Regular Intake Research Articles

Causal Effect of Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Vitamin, and Mineral Intake on Kidney Function: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

The causal effects of chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamin/mineral supplement intake on kidney function remain unknown, despite being commonly used. We conducted a two-sample summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test for causal associations between regular dietary supplement intake and kidney function. Genetic instruments for chondroitin, glucosamine, and vitamin/mineral supplement intake were obtained from a genome-wide association study of European ancestry. Summary statistics for the log-transformed estimated glomerular filtration rate (log-eGFR) were provided by the CKDGen consortium. The multiplicative random-effects inverse-variance weighted method showed that genetically predicted chondroitin and glucosamine intake was causally associated with a lower eGFR (chondroitin, eGFR change beta = -0.113%, standard error (SE) = 0.03%, p-value = 2 × 10-4; glucosamine, eGFR change beta = -0.240%, SE = 0.035%, p-value = 6 × 10-12). However, a genetically predicted vitamin/mineral supplement intake was associated with a higher eGFR (eGFR change beta = 1.426%, SE = 0.136%, p-value = 1 × 10-25). Validation analyses and pleiotropy-robust MR results for chondroitin and vitamin/mineral supplement intake supported the main results. Our MR study suggests a potential causal effect of chondroitin and glucosamine intake on kidney function. Therefore, clinicians should carefully monitor their long-term effects.

A Retrospective Analysis of Clinico-Demographic and Genetic Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in Isoniazid Mono-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients: A Single-Center Study.

Treatment failure and relapse rates are more likely to occur when there is isoniazid (INH) resistance. So, we can no longer ignore the problem of isoniazid mono-resistance. It is pertinent to control the spread of primary INH resistance and prevent secondary resistance. This study aims to evaluate subjects' clinical, demographic, and genetic characteristics and exploretheir treatment outcomes. All data of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis (TB) patients, which were maintained in the electronic database of mandatory notifications (NIKSHAY Portal) between 2017 and 2022, were reviewed. A total of 54 patients wereincluded after excluding five patients with ongoing treatment. Of 54 patients, 41 (75.9%) were cured, which was classified under favorable outcome, and the rest were classified under unfavorable outcome. Phenotypic, high-level mutation (katG) was found in 48 (88.9%) patients. Kaplan-Meier curves show that survival probabilities increase in weeks with regular intake of drugs. Our study found that those with younger ages and males were more affected. We found favorable outcomes in the majority of patients.

Undiagnosed cardiovascular risk factors including elevated lipoprotein(a) in patients with ischaemic heart disease.

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). We assessed the prevalence of previously undiagnosed cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], among consenting patients with IHD who were admitted to hospital. Clinical information, including dietary history, from patients with newly diagnosed IHD and known IHD were compared. Of the 555 patients, 82.3% were males and 48.5% of Chinese ethnicity. Overall, 13.3% were newly diagnosed with hypertension, 14.8% with hypercholesterolemia, and 5% with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Patients with newly diagnosed IHD, compared to those with known IHD, had a higher prevalence of new diagnoses of hypercholesterolemia (29.1% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001), hypertension (24.5% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001) and T2DM (7.3% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.023). Active smoking was prevalent in 28.3% of patients, and higher in newly diagnosed IHD (34.1% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.005). Elevated Lp(a) of ≥120 nmol/L was detected in 15.6% of all patients, none of whom were previously diagnosed. Dietary habits of >50% of patients in both groups did not meet national recommendations for fruits, vegetables, wholegrain and oily fish intake. However, patients with known IHD had a more regular omega-3 supplement intake (23.4% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.024). Increased detection efforts is necessary to diagnose chronic metabolic diseases (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, T2DM) especially among patients at high risk for IHD. Cardiovascular risk factors, in particular elevated Lp(a), smoking, and suboptimal dietary intake in patients with IHD deserve further attention.

Household socio-economic determinants of food security in Limpopo Province of South Africa: a cross sectional survey

BackgroundDespite the strong commitment at both national and international levels to eradicate hunger and achieve household food security, by 2030 food insecurity remains a public health problem. South Africa is amongst the countries with the highest rate of income inequality in the world and extremely high levels of absolute poverty. The Gini coefficient in South Africa is estimated at 0.68 Although South Africa may be food secure at a national level, large numbers of households within the country are food insecure approximately 52% of the rural households in Limpopo Province of South Africa were considered severely food insecure. It has been noted that the majority of households in South African informal settlements and rural areas were moderately or severely food insecure due to lack of access to food which was directly related to income. Rural areas have assets that can be explored to support households. The adult population above 18 years in South Africa make up 78% of the 5.9 million population with about 40% living in rural areas, this study explored household food insecurity in adults in rural environments. The current study aimed to explore the socioeconomic and dietary determinants of household food insecurity among the adult population in the Limpopo Province.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected using a validated pre-tested questionnaire. The participants were recruited from households in Limpopo province. Multiple linear regression was computed to explore the influence of socioeconomic and dietary practices on food insecurity.ResultsThe study included 699 randomly selected participants of which the majority earned a monthly income ≤ 3000 ZAR, and 31.8% experiencing hunger in the past 30 days at the time of study. The dietary practices of the participants were found to be associated with household food insecurity. The study found that large family size, being female in South Africa, low household income and low rate of regular breakfast intake were significant determinants of household food insecurity (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, most of the households were poor and approximately one-third were food insecure. The implementation of sustainable employment policies, and food-based approaches and targeting rural household food production could significantly reduce food insecurity in the rural area.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension: Result of the Pilot Part of Study

INTRODUCTION: Despite the recently established evidence-based and systemic approach to treatment for arterial hypertension (AH), not in all cases its control can be achieved.&#x0D; AIM: To conduct a comparative analysis of the concentration of antihypertensive drugs (AHTDs) in blood serum of patients with controlled and uncontrolled AH.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty six patients were included. Inclusion criteria: age 18 years, signing of informed consent, established diagnosis of AH, regular intake of any two of study antihypertensive drugs (lisinopril, amlodipine, valsartan) and also of indapamide at stable doses, for women adequate contraception. According to the results of daily monitoring of the arterial pressure (AP), patients were divided into two groups: the first group controlled hypertension (AP 140/90 mmHg; n = 39), the second uncontrolled hypertension (AP 140/90 mmHg; n = 17). The mean age of patients in the first group was 65.03 10.80 years, in the second 63.50 8.31 (p = 0.576). In the first group, women prevailed (64.1% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.047) and the mean body mass index was lower (26.30 1.38 kg/m2 vs. 32.20 4.15 kg/m2, p = 0.02). In patients of both groups, venous blood was taken in fasting condition in the morning and 2 hours after intake of AHTDs to assess their concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography. The analytical range for lisinopril, indapamide, amlodipine was 5500 ng/ml, for valsartan 1010,000 ng/ml.&#x0D; RESULTS: In the first group, equilibrium concentration of lisinopril was 2.67 times higher (p = 0.053), and concentration of indapamide in 2 hours after intake was 1.83 times higher (р = 0,084); when normalized to the dose, the differences were leveled out (p 0.05). Concentrations of amlodipine and valsartan did not differ between the groups both before and 2 hours after intake (p 0.05). In 3 of 39 (7.7%) patients with controlled hypertension and in one of 17 patients (5.9%, p = 1.0) with uncontrolled hypertension, AHTDs were detected in blood serum, which were not administered to them.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Results of the pilot part of the study (n = 56) demonstrated the absence of difference between the mean concentrations of the study AHTDs in the blood serum of patients with controlled and uncontrolled AH, and in some cases the presence of traces of AHTDs not administered by the doctor.

The use of bicarbonate-sulphate-calcium-magnesium and sodium-low drinkable water improves functional gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly gaining epidemiological ground in liver diseases. Among the proposed non-pharmacologic interventions, dietary interventions have been widely used. Several patients suffering from it complain of gastrointestinal symptoms unrelated to organic gastrointestinal tract disease. However, the role of drinking water quality modifications in this regard has not been investigated in depth. Patients with upper or lower functional gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled and divided into groups based on bright liver ultrasound relief's presence (SP) or absence (NSP). These patients were asked to drink bicarbonate-sulphate-calcium-magnesium and sodium-low drinkable water (Fonte Essenziale ®) for six months. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0), at the end of six months of drinking water intake (T6), and after an additional six months of washout (T12) by questionnaires designed to evaluate lower and upper gastrointestinal symptoms (Leeds dyspepsia score, short form) severity and frequency. A total of 61 patients were enrolled. In the SP population, the severity of lower gastrointestinal symptoms improved between T0-T6 (Z:-2.437; ES: 0.312) and worsened after the water washout (Z:-2.492; ES: 0.319). The same was for the Leeds score severity sub score in T0-T6 (Z:-2.850; ES: 0.364) and T6-T12 (Z:-2.921; ES: 0.374). These improvements seem unrelated to the severity of liver steatosis at baseline. Furthermore, no safety issues were recorded while taking the water nor during the six-month follow-up afterwards. Regular six-month intake of 400mL of Fonte Essenziale® water was associated, in the absence of dietary regimen modifications, with an improvement in some qualitative and quantitative features of upper and lower functional gastrointestinal symptoms in both an SP and NSP sample.

Health characteristics and behaviors associated with self-reported depression among Brazilian reproductive-aged women: Data from a population-based survey (2020–2021)

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the health characteristics and behaviors associated with depression in a large probabilistic sample of Brazilian reproductive-aged women. A total of 11,698 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years old from the 26 Brazilian capitals and Federal District were interviewed by landline between 2020 and 2021. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) of health characteristics and behaviors (smoking, alcohol abuse, physical activity, regular intake of fruits and vegetables, overweight, obesity and poor self-rated health) according to the presence of depression and drug treatment for depression. Medical diagnosis of depression, and other health characteristics and behaviors were self-reported. Analyses were adjusted by age, race/skin color, education, and marital status. Prevalence of self-reported depression was 13.3% and drug treatment for depression was reported by 5.3% of the total studied population. The presence of self-reported depression was associated with smoking (adjusted OR - aOR 2.15; CI95%:1.44–3.20), regular intake of fruits and vegetables (aOR 0.75; CI95%:0.59–0.95), overweight (aOR 1.38; CI95%:1.10–1.71), obesity (aOR 1.34; CI95%:1.04–1.71) and poor self-rated health (aOR 4.34; CI95%:3.04–6.21). Drug treatment for depression was associated with smoking (aOR 2.29; CI95%:1.33–3.95), overweight (aOR 1.65; CI95%:1.18–2.30) and poor self-rated health (aOR 4.20; CI95%:2.59–6.83). Self-reported depression and drug treatment for depression were associated with unfavorable health characteristics and behaviors among reproductive-aged women in Brazil.

Association Between Glucosamine Use and the Risk of Incident Heart Failure: The UK Biobank Cohort Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between regular glucosamine intake and heart failure (HF) and to explore whether the association is mediated by relevant cardiovascular disease. Patients and MethodsWe included 479,650 participants with data available for supplement use and without HF at baseline from the UK Biobank study. Using 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms linked to HF, a weighted genetic risk score was calculated. We evaluated the association between glucosamine use and HF by Cox regression models after inverse probability of treatment weighting. A validation and mediation analysis were performed through two-sample Mendelian randomization. The study was from May 18, 2006, to February 16, 2018. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 9.0 (IQR, 8.3-9.8) years, we documented 5501 incident cases of HF. In multivariable analysis, the HR of glucosamine users for HF was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.94). The inverse associations were stronger in males and participants with unfavorable lifestyle (P<.05 for interaction). Genetic risk categories did not modify this association (P>.05 for interaction). Multivariable Mendelian randomization showed that taking glucosamine was protective against HF (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96). The mediated proportion of coronary heart disease and stroke were 10.5% (95% CI, 7.6% to 13.4%) and 14.4% (95% CI, 10.8% to 18.0%), respectively. The two-mediator combination accounted for 22.7% (95% CI, 17.2% to 28.2%) of the effect of glucosamine use. ConclusionRegular glucosamine supplementation was associated with a lower risk of HF regardless of genetic risk status, and to a lesser extent, coronary heart disease and stroke mediated this effect. The results may inform novel pathway for prevention and intervention toward HF.

Fortification and Development of Nutritive Rich Cupcake using Prunus dulcis

Background: Almond (Prunus dulcis) is the most consumed tree nut, next to walnut and cashew and India is number one importer of almonds. Ingredients such as Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea), Kodo millet (Panicum sumatrense) and Black rice (Oryza sativa) were popular in the past but neglected by people now a days due to changes in the life style and regular food intake. Taking this into consideration an attempt was made to utilize these ingredients to develop a low-cost cupcake (Almocake) with high calcium and magnesium content for people suffering from micronutrient deficiency. The current rate of cupcakes per kg is approximately 700 rs/kg but the “Almocake” is 495 rs per kg, which is much lesser than the commercially available one. Methods: The ingredients were procured, dry roasted and ground. Three different proportions supplemented with 1:2:2:2, 1:2:1:2 and 2:1:1:1 ABVB (Almond, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet and Black rice) per serving were prepared and sensory analysis was carried out using a five-point hedonic scale that considered appearance, texture, taste and aroma. Result: The proportion 2:1:1:1 was found to be comparatively better than the other proportions. Nutritional analysis tests show that calcium content of 39.4 mg and Magnesium content of 23.8 mg were present in the cupcake. The antioxidant activity by DPPH antioxidant test was found to be 60%. The shelf life analysis by spread plate technique of the product was observed to be 20 days.

Nanocrystal-induced chronic tubular-nephropathy in tropical countries: diagnosis, mitigation, and eradication

In tropical countries, a mysterious tubulo-interstitial chronic renal disease (CKD), unrelated to diabetes, hypertension, and immunological causes, manifested four decades ago. Approximately 25,000 primarily middle-aged male farmers succumb annually to this crystal-tubular nephropathy (CTN). Without any known causative factors, it was identified as CKD of unknown aetiology (CKDu). Because multiple factors contribute to causing it later, was changed to CKD of multi-factorial (CKDmfo). Despite no evidence, it was hypothesised to cause by agrochemicals or heavy metals in food or drinking contaminated water. However, current data suggest that the CKD-CTN is due to natural geogenic water contamination. Consumption of concentrated stagnant groundwater from deep-dug wells and tube wells containing hard water and fluoride, overdecades is necessary for its clinical manifestations. In all affected countries have prolonged annual dry seasons that led to the evopo-concentration of ions and minerals in groundwater, making hard water even more unpalatable, thus, peasants consume lesser amounts of water. They develop chronic dehydration from daily exposure to hot climatic conditions aggravated by regular alcohol intake. These conditions provide a highly conducive environment—a perfect storm for calcium phosphate (CaPO4) crystal formation in renal tissues. Our recent histological and preliminary electron microscopic data reveal deposition of CaPO4 crystals and nano-tubes in kidneys. While CaPO4 nano-minerals are unstable, the presence of fluoride ions stabilises and allows their growth. This new concept paves the path for highly cost-effective, straightforward local solutions to protect farm workers and eliminate the disease, without embarking on expensive medications, interventions, or building hospitals. Chronic dehydration-associated CKD–CTN is preventable by increased consumption of potable water. Increasing clean water consumption reduces CKD–CTN incidence, and associated morbidities and premature deaths. However, the damage becomes irreversible when the disease advances beyond CKD stage IIIB. The incidence of this deadly renal failure can be prevented by its education, lifestyle changes, and increased water consumption, not by treating the renal disease or expanding dialysis centres/hospitals, or transplantation services. Eradication of CKD-CTN cost significantly less than the current approach of treating affected persons and unnecessarily expanding health infrastructure. Since the manifestation of CKD-CTN is due to consuming naturally contaminated drinking water (with calcium containing hard water and fluoride), it is not difficult to remove these to prevent CKD-CTN: thus, international assistance is unwarranted for its eradication. The straightforward approaches described here will prevent CKD–CTN and save thousands of lives in affected farming communities.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum fruits extract/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/NaCl inclusion complexes as a salt substitute for control the quality and safety of low-salt Sichuan paocai

Sichuan paocai, a conventional Chinese fermented food, is rich in vitamins, probiotics, and minerals. However, its elevated salt and nitrite contents pose potential risks to human health upon regular intake. In this study, the inclusion complexes (ICs) containing Zanthoxylum bungeanum fruits extract (ZBE), HP-β-CD, and NaCl as a salt substitute were prepared aiming to enhance the quality and safety of low-salt paocai. Effect of ICs on low-salt paocai stored at room temperature was investigated. The ICs were found to suppress Enterobacter growth while simultaneously promoting lactic acid bacteria, culminating in a reduction of nitrite peak value by 3 mg/kg in the IC group as compared to the CG group, and leading to a shortened maturation period. Furthermore, fungal abundance was maintained within an appropriate range and the proliferation of Geotrichum, Kodamaea, and Candida were suppressed by ICs. In the group IC, the maximal proportions of these fungi within the community were reduced by 8.15%, 46.24%, and 32.46%, respectively, contributing to flavor formation and controlling white stickiness in salt brine. This study establishes a theoretical basis for developing ZBE/HP-β-CD/NaCl inclusion complexes as salt substitutes and their potential application in low-salt paocai production to improve its quality and safety.

Adherence to therapy among liver transplant patients as related to depression, anxiety, acceptance of the disease, and social support.

This study aimed to assess the patients' adherence to therapeutic regimens after liver transplantation, taking into account the levels of depression and anxiety, acceptance of the disease, and social support. The study group included N = 112 patients selected from 669 patients after liver transplantation. The Delphi method was used to develop a tool to assess the level of adherence to treatment regimens. The sources of data for this study were recommendations and the work of an expert panel. The next method used in the study was a diagnostic survey based on the following standardized research instruments: Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors (ISSB), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The study group showed a medium level of adherence to therapeutic recommendations (6.8 ± 1.85). We observed a statistically significant positive correlation between acceptance of the disease and adherence to therapeutic recommendations (r = -0.20, t = -2.040, p = 0.044). Among the factors analyzed, six predictors were identified that significantly affect the level of adherence to therapeutic recommendations in a group of liver transplant patients. 1. Patients who accept their disease are a group of people who significantly worse adhere to therapeutic recommendations. 2. The main positive predictors of treatment adherence in the group of transplant patients are the search for various sources of information and declarative adherence to treatment recommendations. Negative predictors include the duration of the disease, side effects of the applied treatment, and comorbidities. 3. The patients who were informed that results depend on regular medication intake significantly more often followed therapeutic recommendations.

Isothiocyanates as potential antifungal agents: a mini-review.

Cruciferous vegetables and mustard oil are rich in the glucosinolate group of molecules. Isothiocyanates are an important group of glucosinolate derivatives. These derivatives have various bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antifungal, antiparasitic, herbicidal and antimutagenic activity. Previous studies indicate that regular intake of such vegetables may considerably reduce the incidence of various types of cancer. These studies have inspired studies where the bioactive agents of these plants have been isolated and explored for their therapeutic applications. The use of these bioactive compounds as antifungals could be a new therapeutic approach against human pathogenic fungi. Isothiocyanates have been studied for their antifungal activity and have the potential to be used for antifungal therapy.

Significance of Deha-Prakriti (Physic-Physiological Constitution) And Manasa-Prakriti (Psychological Constitution) In Vyadhyutpatti (Manifestation of Disease) - An Appraisal

Prakriti helps as a diagnostic tool for Disease, management, and treatment of Disease. Prakriti also helps in balancing the health of healthy persons. According to the Principles, all body functions depend on the Prakriti. Sharir and Manas Prakriti have an important role in Hetu(Cause), Linga(Symptoms), and Aushadha Skandha(Medicine). Vyadhi(Disease) is the opposite health condition; according to Shabdakalpadrum, "Vyadh" means 'Pain.'Adding the 'Ikarant' in Vyadh means "conglomeration of the pain." According to the Tridosha Siddhanta of the Ayurveda, Vata Pitta and Kapha Doshas are responsible for the Prakriti formation, as an imbalance in Doshas leads to diseases; therefore, knowledge of Prakriti of an individual is essential for the knowledge of Vikriti. With the knowledge of an individual's Prakriti, it is possible to apply fundamental Ayurvedic principles in the promotion of health prevention as well as the management of diseases in a successful manner. Prakriti has a very important role in healthy and unhealthy people. The Main cause of the Disease is not following a proper lifestyle and regular intake of an imbalanced diet. Knowledge of Prakriti should be utilized in the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of the health of a healthy individual. By applying the concept of Prakriti, various diseases can be treated and prevented efficiently. Our aim and objective of the study is to study the concept of Prakriti in the context of Vyadhi and to establish the interrelationship between Prakriti and Vyadhi. Ayurveda has provided detailed guidelines in the frame of dinacharya and rutucharya to maintain the normal functioning of Dosha related to specific Prakriti. Knowing about one Prakriti, we can select what benefits the individual. Thus Prakriti has an important role in dealing with health problems and prevention of diseases.

Table Olives: A Nutritional Approach to Health

Olea europaea L. is the botanical name for olive tree; it is usually produced in the Mediterranean countries. The by-products are table olives and olive oil; they undergo many processes in order to become edible for consumers. Table olives are affected by various agronomical factors; this affects the structure of nutritional and non-nutritional components. Some of the most significant nutrients include monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), vitamin E and a substantial amount of phytochemicals. The primary aim of this review is to study the various bioactive compounds found in the table olives, it also comprehensively explained the numerous health benefits associated with the regular intake of olive oil.

Intermittent fasting – a novel approach to treating overweight and obesity? – meta-analysis and literature review

Introduction Intermittent fasting (IF) is a form of dietary intervention that includes periods of regular calorie intake alternated with periods of fasting. IF has gained a lot of attention as a potential approach to treating metabolic syndrome-related diseases. Therefore, health care professionals need to be able to provide their patients with evidence-based information on IF. The aim of this article is to review data on effectiveness of IF in weight loss, especially in comparison with calorie restriction.&#x0D; MethodsPubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published from 1.01.2017 to 31.12.2022 that included phrases “intermittent fasting” or “alternate day fasting”, “intermittent fasting obesity”, “alternate day fasting obesity”. Intervention studies on obese or overweight patients were included. We excluded studies of short duration and studies that focused on intercurrent medical conditions. In total, 14 articles that suited those criteria were identified.&#x0D; ResultsIntermittent fasting induces pronounced metabolic changes in the body due to strict and time-limited restriction of calorie intake and in animal models was proved to prolong lifespan and modulate tumorigenesis and aging. It is a proposed new approach to treating obesity, which is a a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.&#x0D; ConclusionsIn our study, IF was found as effective, but not superior to calorie restriction in reducing body mass, improving body composition and reducing other cardiometabolic risk factors. Our findings are consistent with other recent systematic reviews. Further research is needed to directly compare various IF regimens and determine patients’ characteristics that may be associated with more successful implementation of intermittent fasting regimens.

Dietary habits and selected noncommunicable disease risk factors among middle-aged adults in rural Kerala

Background: Noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors are increasing in Kerala. The science of Ayurveda emphasizes lifestyle modification rather than treating the disease. We aim to explore the correlation between selected ayurvedic dietary risk factors with NCD risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. Methods: Using cluster sampling, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 middle-aged adults in the rural Kollam district, Kerala. The participants underwent biochemical tests for fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum cholesterol (S. Cholesterol). WHO STEPs questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and a checklist to assess the usage of dietary risk factors proposed by Ayurveda for NCDs were used. All analyses were done using R software version 4.1.2. Results: The mean age of the participants was 46±5.4 years. The rates of regular intake of salty foods (ati-lavana) (77.1%), sour foods (ati-amla) (80.5%), heavy foods (guru-annapaana) (87.3%), oily foods (snigdha annapaana) (67.3%), frequency of food intake more than 4 times day (80%) were found to be high in population. On multivariate analysis, increased frequency of food intake was found to be associated with diabetes (AOR-1.9, CI: 1.2-3.2). Conclusions: Some of the risk factors that Ayurveda has been proposing are found to have an association with the NCD risk factors considered. Interventions to reduce the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors that incorporate the stipulations of alternative systems could have a significant public health impact.

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBAL DRINK (HD) ON LIVER AND KIDNEY IN WISTAR RATS

Herbal medicine use is on the increase worldwide and many studies have associated their use with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Herbal drink (HD) is a commercial herbal supplement mainly used in Uganda. In this study, we evaluated the phytochemical composition, and acute and sub-chronic toxicological effects of HD on hepatorenal integrity in Wistar rats. Modified Lorke’s method was employed in the acute toxicity study. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, a total of sixteen (N= 16) Wistar rats were randomly allotted to four groups of four rats each (n=4). Normal control group, NC (normal dose equivalent of distilled water), Group T1 (half normal dose of HD), Group T2 (normally recommended dose equivalent of HD),and Group T3 (twice normal recommended dose of HD). All treatments were done by intragastric gavage for a period of twentyeight days. Phytochemical analysis of HD showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The animals were able to tolerate a dose of up to 5000 mg/Kg. It was demonstratedthat continuous twenty-eight-day treatment with HD does not significantly (p&gt;0.0 alter kidney and liver function parametersin Wistar rats. This observation concurs with the histopathological findings of the liver and kidney tissues which showed no remarkable histomorphological alterations. Regular intake of HD does not have any significant toxic effects on the liver and kidney in Wistar rats.

Relationship Between Calcium and Vitamin D Level and Bone Stress Fracture in Young Athletes

Objective: To determine the association of vitamin D and serum calcium with stress fractures in young athletes. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we included 160 young athletes who presented to the department of orthopedics, CMH Abbottabad from June-2022 to January-2023. Among those there were 80 patients who presented with stress fractures and 80 patients were those who presented with lower extremity fractures other than stress fractures. Serum calcium and vit. D levels were determined in all patients. Results: Mean age in patients with stress fractures (cases) was 20.3±6.1 years while those in control group was 21.7±8.4 years (p-value 0.22). Mean vit. D levels were significantly lower in cases group; 24.64±11.2 ng/mL versus 30.2±14.7 ng/mL in control group (p-value 0.007). Mean serum PTH levels were no statistically significantly different between the groups; 3.2±1.3 pmol/L versus 3.4±1.7 pmol/L in cases and control group respectively, p-value 0.40. Serum calcium levels in cases were lower; 1.9±0.8 mmol/L in comparison to control group; 2.1±0.7 mmol/L, with p-value 0.01. Conclusion: There is a significant association of serum calcium and vitamin D levels with stress fractures. So regular intake of vitamin D containing foods and milk products should be advised to young athletes to reduce the risk of stress fractures. Keywords: Stress fractures, Athletes, calcium, Vitamin D.

Benefits of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) supplementation in obesity

Introduction and purpose: Ashwagandha (fam. Solanaceae) also known as Withania somnifera, is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is sometimes called Indian ginseng or winter cherry and it is used for its extensive health benefits for millennia as a Rasayana. Ashwagadha supplementation is playing an increasing role not only as an adaptogen, but is beneficial in the context of health in individuals struggling with obesity. This is a growing field of research and the aim of this brief review is to provide an update on the positive effects of Ashwagandha supplementation on the health of those dealing with obesity. &#x0D; Description of the state of knowledge: Ashwagandha has a wide range of positive effects, most common are sedative, anti-stress, immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. The literature also draws attention to other results such as binding insulin sensitivity, increasing endurance, effects on adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Ashwagandha lowers blood cortisol levels, inhibits fat accumulation and the expression of genes involved into excessive fat tissue accumulation. &#x0D; Summary: Regular intake of Ashwagandha is associated with health benefits in people struggling with obesity. As an adaptogen with adipogenic potential, Ashwagandha has great potential to participate in future adjunctive obesity therapy and the prevention of other similar and obesity-related diseases, but further research is needed in this area.