Fruit Juice Supplementation Research Articles

Evaluating the Impact of a Structured Teaching Program on Maternal Knowledge of Weaning Diets for Children Aged 6 Months to 2 Years

Beginning with supplementation, weaning continues until the child is totally off breast milk. Indian babies are entirely breastfed till six months, and their growth is usually good. Breast milk alone cannot support growth after six months. Breast milk cannot provide enough calories and nutrients for growing newborns as it diminishes. Fruit juice supplementation is necessary since breast milk lacks vitamin C. Since a child’s liver stores iron for only 4-6 months, iron-rich foods should be offered after six months. Vitamin D is absent from breast milk. Starting additional meals around six months helps the youngster grow and stay healthy. This was a pre-experimental study (one group pre- and post-test). The sample included 100 moms from Mokhumpur, Dehradun. Study participants were selected via convenient sampling. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire. The pre-test showed that 15% (15) of mothers had inadequate weaning diet knowledge, 80% (80) had intermediate knowledge, and 5% (5) had adequate knowledge. After the intervention (a structured teaching program), 23% (23) had moderate knowledge, and 77% (77) had adequate understanding. Post-test knowledge scores (M = 21.86, SD = 2.98) were 7.09 points higher than pre-test scores (M = 14.77, SD = 3.59). The t-test value (t(99) = 26.660) and p-value (<0.001) indicate statistical significance (p-value < 0.05).

Aronia melanocarpa Fruit Juice Modulates ACE2 Immunoexpression and Diminishes Age-Related Remodeling of Coronary Arteries in Rats.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMJ) supplementation on age-related coronary arteries remodeled in aged rat hearts. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups: (1) young controls (CY), aged 2 months, without AMJ supplementation; (2) old controls (CO), aged 27 months, without AMJ supplementation; and (3) the AMJ group (A), which used 27-month old animals, supplemented orally with AMJ for 105 days. AMJ supplementation did not influence the wall-to-diameter parameter (Kernohan index) of the coronary arteries of test animals. Aged rats supplemented with AMJ showed a significant decrease in the amount of collagen fibers in their coronary tunica media, as compared with the old controls. The intensity of the immunoreaction for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in the coronary tunica media was significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the old controls. The intensity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) immunoreaction in the coronary tunica media of the supplemented group was significantly higher than the one observed in the old controls. These results indicate the positive effects of AMJ supplementation on the age-dependent remodeling of coronary arteries and support for the preventive potential of antioxidant-rich functional food supplementation in age-related diseases.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN JUS BUAH NAGA TERHADAP PERUBAHAN KADAR PROFIL DARAH IBU HAMIL DENGAN ANEMIA YANG MENDAPATKAN SUPLEMENTASI TABLET FE

Anemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin content in the blood. The largest group that can experience anemia are pregnant women. Causes of anemia in pregnant women include the production of hemoglobin chains due to certain diseases or experiencing impaired hemoglobin production due to a lack of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. Existing research states that dragon fruit can overcome anemia, where dragon fruit contains substances that the body needs for the formation and maturation of blood cells. The research objective was to determine the effect of dragon fruit juice on changes in blood profile levels in pregnant women with anemia who received iron supplementation. The research method used was a quasi-experimental design with a nonrandomized pretest and posttest design with control group design. This research was conducted for 7 weeks. The number of samples in this study were 40 respondents (20 respondents in the intervention group who received dragon fruit juice and Fe tablet supplementation and 20 respondents who only received iron tablet supplementation). Samples were obtained using purposive sampling. Evaluation of blood profile levels was carried out after giving dragon fruit juice on day 15. The results showed an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte levels (p = 0,000), meaning that giving dragon fruit juice to pregnant women with anemia had an effect on increasing hemoglobin levels. hematocrit, and erythrocytes. For health services, it is hoped that dragon fruit juice can be used as an alternative in overcoming anemia in pregnant for women.

Possible metabolic abnormalities of lipids in rabbits given amoxicilin overdose and raw cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) fruit juice

Study Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health benefits. Metabolism of lipids takes place in the liver. Overdose of amoxicillin (an antibiotic) can cause hemolysis, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation. Aim and Objective: This work was designed to determine the possible metabolic abnormalities of total cholesterol (T-Chol), total triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Chol), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-Chol) in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose and raw cucumber (C. sativus) fruit juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of five rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – Five control rabbits; Group B – Five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C – Five rabbits were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma T-Chol, total TGs, and HDL-Chol were determined in the rabbits biochemically using spectrophotometry. Results: The results obtained showed a significant decrease in the plasma T-Chol and HDL-Chol in the rabbits when they were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days compared with the results obtained in the normal control rabbits, their basal samples, and the results obtained when the rabbits were supplemented with 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice for 14 days after amoxicillin overdose with P < 0.05. Conclusion: The work showed a significant decrease in the plasma T-ChoL and HDL-Chol in the rabbits when they were given overdose of amoxicillin while plasma values of these parameters were significantly increased though not higher than in the control rabbits and basal samples when the rabbits were supplemented with raw cucumber fruit juice.

Evaluation of plasma Na, K, urea, and creatinine in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice

Study Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health benefits. Na, K, urea, and creatinine are indices of nephrotoxicity. Overdose of amoxicillin, an antibiotic, could cause hemolysis and nephrotoxicity. Aim and Objective: This work was therefore designed to evaluate plasma Na, K, urea, and creatinine in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber (C. sativus) fruit juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of five rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – Five control rabbits; Group B – Five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C – Five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry using COBAS 111. Results: There was a significant decrease in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) following the administration of 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days than when they were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days with P < 0.05. There was a significant increase in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL) following the administration 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days than when they were given 30 mL of raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; basal samples; and also than the results obtained from the control rabbits with P < 0.05. There was also a significant increase in the plasma values of K (mmol/L), following the administration of 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days than the results obtained from the control rabbits with P < 0.05. Conclusion: This work revealed possible nephrotoxicity following the administration of amoxicillin overdose as indicated by raised plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL), while the supplementation of raw cucumber fruit juice revealed nephroprotective and decrease in plasma K (mmol/L), creatinine (mg/dL), and urea (mg/dL). Raw cucumber fruit juice could be applied to reduce drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Assessment of Plasma Iron, Feritin, Blood Platelets and Hemoglobin Concentration in Rabbits Given Amoxicillin Overdose Supplemented with Raw Cucumber Juice

Background and Aim: Raw Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health promoting bioactivities. Plasma iron is stored in the liver and blood cells. Platelets are blood cells involved in blood clotting for homeostasis while haemoglobin (found on red blood cells) concentration is an index of anaemia and polycythemia. This work was therefore designed to assess plasma iron, feritin, blood platelets and hemoglobin concentration in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber fruit Juice. Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9 – 1.4Kg divided into 3 groups of 5 rabbits each were used for the study. Group A- 5 control rabbits; Group B –5 rabbits given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days which was followed by 30ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C–5 rabbits given 30.0mg/ kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma iron, ferritin and hemoglobin concentration were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry and immunoturbidometry while platelets were enumerated by haemocytometry. Results: There was a significant increase in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets when the rabbits were given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days compared with the results obtained from the control rabbits, their basal samples and when they were supplemented with30ml raw cucumber fruit juice for 14 days with p<0.05. There was a significant decrease in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant increase in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets when they were supplemented with3 0ml raw cucumber fruit juice for 14 days compared with the results obtained when they were given 30.0mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 hrs for 7 days with p<0.05. Conclusion : There was a significant increase in plasma ferritin and iron with a significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration and blood platelets upon administration of amoxicillin overdose which was reversed when the supplement of raw cucumber fruit juice was given. Cucumber fruit juice possibly has a protective effect on blood cells and liver as there was no significant haematological alteration when amoxicillin overdose and raw cucumber fruit juice were co-administered.

Acute Effects of Passion Fruit Juice Supplementation on Cardiac Autonomic Function and Blood Glucose in Healthy Subjects

Ascorbic acid supplementation provides beneficial effects on enhancing cardiac autonomic function in patients with heart failure. Ascorbic acid also reduces blood sugar levels and enhances insulin activity, and encourages cardiac autonomic function. Passion fruit is rich in ascorbic acid and potential antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of passion fruit juice (PFJ) supplementation primarily on cardiac autonomic function and secondary on blood glucose in healthy subjects. A randomized cross-over trial was conducted in 14 healthy subjects aged 21.29±0.73 years. Subjects were supplemented with either 50% PFJ, or glucose and fructose solution as a placebo (PLA) at 3.5 mL/kg body mass with a 1-week washout between treatments in a single-dose design. Short-term heart rate variability and blood glucose levels were evaluated prior to supplementation (T0) and following supplementation for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min (T30, T60, T90, and T120, respectively). Indexes of cardiac autonomic function at T30, including high frequency power (P=0.03) and total power (P=0.01), were significantly higher and the ratio of low frequency/high frequency power was significantly lower (P=0.01) in the PFJ group compared to the PLA group. Blood glucose levels significantly increased at T30 in both PLA (P=0.00) and PFJ (P=0.00) groups. However, there were no significant differences between groups. A single administration of PFJ enhanced cardiac autonomic function through augmentation of parasympathetic activity, although it did not attenuate postprandial hyperglycemia. PFJ may be potentially recognized as beverage able to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Supplementation of 100% Flesh Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] Juice Improves Swimming Performance in Rats.

Nutritional intervention of fruit juice supplementation is able to maximize exercise performance. Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] contains high L-citrulline content and consumption of watermelon juice may promote ergogenic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 100% flesh watermelon juice and 100% rind watermelon juice supplementation for 14 days on swimming performance in rats. Twenty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Cx group of rats supplemented with filtered tap water (negative control), L-cit group of rats supplemented with L-citrulline (positive control), FR group of rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice, and RR group of rats supplemented with 100% rind watermelon juice. Each group was supplemented for 14 days ad libitum prior to swimming exercise protocol. The rats were performed swimming exercise for 3 days and swimming time until exhaustion was measured. Plasma samples were collected to measure lactate concentration, ammonia concentration, and nitric oxide production. Rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice demonstrated significantly prolonged of swimming time until exhaustion, reduction of lactate and ammonia concentrations, and increased of nitric oxide production compared to Cx and L-cit groups (P<0.05). These findings postulate that supplementation with 100% flesh watermelon juice improves endurance in swimming performance.

Raw Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Fruit Juice as Possible First-Aid Antidote in Drug-Induced Toxicity

Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances that have health-benefit potentials. Fibrinogen is produced in the liver cells. Highest concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are found in the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, and alanine transaminase (ALT) is a liver enzyme. Overdose of amoxicillin, an antibiotic, can lead to hemolysis, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation. This study was therefore designed to determine the use of raw cucumber (C. sativus) fruit juice as a possible first-aid antidote in druginduced toxicity. Fifteen rabbits of the same gender weighing 0.9-1.4 kg were used for the study. They were divided into three groups of five rabbits each as follows: Group A—five control rabbits; Group B—five rabbits, given 30.0 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for seven days and was followed by 30 mL raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C—five rabbits, given 30.0 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma LDH, ALT, and fibrinogen were determined in the rabbits by spectrophotometry. There was a significant increase in plasma ALT and LDH and a significant decrease in fibrinogen following amoxicillin overdose compared with the results obtained from the basal samples and the control rabbits. These abnormalities were reversed when raw cucumber fruit juice was administered to the experimental rabbits initially overdosed with amoxicillin (ρ &lt; 0.05). There was a significant increase in the plasma value of LDH in the rabbits when they were supplemented with raw cucumber fruit juice following amoxicillin overdose and when the rabbits were coadministered with raw cucumber fruit juice and amoxicillin overdose compared with their basal samples (ρ &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the plasma value of ALT and fibrinogen when the rabbits were coadministered with raw cucumber fruit juice (ρ &gt; 0.05). This study showed an increase in plasma ALT and LDH, and a decrease in fibrinogen following the administration of subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin; however, these abnormalities were reversed when the rabbits were administered 30 mL of raw cucumber fruit juice. Raw cucumber fruit juice could be applied as first-aid antidote in drug induced toxicity.

Assessment of plasma iron, transferrin alanine, and aspartate transaminase in amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber juice

Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health-promoting bioactivities. Elevated plasma alanine transaminase (ALT/serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase), aspartate transaminase (AST/serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), iron, and decreased transferrin could indicate hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, and kidney and liver damage, which could be drug induced. Aim and Objective: This work was designed to determine the benefits of cucumber fruit juice as a natural antidote in amoxicillin-induced hepatotoxicity by assessing the plasma iron, transferrin alanine, and AST in amoxicillin overdose supplemented with raw cucumber juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of five rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – five control rabbits; Group B – five rabbits given 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; and Group C – five rabbits given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma ALT, AST, iron, and transferrin were determined in the rabbits by spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results obtained showed a significant increase in plasma ALT, AST, and iron and a significant decrease in plasma transferrin when the rabbits in Group B were given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin (B2 samples) compared with the results obtained from their basal samples (B1) and control rabbits (A) and when they were given 30 ml of raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation (B3 samples) (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed a significant decrease in plasma ALT, AST, and iron and a significant increase in plasma transferrin when the Group B rabbits were given 30 ml of raw cucumber fruit juice (B3 sample) than when they were given subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin (B2 samples) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This work revealed significant biochemical alterations in the values of iron, transferrin, AST, and ALT when given 30 mg/kg BW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin and supplementation of raw cucumber fruit juice. Cucumber juice is therefore beneficial as a possible antidote to amoxicillin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Changes in plasma alanine transaminase/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, aspartate transaminase/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutathione transferase, and albumin in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber fruit juice

Study Background: Raw Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains substances of health-promoting bioactivities. Alanine transaminase/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT/SGPT), aspartate transaminase/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST/SGOT), Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), and albumin are indices of hepatotoxicity, hepatitis, and liver damage which could be drug induced. Aim and Objective: This work was therefore designed to changes in plasma ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, GST, and albumin in rabbits given amoxicillin overdose supplemented with cucumber fruit juice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex weighing 0.9–1.4 kg divided into three groups of 5 rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – 5 control rabbits; Group B – 5 rabbits given 30.0 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; Group C – 5 rabbits given 30.0 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, GST, and albumin were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry and fluorometry. Results: The results obtained showed a significant increase in plasma ALT, GST with a significant decrease in plasma albumin in the rabbits when the rabbits were given 30.0 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin compared with the results obtained from the control rabbits; their basal samples and when the rabbits were supplemented with 30 ml raw cucumber fruit (P Conclusion: This work revealed hepatoprotective raw cucumber fruit juice as there was no significant biochemical alterations when the rabbits were co-administered with raw cucumber fruit juice and amoxicillin overdose bioactivities while increase in plasma GST, AST, ALT, and decrease in albumin in amoxicillin overdose was reversed to normal plasma levels when the rabbits were given raw cucumber fruit juice. Raw cucumber fruit juice could be taken as antidote in hepatotoxicity.

Scavenging antioxidative bioactivities of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice in rabbits overdosed with amoxicillin

Background: Raw cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit juice contains phytochemicals and phytonutrients of antioxidative bioactivities while overdose of amoxicillin could bring about drug-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an oxidative index while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are scavenging antioxidants. This work was therefore designed to determine the scavenging antioxidative bioactivities of cucumber (C. sativus) fruit juice in rabbits overdosed with amoxicillin. Methods: Fifteen rabbits of the same sex divided into three groups of 5 rabbits each were used for the study. Group A – 5 control rabbits; Group B – 5 rabbits given 30 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h for 7 days which was followed by 30 ml raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days; and Group C – 5 rabbits given 30 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin every 24 h and raw cucumber fruit juice supplementation for 14 days simultaneously. Plasma MDA, CAT, SOD, and GPx were determined in the rabbits biochemically by spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and ELISA. Results: The results obtained showed a significant increase in plasma value of MDA and a significant decrease in plasma CAT, SOD, and GPx when the rabbits were given 30 mg/kgBW subcutaneous injection of amoxicillin (P 0.05). Conclusion: This work showed abnormal plasma values of MDA, CAT, SOD, and GPx following amoxicillin overdose which was reversed owing to possible scavenging antioxidative potentials of raw cucumber fruit juice. The raw cucumber juice could therefore be a natural antidote in drug-induced toxicity.

Cognitive Enhancement in Infants Associated with Increased Maternal Fruit Intake During Pregnancy: Results from a Birth Cohort Study with Validation in an Animal Model

In-utero nutrition is an under-studied aspect of cognitive development. Fruit has been an important dietary constituent for early hominins and humans. Among 808 eligible CHILD-Edmonton sub-cohort subjects, 688 (85%) had 1-year cognitive outcome data. We found that each maternal daily serving of fruit (sum of fruit plus 100% fruit juice) consumed during pregnancy was associated with a 2.38 point increase in 1-year cognitive development (95% CI 0.39, 4.37; p<0.05). Consistent with this, we found 30% higher learning Performance index (PI) scores in Drosophila offspring from parents who consumed 30% fruit juice supplementation prenatally (PI: 85.7; SE 1.8; p<0.05) compared to the offspring of standard diet parents (PI: 65.0 SE 3.4). Using the Drosophila model, we also show that the cyclic adenylate monophosphate (cAMP) pathway may be a major regulator of this effect, as prenatal fruit associated cognitive enhancement was blocked in Drosophila rutabaga mutants with reduced Ca2+-Calmodulin-dependent adenylyl cyclase. Moreover, gestation is a critical time for this effect as postnatal fruit intake did not enhance cognitive performance in either humans or Drosophila. Our study supports increased fruit consumption during pregnancy with significant increases in infant cognitive performance. Validation in Drosophila helps control for potential participant bias or unmeasured confounders.

Consumption of star fruit juice on pro-inflammatory markers and walking distance in the community dwelling elderly

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of star fruit juice supplementation on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), nitric oxide (NO), and 6min walking distance (6MWD) in a group of elderly individuals. MethodsTwenty-nine individuals (20 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 72.4±8.3 years completed this study. A two-week control period was followed by four weeks of 100g fresh star fruit juice consumption twice per day after meals. ResultsPlasma TNF-α, IL-23, IL-2, NO and the 6MWD were evaluated twice during the control period (weeks 0 and 2) and once after the star fruit juice consumption (week 6). ResultsThe results showed that all parameters in the blood did not change significantly during the control period. After 4 weeks of star fruit juice consumption, a significant reduction in NO, TNF-α and IL-23 was found; however, there was no change in IL-2. Moreover, the 6MWD increased significantly at week 6, when compared to that at week 0 and 2. Furthermore, the results also showed a significantly positive and negative correlation of NO and TNF-α to the 6MWD, but no correlation of IL-23 and IL-2. ConclusionThis preliminary study concluded that consumption of star fruit juice at 100g twice daily for one month can significantly depress the pro-inflammation cytokines: TNF-α, IL-23, and NO, while increasing walking distance. Low TNF-α and high NO also present a significant correlation to walking capacity in elderly individuals.

Effect of Pomegranate and Mixed Fruit Juice in Radiation Exposed Female Webster White Mice (Mus musculus) Linn.

Too much exposure to x-ray radiation causes side effects that contribute to behavioral change. The researchers conducted a study on pomegranate, grapes, and apples which are fruits high in polyphenols and anti-oxidants. The study is about the effect of pomegranate and mixed fruit juice supplementation for two weeks on female Webster white mice (Mus musculus) Linn prior to irradiation and evaluation. Sixteen mice were divided into four groups (control, supplement with radiation exposure, no supplement with exposure group, and supplement with no exposure group) and all groups were exposed to a specified water maze test after irradiation of radiation groups and eighteen hours after the first water maze test. A histopathological study was then conducted to assess the hepatoprotective effect of the supplement. The results of the water maze test indicate a constant performance in the mice based on the objectives with a faint evidence of memory and spatial learning enhancement. Histopathologies found in the mice were fewer in pomegranate groups which show alleviation of liver condition as compared to no supplementation groups. Researchers recommend assessing the amount and administration of the supplement, controlling the environment and pre-screening to ensure no external factors affect mice behavior and health.  Keywords - Radiologic  Technology,  x-ray  radiation, pomegranate, grapes,   apples, antioxidants, polyphenols, memory,  spatial  learning,    hepatoprotective  ei¬€ect,  histopathology, experimental design, Philippines. Â