Bergamot and Olive Extracts as Beer Ingredients: Impact on Cell Viability, Reactive Oxygen Species and RNA Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes

This study investigates the potential of incorporating Bergamot juice and olive extracts as functional ingredients in craft beer production, focusing on their effects on key biochemi-cal processes, including cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the regula-tion of RNA expression of antioxidant enzymes. The research aims to explore how these botanicals can enhance the health-related qualities of beer, transforming it from a mere beverage into a functional food that supports wellness. The effects of lyophilized beer samples on cellular ROS levels were assessed by treating fibroblast cells with 0.31 and 0.62 µg/µl concentrations of various beer samples for 24 and 48 hours. While basal beers (Blanche and Weiss) did not show significant changes in ROS levels, the addition of Ber-gamot juice in Heraclea and olive extract in Elais resulted in a significant decrease in ROS levels at both incubation times, indicating the potent antioxidant properties of these beers. At higher concentrations (0.62 µg/µl), a decrease in ROS was observed in Weiss beer-treated cells after 48 hours, while no such effect was noted in other beer samples treatment, possibly due to pro-oxidant behavior exhibited under certain conditions. Addi-tionally, gene expression analysis revealed that exposure to oxidative stress induced by t-BHP led to a significant upregulation of SOD2 expression in all beer-treated groups, ex-cept for Elais, suggesting an adaptive cellular response to oxidative damage. These find-ings underscore the complex role of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in modulating oxidative stress and enhancing cellular health. Overall, this study highlights the potential of functional craft beers, enriched with Bergamot and olive extracts, as innovative health-conscious options that provide both flavor and antioxidant benefits, paving the way for the future of wellness-focused brewing.