Health Benefits Research Articles

Optimism mitigated impacts of pre-operative depression and anxiety on post-operative distress in cardiac patients

ABSTRACT Both anxiety and depression are comorbid mortality risks in middle-aged and older patients with heart diseases. Open-heart surgery (OHS), a life-altering procedure, can induce psychological distress that impedes postoperative recovery. Extensive research has shown the health benefit of optimism, an indicator of hope—a Character Strength in positive psychology. It predicts low mortality in cardiovascular disease—the number one killer of all Americans. Few studies, however, have explored whether that optimism mitigates the negative impact of preoperative depression and anxiety on postoperative general psychological distress. This interdisciplinary clinical study evaluated a hypothetical model of these relationships prior to and 1 month following OHS in 311 U.S. patients using a three-wave survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to predict post-OHS general psychological distress. Optimism was indicated by two subscales in the Life Orientation Test (LOT). Based on the definition, general psychological distress was indicated by low symptom levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety as measured by the SCL-90 subscales. The final solution demonstrated a good fit. Optimism alleviates the negative effects of preoperative depression and anxiety, as indicators of poor mental health, on postoperative distress. Both older age and female gender were positively and directly associated with higher levels of post-OHS symptoms. The finding supports the beneficial role of optimism in mitigating the damage of poor mental health in the postoperative outcome of cardiac patients. The desirable function of character strength hope suggests that health providers should be attentive to and enhance inner strength for reducing the distress of cardiac patients in the postoperative recovery month.

Relationship Between Training Frequency and Training Session Duration on Vitality in Recreational Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Running can improve health status from a biopsychosocial perspective. However, isolation strategies, like the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown, produce deleterious effects on both health status and sport performance. The aim of our study was to investigate recreational runners’ sporting habits, subjective vitality (SV), and well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown. Methods: After data filtration, 5542 recreational runners (74.5% men and 25.5% women, >18 years) were selected for further analyses. The participants answered preliminary questions regarding sporting habits and completed the validated Spanish version of the Subjective Vitality as a Dynamic Reflection of Well-Being questionnaire for assessing their SV after lockdown. Results: Subjective vitality scores did not differ between men and women, nor between age groups (p = 0.41 and p = 0.11, respectively). Subjective vitality was greater with weekly training frequency up to 5 days/week, where this enhancement plateaued, while average training session duration was positively related to SV, stabilizing at 91–120 min/session (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: There is a dose–response relationship between both weekly training frequency and training session duration, and mental health benefits in recreational runners. Further longitudinal studies are needed in order to determine the optimal dose–response relationship for simultaneously enhancing mental health outcomes and running performance in recreational runners, especially regarding weekly training frequency, training session duration, and exercise intensity.

Beneficial Effects of a Freeze-Dried Kale Bar on Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common global diseases, with an ever-growing need for prevention and treatment solutions. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) offers a good source of fiber, minerals, bioavailable calcium, unsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic carbohydrates, vitamins, health-promoting secondary plant metabolites, as well as higher amounts of proteins and essential amino acids compared to other vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate whether daily intake of freeze-dried kale powder can provide health benefits for T2D patients vs. placebo. Methods: This study was designed as a 12-week, blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty T2D patients were randomly assigned to either a placebo bar (control) or a kale bar (intervention). Participants in the intervention group were instructed to consume three bars/day, each containing 26.25 g of freeze-dried kale (corresponding to approx. 341 g fresh kale/day). At baseline and 12 weeks, all participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 24 h blood pressure measurements, DEXA scans, and fasted blood samples were taken. Results: A significant reduction in HbA1c, insulin resistance, body weight, and calorie intake was observed in the intervention group compared to control. Positive trends were detected in fasted blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol for those in the kale intervention group. No significant differences were found in total body fat mass and area under the curve glucose 240 min OGTT. Conclusions: Given the positive effects of high daily kale intake observed in this study, further research with a larger sample size is needed to better understand the health benefits of kale bars. This could potentially lead to new dietary recommendations for patients with T2D.

Sapindaceae fruits: A comprehensive overview on phytochemicals, nutraceuticals and health benefits application

The article delves into the intricate realm of the Sapindaceae family, shedding light on the many phytomedicinal advantages that these fruits offer. This family boasts an array of economically significant fruits, including Litchi (Litchi chinensis), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), Longan (Dimocarpus longan), Guarana (Paullinia cupana), Ackee (Blighia sapida) and Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), each of which has its own set of medicinal characteristics. The Sapindaceae family, also known as the soapberry family, comprises numerous tropical and subtropical plant species known for their phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. Despite the well-known medicinal properties of Sapindaceae fruits, there is a lack of a comprehensive compilation that combines knowledge about their important components, nutritional value, traditional value and medicinal properties. This review aims to address this gap by providing assessments of the medicinal potential of Sapindaceae fruits and their prospects as food products. The study focuses on the chemicals, nutrients and medicinal properties of Sapindaceae fruits, excluding studies lacking therapeutic relevance. Findings show that Sapindaceae fruits contain bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic. In addition, these fruits are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which supports their use as functional foods and vitamins. The review suggests future research on sustainable uptake and development of nutrients from Sapindaceae, which could increase their use in healthcare and potentially lead to the development of cost-effective pharmaceutical products for consumers and the agricultural sector.

Synthesis of Natural Products Using Engineered Plants and Microorganisms

Microorganisms and plants, particularly medicinal herbs, are abundant sources of diverse natural products, many of which are bioactive molecules with significant pharmaceutical or health benefits, and include artemisinin [...]

Twenty-Week Dietary Supplementation with Beeswax Alcohol (BWA; Raydel®) Ameliorates High-Cholesterol-Induced Long-Term Dyslipidemia and Organ Damage in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish in a Dose-Dependent Manner: A Comparative Analysis Between BWA and Coenzyme Q10

Background/Objectives: Beeswax alcohol (BWA; Raydel®) is a blend of six long-chain aliphatic alcohols extracted from honeybee wax and is well known for its diverse functionality and health benefits. Herein, the efficacy of a BWA dietary intervention for 20 weeks was assessed to ameliorate high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced dyslipidemia and adverse effects on the vital organs of adult zebrafish. Methods: Adult zebrafish were fed different high-cholesterol diets (HCDs; final concentration of 4%, w/w) supplemented with BWA (final concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0%, w/w) or CoQ10 (final concentration of 1.0%). Following 20 weeks of supplementation, blood and different organs (liver, kidney, testes and ovaries) were collected, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results: The results demonstrate a dose-dependent effect of BWA of mitigating HCD-induced mortality in zebrafish over the 20-week supplementation period, which was noticeably better than the effect exerted by coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Consistently, a dose-dependent effect of BWA consumption of curtailing HCD-induced total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels and increasing high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels was noticed. Compared with CoQ10 (final concentration of 1.0%, w/w), BWA (final concentration of 1.0%, w/w) displayed a significantly better effect of mitigating HCD-induced dyslipidemia, as evidenced by 1.2-fold (p < 0.05) and 2.0-fold (p < 0.05) lower TC and TG levels and 2.4-fold (p < 0.01) higher HDL-C levels. The histological analysis revealed substantial prevention of fatty liver changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular senescence and interleukin (IL)-6 production in the hepatic tissue of BWA zebrafish, which was significantly better than the effect exerted by CoQ10. Consistently, compared with CoQ10, significant 25% (p < 0.05) and 35% (p < 0.01) reductions in the HCD-induced elevated levels of the hepatic function biomarkers aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was observed in the BWA group. Likewise, BWA consumption efficiently ameliorated HCD-induced kidney, ovary and testis damage by inhibiting ROS generation, cellular senescence and lipid accumulation. Conclusion: Supplementation with BWA demonstrated higher therapeutic potential than that with CoQ10 to prevent dyslipidemia and organ damage associated with long-term consumption of HCDs.

Enhancing Antioxidant Activity from Aquatic Plant Cymodocea nodosa for Cosmetic Formulation Through Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology

This study aimed to enhance antioxidant extraction from the aquatic plant Cymodocea nodosa for cosmetic formulation through optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction using response surface methodology. The optimized conditions—30 min of extraction time, 30% ultrasonic power, and 25% hydro-ethanolic solvent—resulted in a high total phenolic content of 113.07 mg EAG/g DM and antioxidant activity of 67.02%. Chromatographic analysis revealed a rich profile of phenolic compounds, including sinapic acid (0.741 mg/g), myricetin (0.62 mg/g), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (0.3 mg/g), demonstrating the extract’s potent therapeutic properties. While the extract exhibited limited anti-inflammatory activity, it showed no cytotoxic effects on RAW 267.4 cells, ensuring its safety for cosmetic applications. The formulated cream maintained stable pH (6.58 to 6.6), consistent viscosity (5966.38 to 5980.6 cp), and minimal color changes over a 30-day period, indicating robust stability across various temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C). These results confirm the potential of C. nodosa extracts to develop effective, stable, and eco-friendly cosmetic products, offering substantial benefits for skin health and emphasizing the importance of sustainable extraction processes in the cosmetics industry.

Forest-Based Health Practices: Social Representations of Nature and Favorable Environmental Characteristics

Forest frequentation is associated with benefits for human health, warranting the importance of forest-based health practices. These practices can be classified into four categories: connection with nature (e.g., Shinrin-Yoku, yoga, and meditation); sports, outdoor, and adventure activities; Indigenous health practices on the land; and professional consultations in a natural environment. The aim of this research was to better understand the social representations of the forest supporting these practices and the environmental characteristics that are favorable to them, as well as to examine the effects of these practices on the forests. We interviewed 28 forest-based health practitioners in Quebec and conducted four participant observation activities. Data analysis led us to five forest representations: an entity in its own self, an unfamiliar area, a place of attachment, a land at the heart of Indigenous cultures, and a tool to improve health. The results showed that favorable environmental characteristics varied according to the type of health practice. The presence of water (e.g., drinking water, lakes, and rivers) is favorable to all forest-based health practices and access to nature seems to be an issue for many practitioners. We also found that forest-based health practices were leaving traces in the forest and attempting to redefine the place of humans in nature.

Clean vs green: the impact of reading short stories on sustainable and healthy cleaning behaviours

Fact-based information campaigns aimed at encouraging more sustainable behaviour have typically resulted in minor effects that tend not to last. Scholars in the fields of entertainment education have proposed storytelling as an alternative strategy. Most existing studies have focused on health communication, but there is increasing interest in exploring storytelling to promote pro-environmental behaviours. Our focus in this study are behaviours which have both health and environmental implications: personal cleaning, household cleaning, and laundry. In a study using both quantitative and qualitative analyses (from a survey to which 77 individuals responded), we find that messages embedded into a short story significantly changed behavioural intentions in readers across all three domains. Readers reported gaining knowledge from the stories, in terms of the specific products and practices that one could undertake and with respect to the commonly held misconception that aggressive cleaning practices in the home (e.g., high temperatures, strong chemicals) are beneficial to human health. Results have implications for interventions aimed at promoting behaviours that have joint benefits for human and environmental health.

A Comprehensive Review on Polyphenols of White Wine: Impact on Wine Quality and Potential Health Benefits

Polyphenols are associated with various beneficial health effects. These compounds are present in edible plants such as fruits and vegetables, and the human body absorbs them through the consumption of foods and beverages. Wine is recognized as a rich source of these valuable compounds, and it has been well established that polyphenols present in red wine possess numerous biologically active functions related to health promotion. Therefore, most scientific research has been focused on red wine polyphenols, whereas white wine polyphenols have been neglected. This review presents the summarized information about the most abundant polyphenols in white wines, their concentration, their impact on wine quality and their potential health effects, such as neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and their positive effects on lipids. These findings are an effort to help compensate for the relative lack of relevant data in the scientific literature regarding white wine polyphenols.

PREPARATION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF ENRICHED JAM MADE FROM BLENDS OF APPLE, STRAWBERRY AND GRAPES

The aim of this study is to prepare an acceptable jam from blends of Apple, Strawberry and Grapes. Jams were produced from blends of Apple, Strawberry and Grapes in the following ratios 30:20:10:40 (A= 30g apple, 20g strawberry, 10g grapes and 40g of sugar) and 35:10:15:40 (B= 35g apple, 10g strawberry, 15g grapes and 40g of sugar) respectively. The pulp mixtures were combined with 40g of sugar. Mixed fruit jam and strawberry jam were used as commercial control labelled as sample C and D respectively. Standard methods were used for the determination of proximate composition, sugar content, phytochemical constituents and sensory evaluation of the Jam. The proximate composition indicated that sample A (15.31±0.12) and B (16.86±0.03) had a moisture content lower than the commercial control C (27.05±0.03) and D (27.60±0.45). The ash, fiber and lipid contents showed no significant difference in the jams produced and the commercial controls. Sample A and B had higher protein 29.58±0.02 and 27.41±0.01 as compared to the commercial controls C and D (24.62±0.02 and 25.15±0.01). No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in the glucose composition of the sample A and B and the commercial controls C and D. Fructose content in sample A (2.74±0.21) was higher than sample B (1.94±0.01) and the commercial controls C (1.85±0.00) and D (1.42±0.00). Qualitative testing for flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycoside and tannin revealed potential good health benefits. The sensory evaluation revealed that sample A which comprises of 30% apple, 20% strawberry, 10% grapes and 40% sugar was rated best...

Does drinking coffee reduce the risk of kidney stone formation?

Introduction: Kidney stones, a prevalent urological issue affecting 2% to 15% of the global population, result from complex physicochemical processes in urine. Untreated stones can lead to severe complications like ureter blockage and kidney damage. Diet plays a crucial role in stone formation, with historical negative views on coffee consumption. However, new research shows potential benefits of coffee. The purpose of this review was to analyze the association between coffee consumption and the risk of developing kidney stones. State of knowledge: Kidney stones develop as solid masses in the kidney's collecting system and can consist of various substances like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and cystine. Understanding the formation of kidney stones involves analyzing the role of crystal retention. Coffee consumption has shown potential benefits in reducing the risk of kidney stones by influencing urine composition. Additionally, oxalate and calcium are key dietary components to consider in kidney stone prevention strategies. Coffee has demonstrated diverse health benefits, including protection against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions. Its impact on blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and neuroprotection highlights its potential role in promoting overall well-being. Conclusions: Coffee consumption, particularly due to its caffeine content and other compounds like chlorogenic acid, may reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Caffeine has shown anti-lithogenic properties, decreasing oxalate excretion and increasing magnesium and potassium excretion, potentially preventing stone formation. A study by P. Peerapen and V. Thongboonkerd highlighted caffeine's role in reducing crystal adhesion to renal cells as a key mechanism in preventing kidney stones. In summary, coffee's diverse components could provide protection against kidney stone development.

ICE to EV Conversion in Thailand: Evaluating Feasibility, Benefits, and Challenges

Abstract: The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is vital for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but Thailand faces challenges in adopting new EVs due to high costs and limited infrastructure. This study investigates the feasibility of converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs over the next decade, examining the economic, environmental, and social impacts. Findings show that EV conversions can reduce operational costs by 40-50% and lower GHG emissions by up to 70%, even when accounting for electricity-related emissions. In addition, the transition could significantly improve air quality, leading to public health benefits. However, barriers such as high upfront conversion costs, limited access to conversion kits, and the need for skilled labor remain. Addressing these challenges through government incentives, infrastructure development, and workforce training will be essential for scaling up EV conversions, enabling Thailand to accelerate its shift toward sustainable transportation and meet its climate goals.

Social Media and Digital Inequity: Reducing Health Inequities by Closing the Digital Divide

As its usage has grown, social media has positively and negatively impacted public health. Although social media presents known harms to mental health and spreads misinformation, it also offers rapid dissemination of public health information, expanded access to health resources, and a robust source of health information. However, these benefits are not equitably shared due in part to the “digital divide” of unequal access and use of information and communication technologies. Measurable inequalities in digital access exist among regions, with an eight-fold difference between Central Africa (9.8% social media penetration) and Northern Europe (80.2% social media penetration). Digital inequalities also differ by gender, age, and socioeconomic classes within countries. Increased digital access has been positively associated with improved health information and outcomes related to chronic diseases, infectious disease outbreaks, and reproductive health. Given the expanding role of social media in public health and the emerging evidence on the health benefits of digital access, we argue for reducing digital inequities by (1) creating an enabling government policy and regulatory environment that views digital health access as a social determinant of health; (2) targeting public and private investments to expand digital access for underserved regions and populations; (3) making digital access and use affordable to low-resource populations; and (4) improving digital competency among these groups through digital literacy programs.

The Influence of Crossbreeding on the Composition of Protein and Fat Fractions in Milk: A Comparison Between Purebred Polish Holstein Friesian and Polish Holstein Friesian × Swedish Red Cows

Background/Objectives: In this study, the differences in protein and fat bioactive components between the milk from purebred Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows and PHF cows crossbred with Swedish Red (SRB) were investigated. The objective was to assess the impact of genetic variation on the nutritional quality of their milk. Methods: This study was conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences’ (WULS) experimental dairy farm in Warsaw, Poland, and involved 60 primiparous cows divided into two groups: 30 PHF×SRB crossbred cows and 30 purebred PHF cows. All cows were housed in a free-stall system with an average lactation yield exceeding 10,000 kg/lactation. The milk composition analyses included total protein, casein, whey protein, fatty acid profiles, and vitamin content. Results: Milk from the PHF×SRB hybrids showed a significantly greater total protein content (3.53%) compared to that from the purebred PHF cows (3.28%). The casein content was higher in the hybrids’ milk (2.90%) than the purebreds’ milk (2.78%), while the whey protein levels were lower in the purebred milk (0.50%) than in the hybrid milk (0.63%). The hybrids exhibited higher concentrations of certain saturated fatty acids in their milk, while the purebreds’ milk contained greater amounts of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins—E, D, and K. Conclusions: These results indicate that genetic selection through crossbreeding can enhance the nutritional quality of milk. The differences observed in protein, fatty-acid, and vitamin content underscore the role of the genotype in milk composition, suggesting that breeding strategies can optimize dairy products’ health benefits.

A new personalized environment control system for hospital beds with design optimization by Taguchi-based grey relational analysis

The current ward environments consume excessive energy and fail to meet the personal comfort and health needs of patients. A promising solution is to create a personalized bed micro-environment and then extend the ward set-point temperature range. However, there is currently no suitable bed environment control system. This study proposes a novel bedside integrated system with three perforated panels that supplies conditioned air from different directions and prevents direct airflow towards the patient's head region. The system design was optimized using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis (GRA), with predicted mean vote (PMV), draft risk (DR), and personal exposure effectiveness (PEE) considered as response variables. The design variables included supply air temperature, airflow rate, and supply air angles. Taguchi's L16 (44) orthogonal array was employed for the experimental design. The results demonstrate that a low-velocity cold air lake can form above the bed, with the maximum velocity near the patient's head at only 0.2 m/s. In a 28 °C ward, the PMV, maximum DR, and PEE at the bed micro-environment are 0.13, 14.1 %, and 0.67, respectively. This implies that the proposed bed environment control system has the potential to provide both comfort and health benefits while reducing energy consumption. After optimization, the optimal supply air temperature, airflow rate, angles of top panel and side panels are 22 °C, 25 L/s, 0° and 45°, respectively, with an improvement of 5.8 % in the grey relational grade. This study provides a new solution for creating a comfortable and healthy ward environment in an energy-efficient manner.

Integrating Forest Ecosystem Services into Health Strategies to Improve Human Well-Being

As the largest terrestrial ecosystem covering extensive expanses of the Earth’s surface, forests offer crucial health benefits to humans, both directly and indirectly. Presently, health services derived from forest resources have presented significant opportunities for enhancing human well-being. Nonetheless, the absence of a comprehensive understanding regarding the mechanisms by which forests impact human health jeopardizes the potential gains in health. Regrettably, there remains a dearth of scholarly work elucidating these pathways. This paper aims to furnish a thorough examination of how forests influence human health. We initiate by formulating a conceptual framework upon which we delineate the various pathways through which forests impact human health. These encompass the provisioning of resources, preventive services, and forest therapies. Concurrently, we outline the moderating influence of social, economic, and individual characteristics as mediators within this pathway. These characteristics are classified into two overarching dimensions: accessibility and behavioral choices, which notably affect marginalized demographics such as those with lower socioeconomic status, women, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and children in developing nations. Consequently, we build upon these foundational insights to propose six strategies aimed at perpetuating the positive impact of forests on human health in the foreseeable future. In the future, the development of forest management policies, the assessment of long-term health benefits, social practices, and international cooperation must be considered holistically to attain the dual objective of sustainable forest management and the advancement of human well-being.

Comparative Analysis of Natural vs. Synthetic Antioxidants in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that natural antioxidants, derived from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are often preferred for their bioavailability and health benefits, including their ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. They are associated with lower toxicity and potential health-boosting properties, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, synthetic antioxidants, which are chemically manufactured, tend to have a more stable and consistent potency, making them more effective in industrial applications like food preservation. However, concerns about their long-term health effects, including potential toxicity and adverse side effects, have led to a growing preference for natural alternatives. While both types play important roles in protecting cells from damage, natural antioxidants are often seen as safer, though their effectiveness can vary depending on the source and concentration. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Free radical theory of aging, phytochemical hypothesis and toxicology of food additives may be used to anchor future studies on the comparative analysis of natural vs. synthetic antioxidants in Nigeria. In practical terms, health professionals should advocate for the incorporation of natural antioxidants into dietary guidelines, emphasizing foods rich in these beneficial compounds, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. From a policy perspective, there is a pressing need for regulatory frameworks that impose stricter guidelines on the use of synthetic antioxidants in food products, prioritizing safety assessments and considering long-term health impacts.

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Grape Seed And Onion Extract In Healing Cut Wounds In Wistar Rats

In healing cut wounds, generally many use drugs with chemicals, the use of chemicals in wound healing has a lot of negative impacts, therefore it is necessary to conduct further research on the benefits of natural ingredients such as plants to treat cut wounds, some of the advantages of using medicinal plants include relatively safer, easy to obtain, cheap, does not cause resistance, and relatively harmless to the surrounding environment or the mixture between the plants, which has been used for treatment for generations. One way to treat cut wounds is to use herbal plants because they are cheaper, easier to get, and have low side effects. Compounds that play a role in the healing process of cut wounds include flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, and essential oils. One of the plants that has health benefits is grapes. The purpose of this study is to find out the comparison of the effectiveness of grape seeds and onion extract in healing cut wounds in wistar rats. The type of research used in this study is experimental research with a true experimental method with a post-test only control group design pattern. The sample to be used in this study is 24 rats divided into 4 groups so that each group contains 6 rats. Data analysis uses the One-Way ANOVA test. The results showed that shallot gel extract had a significant effect on the percentage of reduction in incision length.

Isolation, Potential Beneficial Properties, and Assessment of Storage Stability of Direct-Fed Microbial Consortia from Wild-Type Chicken Intestine.

Direct-fed microorganisms (DFM) are recognized as an alternative to antibiotic-based growth promoters in poultry production due to their health benefits. DFM, however, should undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure they meet the criteria to be "Generally Recognized as Safe." This study assessed eight bacterial consortia (BC) isolated from the ileal and cecal intestinal regions of wild-type chickens, subjecting them to probiotic tests. Subsequently, they were spray- and freeze-dried to evaluate their storage stability for 30days. BC5-I and BC7-I, isolated from the ileum, emerged as promising DFM, displaying a high content of Lactobacillales using a selective medium and higher susceptibility to Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibiotics. These BC showed a high tolerance to temperature (> 90%), pH > 4 (88-98%), and antagonist effects against Escherichia coli and Salmonella. BC5-I exhibited superior survival in the simulated gastric conditions and satisfactory intestine mucus adhesion. Freeze-drying was the best method to obtain BC5-I and BC7-I powders, with a survival efficiency of 80.3% and 73.2%, respectively, compared to the beginning of storage. BC5-I presented the lowest cell death rate and prolonged half-life through survival storage kinetics. BC5-I only contained Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri was the predominant species in liquid (78.3%) and freeze-dried (59.8%) forms. BC5-I stands out as a promising Lactobacillus-based DFM that could improve chicken intestinal health and enhance meat and egg production.