Pub Date : 2025-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100436
Emmanuel Ofosu Mensah , Parise Adadi , Richard Vincent Asase , Opoku Kelvin , Fatemeh Jalil Mozhdehi , Isaac Amoah , Dominic Agyei
Aloe vera (AV) is a succulent plant renowned for its medicinal properties, containing numerous bioactive compounds that offer significant health benefits. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, utilizing AV and its byproducts in the food industry can promote sustainability by reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This review provides an in-depth analysis of AV and its byproducts as sources of functional compounds for the food industry. It focuses on various extraction methods for isolating bioactive compounds. The biological activities of these compounds, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiome properties, were discussed to highlight their potetial health benefits. Additionally, the review explores the diverse applications of AV and its byproducts in the food industry, including their use as natural preservatives, functional ingredients, and nutraceuticals. Effective extraction techniques preserve the functional properties of isolated compounds, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Ultimately, AV and its byproducts can enhance the nutritional profiles of food products and contribute to the development of health-promoting formulations. By harnessing these benefits, the food industry can create innovative products that align with sustainable practices while improving consumer health.
{"title":"Aloe vera and its byproducts as sources of valuable bioactive compounds: Extraction, biological activities, and applications in various food industries","authors":"Emmanuel Ofosu Mensah , Parise Adadi , Richard Vincent Asase , Opoku Kelvin , Fatemeh Jalil Mozhdehi , Isaac Amoah , Dominic Agyei","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aloe vera (AV) is a succulent plant renowned for its medicinal properties, containing numerous bioactive compounds that offer significant health benefits. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, utilizing AV and its byproducts in the food industry can promote sustainability by reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This review provides an in-depth analysis of AV and its byproducts as sources of functional compounds for the food industry. It focuses on various extraction methods for isolating bioactive compounds. The biological activities of these compounds, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiome properties, were discussed to highlight their potetial health benefits. Additionally, the review explores the diverse applications of AV and its byproducts in the food industry, including their use as natural preservatives, functional ingredients, and nutraceuticals. Effective extraction techniques preserve the functional properties of isolated compounds, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Ultimately, AV and its byproducts can enhance the nutritional profiles of food products and contribute to the development of health-promoting formulations. By harnessing these benefits, the food industry can create innovative products that align with sustainable practices while improving consumer health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100437
Lotta Toivio , Jyri Toivio , Jere Lindén , Keehoon Lee , Markku Lehto , Hanne Salmenkari , Riitta Korpela
High-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have been found to alleviate experimental colitis in rodents. These diets lead to increased endogenous production and utilization of ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and supplementation with exogenous ketones has arisen as a potential alternative to ketogenic diets. This study aimed to investigate how continuous high-dose feeding with free acid BHB influences experimental colitis compared to a ketogenic diet with the hypothesis that BHB would also alleviate the inflammation. We fed nine-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice for four weeks with one of three diets: a low-fat control diet, a ketogenic diet, or a low-fat diet supplemented with free acid R-BHB and then induced colonic inflammation with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We assessed macroscopic and histological changes in the colon, intestinal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran, colonic mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and inflammatory markers, fecal calprotectin, and microbiota composition. While the ketogenic diet alleviated DSS-induced weight loss, macroscopic changes, and histological lesions, the BHB-supplemented diet did not have the same effect. The pre-DSS composition of the microbiota was drastically different between the diet groups which may partly explain the different outcomes. In conclusion, high-dose supplementation with free acid BHB may not produce the same benefits as ketogenic diet in the context of colonic inflammation.
{"title":"Free acid β-hydroxybutyrate supplementation does not ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis similar to ketogenic diet in male mice","authors":"Lotta Toivio , Jyri Toivio , Jere Lindén , Keehoon Lee , Markku Lehto , Hanne Salmenkari , Riitta Korpela","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have been found to alleviate experimental colitis in rodents. These diets lead to increased endogenous production and utilization of ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and supplementation with exogenous ketones has arisen as a potential alternative to ketogenic diets. This study aimed to investigate how continuous high-dose feeding with free acid BHB influences experimental colitis compared to a ketogenic diet with the hypothesis that BHB would also alleviate the inflammation. We fed nine-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice for four weeks with one of three diets: a low-fat control diet, a ketogenic diet, or a low-fat diet supplemented with free acid R-BHB and then induced colonic inflammation with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We assessed macroscopic and histological changes in the colon, intestinal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran, colonic mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and inflammatory markers, fecal calprotectin, and microbiota composition. While the ketogenic diet alleviated DSS-induced weight loss, macroscopic changes, and histological lesions, the BHB-supplemented diet did not have the same effect. The pre-DSS composition of the microbiota was drastically different between the diet groups which may partly explain the different outcomes. In conclusion, high-dose supplementation with free acid BHB may not produce the same benefits as ketogenic diet in the context of colonic inflammation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The human body harbors a vast and complex community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria residing in the gut. This gut microbiome significantly impacts our health, influencing digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and potentially even mental well-being. An imbalance in this microbial community, termed dysbiosis, has been linked to various human diseases. This realization has opened doors to exciting possibilities in healthcare: microbiome-based therapies that aim to restore gut balance and modulate the immune response. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), involving transplanting stool from a healthy donor, and live probiotic microorganisms are two common microbiome-based therapies. Apart from consuming high-fiber foods such as the Mediterranean diet, dietary approaches for altering the microbiome include adding prebiotics that encourage the development of beneficial microorganisms. However, microbiome-based therapies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individual variability in gut microbiome composition across people can affect effectiveness of these therapies. Establishing clear regulations and safety protocols, addressing ethical concerns through open communication, informed consent, and responsible marketing practices, are essential for the responsible use of these therapies. Our study will examine microbiome-based therapy from its premise and mechanism to its current state of development. Additionally, development challenges and potential solutions to inspire further investigations will be discussed.
{"title":"The frontier of health: Exploring therapeutic potentials of the microbiome","authors":"Mohammad Abavisani , Sobhan Karbas Foroushan , Prashant Kesharwani , Amirhossein Sahebkar","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The human body harbors a vast and complex community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria residing in the gut. This gut microbiome significantly impacts our health, influencing digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and potentially even mental well-being. An imbalance in this microbial community, termed dysbiosis, has been linked to various human diseases. This realization has opened doors to exciting possibilities in healthcare: microbiome-based therapies that aim to restore gut balance and modulate the immune response. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), involving transplanting stool from a healthy donor, and live probiotic microorganisms are two common microbiome-based therapies. Apart from consuming high-fiber foods such as the Mediterranean diet, dietary approaches for altering the microbiome include adding prebiotics that encourage the development of beneficial microorganisms. However, microbiome-based therapies are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individual variability in gut microbiome composition across people can affect effectiveness of these therapies. Establishing clear regulations and safety protocols, addressing ethical concerns through open communication, informed consent, and responsible marketing practices, are essential for the responsible use of these therapies. Our study will examine microbiome-based therapy from its premise and mechanism to its current state of development. Additionally, development challenges and potential solutions to inspire further investigations will be discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143350229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100434
Alessandro Leone , Sara Di Lello , Simona Bertoli , Stefano Ravasenghi , Ramona De Amicis , Francesca Menichetti , Gelsomina Fico , Laura Santagostini , Babahmed Mohamed-Iahdih , Saleh Mohamed Lamin Saleh , Alberto Battezzati
Complementary plant-based medicine is used in developing countries to address healthcare challenges and limited access to conventional medicines. Moringa oleifera has been studied for its anti-diabetic properties, but human studies are limited. This study evaluated the long-term effect of daily M. oleifera leaf powder consumption on glycemic control in Sahrawi women with type 2 diabetes. A 3-month unblind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 45 Sahrawi women treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs. Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (30 women) and a control group (15 women). The experimental group received 10 g of M. oleifera leaf powder daily, while the control group did not consume Moringa. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters (fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. A proximate and phenolic analysis of plant material was also performed. M. oleifera leaves were rich in protein, fiber, and quercetin- and kaempferol-glucosides. After 3 months, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in body fat (-1.5 %, 95 %CI: −2.5, −0.5, p < 0.001) and improved glycated hemoglobin levels (-0.59 %, 95 %CI: −0.93, −0.25, p < 0.001), while these parameters remained unchanged in the control group. In conclusion, daily M. oleifera consumption, alongside drug therapy, may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
{"title":"Moringa oleifera leaf powder enhances glycemic control in sahrawi women with type 2 diabetes: Findings from a 3-month unblinded randomized controlled trial","authors":"Alessandro Leone , Sara Di Lello , Simona Bertoli , Stefano Ravasenghi , Ramona De Amicis , Francesca Menichetti , Gelsomina Fico , Laura Santagostini , Babahmed Mohamed-Iahdih , Saleh Mohamed Lamin Saleh , Alberto Battezzati","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complementary plant-based medicine is used in developing countries to address healthcare challenges and limited access to conventional medicines. <em>Moringa oleifera</em> has been studied for its anti-diabetic properties, but human studies are limited. This study evaluated the long-term effect of daily <em>M. oleifera</em> leaf powder consumption on glycemic control in Sahrawi women with type 2 diabetes. A 3-month unblind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 45 Sahrawi women treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs. Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (30 women) and a control group (15 women). The experimental group received 10 g of <em>M. oleifera</em> leaf powder daily, while the control group did not consume Moringa. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters (fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. A proximate and phenolic analysis of plant material was also performed. <em>M. oleifera</em> leaves were rich in protein, fiber, and quercetin- and kaempferol-glucosides. After 3 months, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in body fat (-1.5 %, 95 %CI: −2.5, −0.5, p < 0.001) and improved glycated hemoglobin levels (-0.59 %, 95 %CI: −0.93, −0.25, p < 0.001), while these parameters remained unchanged in the control group. In conclusion, daily <em>M. oleifera</em> consumption, alongside drug therapy, may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100434"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143336102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100433
Fangchen Ye , Laifu Li , Lianli Wang , Yan Ran , Lin Mei , Yating Sun , Xinping Zhang , Fei Dai
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Green tea has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may aid in improving intestinal inflammation. However, the targets and mechanisms of green tea in treating IBS are still unclear. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in combination with Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) chip analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Our aim was to explore the molecular targets and mechanisms of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary active component found in green tea, for the prevention and treatment of IBS. We obtained 164 drug targets, 335 differentially expressed genes of IBS, and 12 drug-disease cross genes. After screening the results, TNF, TLR4, PTGS2, and IL10 were identified as core targets. Molecular docking results confirmed that EGCG binds to these core targets and can be used for the prevention and treatment of IBS. Then, we stimulated M1-type macrophages with EGCG and showed that EGCG up-regulated mRNA of IL10 and down-regulated mRNA of TNF and TLR4 in macrophages. This study suggests that EGCG may be involved in inflammation-related signaling pathways and plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of IBS by acting on disease targets such as TNF, TLR4, PTGS2, and IL10.
{"title":"Mechanism of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the prevention and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A network pharmacology and gene expression omnibus chip data-based study","authors":"Fangchen Ye , Laifu Li , Lianli Wang , Yan Ran , Lin Mei , Yating Sun , Xinping Zhang , Fei Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Green tea has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may aid in improving intestinal inflammation. However, the targets and mechanisms of green tea in treating IBS are still unclear. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in combination with Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) chip analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Our aim was to explore the molecular targets and mechanisms of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the primary active component found in green tea, for the prevention and treatment of IBS. We obtained 164 drug targets, 335 differentially expressed genes of IBS, and 12 drug-disease cross genes. After screening the results, TNF, TLR4, PTGS2, and IL10 were identified as core targets. Molecular docking results confirmed that EGCG binds to these core targets and can be used for the prevention and treatment of IBS. Then, we stimulated M1-type macrophages with EGCG and showed that EGCG up-regulated mRNA of IL10 and down-regulated mRNA of TNF and TLR4 in macrophages. This study suggests that EGCG may be involved in inflammation-related signaling pathways and plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of IBS by acting on disease targets such as TNF, TLR4, PTGS2, and IL10.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100432
Sara Pinto , Nelson Andrade , Francisca Carmo , Claúdia Silva , Fátima Martel
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death. One of the hallmarks of cancer cells consists in metabolic reprogramming, which includes the Warburg effect (“aerobic glycolysis”), “glutamine addiction” and “lactate shuttle” and are associated with overexpression in GLUT1 (facilitative glucose transporter 1), ASCT2 (alanine, serine and cysteine transporter 2) and MCT1 (monocarboxylate transporter 1). These cancer hallmarks offer advantages to cancer cell proliferation but also creates metabolic vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. In this work, we evaluated the effect of some carotenoids (astaxanthin, β-carotene, crocin and fucoxanthin) and polyphenols (chrysin, genistein, kaempferol and quercetin) on glucose (3H-DG), lactic acid (3H-L) and glutamine (3H-GLN) uptake by two PC cell lines, AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines. Of the tested compounds, crocin and chrysin were the compounds with the more marked inhibitory effects. Crocin promoted a decrease in both 3H-DG and 3H-L uptake (10–20 %) and chrysin promoted a decrease in 3H-DG and 3H-GLN uptake ( ± 20 %) by AsPC-1 cells. We further verified that crocin and chrysin do not significantly alter GLUT1, ASCT2 and MCT1 gene expression, and that their cytotoxic effect is not changed by GLUT1, MCT1 and ASCT2 inhibitors. In conclusion, crocin and chrysin decrease AsPC-1 cell viability, most likely due to their inhibitory effect on glucose, lactic acid and glutamine uptake.
{"title":"The cytotoxic effect of crocin and chrysin on the AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell line is related to inhibition of nutrient uptake","authors":"Sara Pinto , Nelson Andrade , Francisca Carmo , Claúdia Silva , Fátima Martel","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death. One of the hallmarks of cancer cells consists in metabolic reprogramming, which includes the Warburg effect (“aerobic glycolysis”), “glutamine addiction” and “lactate shuttle” and are associated with overexpression in GLUT1 (facilitative glucose transporter 1), ASCT2 (alanine, serine and cysteine transporter 2) and MCT1 (monocarboxylate transporter 1). These cancer hallmarks offer advantages to cancer cell proliferation but also creates metabolic vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted. In this work, we evaluated the effect of some carotenoids (astaxanthin, β-carotene, crocin and fucoxanthin) and polyphenols (chrysin, genistein, kaempferol and quercetin) on glucose (<sup>3</sup>H-DG), lactic acid (<sup>3</sup>H-L) and glutamine (<sup>3</sup>H-GLN) uptake by two PC cell lines, AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines. Of the tested compounds, crocin and chrysin were the compounds with the more marked inhibitory effects. Crocin promoted a decrease in both <sup>3</sup>H-DG and <sup>3</sup>H-L uptake (10–20 %) and chrysin promoted a decrease in <sup>3</sup>H-DG and <sup>3</sup>H-GLN uptake ( ± 20 %) by AsPC-1 cells. We further verified that crocin and chrysin do not significantly alter GLUT1, ASCT2 and MCT1 gene expression, and that their cytotoxic effect is not changed by GLUT1, MCT1 and ASCT2 inhibitors. In conclusion, crocin and chrysin decrease AsPC-1 cell viability, most likely due to their inhibitory effect on glucose, lactic acid and glutamine uptake.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100429
Anton Bermont , Daniel L. Cohen , Vered Richter , Rivka Hadar , Joseph Tam , Ayelet Wandel , Solli Brawer , Omer Grundman , Haim Shirin
Background
Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid primarily found in brown seaweed and diatoms, has shown potential in addressing obesity and risk factors of metabolic syndrome, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FucoVital®, a microalgae-derived FX, offers a clean and high-quality alternative to seaweed-based sources.
Objective
First, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FucoVital® compared to a commercial FX product and Silymarin, a potential hepato-protective agent, in an in vitro fatty liver model. Second, the study assessed the impact of FucoVital® consumption on biochemical markers in a prospective clinical trial of NAFLD patients.
Methods
An in vitro fatty liver model was created using human hepatic HepG2 cells, which were treated with varying concentrations of FucoVital®, commercial FX, and Silymarin. In the clinical trial, 32 adults with NAFLD were randomized to receive either FucoVital® or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by an open-label phase with FucoVital®. The primary endpoint was changes in liver enzyme levels, while secondary endpoints included lipid profiles, glucose, and inflammatory markers.
Results
In vitro, FucoVital® significantly inhibited fatty acid accumulation, outperforming both commercial FX and Silymarin. In the clinical study, FucoVital® did not achieve the primary endpoint of reducing liver enzyme levels compared to placebo. However, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels (-16.33 mg/dl vs. +19.81 mg/dl; p = 0.031). Non-significant trends toward improved insulin and glucose levels were also observed.
Conclusion
FucoVital® effectively inhibited fatty acid accumulation in vitro. While it did not improve liver enzymes in the clinical trial, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels and showed trends toward better glucose and insulin regulation. These findings suggest FucoVital® may benefit patients with metabolic syndrome. Further studies are needed in larger and more diverse populations to better understand its metabolic effects and mechanisms of action in human liver health.
{"title":"FucoVital® inhibits fatty acid accumulation in liver cells in vitro and reduces triglycerides levels in patients with NAFLD","authors":"Anton Bermont , Daniel L. Cohen , Vered Richter , Rivka Hadar , Joseph Tam , Ayelet Wandel , Solli Brawer , Omer Grundman , Haim Shirin","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid primarily found in brown seaweed and diatoms, has shown potential in addressing obesity and risk factors of metabolic syndrome, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FucoVital®, a microalgae-derived FX, offers a clean and high-quality alternative to seaweed-based sources.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>First, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FucoVital® compared to a commercial FX product and Silymarin, a potential hepato-protective agent, in an <em>in vitro</em> fatty liver model. Second, the study assessed the impact of FucoVital® consumption on biochemical markers in a prospective clinical trial of NAFLD patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An <em>in vitro</em> fatty liver model was created using human hepatic HepG2 cells, which were treated with varying concentrations of FucoVital®, commercial FX, and Silymarin. In the clinical trial, 32 adults with NAFLD were randomized to receive either FucoVital® or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by an open-label phase with FucoVital®. The primary endpoint was changes in liver enzyme levels, while secondary endpoints included lipid profiles, glucose, and inflammatory markers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>In vitro</em>, FucoVital® significantly inhibited fatty acid accumulation, outperforming both commercial FX and Silymarin. In the clinical study, FucoVital® did not achieve the primary endpoint of reducing liver enzyme levels compared to placebo. However, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels (-16.33 mg/dl vs. +19.81 mg/dl; p = 0.031). Non-significant trends toward improved insulin and glucose levels were also observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>FucoVital® effectively inhibited fatty acid accumulation <em>in vitro</em>. While it did not improve liver enzymes in the clinical trial, it significantly reduced triglyceride levels and showed trends toward better glucose and insulin regulation. These findings suggest FucoVital® may benefit patients with metabolic syndrome. Further studies are needed in larger and more diverse populations to better understand its metabolic effects and mechanisms of action in human liver health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100429"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100431
Haneen Sabet , Abdallah Abbas , Ibraheem M alkhawaldeh , Shrouk Ramadan , Moaz Elsayed Abouelmagd , Ebrahem Salah Abdul-Hamid , Ahmed Elbataa , Mona Mahmoud Elsakka , Anas Mansour , Mostafa Hossam El Din Moawad , Aynur Ozge
Objective
To assess the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in migraine prophylaxis by examining their impact on migraine frequency, severity, duration, and quality of life, measured using the headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL until June 2024. Clinical trials evaluating the effect of omega-3 in migraine prevention were included. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-1 for RCTs and ROBINS-1 for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software, with heterogeneity assessed using chi-square and I² statistics. Subgroup analyses and leave-one-out analyses were conducted.
Results
Fourteen clinical trials involving 1944 patients were included, with nine studies in the meta-analysis. The overall results of omega-3 supplementation revealed a significant reduction in the migraine frequency (MD: -1.74 days per month, 95% CI: [-3.45, -0.03], P = 0.05) and severity of migraine attacks (SMD: -0.28, 95% CI: [-0.54, -0.02], P = 0.04 when compared to various comparators (placebo, sodium valproate, diet low in omega-6 fatty acids, and average US omega-3 and omega-6 intake). However, its effect on HIT-6 was not significant (MD: -8.9, 95 % CI: [-20.47, 2.67], P = 0.13), and its impact on migraine duration was also not significant (MD: -1.94 hours per episode, 95 % CI: [-4.24, 0.37], P = 0.1).
Conclusions
Omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks but did not significantly reduce migraine duration and HIT-6. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimize dosing for migraine prevention.
{"title":"Omega-3 supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Haneen Sabet , Abdallah Abbas , Ibraheem M alkhawaldeh , Shrouk Ramadan , Moaz Elsayed Abouelmagd , Ebrahem Salah Abdul-Hamid , Ahmed Elbataa , Mona Mahmoud Elsakka , Anas Mansour , Mostafa Hossam El Din Moawad , Aynur Ozge","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in migraine prophylaxis by examining their impact on migraine frequency, severity, duration, and quality of life, measured using the headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL until June 2024. Clinical trials evaluating the effect of omega-3 in migraine prevention were included. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-1 for RCTs and ROBINS-1 for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software, with heterogeneity assessed using chi-square and I² statistics. Subgroup analyses and leave-one-out analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fourteen clinical trials involving 1944 patients were included, with nine studies in the meta-analysis. The overall results of omega-3 supplementation revealed a significant reduction in the migraine frequency (MD: -1.74 days per month, 95% CI: [-3.45, -0.03], <em>P</em> = 0.05) and severity of migraine attacks (SMD: -0.28, 95% CI: [-0.54, -0.02], <em>P</em> = 0.04 when compared to various comparators (placebo, sodium valproate, diet low in omega-6 fatty acids, and average US omega-3 and omega-6 intake). However, its effect on HIT-6 was not significant (MD: -8.9, 95 % CI: [-20.47, 2.67], <em>P</em> = 0.13), and its impact on migraine duration was also not significant (MD: -1.94 hours per episode, 95 % CI: [-4.24, 0.37], P = 0.1).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks but did not significantly reduce migraine duration and HIT-6. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimize dosing for migraine prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100430
Anushree Bose, Sanjay Sharma
Purpose
This review aims to analyze and compare the regulatory frameworks governing nutraceuticals in the USA, India, and European Union (EU). The primary research question explores how varying regulations impact the global market entry and safety of nutraceutical products, while identifying potential pathways for harmonizing international regulations.
Methods
A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on key regulatory documents and guidelines from the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in the USA, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The study examined market entry processes, safety standards, toxicity testing, and health claim requirements across these regions.
Results
The findings indicate significant differences in regulatory approaches. The United States of America (USA) emphasizes post-market surveillance and manufacturer responsibility for product safety, while India follows a simpler registration process. Europe mandates rigorous pre-market approval and scientific validation of health claims. These disparities hinder the seamless integration of nutraceutical products into international markets.
Conclusions
The review highlights the growing need for harmonization of nutraceutical regulations globally. Unified guidelines could improve product safety, facilitate international market entry, and foster greater consumer trust. Regulatory convergence will be essential to ensure the sustainable growth of the nutraceutical industry.
{"title":"Global regulatory trends and comparative insights: Nutraceuticals in the USA, India, and Europe","authors":"Anushree Bose, Sanjay Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2025.100430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review aims to analyze and compare the regulatory frameworks governing nutraceuticals in the USA, India, and European Union (EU). The primary research question explores how varying regulations impact the global market entry and safety of nutraceutical products, while identifying potential pathways for harmonizing international regulations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on key regulatory documents and guidelines from the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in the USA, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The study examined market entry processes, safety standards, toxicity testing, and health claim requirements across these regions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicate significant differences in regulatory approaches. The United States of America (USA) emphasizes post-market surveillance and manufacturer responsibility for product safety, while India follows a simpler registration process. Europe mandates rigorous pre-market approval and scientific validation of health claims. These disparities hinder the seamless integration of nutraceutical products into international markets.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The review highlights the growing need for harmonization of nutraceutical regulations globally. Unified guidelines could improve product safety, facilitate international market entry, and foster greater consumer trust. Regulatory convergence will be essential to ensure the sustainable growth of the nutraceutical industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100430"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The protective effects of olive oil (OO) on metabolic health. Current research aims to elucidate the positive impacts of OO on emerging factors linked to metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. These factors encompass inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, coagulation, endothelial function, and lipid profile.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the following keywords and combined synonyms: (”extra virgin olive oil”; ”virgin olive oil”; “metabolic syndrome”; “ type 2 diabetes”; ”diabetes mellitus”; “ obesity”; “atherosclerosis”; “Olive oil phenolic compounds”; “Olive oil polyphenols”; “ antioxidant activity”; and “Anti-inflammatory activity”).
Conclusion
Multiple studies have demonstrated that a diet rich in OO can aid in preventing atherosclerosis primarily by enhancing lipid profile. These favourable effects of OO are mainly ascribed to its abundance of phenolic compounds (PCs). Therefore, the bioactivity of olive oil phenolic compounds (OOPCs) could be related to various pharmacological characteristics such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-atherogenic, antithrombotic, antimutagenic, and hypoglycemic properties. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol (Tr), Oleuropein (OLP), Oleocanthal (OLC), and Oleacein (OLE) are the PCs mainly involved in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on appraising the current knowledge on the effect of OO, particularly its PCs, on metabolic diseases and discussing the underlying mechanism by which it exerts its effect.
{"title":"Potential health benefits of olive oil polyphenols in metabolic disorders management","authors":"Kaoutar Boumezough , Mehdi Alami , Jamal Oubaouz , Mojgan Morvaridzadeh , Nada Zoubdane , Abdelouahed Khalil , M.’hamed Ramchoun , Ilham Zahir , Charles Ramassamy , Tamas Fulop , Hicham Berrougui","doi":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phanu.2024.100428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The protective effects of olive oil (OO) on metabolic health. Current research aims to elucidate the positive impacts of OO on emerging factors linked to metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. These factors encompass inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, coagulation, endothelial function, and lipid profile.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the following keywords and combined synonyms: (”extra virgin olive oil”; ”virgin olive oil”; “metabolic syndrome”; “ type 2 diabetes”; ”diabetes mellitus”; “ obesity”; “atherosclerosis”; “Olive oil phenolic compounds”; “Olive oil polyphenols”; “ antioxidant activity”; and “Anti-inflammatory activity”).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multiple studies have demonstrated that a diet rich in OO can aid in preventing atherosclerosis primarily by enhancing lipid profile. These favourable effects of OO are mainly ascribed to its abundance of phenolic compounds (PCs). Therefore, the bioactivity of olive oil phenolic compounds (OOPCs) could be related to various pharmacological characteristics such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-atherogenic, antithrombotic, antimutagenic, and hypoglycemic properties. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol (Tr), Oleuropein (OLP), Oleocanthal (OLC), and Oleacein (OLE) are the PCs mainly involved in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on appraising the current knowledge on the effect of OO, particularly its PCs, on metabolic diseases and discussing the underlying mechanism by which it exerts its effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20049,"journal":{"name":"PharmaNutrition","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 100428"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143161491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}