Health Benefits Research Articles

Exploring Lycopene: A Comprehensive Review on its Food Sources, Health Benefits and Functional Food Applications

Abstract: The importance of dietary composition to human health has raised consumer interest in consuming fruits, vegetables, and foods containing bioactive chemicals and nutraceuticals. Lycopene belongs to the carotenoids abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based food products. It also can be present in other types of fruits like watermelon and pink guava. This review aims to outline the lycopene sources, health benefits, their applications as functional food ingredients and the challenges to commercialization. It has been reported that dietary lycopene has multifunctional health activities, including anticancer on various types of cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and bone protective effects identified in clinical and preclinical studies. This is because, lycopene primarily affects oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathways implicated in carcinogenesis and cell proliferation. The effects of preparation and processing factors that may impair the bioavailability of lycopene consumed through diet are addressed in this review. Overall, lycopene is a valuable natural colourant that can enhance the nutritional value of foods leading to the development of new functional foods in the food industry.

Phytochemicals as substances that affect astrogliosis and their implications for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes are a multifunctional subset of glial cells that are important in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Reactive astrocytes may release inflammatory mediators, chemokines, and cytokines, as well as neurotrophic factors. There may be neuroprotective (e.g., cytokines, like IL-6 and TGF-b) and neurotoxic effects (e.g., IL-1β and TNF-a) associated with these molecules. In response to CNS pathologies, astrocytes go to a state called astrogliosis which produces diverse and heterogenic functions specific to the pathology. Astrogliosis has been linked to the progression of many neurodegenerative disorders. Phytochemicals are a large group of compounds derived from natural herbs with health benefits. This review will summarize how several phytochemicals affect neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease) in basic medical and clinical studies and how they might affect astrogliosis in the process.

Postbiotics: A new member in the biotics family.

Postbiotics were defined in 2021 by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as a "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their cellular components that confers a health benefit to the host." The field of postbiotics is a new area within the biotics family; numerous products have already been developed for clinical applications, such as immune stimulation, the management of diarrhea in children and adults, the management of irritable bowel syndrome, and 3 infant formulas. In particular, infant formulas with postbiotics obtained from milk fermented with Bifidobacteriumbreve C50 and Streptococcusthermophilus O65 -and their metabolites-, including the oligosaccharide 3'-GL, have demonstrated to be safe and to contribute to the development of the gut microbiota and the gutassociated immune system. These modifications help to prevent and manage functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants.

Effect of Prebiotic Supplementation on Probiotic Viability and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fermented Coconut Water with Bifidobacterium longum

Background: Probiotics and prebiotics are functional ingredients that provide health benefits to consumers but they are mainly incorporated in dairy products. Designing a non-dairy product in which probiotics and prebiotics would be incorporated would allow more consumers to benefit from their advantages. Objective: This study investigated the effect of supplementation of two different prebiotics, fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and inulin, on the viability of Bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999 in coconut water. Methods: Two concentrations of prebiotics used were 1% and 2%. The physicochemical characteristics of fermented coconut water with B. longum for 9 h at 37oC and during refrigerated storage at 4oC for 2 weeks were analyzed. The viability of B. longum in fermented coconut water was maintained above the recommended therapeutic level (7 log CFU/mL) with or without supplementation with prebiotics. Results: Most distinct changes in colour (∆E > 3) occurred in fermented coconut water compared to unfermented coconut water. An increase in the total soluble solids was also observed in fermented coconut water with the increase in the concentration of prebiotics. There were no significant changes in the clarity, pH, and concentrations of shikimic and malic acids in the fermented coconut water with or without supplementation with prebiotics over the 2 weeks of storage. Acetic acid production was observed in the fermented coconut water with the highest acetic acid production in the fermented coconut water supplemented with 1% FOS after 2 weeks of storage. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential use of coconut water as a medium to produce a probiotic drink.

Pharmacoeconomic Aspects of Diabetes Mellitus: Outcomes and Analysis of Health Benefits Approach.

Pharmacoeconomics is an important tool for investigating and restructuring healthcare policies. In India, recent statistical studies have shown that the number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing in the rural, middle and upper-class settings. The aim of this review is to call attention towards the need to carry out pharmacoeconomic studies for diabetes mellitus and highlight the outcome of these studies on healthcare. A well-structured literature search from PubMed, Embase, Springer, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane was done. Studies that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of various anti-diabetic agents for type 2 diabetes were eligible for inclusion in the analysis and review. Two independent reviewers sequentially assessed the titles, abstracts, and full articles to select studies that met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria for data abstraction. Any discrepancies between the reviewers were resolved through consensus. By employing search terms such as pharmacoeconomics, diabetes mellitus, cost-effective analysis, cost minimization analysis, cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis, a total of 194 papers were gathered. Out of these, 110 papers were selected as they aligned with the defined search criteria and underwent the removal of duplicate entries. This review outlined four basic pharmacoeconomic studies carried out on diabetes mellitus. It gave a direction that early detection, patient counseling, personalized medication, appropriate screening intervals, and early start of pharmacotherapy proved to be a cost-effective as well as health benefits approach.

Changes in primitive reflexes in older adults and their relationship to mental health indices: An experimental investigation

The reemergence of primitive reflexes (PRs) in older age is related to cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no means to prevent or slow their reappearance, but research evidence exists for their control in children. Therefore, this experiment investigated whether a 16-week special sensorimotor exercise program could benefit older adults and whether the intervention-induced changes (if any) may be associated with various indices of mental health. Of 115 adults over 60, 95 completed the study (mean age = 76.37 ± SD = 7.04 years, 22 % men). The experimental group (n = 38) showed an almost threefold decline in PRs compared to controls. In contrast, the control group (n = 57) exhibited a nearly threefold increase in PRs compared to the intervention group. Cognitive function increased in the experimental but not in the control group. Changes in PRs over the 16-week intervention were positively related to negative mental health indices (hopelessness and perceived stress) and negatively related to well-being. These findings suggest that the here-presented mild sensorimotor exercises could affect older adults' reemerging PRs and that changes in PRs are associated with mental health benefits. These results may open new research avenues toward preventing cognitive and psychological decline in older adults.

Physical Activity and Excess Body Weight and Adiposity for Adults. American College of Sports Medicine Consensus Statement.

Excessive body weight and adiposity contribute to many adverse health concerns. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recognizes that the condition of excess body weight and adiposity is complex, with numerous factors warranting consideration. The ACSM published a position stand on this topic in 2001 with an update in 2009, and a consensus paper on the role of physical activity in the prevention of weight gain in 2019. This current consensus paper serves as an additional update to those prior ACSM position and consensus papers. The ACSM supports the inclusion of physical activity in medical treatments (pharmacotherapy, metabolic and bariatric surgery) of excess weight and adiposity, as deemed to be medically appropriate, and provides perspectives on physical activity within these therapies. For weight loss and prevention of weight gain, the effects may be most prevalent when physical activity is progressed in an appropriate manner to at least 150 min·wk-1 of moderate-intensity physical activity, and these benefits occur in a dose-response manner. High-intensity interval training does not appear to be superior to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for body weight regulation, and light-intensity physical activity may also be an alternative approach provided it is of sufficient energy expenditure. Evidence does not support that any one single mode of physical activity is superior to other modes for the prevention of weight gain or weight loss, and to elicit holistic health benefits beyond the effects on body weight and adiposity, multimodal physical activity should be recommended. The interaction between energy expenditure and energy intake is complex, and the effects of exercise on the control of appetite are variable between individuals. Physical activity interventions should be inclusive and tailored for sex, self-identified gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and developmental level. Intervention approaches can also include different forms, channels, and methods to support physical activity.

A Pathway to Screen for Mercury Levels During Pregnancy and Postpartum

BackgroundPrioritizing dietary choices during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a constant concern, as highlighted by the US Food and Drug Administration. Northwestern Ontario (NWO) boasts stunning natural landscapes, including bodies of water such as streams, rivers, and lakes that serve as vital sources of sustenance for local inhabitants. However, these environments, and particularly the fish that inhabit them, harbor naturally occurring levels of mercury, posing ingestion risks. Northern communities face heightened vulnerability to mercury exposure due to their reliance on fish for nutrition and the ecosystems they inhabit. Prolonged mercury exposure can harm the liver and kidneys. Despite the significant health benefits associated with fish consumption, abstaining from it, especially within certain cultural contexts, is often implausible. Consequently, the health care sector must devise strategies for mitigating elevated mercury levels in susceptible individuals. MethodsA descriptive study explored the frequency of primary care providers (PCPs), including family physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners, screening for elevated mercury levels among their patients in NWO. ResultsConducted via Qualtrics from June 1 to October 1, 2023, the study revealed that 58% of PCPs either infrequently or never inquire about fish consumption, and 86% have never requested blood mercury levels for perinatal patients. Barriers to screening included lack of conversation initiation, language barriers, perceived insignificance, absence of guidelines, inadequate knowledge, and uncertainty about the relevance of discussing fish consumption. Participants called for a screening protocol, easily accessible fish consumption guidelines, and educational workshops. DiscussionImplementing these recommendations and using the suggested screening pathway could empower PCPs to screen for mercury levels in their patient populations efficiently.

Physical Activity and Excess Body Weight and Adiposity for Adults. American College of Sports Medicine Consensus Statement

ABSTRACT Excessive body weight and adiposity contribute to many adverse health concerns. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recognizes that the condition of excess body weight and adiposity is complex, with numerous factors warranting consideration. The ACSM published a position stand on this topic in 2001 with an update in 2009, and a consensus paper on the role of physical activity in the prevention of weight gain in 2019. This current consensus paper serves as an additional update to those prior ACSM position and consensus papers. The ACSM supports the inclusion of physical activity in medical treatments (pharmacotherapy, metabolic and bariatric surgery) of excess weight and adiposity, as deemed to be medically appropriate, and provides perspectives on physical activity within these therapies. For weight loss and prevention of weight gain, the effects may be most prevalent when physical activity is progressed in an appropriate manner to at least 150 min·wk−1 of moderate-intensity physical activity, and these benefits occur in a dose–response manner. High-intensity interval training does not appear to be superior to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for body weight regulation, and light-intensity physical activity may also be an alternative approach provided it is of sufficient energy expenditure. Evidence does not support that any one single mode of physical activity is superior to other modes for the prevention of weight gain or weight loss, and to elicit holistic health benefits beyond the effects on body weight and adiposity, multimodal physical activity should be recommended. The interaction between energy expenditure and energy intake is complex, and the effects of exercise on the control of appetite are variable between individuals. Physical activity interventions should be inclusive and tailored for sex, self-identified gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, and developmental level. Intervention approaches can also include different forms, channels, and methods to support physical activity.

Fish Oil Alginate Microspheres Produced via Wave-Based Drop-on-Demand Jetting Electrospray: Improving Stability and Palatability

Despite the proven health benefits of fish oil to the human body, the unpleasant aftertaste and short shelf-life limit the public acceptability as supplementation. Microencapsulation of the fish oil into microspheres is an approach to overcome these limitations. This study aims to prepare controllable-size fish oil alginate microspheres using pulsed electrospray technique for enhancing fish oil stability and palatability. Fish oil alginate microspheres were prepared and optimized by bipolar wave-based drop on demand jetting electrospray. The microspheres were characterized in terms of particle size, aspect ratio, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and drug release. The stability of the fish oil microspheres was assessed based on specific characteristics and antioxidant activity over a period of 6 months. The anticancer effectiveness of encapsulated and unencapsulated fish oil was evaluated using HCT116 and 3T3 cell lines. Additionally, a human panel palatability test was conducted to evaluate the taste masking ability of fish oil microspheres. The optimal formulation exhibited an average particle size of 344.75 ± 10.84 μm, aspect ratio of 1.03 ± 0.02, EE of 98.98 ± 0.72%, and LC of 22.60 ± 0.62%. The FTIR analysis revealed that the chemical properties of the fish oil were preserved after microencapsulation and remained stable after 6 months of storage. The fish oil microspheres showed a superior anticancer effect compared to the free ones. In addition, the panellists of the palatability test of the fish oil microspheres showed an excellent taste masking ability. Hence, this study formulated fish oil microspheres with enhanced stability, efficacy, and palatability, suggesting their potential utility as dietary supplements to fulfil the daily recommended intake of fish oil.

Investigation into the effect of acute exposure to chlorogenic acid in male wistar mice

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenolic compound widely present in various fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods. It has gained considerable attention due to its potential health benefits including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, central nervous system stimulator, and anti-hypertensive amongst others. There is a dearth of information about acute exposure to chlorogenic acid which is also used as a food supplement. Ninety-six male Wistar mice were weight-matched into 8 groups (n=12). Group 1 was treated with distilled water, Group 2 received 1% ethanol, while Groups 3-8 were treated with 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight doses of CGA, respectively. Six animals were bled and sacrificed per group 24 hours post-treatment, and the liver and kidney were excised. Sections of the organs were fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. Various antioxidant parameters were assayed in the liver and kidney samples using standard methods. A liver function test was also carried out on the liver samples. Haematological analysis was carried out as well as histopathology analysis of the liver and kidney samples. The remainder of the treated mice in each group were observed for mortality 24 hours post-treatment and for two weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with p-values less than 0.05 considered to be significant. The results of this study show that chlorogenic acid led to dose-dependent increased levels of hydrogen peroxide and albumin, increased activity of alkaline phosphatase with decreased activities and levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin in the liver function while there were increased hydrogen peroxide levels in the kidney. The haematological parameters were not affected and the histopathological examination complemented the results with mild to moderate lesions in the liver and none in the kidney. Although, the lethal dose (LD 50-i.e., the dose at 50% mortality) was not established in this study. Therefore, chlorogenic acid should be ingested with caution.

Aloe vera's therapeutic role in treating oral lesions: A review

Aloe vera has been recognized for centuries as a medicinal plant renowned for its myriad health benefits, earning it the moniker of 'nature's miracle healer'. This tropical succulent thrives in warm, arid climates and resembles a cactus with its fleshy, spiky leaves. Among approximately 400 species of Aloe, Aloe barbadensis Miller (known as Aloe vera or "true aloe") stands out, predominantly found in Asia, Africa, and other tropical regions. This particular species is celebrated for its medicinal properties, including moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.

Characterization of the Geographical Origin of the Traditional Chinese Fermented Soybean Douchi by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Chemometrics

Douchi is a highly appreciated product due to its unique flavor, high nutritional value, and health benefits. Douchi from different regions exhibits distinct characteristics. The objective of this study was to investigate the volatile profiles in douchi produced from different geographical origins using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemometrics. The volatiles were extracted by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and subsequently determined by GC-MS. A comparative analysis was further conducted to identify the variations in volatile compounds among the samples. The correlation between the samples was investigated by employing cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). An orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model was established to discriminate samples from different regions and identify key differential compounds. A total of 46 volatile compounds were detected, among which terpenes, alcohols were the main compounds. Furthermore, 14 key differentiating compounds were screened out based on the OPLS-DA modle. The application of GC-MS combined with chemometrics offers a theoretical framework for douchi quality control and classification.

Potential Analysis of the Application of Fuzzy Logic in the Optimization of Pak Choi Hydroponic Cultivation: A Literature Study on Plant Growth Support System

The rapid urbanization and increasing population density in Indonesia have led to a reduction in available land for traditional agriculture, particularly in urban centers. In response to this challenge, urban farming, including hydroponic cultivation, has emerged as a viable solution to meet the food needs of urban communities. This study explores the potential application of fuzzy logic in optimizing hydroponic cultivation practices, focusing on the growth of pak choi plants. Pak choi, a popular vegetable in Indonesia, offers numerous health benefits and is well-suited for hydroponic cultivation. By analyzing relevant literature, this research investigates the influence of water pH and temperature on pak choi plant growth and develops a fuzzy expert system based on Mamdani's method. The study prepares data on optimal temperature and pH ranges for pak choi cultivation and establishes fuzzy sets for water temperature, water pH level, and plant height. The findings provide insights into the effects of water pH and temperature on pak choi plant growth and demonstrate the potential of fuzzy logic in optimizing hydroponic cultivation practices. This research contributes to the advancement of agricultural technology and offers practical solutions for sustainable urban farming.

Green Tea Kombucha Impacts Inflammation and Salivary Microbiota in Individuals with Excess Body Weight: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Green tea kombucha (GTK) is a fermented beverage with promising health benefits, but few studies proved its impact on human health. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of GTK on weight loss, inflammation, and salivary microbiota in individuals with excess body weight. Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial that lasted 10 weeks with two groups of individuals with excess body weight: control (CG; n = 29; caloric restriction) and kombucha (KG; n = 30; caloric restriction + 200 mL GTK). Body composition, anthropometry, saliva, and blood collection were performed in the beginning and end of the intervention. Plasma interleukins were determined by flow cytometry. Salivary microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Both groups decreased weight, BMI, and body fat (p < 0.001) after the intervention, but there were no differences between groups. The KG reduced lipid accumulation product (LAP) (p = 0.029). Both groups decreased IL-1β and IL-8, but IL-6 increased in the CG (p = 0.023) compared to the kombucha group. Alpha and beta diversity of salivary microbiota increased in the KG. Moreover, the KG presented lower Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (p = 0.028), and BMI was positively associated with the Bacillota phylum. Conclusions: GTK did not enhance weight loss, but it decreased the LAP. GTK helped in the inflammatory profile and induced positive changes in oral microbiota composition.

Candidate-Probiotic Lactobacilli and Their Postbiotics as Health-Benefit Promoters

Lactobacillus species are widely recognized for their probiotic potential, focusing on their mechanisms of health benefits and protection. Here we conducted an in vitro investigation of the probiotic potential with a role in microbiome homeostasis of four strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L6 and F53, Ligilactobacillus salivarius 1, and Lactobacillus helveticus 611. A broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined. The strain-specific inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and saprophytic/toxigenic fungi makes them promising as protective cultures. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid) measurements showed that tested samples had strain-specific capacity for scavenging of radicals. The molecular base for the antioxidant potential of two lyophilized forms of active strains was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, with fractions of the most active postbiotics obtained by SEC-FPLC (fast protein liquid chromatography) analysis, showed a wide variety of effects on the growth of a K562 myeloid leukemia cell line. The IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of L. salivarius 1 was determined to be 46.15 mg/mL. The proven in vitro functionality of the selected lactobacilli make them suitable for development of target probiotics with specific beneficial effects expected in vivo. Further investigations on produced postbiotics and safety have to be completed before they can be considered as scientifically proven probiotic strains.

Qingqianliutianosides A–E: five new sweet dammarane triterpenoid glycosides derived from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus – identification, characterization and interactions with T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors

AbstractBACKGROUNDCyclocarya paliurus, as a new food resource, is utilized extensively in human and animal diets due to its bioactive compounds, health benefits, and its highly prized sweet flavor. This study aimed to investigate the sweet‐taste ingredient of C. paliurus leaves.RESULTSFive new dammarane triterpenoid glycosides were isolated and identified as qingqianliutianosides A–E (1–5) by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and a single crystal X‐ray diffraction experiment. Qingqianliutianoside A (1) and qingqianliutianoside C (3), present in relatively high quantities in the plant, were shown to exhibit sweetness by sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis. Further monitoring was conducted on the content changes in 3 in leaves at different growth stages, indicating that 3 reached its peak content in April and then showed a decreasing trend. Molecular docking studies revealed that T1R2/T1R3 receptors Ser212, Ser105, Thr239, Asn380, Thr305, and Val381 may play critical roles, demonstrating that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the dominant interaction forces between all of the identified compounds and the active sites in the Venus flytrap module of the T1R2/T1R3 receptors.CONCLUSIONQingqianliutianosides A–E are promising natural source sugar substitutes for use in functional foods and beverages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure and Function of Fermentation-Derived Bovine Lactoferrin Produced from Komagataella phaffii

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) confers significant functional benefits for human health, but low concentrations in milk and high cost of commercial production limit availability and thus product application. Precision fermentation offers a solution to increase availability of biosimilar recombinant bLf (rbLf) thereby opening new opportunities for this high-value ingredient. To comply with regulatory requirements, we aimed to establish that rbLf from <i>K. phaffii</i> is substantially similar to native bLf in structure and key functions. Intact mass analysis showed a molecular weight of 84 kDa for rbLf, comparable to 82-83 kDa of bLf. LC-MS <i>N</i>-linked glycan profiling revealed predominantly high-mannose-based glycans on rbLf, similar to ~50% of bLf glycans. The isoelectric point and core amino acid sequence of rbLf and bLf are identical. rbLf retains the functional ability to bind and release iron, bind to intestinal Lf receptors, increase epithelial cell growth (>120% of control, P < 0.0001), reduce EPEC growth (>50% reduction, P < 0.0001), bind LPS (+4 fold, P < 0.001) and antagonize LPS-induced TLR4 activity (>40% reduction, P < 0.0001). These results demonstrate similarity of rbLf in structure and function to native bLf, supporting the effective application for expanded market opportunities for infant and adult health.

The Use of Horse and Donkey Meat to Enhance the Quality of the Traditional Meat Product (Kaddid): Analysis of Physico-Chemical Traits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of horse and donkey meat in the production of kaddid—a traditional dish typically not made with these meats—from a physical and chemical perspective. The results showed that both meats exhibit similar water retention during cooking, contributing to comparable tenderness and juiciness, with no significant differences in pH values, indicating similar quality (p > 0.05). However, their amino acid profiles differ: horse meat contains lower levels of glutamate (p < 0.05), methionine (p < 0.01), isoleucine (p < 0.05), and leucine (p < 0.05), but higher levels of proline (p < 0.05), histidine (p < 0.01), and lysine (p < 0.001) compared to donkey meat. Both meats provide essential amino acids. Horse meat is richer in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (32.44% and 39.58%, respectively), while donkey meat has a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (31.51%), with a more favorable PUFA/SFA ratio, suggesting better cardiovascular health benefits. In terms of dried meat, donkey kaddid has a higher protein (17.45 g/100 g) and lower fat content (2.1 g/100 g) compared to horse kaddid (16.7 g/100 g, and 3.5 g/100 g, respectively) (p < 0.05). These findings inform consumer choices and production practices, promoting the use of horse and donkey meat for kaddid production.

Long-Term Effects of Auricular Medicine – A Key to the Future of Preventive Medicine?

Auricular medicine, based on the concept that the ear reflects the entire body, has gained recognition for treating various conditions through targeted acupuncture. Despite documented short-term benefits, such as pain relief and nervous system regulation, research into its long-term effects is limited. This editorial discusses the need for further long-term studies to explore whether regular auricular acupuncture can offer sustained health benefits and serve a preventive role. It summarizes two studies: one on auricular therapy with magnetic pearls for elderly insomnia and another on frequency-controlled ear acupuncture for COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Both studies suggest potential benefits, underscoring the importance of continued research to fully understand and harness auricular medicine’s preventive and therapeutic potential.