Plant-based Dietary Supplements Research Articles

An Overview of the Versatility of the Parts of the Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), Its By-Products and Dietary Supplements.

Cynara scolymus, also known as the globe artichoke or artichoke, is grown as a food, mainly in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Egypt, as well as in Asia and South America. It has also been associated with various health benefits and is used in plant-based dietary supplements and herbal infusions. Its edible parts, consisting of the head or capitula, flower, and leaves, have shown various biological activities, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial potential. The leaves are mainly used in infusions and extracts for their health-promoting properties, although all their edible parts may also be consumed as fresh, frozen, or canned foods. However, its primary health-promoting activity is associated with its antioxidant potential, which has been linked to its chemical composition, particularly its phenolic compounds (representing 96 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of raw plant material) and dietary fiber. The main phenolic compounds in the heads and leaves are caffeic acid derivatives, while the flavonoids luteolin and apigenin (both present as glucosides and rutinosides) have also been identified. In addition, heat-treated artichokes (i.e., boiled, steamed or fried), their extracts, and waste from artichoke processing also have antioxidant activity. The present paper reviews the current literature concerning the biological properties of different parts of C. scolymus, its by-products and dietary supplements, as well as their chemical content and toxicity. The literature was obtained by a search of PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, with extra papers being identified by manually reviewing the references.

Effects of long-term consumption of two plant-based dietary supplements on cardiovascular health and low-grade inflammation in middle-aged and elderly people: study protocol for a randomised, controlled trial

BackgroundAgeing is a process characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress which could lead to increased prevalence of both physical and mental age-related chronic conditions. A healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables as well as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFA), could reduce oxidative stress and improve markers of low-grade inflammation. Nonetheless, considering that a large part of the population struggles to meet current guidelines on fruit and vegetable and n3 PUFA recommendations, fruit and vegetable concentrate supplements and mixed omega fatty acid supplements could be an effective strategy to bridge the gap between actual and recommended intakes.MethodsIn this randomised, controlled, open-labelled, parallel-grouped clinical trial, 112 participants will be allocated to one of four arms (n = 28 on each arm): an encapsulated juice powder concentrate, a plant-based omega fatty acid supplement, both or a control group. We aim to investigate whether long-term separate or combined ingestion of the two can affect biomarkers of cardiovascular health, low-grade inflammation and indicators of ageing, including cognitive function, in middle-aged and elderly people. We will additionally explore the effect of the different supplementations on plasma levels of vitamins, carotenoids and fatty acids. Intervention will last 2 years and participants will be assessed at baseline and at follow-up visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence whether long-term, plant-based dietary supplementation can support cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory processes, immunity and nutritional status in ageing.Trial registration This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04763291) on February 21, 2021.

Treatment of Menstruation Disorders at Puberty: A Plant-Based Dietary Supplement Efficacy and Safety

Treatment of Menstruation Disorders at Puberty: A Plant-Based Dietary Supplement Efficacy and Safety

The effect of plant-based dietary supplements on weight reduction and the regulation of metabolism

Introduction: As overweight and obesity have become a disease of civilization, more and more people try to accelerate weight reduction in various ways. One of the methods used is the use of dietary supplements.
 Methods: 30 overweight or obese people took part in the study. At the beginning and at the end of the study, each participant was measured and weighed on a professional Tanita DC-360 body composition analyzer. The age in both groups was similar - the average was about 37 years old, height and weight in the group of men was greater. The subjects used the dietary supplement for 6 weeks. At that time, they did not take any other dietary supplements, followed the diet as before, did not consume caffeine and did not undertake any physical activity at that time.
 Results: There were significant differences in the results between men and women for the field of physical. Women had a significantly higher result, which means that they were more susceptible to the effects of supplements. Individuals who achieved a weight loss score significantly higher for the field of physical.
 It also turned out that although weight loss and the absence of gastrointestinal problems during supplementation were observed in both groups, they occurred in a greater amount in women than in men, and the differences these were statistically significant. Higher effectiveness among women may be the result of differences in the functioning of the endocrine system, although it is certainly worth taking a closer look at this issue. 40% of respondents did not notice any weight loss while taking supplementation.
 Conclusions: Plant-based supplements reduce body weight and metabolism, and may also alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition, they improve digestion in general, increase vitality and, to a small extent, may contribute to the improvement of the immune system.

Результати аналізу епідеміологічного дослідження медичних даних щодо ефективності Назірус Синус сироп у комплексній терапії гострого вірусного та поствірусного риносинуситу в дітей

In pediatric practice, the prevalence of rhinosinusitis (RS) depends on age: so, in the age category of 6-7 years old, acute RS at least 1 time per year old affects 8.5% of children, and at the age of 13-14 years old - 14.6%. Acute RS is one of the most common reasons for prescribing antibiotics, so correct treatment is extremely important, given the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. The tactics of treatment of acute RS depends on the form, nature of the inflammatory process and the presence of complications. Purpose - to study the effectiveness of the plant-based dietary supplement Nasirus Sinus syrup in the complex therapy of children 3-11 years old with acute viral and postviral RS. Materials and methods. Were analyzed medical data of 1176 children 3-11 years old who received outpatient therapy with a clinical diagnosis of “Acute viral RS” and “Acute postviral RS” (ICD-10: J01.9). The difference between these patients was only the duration of the disease. Results. It has been established that the use of a plant-based dietary supplement Nasirus Sinus syrup in the complex therapy of children 3-11 years with acute RS helps to reduce subjective (nasal congestion, difficulty in nasal breathing, cough, snoring) and objective (mucous membrane hyperemia, postnasal drainage, rhinorrhea, wheezing, goopiness) manifestations of acute RS in a shorter time compared to the control group. The assessment of the severity of acute viral and postviral RS by Major Sinusitis Severity in absolute numbers in the main group was significantly different from the control group. Conclusions. When using the complex therapy of acute viral and postviral RS in children 3-11 years with the inclusion of a plant-based dietary supplement Nasirus Sinus syrup, the results indicate a decrease in the manifestation of symptoms already on the 3rd day of therapy, reliably demonstrates positive dynamics on the 5th and 7th days. Nasirus Sinus syrup should be recommended for use in children in the complex therapy of RS. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Presence and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in dietary plant supplements as elucidated by a combined DR CALUX® bioassay and GC-HRMS based approach

Plant-based dietary supplements may contain undesirable contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) due to the sources of raw materials or processing methods used. The presence of these contaminants in a series of herbal supplements sold on the Ghanaian market for improving sexual performance was examined using the DR CALUX® bioassay in combination with GC-HRMS analysis. Overall, cell responses at 4 and 48 h exposure to extracts prepared without an acid-silica clean-up were relatively higher than the responses obtained from extracts prepared with an acid-silica clean-up. This indicated that the 40 supplements contained only low levels of stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dl-PCBs, while some contained substantial amounts of less stable AhR-agonists. Ten supplements selected for confirmation with GC-HRMS analysis contained PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.19 pg toxic equivalent (TEQ)/g only, while the level of the sum of 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ4PAHs) representing less stable AhR agonists, ranged from not detected (ND) to 25.5 ng/g. These concentrations were in line with the responses observed in the DR CALUX® bioassay. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs corresponded to estimated daily intakes (EDIs) ranging from 0.01 to 1.20 pg TEQ/day, or 0.001 to 0.12 pg TEQ/kg bw/week for a 70 kg bw consumer, which was below the established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, thus indicating low concern for consumers’ health. Similarly, the EDIs based on the detected Σ4PAHs in supplements ranged from 7.2 to 111 ng/day, or 0.1 to 1.6 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponded to MOE values above 10,000, indicating a low health concern.

Issues of Safe Use of Plant-Based Food Supplements: A Review

Background: The widespread use of specialized food products, including plant-based dietary supplements, is determined by a rich variety of biologically active constituents. However, some plants containing such bioactive compounds as pulegone, menthofuran, estragole, methyleugenol, safrole, and thujone may cause adverse health effects. Objective: To review recent domestic and international scientific papers in order to substantiate the importance of regulating maximum permissible levels of monoterpene ketones (pulegone, menthofuran, and thujone) and alkenylbenzenes (estragole, methyleugenol, and safrole) in plant raw materials and plant-based nutritional supplements. Materials and methods: We used the keywords pulegone, menthofuran, methyleugenol, estragole, safrole, and thujone to search Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and RSCI abstract and citation databases and then applied information analysis and expert examination techniques to summarize research data published in Russian and English languages in 2001–2021. The initial sample consisted of 43 articles, of which 13 were excluded after initial screening. The selection criteria included availability of data on metabolism of the organic compounds in question, their levels in herbs and herbal teas, toxic effects on experimental animals, and potential adverse health effects in humans. We selected 30 full-text scientific publications and classified their data by the type of interventions. Results: The analysis of numerous studies of monoterpene ketones and alkenylbenzenes indicates a toxic effect of these groups of compounds on experimental animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified pulegone, methyleugenol and safrole in Group 2B, which means that they are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Human health risks from plant-based alkenylbenzenes contained in dietary supplements are also demonstrated. Conclusion: Our findings prove the need to take appropriate risk management measures in order to limit the use of certain plant species containing high concentrations of biologically active substances posing threat to human health and to regulate their permissible levels in plant-based supplements.

Healthy Eating Enhances Intrinsic Capacity, Thus Promoting Functional Ability of Retirement Home Residents in Northern Taiwan.

Healthy aging is defined as the process of developing and maintaining functional ability in older age with intrinsic capacity, the composite of all the physical and mental capacities of an individual, being the core. This study was conducted to explore the intervention effects of improved dietary quality on intrinsic capacity. A prospective single-group interventional quasi-experimental study with 59 functional independent older adults from retirement homes were recruited. Texture-modified plant-based dietary supplements were provided. In addition, dietary intake, functional ability, and intrinsic capacity in vitality, locomotion, cognition, and psychological capacity were assessed. Vitality was captured by nutritional status, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Locomotor capacity was assessed based on the performance of physical fitness in backscratch test, chair-sit-and-reach test, chair-stand test, one-foot-standing test, and gaits peed. Psychomotor capacity and cognition were measured by using 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. In a 4-month of intervention, after controlling for baseline values and covariates, participants with higher dietary intervention adherence showed a significant improvement over time in vitality captured by cardiorespiratory endurance (Pinteraction = 0.009) and significant improvement in locomotion captured by gait speed (Pclusters = 0.034). A significant decrease in the chair-stand test (Ptime = <0.001) and MMSE (Ptime = 0.022) was observed during the four months of intervention. Enhanced intrinsic capacity further contributed to the improvement of ADL over time (Pinteraction = 0.034). In conclusion, healthy eating enhances intrinsic capacity in vitality and locomotion thus promoting functional ability among older adults.

Issues of Safety of Herb Mixes and Food Supplements Contaminated with Tropane Alkaloids: A Review

Background: Nutritional supplements, herbal assemblages, and herbal teas are of particular interest in the global market of specialized food products, with the issues of a safe use becoming particularly relevant in the light of the reports on their potential contamination with tropane alkaloids, which content ranges from 0.01 % to 3 % depending on the type of raw materials. Objective: Analysis of the safety of dietary supplements, herbs and herbal teas contaminated with tropane alkaloids, based on data currently presented in domestic and international scientific publications. Materials and methods: We reviewed and analyzed literature sources found in Scopus, PubMed and RSCI databases for tropane alkaloids. The initial sample included 49 articles, of which 19 articles were excluded following a primary analysis. The selection criteria included the presence of classification of tropane alkaloids, their contents in herbs and foods, methods of detection, and potential human health effects. We selected 30 full-text publications meeting the above criteria. The study results were systematized by the type of intervention. Results: The analysis showed that the content of tropane alkaloids in some herbal teas by the sum of atropine and scopolamine can exceed the established level of a single safe intake (0.016 µg/kg body weight). Since scopolamine is a derivative of hyoscyamine (atropine), safety of foods and raw materials should be assessed by their content of atropine that will allow effective monitoring of contamination with tropane alkaloids of all types of the specified food products for the purpose of their safe use. Conclusion: For the safe use of herbal preparations and plant-based dietary supplements, it is recommended to monitor these types of food products for the presence of tropane alkaloids in them. It is advisable to develop a method for their analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract.

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

Plant-Based Dietary Supplements and Antler Products for Prevention and Treatment of Age-Related Diseases: Efficacy Study

Since age-related diseases and conditions are a growing global concern and many scientists are searching for better approaches to enhancing the work performance of the aging population, it is important to find ways to prevent and treat age-related conditions, handle inadequate nourishment and increase work-related efficiency. Exploring plant-based dietary supplements and supplements with antler products, we selected two new supplements developed and manufactured by Biolit Science and Production

Perspective on Improving the Relevance, Rigor, and Reproducibility of Botanical Clinical Trials: Lessons Learned From Turmeric Trials.

Plant-derived compounds, without doubt, can have significant medicinal effects since many notable drugs in use today, such as morphine or taxol, were first isolated from botanical sources. When an isolated and purified phytochemical is developed as a pharmaceutical, the uniformity and appropriate use of the product are well defined. Less clear are the benefits and best use of plant-based dietary supplements or other formulations since these products, unlike traditional drugs, are chemically complex and variable in composition, even if derived from a single plant source. This perspective will summarize key points–including the premise of ethnobotanical and preclinical evidence, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and safety–inherent and unique to the study of botanical dietary supplements to be considered when planning or evaluating botanical clinical trials. Market forces and regulatory frameworks also affect clinical trial design since in the United States, for example, botanical dietary supplements cannot be marketed for disease treatment and submission of information on safety or efficacy is not required. Specific challenges are thus readily apparent both for consumers comparing available products for purchase, as well as for commercially sponsored vs. independent researchers planning clinical trials to evaluate medicinal effects of botanicals. Turmeric dietary supplements, a top selling botanical in the United States and focus of over 400 clinical trials to date, will be used throughout to illustrate both the promise and pitfalls associated with the clinical evaluation of botanicals.

Effects of Two Plant-Based Dietary Supplements on Cardiovascular Health and Low-Grade Inflammation in the Elderly: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives To assess whether the long-term separate ingestions of an encapsulated juice powder concentrate and a plant-based omega fatty acid supplement, or a combined ingestion of the two, can affect biomarkers of cardiovascular health, low-grade inflammation and indicators of aging in the elderly. Methods This is a randomised, controlled, open-labelled, parallel-grouped clinical trial, consisting of 4 arms. One hundred and twelve, overweight and obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) subjects, aged 60 to 80 years will be recruited and randomly allocated to: i) control group; ii) Fruit, Vegetable and Berry (FVB) group, where participants have to ingest a fruit, vegetable and berry supplement (Juice Plus+® capsules); iii) Omega group, where participants have to ingest a plant-based fatty acid supplement (Juice Plus+® Omega Blend); and iv) Fruit, Vegetable, Berry and Omega (FVBO) group, where participants have to ingest the fruit, vegetable and berry supplement, together with the plant-based fatty acid supplement. Participants in all groups will continue their habitual diet and lifestyle. Those allocated to one of the three intervention groups, will be asked to ingest the supplements for a total duration of two years. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at follow-up visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Primary outcomes include markers of cardiovascular health and low-grade inflammation. Secondary outcomes include selected indicators of aging, cognitive function, immunity and quality of life. Finally, plasma levels of vitamins, carotenoids and fatty acids will also be assessed. Results N/A Conclusions This study will provide evidence whether long-term, plant-based dietary supplementation can support cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory processes, immunity and nutritional status in aging. Funding Sources The Juice Plus + Science Institute received funding by The Juice Plus+® Company for this project.

The Biological Effects of Novel Nutraceuticals with Curcuminoids and Other Plant-Derived Immunomodulators and Pre-Probiotics.

An effective and well-balanced immune system is pivotal for maintaining health. Diet and nutrition can affect the functioning of numerous immune parameters, with direct repercussions on homeostasis. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens and thus play a vital role in maintaining health, modulating immune response may well serve as the basis for the development of plant-based functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. This concept is currently utilized in attempts to prevent or mitigate inflammatory reactions via the development of targeted food products or active ingredients since an extended number of phytoconstituents (such as curcuminoids) are associated with beneficial effects on immunity. Immunomodulatory plant-based dietary supplements are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders or imbalances. Therefore, the main focus of this study was to evidence the beneficial biological effects such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, as well as nutritional status, biocompatibility and cell proliferation capacity and immunomodulation of two novel nutraceuticals. The first nutraceutic was based on curcuminoids and other actives from Trigonella foenum- graecum (seeds), Chelidonium majus L. (aerial parts), Taraxacum officinale L. (roots), vitamins (C, D3, A, E) and minerals (zinc) whereas the second one was made of probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis combined with actives from Helianthus tuberosus (tubers) and Psyllium/Plantago ovata (husk) as herbal prebiotics.

A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Longitudinal Study on the Effects of a Plant-based Dietary Supplement on Nitric Oxide and Mitochondrial Metabolic Activity

During the past two decades, metabolic dysfunction and concomitant reduction-oxidation reaction (redox) imbalances (i.e., oxidative stress) have been suggested to be associated with numerous age-related chronic diseases. One profound result of metabolic imbalances is endothelial dysfunction, a pathophysiological condition that increases risk of downstream chronic disease consequences. Healthy endothelial function has been positively associated with elevated levels of circulating nitric oxide (NO). Consequently, a natural, plant-based material that may safely increase endogenous NO levels, reduce redox imbalance, and promote improved metabolic response could be of significant interest and benefit. In this first study of its kind, we conducted a longitudinal, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of S7, a proprietary polyphenol-rich fruit, vegetable, and herb-based material previously reported to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to increase NO. Specifically, we measured changes in real-time cellular generation of ROS and changes in levels of bioavailable NO (measured as circulating NOHb) in 42 overweight or slightly obese individuals who were recruited into one of three groups: placebo, 25mg of S7, and 50mg of S7. Results suggest that after 90 days of once-daily supplementation, the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups exhibited diminished mitochondrial ROS generation (~54% and ~75%, respectively) compared to placebo, which exhibited a slight increase (&amp;gt;12%) (p = 0.049). Furthermore, circulating NOHb levels significantly increased in the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups (33.87% and 53.43%, respectively) compared to placebo (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Together, these results suggest that long-term daily supplementation of S7 may provide potential benefits related to healthy endothelial function and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Natural Products in Mitigation of SARS CoV Infections

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a critical respiratory disease caused by coronaviruses (CoV). The available antiviral agents or host-specific antiinflammatory therapies are the principal treatment modalities, with drug-repurposing as the most viable approach to timely tackle the CoV pandemic. Though these approaches are successful to some extent in reducing the mortality rate, however, it is too far to see a complete escape from the current SARS CoV-2 pandemic. Plants are the primary source of diet, dietary supplements, botanical drugs, and natural products (NPs). It has been well accepted and proved via several scientific studies that plant-based therapies play a vital role in managing such infections. The faulty immune system (compromised innate immunity or aberrant immune activation) determines the severity of the respiratory distress in CoV-2 infected patients. Natural products intervene at various stages of the virus replication cycle, including inhibition of virus entry into the host cells, inhibition of serine/ cysteine proteases, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) or helicase. Besides, several natural products or plant-based dietary supplements have a unique ability to strengthen the immune system or alleviate the hyper-inflammatory condition. Many plant-based formulations, dietary supplements, and NPs are being investigated in clinical trials in CoV-2 infected patients, and few have already shown positive results. The review has unearthed several NP leads for medicinal chemistry programs as well as some having direct opportunity of repurposing in SARS CoV infections.

A Bioactive compound Shatavarin IV-mediated longevity as revealed by dietary restriction-induced autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Plant-based dietary supplements that delay aging are of significant interest now a days because these naturally occurring bioactive molecules effectively provide pharmaceuticals/neutraceuticals to deal with diseases related to the advanced life expectancy. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the effect of Shatavarin IV (SIV), a steroidal saponin isolated from Asparagus racemosus Willd. on dietary restriction (DR) induced longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. SIV significantly increased the lifespan to 18% which is independent of antimicrobial activity and reduced the aging by-product, lipofuscin along with increased locomotion, and chemotaxis behavior in wild type worms. The longevity effect has been dependent on eat-2, which was further validated via reduced pharyngeal pumping rate that established the effect similar to DR induced longevity. Moreover, like eat-2 mutant worms, SIV reduces the total progeny number of wild type worm along with a significant alleviation of stored fat, which reconfirms the involvement of eat-2 mediated longevity. Further, it was also observed that DR induced longevity mechanism by SIV requires mTOR which works in PHA-4/FOXA dependent manner. In addition to this, the role of autophagy mechanism concerning SIV mediated DR was confirmed via bec-1, unc-51, and lgg-1. The longevity effect achieved by SIV was also dependent on SKN-1/NRF-2 and partially dependent on DAF-16/FOXO. Furthermore, the DR-induced longevity by SIV was found to be independent of hsf-1 exhibiting non-significant alteration in the mRNA expression of downstream target genes hsp-16.2 and hsp-70. Altogether, this study provides first-hand information on the pro-longevity effect of SIV in worms that have been mediated by the DR-regulating gene induced autophagy.

Arthrocen, an avocado‐soy unsaponifiable agent, improves acetic acid‐induced colitis in rat by inhibition of NF‐kB signaling pathway

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Arthrocen against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Acute inflammation was produced through intrarectal administration of 2ml diluted acetic acid (4%) solution. All interventions were carried out for 5days after colitis induction. Arthrocen was administered orally at doses of 30, 60, and 120mgkg-1 day-1 . Then, macroscopic and microscopic studies were performed. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activity were measured by biochemical and ELISA methods, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was done to investigate the expression of pNF-κB. The results of this study demonstrated that Arthrocen reduced macroscopic and microscopic damage compared to the acetic acid group. Furthermore, Arthrocen decreased the activity of MPO and TNF-α as well as the protein expression of pNF-kB in rat colon tissue. The results of the current study revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of Arthrocen in acetic acid mediated colon inflammation through suppressing the NF-κB pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated chronic relapsing disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) characterized by chronic bowel inflammation. A plant-based dietary supplement containing avocado and soy unsaponifiable extracts in a ratio of 1:2 is known as Arthrocen. Arthrocen can be used as a complementary drug beside current drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of IBD.

Дегустационная оценка мяса бройлеров, выращенных с применением БАД на растительной основе

Дегустационная оценка мяса бройлеров, выращенных с применением БАД на растительной основе

Long-term Effects of Two Plant-based Dietary Supplements on Low-grade Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Indicators of Biological Aging (P06-080-19)

ObjectivesLow- grade inflammation is a pathological feature of a wide range of chronic conditions, including the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases (CVD)1, 2 and the accelerated reduction in bone density3. Previous research shows that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce chronic inflammation4, 5. To date there is no data on multiyear clinical interventions assessing the effect of plant-based dietary supplements on low-grade inflammation, cardiovascular disease prevention and indicators of biological aging.To assess the long-term effect of two plant based macro- and micronutrient food supplements on low-grade inflammation, cardiovascular disease prevention and indicators of biological ageing in overweight, elderly people. MethodsThis is a 3-arm open labelled, balanced, parallel design, observational study assessing the effectiveness of two different supplements vs control. Ninety overweight and obese volunteers, aged 50–80 years, will be recruited and followed up for the duration of 2 years. Since this is a long term trial and in order to maximize adherence to interventions, we will allow volunteers to choose their preferred treatment and we will implement a propensity score design. More specifically, for each participant an individual score based on certain parameters will be calculated (Table 1) and will be matched with another participant with the same propensity score across the three groups, exerting a ‘post-randomization’ effect. Multiple primary endpoints will be changes in markers of low-grade inflammation, CVD risk and micronutrients status (Table 2). Secondary outcomes will include assessment of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Quality of Life and Anthropometry. Furthermore, Cognitive Function, Bone quality and Leucocyte Telomere length will be assessed as tertiary outcomes. Resultsn/a ConclusionsThis study will provide data on the effect of long-term, plant-based supplementation on chronic conditions and nutritional status in aging. In addition, the novel study design implemented might counteract the high dropout rate often observed in long term nutritional interventions and might create a new era with regards to study design approach in the field of nutritional science. Funding SourcesThe Juice Plus+ Science Institute received funding by The Juice Plus+® Company for this project. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪