Hawthorn Fruit Research Articles

Ethanol Extract of Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) Fruit Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Chronic Heart Failure.

BackgroundChinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) fruit is a traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of digestive system and cardiovascular diseases. The fruit contains polyphenol compounds, such as epicatechin, that have anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an alcohol extract of hawthorn fruit (HAE) on inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure (CHF).Material/MethodsRats were intraperitoneally injected with doxorubicin to induce CHF and subsequently treated with HAE intragastrically once daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were assessed, and enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to detect the levels of cardiac injury markers (brain natriuretic peptide, creatine kinase-MB, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, copeptin, and adrenomedullin), oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde), and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α). The IL-1β, IL-6, glutathione peroxidase-1, and catalase mRNA levels were also measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOur findings indicated that HAE exerts a cardioprotective effect, as shown by improved echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters, decreased activity of serum myocardial enzymes, reduced serum levels of CHF markers, and inhibited inflammatory response in cardiac tissue. In addition, HAE treatment downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α and upregulated the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase-1 and catalase compared with untreated doxorubicin-induced CHF rats.ConclusionsHAE shows promise for the prevention and treatment of CHF. The cardioprotective effect of HAE appears to be related to inhibition of both the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in vivo.

Preventive role of Crataegus monogyna on sperm quality and testis oxidative stress against copper-induced toxicity

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial use of common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract at 1.5g/Kg bw/day against chronic copper sulfate intoxication (100mg/Kg bw) in Wistar rats. Material and Method: Animals were divided into 6 groups; the untreated control (C), 2 positive controls treated respectively with hawthorn fruits (F) and leaves (L), 1 group treated with copper (Cu) and 2 combined treatment groups treated with Cu and hawthorn-fruits (CuF) and Cu and hawthorn-leaves (CuL). After 30 days of oral administration, testis weight and plasma testosterone levels were evaluated, in addition to the epididymal sperm concentration, motility, vitality, velocity (VCL, VSL and VAP), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and the beat cross frequency (BCF). Testicular glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also evaluated. Result and Discussion: Cu exposure reduced testosterone, sperm concentration, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx levels compared to control groups. Dead sperm and MDA levels were increased in rats of Cu group compared to the untreated control. When compared to the Cu group, levels of testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx were much higher in the CuF and CuL groups, along with a significantly lower MDA concentration. In conclusion, hawthorn, when co-administered as an aqueous extract with Cu, protected most biological markers against copper toxicit, while positive control (s) boosted sperm concentration and velocity (VCL and VAP).

Determination of the energy efficiency of drying hawthorn fruit in a drum dryer with a paddle mixing device

A drum dryer with a paddle mixing device which can significantly increase productivity and improve the quality of the drying process has been developed. The recommended values of the following parameters, which provide the most energy-saving mode while maintaining the high quality of the finished product (air supply speed is 2.5 m/s; drum filling factor is 0.25; the stirrer rotation speed is 20 rpm, the drying temperature is 60°C) have been established. These parameter values correspond to the specific power consumption equal to 1.83 kW* h/kg of evaporated moisture.

A rapidly evolved shift in life‐history timing during ecological speciation is driven by the transition between developmental phases

For insect species in temperate environments, seasonal timing is often governed by the regulation of diapause, a complex developmental programme that allows insects to weather unfavourable conditions and synchronize their life cycles with available resources. Diapause development consists of a series of distinct phases including initiation, maintenance, termination and post-diapause development. The evolution of insect seasonal timing depends in part on how these phases of diapause development and post-diapause development interact to affect variation in phenology. Here, we dissect the physiological basis of a recently evolved phenological shift in Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae), a model system for ecological divergence. A recently derived population of R.pomonella shifted from specializing on native hawthorn fruit to earlier fruiting introduced apples, resulting in a 3-4week shift in adult emergence timing. We tracked metabolic rates of individual flies across post-winter development to test which phases of development may act either independently or in combination to contribute to this recently evolved divergence in timing. Apple and hawthorn flies differed in a number of facets of their post-winter developmental trajectories. However, divergent adaptation in adult emergence phenology in these flies was due almost entirely to the end of the pupal diapause maintenance phase, with post-diapause development having a very small effect. The relatively simple underpinnings of variation in adult emergence phenology suggest that further adaptation to seasonal change in these flies for this trait might be largely due to the timing of diapause termination unhindered by strong covariance among different components of post-diapause development.

The optical properties of hawthorn’s extracts

Objective : The study objective is to analyze optic properties and components of extracts from the fruits of hawthorn ( Crataegus pinnatifida ) compared with other species and the assessment of the possibility of using numerical indicators of absorption spectra as herbal medicinal products tests. Methods : We used extracts from flowers and fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida , Crataegus sanguinea and Crataegus maximowiczii . Carotenoids, the content and stability of anthocyanins were determined spectrophotometrically, and the results were statistically processed using the small sample technique. Extracts prepared under various conditions were compared by numerical indicators of the absorption spectra using the nonparametric Z-sign test. Results : Crataegus pinnatifida significantly exceeds Crataegus sanguinea in anthocyanins concentration and stability, and coincides with it in carotenoids concentration. Variations in the extraction conditions are accompanied by changes in the numerical indicators of the absorption spectra. Conclusions : The presented data gives reason to consider Crataegus pinnatifida growing in Primorskiy territory to be a promising raw material for herbal medicinal products production. The set of numerical indicators of the absorption spectra can be used as tests of extracts from plants.

Comparison of pharmacological activity of hawthorn fruits preparations

Objectives - a comparative study of antidepressant activity and diuretic action of water and water-alcohol preparations of the fruits of Crataegus sanguinea Pall. and Crataegus submollis Sarg. Materials and methods. The study covers the water and alcohol-water extracts from the fruits of hawthorn blood-red (Crataegus sanguinea Pall.) and Quebec hawthorn (Crataegus submollis Sarg.). The comparative study of the antidepressant activity and the diuretic action of the preparations was carried out on white mongrel rats of both sexes. Results. The liquid extracts of fruits Crataegus sanguinea Pall. and Crataegus submollis Sarg. at a dose of 100 μl/kg revealed an antidepressant activity. Decoctions of Crataegus sanguinea Pall. and Crataegus submollis Sarg. at a dose of 100 μl/kg had a pronounced diuretic and saluretic activity. Pharmacotherapeutic effects of the studied preparations can be explained by the presence of flavonoids in them. Conclusion. The preparations of the fruits of Crataegus sanguinea Pall. and Crataegus submollis Sarg. can be recommended as antidepressant and diuretic agents. The fruits of Crataegus submollis Sarg. are the promising medicinal plant raw materials.

Assessment of Volatiles and Polyphenol Content, Physicochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Activity in Beers with Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata)

Beer with the addition of dotted hawthorn (Crataegus punctata) fruit and juice was prepared and analysed. The content of carbohydrates, glycerol and ethanol in beers was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of the total content of polyphenols was also performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, as well as determining antioxidant capacity by DPPH• and ABTS+• assay, and the ability to reduce iron ions by FRAP assay. Content of volatile compounds was analysed by means of solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Beers with addition of hawthorn, both juice and fruit, had higher antioxidative potential and higher polyphenols concentration compared to control beer. The content of polyphenols in beers was in the range 200.5–410.0 mg GAE/L, and the antioxidant activity was in the range of 0.936–2.04 mmol TE/L (ABTS+• assay), 0.352–2.175 mmol TE/L (DPPH• assay) and 0.512–1.35 mmol TE/L (FRAP assay). A sensory evaluation of beers was also carried out. Beer with hawthorn fruit addition obtained the best scores in sensory analysis for criteria such as aroma, taste and overall quality. This beer had the highest content of volatile compounds (287.9 µg/100 mL of beer), while the control beer had lowest concentrations (35.9 µg/100 mL of beer).

Simultaneous adsorption of acid and flavonoids from hawthorn juice onto resins

To explore the mechanism of adsorbates onto selected resin and provide a theoretical basis for the reduction of acidity in hawthorn fruit juice. In this study, the adsorption processes of titratable acidity (TA) and total flavonoids (TF) from hawthorn fruit juice onto macro-porous adsorption resins were studied. The experimental data were fitted by two widely used isotherm models namely, Langmuir and Freundlich. Kinetics of the adsorption processes were fitted by Pseudo-first-order, Pseudo-second-order kinetics, Elovich kinetics and Web and Morris intra-particle diffusion model. The experiment data showed D315 resin exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, Qe = 176.28 mg/mL, and selectivity coefficient, α = 3.588. The results also showed that the adsorption of adsorbates on D315 resin correlated better with the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption processes of adsorbates were better fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetics. In addition, the adsorption process of TA and TF on D315 resin is chemical adsorption, spontaneous and endothermic. The results indicated that D315 resin had a good adsorption effect on TA in hawthorn fruit juice and provided the theoretical basis for further exploration.

Dehydration of hawthorn fruit juices using ultrasound-assisted vacuum drying.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) was employed as a new approach to improve the efficiency and produce dried hawthorn fruit juice powders with acceptable quality. To achieve these goals, the effects of ultrasound intensity (at four levels of 15.29, 20.38, 22.93 and 24.46kW/m2) were evaluated. The results showed that UAVD significantly shortened the drying time (P<0.05), and with the increasing ultrasound intensity, the drying rate increased and the drying time decreased. Based on statistical tests, the Page model was found to fit well to the drying kinetics. After drying, a decline in quality of fresh juices was observed. As compared with vacuum drying individually, UAVD significantly reduced the colour degradation, and increased the retention of the total flavonoids content, five flavonoid compounds contents and antioxidant activity. It was shown that UAVD at the higher ultrasound intensity varied from of 20.38 to 24.46kW/m2 contributed to a better quality in the dried juice powders. Overall, this study demonstrates that UAVD is a promising technique for improving the drying efficiency and quality retention of hawthorn fruit juices.

A multi-step screening approach of suitable non-Saccharomyces yeast for the fermentation of hawthorn wine

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts play a critical role in the quality of fruit wine. In particular, they affect the aroma and flavour of the fruit wine. This study was performed to screen suitable non-Saccharomyces yeast for improving quality of hawthorn wine with respect to sensory characteristics. The screening strategy was performed by a multi-step approach. Dominant yeast strains isolated from hawthorn fruit or juice were pre-screened with respect to fermentation capability and alcoholic tolerance. Then, the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the hawthorn wines fermented by these strains were investigated. Moreover, volatile compounds, which contributed to sensory odor, were identified by GC-MS and compared in different hawthorn wines fermented with various strains. On the basis of the results of the multi-step approach, non-Saccharomyces strain B1, identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii, is a promising alternative for the fermentation of hawthorn wine.

Effects of different drying and milling methods on the physicochemical properties and phenolic content of hawthorn fruit powders

This study aims to obtain the physicochemical properties of hawthorn fruit powder produced using different methods. Two drying methods, hot-air drying and freeze-drying, and three grinding methods, mortar grinding, shear pulverization, and jet milling, were applied to obtain the hawthorn fruit powders. The physicochemical properties of the six powders were compared using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The phenolic content analyses were performed using EIS-MS2 high-pressure liquid chromatography. The results showed that freeze-drying and shear pulverization yielded higher content of cyanidin-3-galactoside content. Freeze-drying and jet milling were the most effective for reduction of the hawthorn fruit powder particle size (D50 value 27.81 μm); a higher water solubility index; higher phenolic content, such as chlorogenic acid and hyperoside; and a more natural color, all of which made the powder better for application in functional foods. Different drying and grinding methods did not change the crystal structure of the hawthorn fruit powder fiber. As a result, the superfine grinding of hawthorn fruit powders could be a promising process in manufacturing instant and convenient foods, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Practical applications Superfine grinding is a new technology that can yield powder with excellent surface properties. Ultrafine powder has unique physical and chemical properties, such as good solubility, dispersion, adsorption, and chemical activity, and is an ideal means of food processing. Hot-air drying in combination with jet milling can significantly improve the fluidity of the powder. However, freeze-drying in combination with jet milling results in a higher water solubility index (WSI), procyanidin B2, and chlorogenic acid content, and a more uniform and nonseparable mixture. Freeze-dried powders have smaller particle sizes and larger specific surface areas than hot-air-dried powders. The superfine grinding of hawthorn fruit powders could be a promising process in manufacturing instant and convenient foods, as well as active the pharmaceutical ingredients.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Compounds of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Fruits Species for Potential Use in Food Applications.

Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family and is an important medicinal plant. Due to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity hawthorn has recently become quite a popular herbal medicine in phytotherapy and food applications. In this study, physicochemical characterization (color parameters, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrate, total carotenoid, total phenols, and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity (by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP assay), and quantification of some individual phenolic compounds of fruits of 15 samples of different hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) collected from different regions of Iran were investigated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 21.19–69.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (dw), 2.44–6.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g dw and 0.32–1.84 mmol Fe++/g dw, respectively. Hyperoside (0.87–2.94 mg/g dw), chlorogenic acid (0.06–1.16 mg/g dw), and isoquercetin (0.24–1.59 mg/g dw) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of hawthorn fruits. The considerable variations in the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of hawthorn species were demonstrated by our results. Hence, the evaluation of hawthorn genetic resources could supply precious data for screening genotypes with high bioactive contents for producing natural antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds valuable for food and pharma industries.

Quantitative Determination of Total Flavonoids in Blood-Red Hawthorn Fruit

A quantitative determination method using direct spectrophotometry at 282 nm was developed for total flavonoids in blood-red hawthorn fruit (Crataegus sanguinea Pall., Rosaceae) recalculated as catechin and could determine the target reduced flavonoids, i.e., catechins. The error of a single determination of total flavonoids in blood-red hawthorn fruit was ±2.52% at 95% confidence probability. The contents of total flavonoids in hawthorn fruit recalculated as catechin varied from 2.82 ± 0.07 to 7.05 ± 0.18%.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) flowers and fruits grown in Algeria.

Background To the best of our knowledge, up to now, there are no reports on the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds of Crataegus oxyacantha flowers and fruits. Such detailed information is essential to advance the existing knowledge and to promote the use of this species growing in Africa. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to analyze the content of phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant activities of flowers and fruits of C. oxyacantha from Bejaia (Northeastern Algeria) by different analytical methods, and to determine the relationship between them. Methods Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Algerian hawthorn flowers and fruits (C. oxyacantha L.) were studied. Total phenolics, flavonoids and flavonols were determined using colorimetric methods. The phenolic profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was measured using scavenging assay (FRAP) and Fremy's salt, using electronic paramagnetic resonance. Results Different classes of phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Hawthorn flowers contained higher levels of hydroxycinnamic acids, vitexin derivatives and flavonols compared to fruits, while anthocyanins were present only in fruits. Significant correlations were found between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results also showed that although the phenolic content of the two parts was different, their antioxidant capacity was not statistically different. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that hawthorn flowers and fruits of C. oxyacantha may be considered as a natural source of bioactive compounds.

Content in organic acids of Mespilus spp. and Crataegus spp. genotypes

Medlar and hawthorn genotypes were analyzed and also their individual organic acids, in order to better understand their use as functional foods, but also as ingredients in pharmaceutical, nutritional products and in medicine. HPLC analysis was carried out using a Surveyor Thermo Electron system. Ascorbic, oxalic, tartric, malic, citric, succinic and fumaric acids were detected. On average, malic acid was predominant with a range of 415.08 mg/100 g FW in Mespilus germanica and 1,128.68 mg/100 g FW in Crataegus pentagyna. The order of organic acid depending on their content/100 g FW was: for Mespilus germanica - malic &gt; tartric &gt; oxalic &gt; citric &gt; fumaric &gt; ascorbic &gt; succinic; for Crataegus monogyna - malic &gt; oxalic &gt; citric &gt; succinic &gt;tartric &gt; ascorbic &gt; fumaric; for Crataegus pentagyna - malic &gt; citric &gt; oxalic &gt; succinic &gt;tartric &gt; ascorbic &gt; fumaric. The data obtained in this study do confirm that medlar and hawthorn fruits are a rich source of organic acid, and their organic acid content within the 100 g was greater than human daily consumption for this required level.

NUTRITIONAL AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF FRUITS OF CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA L.

The work involved the phytochemical study of hawthorn fruits (Crataegus oxyacantha L.). Hawthorn fruits were collected in areas with low anthropogenic impact (landscape and recreational areas) and in areas with the transport infrastructure in Kaliningrad city. The content of total phenolic compounds and subgroups: catechins, leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins); monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), pectins, organic acids, ascorbic acid, macro- and microelements, as well as antioxidant activity in hawthorn fruits were studied. The influence of the anthropogenic factor on the variability of their chemical composition was shown. It has been established that hawthorn fruits from areas with minimal impact of anthropogenic factors can accumulate phenolic compounds (up to 15.9 mg/g), leucoanthocyanins (up to 1.5 mg/g), tannins (up to 6.5 mg/g ), catechins (up to 4.1 mg/g), flavonoids (up to 6.0 mg/g), fructose (up to 14.1%), pectin (up to 11.6%), organic acids (1.45%), ascorbic acid (up to 49.3 mg/100 g), calcium (up to 12.12 mg/g), zinc (up to 39.12 mg/kg) more intensively and demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (up to 9.7 mg/g). The cluster analysis carried out on the content of phytochemicals proved the dependence of the accumulation of nutrients in hawthorn fruits on the growing conditions of plants. The obtained results allow us to consider the fruits of hawthorn C. oxyacantha as a valuable raw material for use as food additives for various purposes.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY OF EXTRACTION ON ANTIOXI-DANT PROPERTIES FOR THE FARRY AND FLOWERS OF THE TENDER (CRATAEGUS)

The purpose of this work is to determine the most optimal method for extracting hawthorn fruits and flowers (Crataegus) with antioxidant properties. Flowers hawthorn rich in chemicals (choline, essential oil, acetylcholine, trimethylamine, flavone glycosides, caffeic, chlorogenic, ursolic and other various acids) and hawthorn fruit consist of fatty oil, triterpene saponins, choline, acetylcholine, tannins, sorbitol and organic acids. In order to determine the most optimal method for extracting a complex of substances with antioxidant properties from hawthorn fruit and flower extracts, the content of dry substances, phenols, flavonoids was studied, and antioxidant activity was determined using two methods: by trapping free radicals and by using the FRAP (restoring force) method. By all indicators (the content of dry substances, phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity), studied in the work, hawthorn flowers had high values. In this work, three extraction technologies were used: traditional – infusion (37 °С, 2 h), and innovative – using microwave (800 W, 1 min) and ultrasonic irradiation (0.5 W, 2 h). Of all the types of extraction considered, the most efficient and effective, according to the results of experiments, is extraction using ultrasonic radiation.

The pharmacotechnological studies on the development of the plant raw material for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death in the world. Since ancient times, people used medicinal plants to cure a variety of ailments. Herbal treatment has not lost its relevance for today. The medicinal plant raw material used in scientific and folk medicine to improve the state of the cardiovascular system includes hawthorn fruits, mint leaves, lemon balm leaves and Greek valerian roots.Aim. To conduct the pharmacotechnological studies on the development of the composition and technology for the oral solid dosage form intended for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Materials and methods. Powders of the plant raw material were studied by the following parameters: bulk density, flowability and moisture content. The microscopic analysis of powder particles was performed. The pharmacotechnological parameters of the model mixtures of active pharmaceutical ingredients with addition of excipients – flowability, compressibility and disintegration – were determined.Results and discussion. The microscopic analysis has shown that the mixture of the powdered plant raw material is a polydisperse system with particles that differ in shape. Based on this analysis it is possible to predict the unsatisfactory flowability of the mixture and, therefore, the necessity for the inclusion of excipients. To determine the composition of excipients in the preparation being developed the pharmacotechnological parameters of the model mixtures of the plant powders with the addition of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose (FlawLac and CapsuLac) and corn starch were studied. The amount of each component was determined experimentally. To provide flowability the method of wet granulation was chosen.Conclusions. The study of physicochemical and pharmacotechnological properties of powders of the medicinal plant raw material has shown poor flow characteristics. In order to improve the technological properties of the mixture such excipients as microcrystalline cellulose, FlawLac and CapsuLac lactose, aerosil and calcium stearate have been added. The use of the wet granulation method has been substantiated to increase the flowability of the mass. As a moisturizer 5 % starch paste has been chosen. The parameters of drying of wet granules have been studied, and the temperature (55 ± 5) °C has been set.

Effects of dietary hawthorn extracts supplementation on lipid metabolism, skin coloration and gut health of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

Hawthorn fruit has long been used as a functional food in China due to its effects of increasing appetite, promoting digestion and protecting the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of dietary hawthorn extract (HTE) supplementation on plasma biochemical indices, proximate body composition, skin coloration, intestinal morphology and changes in mRNA expression of immune-related genes and tight junction proteins genes in the intestine of golden pompano. Basal diets supplemented with HTE at 0, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 10.00 g kg−1 were fed to golden pompano for eight weeks. The study showed dietary HTE supplementation had hypolipidemic effects by reducing plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein content and improved skin coloration by increasing yellowness values of the ventral skin color of golden pompano. Meanwhile, dietary supplementation of 0.50 and 1.00 g kg−1 HTE could improve gut morphology by increasing villus length, villus width and muscle thickness, and enhance barrier function by increasing tight junction protein genes mRNA levels. However, dietary 10.00 g kg−1 HTE supplementation not only caused damage to intestinal morphology and barrier function, but also induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Our study demonstrated that dietary 0.50 and 1.00 g kg−1 HTE supplementation was beneficial for skin coloration and intestinal health of golden pompano.

Does Liquorice Root, Hawthorn Fruit and Chinese Plum Tea Improve Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Primary or Adjuvant Radiotherapy? – A Randomized Double-blind Pilot Study

Objectives:Radiation induced side effects in head and neck cancers have life changing impact after treatment.&nbsp;We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine tea in these patients.&nbsp;Methods: A randomized double-blinded pilot study was performed in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The study group received gargles of tea made from liquorice root, hawthorn fruit and Chinese plum. The quality of life was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of life questionnaire Version 4 (UW-QOL).&nbsp;Results:The intervention group showed marginally significant outcome (p=0.075) in improved saliva production and reduced anxiety. Bitter taste was one of the major reasons for not continuing the trial.&nbsp;Conclusions:The proposed tea seems to provide a promising impact on the quality of life in head and neck cancer patients after adjuvant or primary radiotherapy. However, taste is a major concern and has to be adjusted to reduce patients´ dropout rate. Future trial with large samples are required to declare significant benefits.