Journal of medicinal food最新文献

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health issue, often associated with gut dysbiosis. In recent years, probiotics have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents for NAFLD. This study explored the effects of a single strain, Bacillus subtilis with high surfactin secretion, on C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), a model for NAFLD, for 13 weeks. We conducted efficacy assays over 13 weeks on liver fat accumulation and gut microbiome modulation. Bacillus supplementation reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation in the liver, but not in adipose tissues. This indicates a decoupling of hepatic and adipose lipid accumulation-meaning that lipid reduction occurred selectively in the liver, independent of changes in peripheral fat storage. Hepatic steatosis and liver enzyme levels were significantly improved. The supplementation largely maintained or amplified the bacterial abundance shifts caused by the HFD. Only seven-including Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Romboutsia-out of 53 bacterial genera which were significantly changed by HFD were restored to normal levels by the supplementation. These three genera are commonly regarded as beneficial for human health due to their roles in gut barrier integrity, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation. In contrast, despite these limited changes in bacterial composition, bacterial enzyme analysis suggested significant metabolic modulation by Bacillus supplementation. A single strain of Bacillus subtilis, instead of a mixture of multiple bacterial strains, can prevent hepatic steatosis without affecting fat tissue weight, underscoring its potential as a targeted therapeutic option through microbiome modulation of a few beneficial bacteria.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. are traditionally used to manage cardiovascular health. However, clinical evidence evaluating standardized extracts for specific cardiovascular benefits is still evolving. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy and safety of a mixed extract of S. miltiorrhiza Bunge and P. lactiflora Pall. (USCP-GVH-014) for improving cardiovascular function in adults with early-stage vascular health decline. This 12-week, single-center, single-arm, prospective exploratory clinical trial enrolled 30 adults with at least two risk factors. Participants consumed USCP-GVH-014 (1200 mg/day), and outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), lipid metabolism markers, and inflammatory markers, which were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. USCP-GVH-014 significantly reduced SBP over time (P = .013), particularly at 12 weeks (P = .007). Total cholesterol significantly decreased at 6 weeks (P = .035), though the effect was not sustained at 12 weeks. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol demonstrated a significant overall reduction (P = .031), but post-hoc comparisons did not confirm the significance between specific time points. CIMT significantly decreased after 12 weeks (P < .001). Additionally, improvements were observed in mean arterial pressure (P = .008), pulse pressure (P = .04), heart rate (P = .013), and right pulse wave velocity (P = .043). No serious adverse events related to the product were reported. USCP-GVH-014 may enhance vascular health by lowering SBP, reducing CIMT, and modulating lipid metabolism, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for cardiovascular health support.

Montmorency tart cherries (TC; Prunus cerasus) are a good source of anti-inflammatory flavonoids. The aim of this research was to evaluate the protective effect of TC against ulcerative colitis (UC) in a rat model. The anthocyanin profile and content of TC were analyzed by UHPLC-PDA-MS. Rats were randomly assigned to one of eight groups (n = 6 in each group). UC was induced by adding 4% dextran sulfate solution (DSS) to the drinking water for 5 days. For the prevention, intervention, or treatment group, TC was administered orally in one or two servings (155 or 310 g of cherries/70 kg body weight/day) for 2 weeks prior to DSS administration, during the DSS administration, or after the DSS administration. Cytokines were determined by multiplex bead assay. Cyanidin-3-glucosyl-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were the major anthocyanins in TC extracts. TC at one or two servings reduced leukocyte infiltration in the colon. TC, as a prevention, intervention, or treatment, significantly reduced the secretion of myeloperoxidase, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12/p40, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and JAK3. IL-1β was not significantly reduced by TC. Whole TC improved intestinal barrier function/disease activity index in UC by inhibiting IL-17A, IL-6, IL-12/p40, JAK1, and TNF-α and increasing IL-10 and JAK3 in UC rat models. TC was not inflammatory in control rats. TC has clinical potential for the treatment of UC.

Magnesium deficiency is a common problem worldwide; however, existing magnesium dietary supplement sources require large doses to overcome low bioavailability. Previously research has established that seawater contains magnesium in addition to 72 other trace and ultratrace minerals, resulting in better bioavailability than traditional magnesium sources. The purpose of the present study was to compare the bioavailability of magnesium obtained from two different seawater processing methods (hydroxide vs. citrate). In a double-blind manner, healthy, young men and women (N = 20) completed three trials using a crossover design: placebo (maltodextrin), seawater magnesium citrate (Aquamin®-Mg; min 10% elemental magnesium), and seawater-derived magnesium hydroxide (Aquamin®-MgTg; min 33% elemental magnesium). Total magnesium doses were standardized on the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for elemental magnesium. An incremental, 18-h urine magnesium excretion test was used to assess relative magnesium bioavailability. The urine uptake was verified by short-term serum magnesium measurements (1- and 2-h postingestion). Serum and urine magnesium concentration were analyzed in triplicate using a colorimetric assay. We found that both seawater-derived magnesium preparations significantly increased magnesium absorption compared with placebo (>97% change) but did not differ from each other when standardized on magnesium dose. The magnesium hydroxide form may be particularly useful since its greater magnesium content allows for ingestion of smaller total quantities compared to soluble magnesium citrate.

Ginseng berry concentrate (GBC) is known to effectively reduce fatigue; however, its effects on fatigue in humans remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antifatigue effects of GBC in participants who experienced fatigue in their daily lives. Eighty-eight participants aged 30-64 years with checklist individual strength (CIS) scores above 76 were randomly assigned to receive either four capsules of GBC (1000 mg; n = 44) or placebo (n = 44) daily for 8 weeks. GBC treatment alleviated fatigue symptoms in participants experiencing daily fatigue, as indicated by improvements in numeric rating scale (NRS) and CIS-physical activity scores, which were associated with lower resting lactic acid levels, a known fatigue indicator. Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis excluding 14 participants taking musculoskeletal drugs, GBC treatment alleviated fatigue as evidenced by lower total scores for fatigue questionnaires, including CIS, fatigue severity scale, and NRS, as well as by lower resting lactic acid levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of GBC for ameliorating fatigue symptoms in individuals with fatigue.

Chronic exposure to low-dose bisphenol A (BPA) has emerged as a pressing worldwide public health concern. Our previous work demonstrated that low-dose BPA exposure caused gut microbiota dysbiosis and liver fat accumulation. Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of turmeric and has an inhibitory effect on liver fat accumulation and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcumin against BPA-induced fat mass gain and obesity and gut microbiota-dependent bile acid (BA) metabolic mechanism. Male CD-1 mice were fed a diet containing a low dose of BPA (50 µg/kg/day) with or without 0.1% w/w curcumin for 24 weeks. Curcumin supplementation markedly decreased the fat mass of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and the ratio of iWAT weight to body weight in BPA-exposed mice. Curcumin-treated mice exhibited decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Akkermansia, which are related to BA metabolism. Moreover, serum levels of lithocholic acid, the most potent activator of Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), and TGR5 expression in iWAT were significantly increased following curcumin intervention. Activation of TGR5 elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, subsequently up-regulating the expression of iodothyronine deiodinase 2 and fibroblast growth factor 21. These changes increased the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), ultimately leading to enhanced iWAT browning and reduced fat mass in iWAT. These results indicated that curcumin suppressed BPA-induced fat mass gain by enhancing iWAT browning by activating gut microbiota-BA-TGR5/UCP1 pathways, supporting its potential as a nutritional therapy for BPA-induced obesity.

Probiotic supplementation is gaining attention for its role in maintaining health and enhancing the quality of life of the elderly. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker of cellular aging, with shorter LTL associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study explored whether probiotics could counteract LTL attrition in an ethnically homogeneous cohort of older adults over a 6-month period. Samples were selected from the PROBIOSENIOR trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 46 participants (≥60 years). Participants were randomized to receive either SYNBIO® probiotics (5 × 10⁹ CFU/daily dose) or a placebo for 6 months. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples at baseline, and 6 months later, LTL measures were obtained via quantitative PCR. A general linear model assessed the "treatment x time" interaction as the main outcome. LTL was successfully assessed for all participants (N = 46 × 2 time points). Statistical analysis revealed a significant "treatment x time" interaction (P = .034), indicating a reduced LTL attrition rate in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group. A 6-month supplementation with SYNBIO probiotics significantly reduced LTL attrition in an ethnically homogeneous cohort of elderly adults. These findings suggest that probiotics may serve as a simple and effective intervention to mitigate cellular aging and promote healthy aging.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and reduced mobility in older adults, with few effective treatments currently available. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Boswellia serrata extract (BOSMAX®), a botanical anti-inflammatory agent, in participants with non/mild OA. A total of 150 adults aged 40-75 were randomized to receive either BOSMAX® or a placebo daily for 90 days. Primary outcome measures included WOMAC scores, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Lequesne Functional Index; secondary endpoints were SF-36 scores, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Significant improvements were observed in the BOSMAX® group compared with the placebo. The mean total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores decreased significantly at days 30 (-6.28), 60 (-15.24), and 90 (-24.55; P < .05). WOMAC sub-scores (pain, stiffness, and function) and VAS pain scores also showed significant reductions at days 60 and 90. Lequesne Index scores improved progressively (-1.37, -2.93, and -4.53 at days 30, 60, and 90, respectively; P < .05). TNF-α and hs-CRP levels decreased significantly (-104.75 ng/L and -5.67 ng/mL, respectively; P < .05) at day 90. However, no significant changes were observed in SF-36 scores. Both treatments exhibited good tolerability, with only one mild and unrelated adverse event reported. Vital signs, physical exams, and laboratory parameters remained clinically unchanged. BOSMAX® significantly improved knee-joint symptoms and inflammatory markers over 90 days in individuals with non/mild OA, supporting its potential as a safe therapeutic option.

The tumor microenvironment, comprising elements such as endothelial cells (ECs) and immune cells, plays a critical role in cancer progression, therapy resistance, and metastasis. Adhesion of cancer cells to the endothelium, their transendothelial migration, and immune evasion by cancer cells contribute to these processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of the polysaccharide-rich fraction derived from bioprocessed black rice bran extract (BRB-F-P) on the interaction between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and radiotherapy-resistant TNBC (RT-R-TNBC) cells with ECs, as well as on the cytolytic function of natural killer (NK) cells. BRB-F-P treatment did not affect the viability of ECs, TNBC, or RT-R-TNBC cells. However, BRB-F-P (50 and 100 µg/mL) significantly suppressed the clonogenicity of TNBC and RT-R-TNBC cells and attenuated ATP-induced expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and Vimentin, along with the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial cadherin in ECs. Additionally, BRB-F-P markedly reduced cancer cell adhesion to ECs and inhibited their ability to transmigrate through ECs. Interestingly, BRB-F-P increased NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against TNBC and RT-R-TNBC cells by inducing granzyme B release and downregulating human leukocyte antigen-E expression in target cancer cells. These results suggest that BRB-F-P exerts anticancer effects in TNBC and RT-R-TNBC by inhibiting interactions with ECs and inducing NK cell activity without cytotoxicity.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage damage, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis of chondrocytes. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential properties of proteoglycans (PG) extracted from salmon nasal cartilage in both in vitro (HTB-94 human chondrocytic cells) and in vivo (monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA rat model) approaches. Rats were treated with PG, and key parameters related to cartilage integrity, inflammation, and apoptosis were evaluated. Our results showed that PG treatment significantly improved cartilage structure and decreased inflammation, as evidenced by decreased levels of PGE₂ and nitric oxide, as well as reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. PG also downregulated matrix metalloproteinases while increasing tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, preserving cartilage integrity. Additionally, apoptotic signaling pathways including JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun and FADD/capase-8/caspase-3 were attenuated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was favorably modulated by PG. These findings suggest that PG can protect articular cartilage by mitigating inflammation, preserving cartilage degradation, and preventing chondrocyte apoptosis. This study supports the potential therapeutic role of PG as a promising treatment option for OA, providing both anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects.