Journal of medicinal food最新文献

Bisphosphonate (BP)-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) alters osteoclast function. Ursolic acid (UA) can inhibit the expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17). Evaluate the influence of UA treatment on the severity of BRONJ in zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated rats' jaws. Fifty male Wistar rats were used, divided into a negative control group (0.1 mL/kg sterile saline), a positive control group (ZA, 0.20 mg/kg), and three test groups treated with ZA and UA 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg by gavage every three days from the beginning of the protocol until euthanasia. After three consecutive weekly administrations of ZA intravenous (i.v.), exodontia of the 1st left lower molar was performed, administration of an additional dose of ZA, and euthanasia after 28 days from exodontia. Hemimandibles were removed for radiographical, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis and gum samples for Western blotting. The femur was removed for the three-point bending test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Bonferroni was used. Radiographically, UA reduced the area suggestive of OM (7.2  ±  0.6 vs. 5.2 ±  0.4, P = .015) and the highest dose of UA reversed the number of nonviable osteocytes (80.3  ±  4.9 vs. 55.4 ±  4.6, P = .007), suggesting bone healing through IL-17 inhibition. UA reduced the number of polymorphonuclear cells (208 ± 17 vs. 30 ± 9, P < .001), mononuclear cells (207 ± 34 vs. 74 ± 20, P < 0.001) and apoptotic osteoclasts (87 ± 4 vs. 61 ± 3, P < .001), observing that these parameters are higher in groups treated only with ZA. The two highest doses of UA reduced the immunoexpression of IL-17 (429 ± 45 vs. 300 ± 42, P = .014) and increased the percentage of circulating lymphocytes (69 ± 2 vs. 82 ± 2, P < .001). AZ increased the expression of RORyT and the highest dose of UA (1.887  ±  0.114 vs. 0.869  ±  0.050, P < .001),) reduced this expression, suggesting that UA may be a specific antagonist of RORyT, which has the capacity to inhibit the expression of this protein. UA promise in reducing the severity of ZA-induced ONJ.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are vital to the structure of blood vessel walls. Under abnormal vascular conditions, VSMCs undergo a phenotypic transformation, leading to enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and matrix synthesis. This contributes to the development of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and restenosis. During this process, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB is a key inducer of the VSMC phenotypic transformation. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic flower (AMf) is known for its rich nutritional value and traditional medicinal uses. Its extract has been clinically used to treat kidney diseases, but its impact on VSMCs has not been documented. This study explored the inhibitory effects of AMf ethanol extract (AME), hot water extract (AMW), and supercritical CO₂ extract (AMS), and their five indicator components (rutin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, myricetin, and hyperoside) on PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation and migration using a rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) model. Both AME and AMS showed a significant dose-dependent inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced RASMC proliferation and migration, with AME being more effective than AMS. In contrast, AMW had no effect. The five indicator compounds also showed excellent inhibitory effects. AME treatment effectively reduced the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, p38, and NF-κB, and downregulated the expressions of the migration-promoting factors MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PDGF-BB-stimulated RASMCs. These findings suggest that AME protects VSMCs by regulating the phosphorylation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway and suppressing MMP expression. Consequently, AME may help prevent or slow the progression of vascular diseases.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the quantitative effects of probiotic supplementation on improving muscle health, including muscle mass, lean mass, and hand grip strength, compared with a placebo. Databases were searched from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library through January 2024. Researchers independently reviewed the studies using the quality assessment tool. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to clarify the statistical heterogeneity of the included studies. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess the potential for publication bias in the meta-analysis. The overall estimates showed that muscle mass (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03, 0.55; P = .03) and hand grip strength [SMD = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.09, 1.04; P = .02] were significantly increased. However, lean mass was not significantly changed (SMD = -0.05; 95% CI = -0.20, 0.10; P = .51). The subgroup studies demonstrated a significant size effect on muscle mass over 10 weeks of probiotic supplementation (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.98; I² = 78%; P < .01). Moreover, the ethnicity subgroup comparison between Asian and non-Asian participants evaluating the effects of probiotic supplementation on muscle mass showed that Asian participants (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.69) exhibited statistically significant heterogeneity (I² = 65%; P < .01) compared with non-Asian participants. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism and evaluate the scientific evidence and clinical verification of probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, long-term probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. improved muscle function, increasing muscle mass and hand grip strength, especially among Asian participants, showing greater muscle strength gains from probiotic supplementation.

Collagen peptides (CPs) have been recognized for their potential to enhance skin health, particularly by improving hydration, firmness, and elasticity. However, the molecular mechanisms driving these benefits remain not fully understood, especially regarding their influence on essential extracellular matrix (ECM) components and enzymes that regulate collagen turnover. This study investigated both the clinical efficacy and the underlying preclinical molecular effects of oral collagen oligopeptides (Col-OP) supplementation, aiming to clarify how these peptides contribute to skin improvements. In clinical trials, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with 85 women aged 45-60 years examined the effects of daily 2.5 g Col-OP supplementation over 84 days, measuring skin hydration (Corneometer®), firmness, and elasticity (Cutometer®). In addition to clinical studies, preclinical in vitro experiments were conducted on human dermal fibroblast cultures to elucidate the molecular effects of Col-OP. Fibroblasts were treated with noncytotoxic concentrations of Col-OP (10.0, 3.16, and 1.0 mg/mL) for 96 h, assessing the synthesis of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), decorin, versican, biglycan, and hyaluronic acid (HA) through gene expression and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results showed that Col-OP treatment significantly enhanced gene expression of type I procollagen, decorin, and biglycan while decreasing versican levels (P < .001). It also promoted type I collagen synthesis and TIMP-1 levels, modulating MMP-1 and HA production. Clinically, Col-OP significantly enhanced skin firmness and elasticity compared with placebo (P < .05), while improvements in skin hydration did not achieve statistical significance. Based on the current data, it can be concluded that oral supplementation with Col-OP effectively enhances skin health by promoting key ECM components and modulating collagen turnover, offering a promising approach for improving skin health.

Persicaria minor is a shrub native to Southeast Asia that is commonly known as "kesum." Its leaf extract is used medicinally and in dietary supplements. To add to the overall toxicological dataset, Biokesum® Polygonum minus (Persicaria minor) standardized extract was tested in a battery of guideline genotoxicity tests, namely the OECD Guideline 471 bacterial reverse mutation test, the OECD Guideline 473 in vitro mammalian cell chromosomal aberration test, and the OECD Guideline 487 in vitro micronucleus assay. The use of multiple standardized, validated assays increases the overall predictive value relative to individual assays and provides greater confidence in the test results. All three assays were negative, demonstrating that Biokesum® is not genotoxic.

Crataegus songarica is a native species of Pakistan. Its fruits are locally consumed for the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, heart failure, and vascular insufficiency. Despite its traditional use, data regarding its effectiveness remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of C. songarica fruit extract on glucose-induced hypertensive rats. First, the aqueous-methanol extract (AMECS) was obtained and subjected to phytochemical characterization. The antioxidant and cytotoxic properties were investigated in vitro. Acute toxicity as well as screening for hypotensive effects was also evaluated. The cardioprotective effects were assessed in glucose-induced hypertensive rats after 21 days of treatment with AMECS (500 mg/kg single-daily oral dose). At the conclusion of the treatments, we investigated hemodynamic and biochemical parameters as well as endothelium-dependent vascular reactivity and tissue redox state. AMECS exhibited a significant antioxidant effect in vitro. In addition, no evidence of acute toxicity was observed. In glucose-induced hypertensive rats, AMECS prevented the increase in systolic blood pressure, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations induced by glucose. The data obtained led us to conclude that the fruit extract of C. songarica presents a significant cardioprotective effect in glucose-induced hypertensive rats.

The ketogenic diet (KD) has long been used in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, demonstrating significant beneficial health effects. Various modifications of the KD have been introduced as alternatives to the classical, more restrictive form, aiming to improve patient's adherence while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Among these adaptations, the Mediterranean ketogenic diet (MedKD) has been primarily implemented in populations in the Mediterranean region. The MedKD integrates elements of the traditional Mediterranean diet, with olive oil as the primary fat source, leveraging its unique properties. This narrative review examines the possible connections between olive oil and the mechanisms of KD, proposing the extra virgin olive oil-rich MedKD as a healthier option with the potential for reduced adverse effects.

In this study, we evaluated the safety pharmacological effects and potential adverse reactions of orally administered theophylline. Theophylline, a commonly used bronchodilator, is a xanthine derivative that exerts stimulatory effects on the central nervous system. Using an experimental rat model, we explored the impact of theophylline on respiratory parameters, including respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume. Thirty-two 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg theophylline. Respiratory parameters were measured at baseline (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h post oral administration of theophylline using a whole-body plethysmograph. Oral theophylline administration significantly increased the respiratory rate and minute volume at all postdose time points compared with those in the control group, and peak values were observed at 0.5 h postadministration (P < .05). In contrast, the tidal volume remained consistent across all time points, indicating that theophylline enhances respiratory efficiency primarily by increasing the frequency of breaths rather than by altering their depth. Our study demonstrated the ability of theophylline to enhance respiratory efficiency via increased breathing frequency without affecting tidal volume, thus offering insights into the clinical significance of oral theophylline in managing chronic respiratory diseases.

This study was conducted to evaluate and verify the improved bioavailability, as determined by the plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, of the test supplement, XanMax® 2002 plus LuZeAbility™, as compared to the reference supplement, XanMax® 2002. For this purpose, this study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, two-group, two-period cross-over clinical trial research. A total of 24 male subjects participated in the clinical trial. They were randomized 1:1 into group 1 or 2 to consume two types of supplements in two separate periods. This study aimed to propose and demonstrate that the bioavailability and the plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the test supplement were significantly higher (110-132.8%) than in the reference supplement in all consecutive periods, such as 12 to 72 h after intake and at the time of maximum concentration. These results are expected to strengthen macular pigment optical density levels, ultimately providing a safe and effective intervention for comprehensively promoting eye health. Therefore, the findings of this study have significant pharmacokinetic implications and offer valid theoretical and practical insights for both academic research and the industrial development in the supplement market.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has become a global health concern due to its increasing prevalence, significantly impacting the quality of life. Traditional treatment options often provide only temporary symptom relief and may cause adverse effects, leading to the exploration of alternative therapies. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of standardized Saururus chinensis extract (LHF618) for alleviating symptoms of AR. Over a 4-week period, patients receiving LHF618 showed significant reductions in total nasal symptom scores, particularly for symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, and congestion, compared with the control group. Additionally, LHF618 led to a marked improvement in rhinitis control assessment test scores and a significant reduction in specific immunoglobulin E levels related to dust mite allergens. Importantly, no significant adverse effects were observed, indicating that LHF618 is a well-tolerated and safe option. These findings suggest LHF618 could be a promising natural alternative for managing AR, especially in cases related to dust mite allergies.