Journal of medicinal food最新文献

Stingless bee honey is a natural product consisting of sugars, organic acids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Due to its healing properties, honey is often used in phytotherapy and for homemade syrups. The search for natural therapeutic alternatives has been an increasing trend in recent years, mainly due to the side effects of artificial drugs and increasing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize physicochemical properties and the antimicrobial activity of honey from different species of stingless bees against the pathogenicity of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). Honey samples from 15 different species of stingless bees from different regions of Brazil were used, and the analysis was performed by the broth microdilution method. We found a large variation in the physicochemical features among all the samples and no correlation to the MIC or MBC. It was also found that honey produced by Melipona rufiventris and Scaptotrigona tubiba were the most effective in combating pathogenic microorganisms due to its high antimicrobial activity, comparable to the results found for propolis. These data are important for the development of new strategies for the prevention and control of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of Annona muricata leaf polysaccharide extract (ALPE) against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in H9c2 myoblasts. The cells showed a cell viability of around 70% following exposure to 150 μM H₂O₂. In addition, ALPE was noncytotoxic to H9c2 myoblasts at 10-1000 μg/mL concentrations. As confirmed by MTT analysis and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, ALPE treatment was found to protect H9c2 myoblasts exposed to H₂O₂. This protection is achieved by inhibiting reactive oxygen species levels and inducing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Furthermore, ALPE downregulated the activation of Bax, caspase-3, -8, and -9 but upregulated Bcl-2, thereby preventing H₂O₂-stimulated cytotoxicity in H9c2 myoblasts. ALPE activated the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling cascade. Collectively, ALPE treatment decreased H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, ALPE can potentially be used as a natural resource with antioxidant properties.

Ginsenosides, active compounds derived from Panax ginseng, exhibit promising potential in enhancing physical performance. This study investigates the impact of UG0712 (UG), a novel ginsenoside compound, on endurance capacity, body weight, organ weights, blood parameters, and specific transcriptomic changes in liver and muscle tissues using a C57BL/6N mouse model. The mice received UGs orally at three doses: UG50 (50 mg/kg), UG100 (100 mg/kg), and UG200 (200 mg/kg) for a specified duration. Endurance capacity, physiological parameters, and transcriptome signatures in liver and muscle tissues were assessed. UG administration significantly improved time to exhaustion, with UG50 and UG200 showing substantial enhancements. Body and organ weights exhibited no notable differences, suggesting a lack of adverse effects. Biochemical markers, except for decreased creatine kinase levels in the UG100 group, showed no significant variations. Transcriptome analysis revealed limited group separation and dose-dependent patterns. The UG100 group displayed significant enrichment in lipid metabolism and muscle-related terms. Identified dose-dependent improvements in endurance capacity highlight UGs' potential as supplements. The absence of adverse effects on body and organ weights, along with positive effects on biochemical markers, supports their safety. Despite limited dose-dependent patterns in transcriptomic analyses, the UG100 group showcased significant enrichment in pathways related to muscle and lipid metabolism. These findings offer valuable insights for athletes and aging individuals seeking to enhance physical performance, warranting further exploration into UG effects' on molecular mechanisms.

Antibiotic treatment is one of the main causes of intestinal dysbiosis, leading, in turn, to other intestinal alterations given the multiple relationships of the microbiota with gut health. Whey and buttermilk are two by-products from the dairy industry with numerous bioactive components. This study aimed to assess the potential of two formulas, containing a mixture of lactoferrin, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and whey or buttermilk, to reverse the negative effects of clindamycin on gut motility, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expression, and oxidative stress in the intestine. For this purpose, a murine model of intestinal dysbiosis was established by clindamycin treatment. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with saline (Control), clindamycin (Clin), a formula containing whey (F1), or buttermilk (F2) supplemented with lactoferrin and MFGM, Clin+F1, or Clin+F2. Clin delayed the whole gut transit, reduced the response to acetylcholine, decreased TLR2 expression, and increased TLR4 expression in the intestine. F1 and F2 formulas reversed the effects of Clin, restoring TLR2 receptor levels and normalizing intestinal dysmotility. These results indicate that whey- and buttermilk-based formulas supplemented with lactoferrin and MFGM could be used as functional foods to prevent or treat motility disorders and restore some components of the immune system after antibiotic treatment.

Obesity represents a significant global public health challenge. Various therapeutic strategies for weight reduction are available, including formulations containing medicinal plants, which are favored due to their availability and low cost. The efficacy and safety of these formulations must be evaluated as they can lead to adverse reactions, including severe hepatic injuries. Despite their widespread usage, particularly among residents of the Amazon, there is a considerable gap in knowledge regarding the species of medicinal plants used in these formulations. This study evaluated the labels of natural weight loss products sold from January to October 2022 at the Ver-o-Peso market in Belém, Brazil. A subsequent review of databases was performed to identify plants listed on the labels that were associated with hepatic injuries. In total, 54 plants were identified in these products, primarily in mixed formulations. None of the labels adhered to current legislative standards. Furthermore, nine of these plants were documented in the literature as having hepatotoxic effects, either through in vivo or in vitro studies. The presence of medicinal plants that can cause liver injury on the labels of weight loss compounds is a relevant issue requiring rigorous health surveillance intervention.

Diabetes, considered one of the main causes of death in the Mexican population, is a chronic disease caused by alterations in the synthesis of pancreatic insulin or because it is not used effectively by the body. Insufficient action of insulin causes hyperglycemia, which, if not controlled, causes damage to blood capillaries and nerve endings over time, affecting the functioning of various organs and systems. As mentioned above, controlling glucose levels in the population suffering from chronic diseases becomes an essential part of their treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Porophyllum ruderale (HEPr). A glucose tolerance curve was developed by monitoring at different times (0-120 min) glucose levels in blood samples taken from an apical tail slice of CD1 mice. HEPr showed a significant effect from baseline on basal glucose levels (114.33 ± 14.74 mg/dL) compared with the control group (60.33 ± 4.16 mg/dL) and the metformin-treated group (129 ± 13 mg/dL). In addition, the values at the end of the tolerance curve (120 min) showed a significant decrease in the study group (66 ± 10.39 mg/dL) compared with the metformin-treated group (108.67 ± 4.50 mg/dL). This effect can be attributed to the presence of chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol 3-O-glucosides in HEPr. In conclusion, P. ruderale constitutes an important source of compounds for use as an adjuvant treatment for the control of hypoglycemia in different chronic diseases.

Disturbances of the intestinal barrier enabling bacterial translocation exacerbate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) has been shown to exert beneficial effects in gut dysbiosis and chronic liver disease. The current study assessed the combined effects of LGG and metformin, which play roles in anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes, in alcohol-induced liver disease mice. A diet comprising 5% alcohol for 4 weeks was employed to develop an alcohol-induced liver injury model. Mice were orally administered LGG, metformin, or their combination on alternate days. Tight junction (TJ) proteins, gut microbiome composition, inflammatory cytokines, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 signals were assessed. When compared with treatment with LGG or metformin alone, combined LGG and metformin treatment substantially lowered the symptoms of inflammation, steatosis, and elevated liver enzymes caused by alcohol administration. Combination treatment significantly improved intestinal microecology, evidenced by the recovery of intestinal flora, TJ proteins, and intestinal villi. Combination treatment reduced hepatic inflammation by blocking p38 and JNK phosphorylation. The combination of LGG and metformin corrected immune-response dysregulation and improved ALD by enhancing the intestinal microbiome, restoring mucosal barrier integrity, modulating immune function, and decreasing liver injury. These results provide information for the development of intestinal microbiota-based preventive and therapeutic agents against ALD.

Recent studies show that inorganic arsenic (As) exerts a toxic effect on the intestinal epithelium, causing a significant increase in its permeability. This disruption of the epithelial barrier may favor the entry of contaminants or toxins into the systemic circulation, thus causing toxicity not only at the intestinal level but possibly also at the systemic level. The present study conducts an in vitro evaluation of the protective effect of various dietary supplements and plant extracts against the intestinal toxicity of inorganic As. Some of these compounds were found to exert a protective effect. A significant decrease was observed in intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (10-31%), as well as a lower secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (25-41%) in the intestinal monolayers treated with the supplements and extracts, compared with those exposed only to As(III). The most effective supplements (glutathione/cysteine/vitamin C and lipoic acid) also normalized the distribution of tight junction protein zonula occludens-1, with partial restoration of the paracellular permeability and cell regeneration capacity of the intestinal epithelial cells. The results obtained show that dietary supplements and plant extracts can reduce the intestinal barrier disruption caused by inorganic As, and this may have a positive impact at both local and systemic levels.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) (family Ranunculaceae) is a largely utilized therapeutic herb worldwide. This comprehensive review discusses the pharmacological benefits of black cumin seed oil, focusing on its bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ). The review is structured as follows: First, we examine the antimicrobial properties of black cumin oil, followed by an analysis of its antioxidant capabilities. Finally, we explore its therapeutic potential, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and COVID-19. Phytochemicals from N. sativa have exhibited potential for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, anorexia, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, intrinsic hemorrhage, amenorrhea, paralysis, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, fever, influenza, eczema, asthma, cough, bronchitis, and headache. The broader spectrum of application for N. sativa and its essential bioactives have certainly enhanced the commercial value of this seed oil. TQ, a major constituent of black cumin seed oil, has numerous beneficial properties. Researchers have extensively studied black cumin seed oil and its major component, TQ. These studies have revealed a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, TQ has shown neuroprotective, spasmolytic, bronchodilatory, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, gastroprotective, and antioxidant activities.

Photoprotective effects of various nutritional components and supplements have been demonstrated in animal and in vitro studies. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the photoprotective effects of various dietary supplements. A systematic review of studies assessing dietary supplements on photoprotective outcomes was performed. Human studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane in February 2023. Supplement keywords included "dietary supplements," "vitamins," "minerals," "carotenoids," "lutein," "isoflavones," "polyphenols," "Polypodium leucotomos," "heliocare," "herbal medicine," "probiotics," "prebiotics," "astaxanthin," "rosmarinic acid," "botanical," and "herb," and outcome keywords included "photoprotection," "ultraviolet rays," UVA," "UVB," and "blue light." A total of 47 studies were included in the systematic review. Studied supplements included carotenoids, polyphenols, Polypodium leucotomos (PL), melon concentrate, vitamins, coenzyme Q, squalene, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some studies evaluated mixed supplementation and incorporated other active ingredients such as selenium and probiotics. The greatest evidence of photoprotection exists for polyphenols, carotenoid-based, and PL supplementation. While flavanol supplementation exhibited dose-dependency, dose-dependency could not be consistently demonstrated for polyphenol supplementation. The weakest evidence exists for photoprotective effects of isolated vitamin or coenzyme Q supplementation. Dietary supplements may promote enhanced photoprotection, although current evidence is limited by small sample size and short duration. Supplementation with photoprotective active ingredients may be especially favorable for individuals with predisposed ultraviolet sensitivity, such as those with polymorphic light eruption. Future research is necessary to determine optimal dosing and supplementation duration for intended photoprotective outcomes.