Process for stimulating GLP-1 production

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the process comprising the steps of: (i) providing plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; and (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide 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 applied as a pulsed treatment.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Plants have been used in traditional medical practice since prehistoric times. Plants synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for a variety of functions, including defense and protection against insects, fungi, disease, and herbivorous mammals.

[0003] Thus, as a result of nature's long-standing optimization, various plant materials may be perfectly suited to provide biological macromolecules such as fiber, proteins, nucleic acids, organic acids, and other metabolites that provide health benefits to consumers. Thus, all sources of natural products, such as plants, microorganisms, and animals, may have potential biomedical relevance for elucidating cellular mechanisms and modulating their functions to meet the needs of modern medicine.

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

[0005] Brassica oleracea species are well established as important human food crop plants, used for their large food resources stored over winter in their leaves.

[0006] Brassica oleracea species have 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 with high prevalence worldwide. However, current pharmacological anti-obesity treatments are unsatisfactory due to insufficient efficacy, high cost, and significant 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 ingredients has attracted attention.

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

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

[0011] Previous studies have suggested that GLP-1 dysfunction is a key contributing factor in obesity, and synthetic GLP-1 agonists have already been used to treat obesity. GLP-1 secretion can be stimulated by many nutrients and bioactive components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and polyphenols derived from plants.

[0012] In vivo, GLP-1 regulates glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying, which in turn enhances satiety, reduces food intake, and leads to subsequent weight loss.

[0013] GLP-1 has been shown to be highly potent against diabetes. The incretin effect, in which various metabolic hormones lower blood glucose levels, is thought to be mediated by glucagon-like peptides. One of the main hormones involved in stimulating this effect is GLP-1, which is thought to be the most effective in lowering high blood glucose levels.

[0014] Therefore, improved processes for providing compositions capable of improving the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion would be advantageous, and in particular, more efficient and / or reliable processes for providing compositions capable of improving the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion would be advantageous. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention relates to a process for providing a composition comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for providing a composition comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species that exhibits improved medical effects, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the process comprising the steps of: (i) providing plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; and (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide 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 applied as a pulsed treatment.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the process comprising: (i) providing a plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide dried plant material; wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions such that the temperature of the plant material during drying in step (iii) is maintained at 60°C or below, such as 55°C or below, for example 50°C or below, such as 45°C or below, for example 40°C or below, such as 35°C or below, for example 30°C or below, such as 25°C or below, for example 20°C or below, such as 15°C or below, for example 10°C or below, for example 5°C or below.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, wherein the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid compared to conventional compositions comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species.

[0019] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition comprising plant material selected from a Brassicaceae (Brassica oleracea) species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by at least 25 pmol / L as determined by an in vitro assay.

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention relates to consumable products comprising the compositions according to the present invention.

[0021] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical comprising a composition according to the present invention for treating or alleviating obesity in a mammal.

[0022] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical product comprising a composition according to the present invention for controlling glucose and / or insulin levels in a mammal and / or for alleviating type 2 diabetes in a mammal.

[0023] The present invention will be described in further detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Thus, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that a particular combination of characteristics results in the preservation of interesting metabolites in plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species.

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the process comprising: (i) providing a plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide 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 applied as a pulse treatment.

[0026] The temperature of the plant material during drying in step (iii) may be maintained at 60°C or below, such as 55°C or below, for example 50°C or below, such as 45°C or below, for example 40°C or below, such as 35°C or below, for example 30°C or below, such as 25°C or below, for example 20°C or below, such as 15°C or below, for example 10°C or below, such as 5°C or below.

[0027] The pulse treatment may include alternating sequences of (a) a sequence of applied energy followed by (b) a sequence of reduced energy or no energy treatment.

[0028] Pulse treatment may involve a continuous change in energy applied to the plant material from a higher level of energy to a lower level of energy and vice versa (the lower level of energy being less than the higher level of energy).

[0029] The successive alternating changes between higher and lower levels of energy, and vice versa, may be performed 2-200 times during the drying process, such as 5-150 times, for example 7-100 times, for example 10-75 times, for example 12-50 times, for example 15-40 times, for example 20-35 times.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the alternation between higher and lower levels of energy may be provided by applying energy to the drying chamber of a dryer, preferably a freeze dryer. Preferably, the application of energy to the drying chamber of the dryer may be provided by the application of hot gas, such as hot air.

[0031] Preferably, the temperature of the high-temperature gas such as hot air may be maintained at 60°C or less, for example, 55°C or less, for example, 50°C or less, for example, 45°C or less, for example, 40°C or less, for example, 35°C or less, for example, 30°C or less, for example, 25°C or less, for example, 20°C or less, for example, 15°C or less, for example, within the range of 10 to 60°C, for example, within the range of 25 to 57°C, for example, within the range of 35 to 56°C, for example, within the range of 40 to 55°C, for example, within the range of 45 to 50°C.

[0032] After some time in the drying chamber, the temperature of the hot air in the drying chamber may decrease, resulting in a reduction in the temperature of the hot air.

[0033] After a predetermined time, the reduced temperature hot air can be removed from the drying chamber (this is a low energy level sequence).

[0034] Preferably, the reduced temperature hot air may be replaced by an introduction of hot air (which is a sequence with a higher energy level).

[0035] The changes between alternating sequences of (a) energy application followed by (b) energy-free treatment, and vice versa, may be controlled according to specified time intervals and / or may be specified by predetermined changes in temperature within the drying chamber.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the change between the alternating sequences of (a) a sequence of energy application followed by (b) a sequence of energy-free treatment may be controlled according to specified time intervals and / or may be specified by a predetermined change in temperature within the drying chamber.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined temperature change in the drying chamber may 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, for example between 0.8°C and 5°C, such as between 0.9°C and 4°C, for example between 1.0°C and 3°C, for example between 1.5°C and 2°C.

[0038] Higher levels of energy may be provided in the form of heat during drying in step (iii), which may be kept at 60°C or below, such as 55°C or below, for example 50°C or below, such as 45°C or below, for example 40°C or below, such as 35°C or below, for example 30°C or below, such as 25°C or below, for example 20°C or below, such as 15°C or below, for example 10°C or below, for example 5°C or below.

[0039] The plant material may be subjected to a reduced pressure relative to atmospheric pressure during drying. Preferably, the pressure during drying is less than 1 mbar, such as less than 0.8 mbar, for example less than 0.6 mbar, such as less than 0.4 mbar, for example less than 0.3 mbar, such as less than 0.2 mbar, for example less than 0.1 mbar, such as less than 0.09 mbar, for example less than 0.07 mbar, for example less than 0.05 mbar, such as less than 0.03 mbar.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drying may preferably be freeze-drying. The freeze-drying of the present invention may involve primary drying, or may involve primary drying and secondary drying.

[0041] The moisture content of the dried plant material after primary drying may 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).

[0042] The moisture content of the dried plant material after secondary drying may 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), for example in the range of 5-7% (w / w), for example in the range of 4-6% (w / w), for example about 5% (w / w).

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the process comprising: (i) providing a plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide dried plant material; wherein the drying in step (iii) is carried out under conditions such that the temperature of the plant material during drying in step (iii) is maintained at 60°C or below, such as 55°C or below, for example 50°C or below, such as 45°C or below, for example 40°C or below, such as 35°C or below, for example 30°C or below, such as 25°C or below, for example 20°C or below, such as 15°C or below, for example 10°C or below, for example 5°C or below.

[0044] The temperature during drying can be kept low by reducing the amount of energy provided during the drying process and / or by procedures for applying energy during drying.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy provided to dry the plant material may be applied as a pulsed treatment to reduce the drying effect on the plant material.

[0046] The Brassica oleracea species may preferably be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof.

[0047] Preferably, the Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala.

[0048] The plant material provided in step (i) may consist essentially of Brassica oleracea species. The Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consist essentially of" may be used interchangeably and may relate to limiting the scope of a claim to the specified features or steps, as well as features or steps not recited and that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning process (in step (ii)) comprises a washing step of the plant material provided in step (i).

[0051] Preferably, the washing step may be performed using water to remove microorganisms, dirt, and other foreign matter from the surface of the plant material. In some cases, the washing may be extensive washing, as dirt and other foreign matter may be hidden in the plant material structure. Extensive washing may include shaking, agitation, or watering or flushing (watering and flushing may preferably be performed under conditions that keep the surface of the plant material substantially intact).

[0052] Washing may be carried out using one or more food industry accepted chemicals, which may include one or more salts that may be included to remove, inhibit or kill the growth of undesirable microorganisms and / or undesirable bacteria.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant material may 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, and even more preferably within 8 hours of harvesting the plant material.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the plant material provided in step (i) and / or the cleaned plant material obtained in step (ii) may be cut before being subjected to drying in step (iii).

[0055] Preferably, the plant material may be cooled and / or frozen before being subjected to drying as defined in step (iii).

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frozen plant material may be thoroughly frozen.

[0057] The plant material may 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.

[0058] Preferably, the dried plant material obtained in step (iii) may be subjected to at least one step of disintegration to provide disintegrated plant material.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one disintegration of the dried plant material may comprise grinding the dried plant material.

[0060] Disintegration or grinding of the plant material may result in powdered plant material.

[0061] The dried 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).

[0062] The powdered plant material may comprise a particle size (d50) of 5 mm or less, such as an average diameter of 4 mm or less, for example an average diameter of 3 mm or less, such as an average diameter of 2 mm or less, for example 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 an average diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm, for example 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.

[0063] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, wherein the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid compared to conventional compositions comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species.

[0064] Sinapic acid (or sinapinic acid) is a naturally occurring small hydroxycinnamic acid found in plant material. Sinapic acid (and its derivatives), along with other secondary metabolites, can be biosynthesized by plants through a series of chemical reactions. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these chemical reactions and development or degradation can continue in the plant material after harvest.

[0065] The compositions according to the present invention comprise sinapic acid (and its derivatives). Preferably, the compositions according to the present invention comprise naturally occurring sinapic acid (and its derivatives).

[0066] Preferably, the plant material may be Brassica oleracea acephala and the composition may contain an increased amount of sinapic acid compared to other Brassica oleracea species.

[0067] Compositions according to the invention comprising a dried product comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species obtained according to the invention may contain a higher content of sinapic acid compared to dried products comprising plant material selected from similar Brassica oleracea species but obtained according to conventional processes.

[0068] Conventional processes may involve freeze-drying of harvested plant material, where the plant material may reach temperatures in excess of 70°C, and / or the time from harvest to the start of the process may exceed 7 days.

[0069] Preferably, the Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala.

[0070] The composition according to the present invention may contain an increased amount of sinapic acid. Preferably, the composition according to the present invention may contain a higher concentration of sinapic acid compared to other compositions of the prior art. Preferably, the concentration of sinapic acid obtained in the composition of the present invention may be at least 10% higher than the content of sinapic acid in the compositions of the prior art, such as at least 20% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 30% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 40% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 50% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 60% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 70% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 80% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 90% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 100% higher sinapic acid, such as at least 110% higher sinapic acid.

[0071] Examples of prior art compositions are: Compositions produced at a maximum temperature during drying above -60°C; - Compositions produced more than 5 days after harvest; - Compositions produced under non-pulsed conditions during freeze-drying; and / or Compositions produced from species different from Brassica oleracea acephala It could be.

[0072] The composition may preferably comprise plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species, and the composition may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by at least 25 pmol / L as determined by an in vitro assay.

[0073] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition comprising plant material selected from a Brassicaceae (Brassica oleracea) species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by at least 25 pmol / L as determined by an in vitro assay.

[0074] Preferably, the in vitro assay for determining the production or content of GLP-1 may be as described by Yue et al. (2019) and / or according to the process described in the examples of the present invention.

[0075] The composition according to the present invention may preferably be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in a mammal. Preferably, the mammal may be a human or a pet and / or livestock.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprises plant material selected from a Brassica oleracea species, the composition comprises an increased amount of sinapic acid compared to conventional compositions comprising plant material selected from a Brassica oleracea species, and the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by at least 25 pmol / L as determined by an in vitro assay.

[0077] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention consists essentially of plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, preferably Brassica oleracea species according to the present invention.

[0078] Brassica oleracea species can be annuals grown from seed with a wide range of germination temperatures.

[0079] Raw Brassica oleracea may contain approximately 84% water, 9% carbohydrates, 4% protein, and 1% fat. Per 100g, raw Brassica oleracea provides approximately 207 kilojoules (49 kcal) of dietary energy and a significant amount of vitamin K (approximately 3.7 times the recommended daily value). It is generally a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and manganese (approximately 20% or more of the recommended daily value). Raw Brassica oleracea may also be a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and several dietary minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus (approximately 10-19% of the recommended daily value). When raw Brassica oleracea is prepared, for example by boiling, most of these nutrients may be reduced, although the values ​​of vitamins A, C, and K, and manganese are substantially maintained.

[0080] In one embodiment of the invention the composition comprises a food energy value per 100g of less than 75kcal, such as less than 70kcal, for example less than 65kcal, such as less than 60kcal, for example less than 55kcal, such as less than 50kcal, for example less than 45kcal, such as less than 40kcal, for example less than 35kcal.

[0081] Food energy value may be the chemical energy that an animal (including humans) obtains from consuming food to maintain metabolism, including muscle activity.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the food energy value and / or the level of GLP-1 produced / secreted may be on a per 100g basis.

[0083] Preferably, the composition according to the invention may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 by at least 25 pmol / l as determined by an in vitro assay, 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.

[0084] Preferably, the in vitro assay used to determine GLP-1 secretion is described in Example 4.

[0085] Plant material according to the invention may comprise leaves, or leaves and stems of the plant material. Preferably, the plant material comprises leaves of the invention.

[0086] Preferably, the plant material according to the present invention does not contain seeds of Brassica oleracea species.

[0087] The production and / or secretion of GLP-1 may be increased by at least 25 pmol / l per gram dry plant material, such as at least 50 pmol / l per gram dry plant material, for example at least 75 pmol / l, such as at least 100 pmol / l, for example at least 125 pmol / l, such as at least 150 pmol / l, for example at least 175 pmol / l, such as at least 200 pmol / l, for example at least 225 pmol / l, such as at least 250 pmol / l, for example at least 275 pmol / l, such as at least 300 pmol / l, for example at least 325 pmol / l, such as at least 350 pmol / l, for example at least 375 pmol / l, such as at least 400 pmol / l, for example at least 425 pmol / l, such as at least 450 pmol, for example at least 475 pmol / l, for example at least 500 pmol / l, determined on a dry matter basis.

[0088] In one embodiment of the invention the composition comprises less than 1.5g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 1.25g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example less than 1.00g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.75g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example less than 0.50g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.25g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example less than 0.10g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.08g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example less than 0.07g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition), such as less than 0.06g salt per 100g dry plant material (or composition).

[0089] Preferably, the composition according to the invention may comprise fibrous material. Preferably, the fibrous material may be obtained from plant material as defined herein.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, the fibrous material of the plant material may be maintained or substantially maintained in the dried plant material and / or the composition according to the invention.

[0091] In the present context, the term "substantially maintained" relates to maintaining 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).

[0092] The composition according to the invention may comprise in the range of 15 to 60 g of fibre material per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), such as in the range of 25 to 55 g of fibre material per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 35 to 50 g of fibre material per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), such as in the range of 40 to 49 g of fibre material per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 45 to 48 g of fibre material per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition).

[0093] The composition according to the invention may comprise in the range of 2 to 12 g fat per 100 g dry plant material (or composition), such as in the range of 4 to 10 g fat per 100 g dry plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 6 to 8 g fat per 100 g dry plant material (or composition).

[0094] The composition according to the invention may comprise in the range of 5 to 25 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), such as in the range of 8 to 20 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 10 to 15 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 12 to 14 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of dried plant material (or composition).

[0095] Compositions according to the invention may comprise in the range of 5-30g protein per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 10-28g carbohydrates per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 14-25g carbohydrates per 100g dry plant material (or composition), for example in the range of 16-22g carbohydrates per 100g dry plant material (or composition).

[0096] The composition according to the present invention essentially consists of Brassica oleracea species. Preferably, the composition according to the present invention essentially consists of Brassica oleracea species selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the composition according to the present invention essentially consists of Brassica oleracea species selected from Brassica oleracea acephala.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the increase in GLP-1 production and / or secretion provided by the compositions according to the present invention may be determined compared to GLP-1 production and / or secretion in the fasted state.

[0098] The Brassica oleracea species may be selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof, and the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 may 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 a different species of Brassica oleracea.

[0099] In one embodiment of the invention, the Brassica oleracea species of the invention may be Brassica oleracea acephala and the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 may 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 a Brassica oleracea species selected from Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, and / or Brassica oleracea capitata.

[0100] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to consumable products comprising a composition according to the present invention.

[0101] The consumable product may be a beverage, a dry food, a wet food or a nutritional supplement.

[0102] The consumables may be prepared for human consumption or as a feed product for animals, which may be pets.

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dietary supplement may be provided in the form of a powder, a mix (dry or wet mix), a bar, or a gel.

[0104] The dietary supplement may be provided with one or more flavoring ingredients, one or more binding ingredients.

[0105] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical product comprising plant material selected from the Brassicaceae (Brassica oleracea) species, wherein the composition is capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0106] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or pharmaceutical comprising a composition according to the present invention for treating or alleviating obesity in a mammal.

[0107] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or a pharmaceutical product comprising a composition according to the present invention for controlling one or more parameters related to type 2 diabetes in a mammal.

[0108] Furthermore, a further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or a pharmaceutical product comprising a composition according to the present invention for controlling one or more parameters related to type 2 diabetes in a mammal.

[0109] One or more parameters related to type 2 diabetes - To control blood glucose levels, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes; and / or - Lowering HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) levels may include:

[0110] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a dietary supplement and / or a pharmaceutical product comprising a composition according to the present invention for reducing cholesterol, in particular LDL cholesterol, levels in a mammal.

[0111] Cholesterol is a fatty substance. It's not inherently "bad"—the mammalian body needs cholesterol to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. However, too much cholesterol can cause problems.

[0112] Cholesterol comes from two sources: from the liver, which produces all the cholesterol needed, or from eating animal products such as meat, poultry, and dairy products, all of which contain dietary cholesterol.

[0113] Cholesterol can exist as low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) or high-density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol). LDL cholesterol is considered unhealthy cholesterol and is undesirable in the blood.

[0114] When there is too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood, these particles can form deposits in the walls of coronary arteries and other arteries throughout the body. These deposits, called plaques, can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. If the plaque breaks down, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

[0115] Preferably, a composition for the treatment / alleviation of obesity, control of one or more parameters related to type 2 diabetes, and / or reduction of cholesterol in a mammal may comprise a composition comprising plant material selected from the Brassicaceae family (Brassica oleracea), and the composition may be capable of increasing the production and / or secretion of GLP-1 by at least 25 pmol / l.

[0116] In the context of the present invention, the term "comprising," which may be synonymous with the terms "comprise," "contain," or "characterized by," may relate to an inclusive or open-ended enumeration of features and does not exclude additional, unrecited features or process steps. The term "comprising" leaves open claims to the inclusion of a large amount of unspecified ingredients.

[0117] The inventors have shown that the content of sinapic acid can be increased by the processes and compositions of the present invention, and therefore the compositions of the present invention are believed to exhibit improved antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and / or antilipemic activity.

[0118] Sinapic acid can provide antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, exhibiting antioxidant activity and improving antioxidant status. This has many implications in a variety of contexts, as oxidative stress can be associated with aging and many pathological processes that can be postponed by compositions according to the present invention.

[0119] Sinapic acid may provide antihyperglycemic (antidiabetic) activity because it may lower blood glucose, for example, by enhancing the body's glucose utilization, reducing insulin resistance, increasing insulin production, reducing food intake, and regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

[0120] Sinapic acid can improve antilipidemic activity by regulating cholesterol synthesis, resulting in the reduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and increasing HDL-cholesterol, thus maintaining normal lipid levels in the body.

[0121] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in relation to one aspect of the invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0122] The invention will now be described in further detail in the following non-limiting examples. [Example]

[0123] Example 1 - Preparation of dry powdered plant material according to the present invention.

[0124] One kilogram of Brassica oleracea acephala was harvested, washed with water, cut into small pieces, and freeze-dried (lyophilized). The freeze-drying process was performed by a pulse treatment in which the plant material was subjected to alternating sequences of (a) energy application followed by (b) energy-free treatment, and vice versa.

[0125] During the entire freeze-drying process, the plant material was maintained at a temperature below 42°C by pulsing.

[0126] The resulting dried plant material had a moisture content of 5% (w / w) and was ground to a particle size d50 of less than 2 mm.

[0127] The time period from harvest to dried and crushed plant material was only about 8 hours. Example 2 Preparation of various dry powders

[0128] Prepare different types of powders by freeze-drying according to the details given in Table 1 below. The starting point for each powder is 1 kg of Brassica oleracea seed harvest.

[0129] It was then cleaned with water, cut into smaller pieces and freeze-dried (lyophilized) until the water content was 5% (w / w).

[0130] The resulting dried plant material was ground to a particle size d50 of less than 2 mm.

[0131] Table 1: Brassica oleracea seeds and process conditions for preparing Brassica oleracea powder [Table 1]

[0132] Example 3 - Determination of the content of sinapinic acid in different samples of Example 2

[0133] Seven dried plant materials (Samples 1 to 7) prepared in Example 2 were tested for sinapic acid content. The sinapic acid content was determined by the signal intensity obtained by spectrophotometry (LC / MC) and represents the average of five replicates. The following intensities were obtained: [Table 2]

[0134] Sample 7 was shown to contain a significantly higher content of sinapic acid compared to the other samples.

[0135] Sample 6 showed a dramatic decrease in sinapic acid content, with very low and uncertain readings.

[0136] This example also demonstrates that pulse treatment during freeze-drying has a positive effect on the content of sinapinic acid.

[0137] This example also shows that by adjusting the pulse treatment to provide a maximum temperature of the plant material of 42°C (Sample 7), the content of sinapic acid can be further significantly increased compared to a maximum temperature of 55°C (Sample 3).

[0138] The species Brassica oleracea acephala was also shown to produce significantly higher contents of sinapic acid compared to Brassica oleracea capitata (sample 4) and Brassica oleracea sabellica (sample 5). Example 4 - Determination of the GLP-1 inducing capacity of different samples from Example 2

[0139] Seven dried plant materials (Sample 1 to Sample 7) prepared in Example 2 were tested for GLP-1 induction potential. Results represent the average of three replicates.

[0140] The procedure for testing GLP-1 inducibility was as described by Yue et al. (2019). The following GLP-1 contents were observed: [Table 3]

[0141] The improvement in the ability to induce GLP-1 secretion also leads to a reduction in food intake and an improvement in insulin resistance, thereby improving blood glucose stabilization. References

[0142] 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. 1. A process for providing a dried product comprising plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species, comprising: (i) providing said plant material selected from the Brassica oleracea species; (ii) optionally washing the plant material provided in step (i) to provide cleaned plant material; (iii) drying the plant material provided in step (i) or the cleaned plant material provided in step (ii) to provide 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 applied as a pulse treatment.

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

3. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the Brassica oleracea species is selected from Brassica oleracea acephala, Brassica oleracea laciniata, Brassica oleracea sabellica, Brassica oleracea capitata, or a combination thereof.

4. 4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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, and even more preferably within 8 hours of harvesting the plant material.

5. 5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dried plant material obtained in step (iii) may be subjected to at least one step of disintegration to provide disintegrated plant material.

6. A composition comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species, the composition comprising an increased amount of sinapic acid compared to conventional compositions comprising plant material selected from Brassica oleracea species.

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

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

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

10. A consumable product comprising the composition of any one of claims 6 to 9.

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