below 42 °C by pulsed treatment.

[0150] The resulting dry plant material has a moisture content of 5% (w / w) and is ground to a particle size d50 of less than 2 mm.

[0151] The time period from harvest to drying and grinding of the plant material is only about 8 hours.

[0152] Example 2. Preparation of various dry powders

[0153] According to the details presented in Table 1 below, different types of powders were prepared by freeze-drying.

[0154] The starting point for each powder was 1 kg of kale seeds harvested.

[0155] Subsequently, it was washed with water and cut into smaller pieces, and then subjected to freeze-drying (lyophilization) until the moisture content was 5% (w / w).

[0156] The resulting dry plant material was ground to a particle size d50 of less than 2 mm.

[0157] Table 1: Kale seeds and method conditions for preparing kale powder.

[0158] Cabbage species Time from harvest to powder Pulsed / non-pulsed treatment (lyophilization) Highest temperature reached Sample 1 Kale 8 hours Non-pulsed 75℃ Sample 2 Savoy cabbage 8 hours Non-pulsed 75℃ Sample 3 Kale 8 hours Pulsed 42℃ Sample 4 Head cabbage 8 hours Pulsed 42℃ Sample 5 Savoy cabbage 8 hours Pulsed 42℃ Sample 6 Kale 7 days Non-pulsed 72℃ Sample 7 Kale 8 hours Pulsed 42℃

[0159] Example 3 - Determination of the content of sinapic acid in different samples of Example 2

[0160] The content of sinapic acid in 7 dry plant materials (Samples 1 to 7) prepared in Example 2 was tested. The content of sinapic acid was determined by the signal intensity obtained by spectrophotometry (LC / MC) and is expressed as the average of 5 replicates.

[0161] The following intensities were obtained

[0162] Signal intensity Sample 1 6457051 Sample 2 6535222 Sample 3 17254219 Sample 4 23708163 Sample 5 26157482 Sample 6 2253513 Sample 7 38480833

[0163] Compared with other samples, Sample 7 showed a significantly greater content of sinapic acid.

[0164] Sample 6 showed a sharp decline in the content of sinapic acid, and the readings were very low and uncertain.

[0165] This example also shows that pulsed treatment during freeze-drying has a positive effect on the content of sinapic acid.

[0166] This example also shows that by adjusting the pulsed treatment to provide a maximum temperature of 42 °C for the plant material (Sample 7), compared with a maximum temperature of 55 °C (Sample 3), the content of sinapic acid can be further significantly increased.

[0167] Compared with heading kale (Sample 4) and curly kale (Sample 5), kale seeds also showed a significantly higher content of sinapic acid.

[0168] Example 4 - Determining the potential of different samples of Example 2 to induce GLP-1

[0169] Seven dried plant materials (Samples 1 to 7) prepared in Example 2 were tested for their potential to induce GLP-1. The results are presented as the average of 3 replicates.

[0170] The procedure used to test the potential to induce GLP-1 was the one described by Yue et al. (2019).

[0171] The following levels of GLP-1 were observed

[0172] GLP-1 (pM) Baseline 18.26 Sample 1 247.21 Sample 2 233.91 Sample 3 377.45 Sample 4 307.20 Sample 5 321.46 Sample 6 256.47 Sample 7 434.51

[0173] Improvement in the potential to induce GLP-1 secretion also led to improvement in reduced food intake and improved insulin resistance, thus improving glycemic stability.

[0174] References

[0175] Yue et al. (2019): “Effect of food ingredients on glucagon-like peptide-1 in STC-1 and HuTu-80 cells”, International Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Claims

1. A method for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing the plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide washed plant material; and (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide dried plant material; wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions where the energy applied to dry the plant material is provided as a pulsed treatment.

2. A method for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing the plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally, washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide washed plant material; and (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the washed plant material provided in step (ii) to provide dried plant material; wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under the following conditions: during drying in step (iii), the temperature of the plant material is maintained at 60 °C or lower, such as 55 °C or lower, for example 50 °C or lower, such as 45 °C or lower, for example 40 °C or lower, such as 35 °C or lower, for example 30 °C or lower, such as 25 °C or lower, for example 20 °C or lower, such as 15 °C or lower, for example 10 °C or lower, such as 5 °C or lower.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The Brassica oleracea species are selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata or a combination thereof.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plant material can be provided in step (i) within 7 days of harvesting the plant material, preferably within 5 days of harvesting the plant material, more preferably within 3 days of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 24 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 20 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 15 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 12 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 10 hours of harvesting the plant material, even more preferably within 8 hours of harvesting the plant material.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dried plant material obtained in step (iii) can be subjected to at least one grinding step to provide ground plant material.

6. A composition comprising a plant material selected from the species Brassica oleracea, wherein, The composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid relative to a conventional composition comprising plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species.

7. A composition comprising a plant material selected from the species of Brassica oleracea, wherein, The composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) determined by an in vitro assay by at least 25 pmol / l.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein, The composition has a food energy value of less than 75 kcal per 100 g serving, such as less than 70 kcal, for example less than 65 kcal, such as less than 60 kcal, for example less than 55 kcal, such as less than 50 kcal, for example less than 45 kcal, such as less than 40 kcal, for example less than 35 kcal.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 6 - 8, wherein, The composition comprises less than 1.5 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, such as less than 1.25 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, for example less than 1.00 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, such as less than 0.75 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, for example less than 0.50 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, such as less than 0.25 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, for example less than 0.10 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, such as less than 0.08 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, for example less than 0.07 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material, such as less than 0.06 g of salt per 100 g of dry plant material.

10. An edible product comprising the composition according to any one of claims 6 - 9.