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Nutraceutical Profiling, Bioactive Composition, and Biological Applications of Lepidium sativum L.
Painuli, S, Quispe, C, Herrera-Bravo, J, Semwal, P, Martorell, M, Almarhoon, ZM, Seilkhan, A, Ydyrys, A, Rad, JS, Alshehri, MM, et al
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2022;:2910411
Abstract
The roots, leaves, and seeds of Lepidium sativum L., popularly known as Garden cress in different regions, have high economic importance; although, the crop is particularly cultivated for the seeds. In traditional medicine, this plant has been reported to possess various biological activities. This review is aimed at providing updated and critical scientific information about the traditional, nutritional, phytochemical, and biological activities of L. sativum. In addition, the geographic distribution is also reviewed. The comprehensive literature search was carried out with the help of different search engines PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. This review highlighted the importance of L. sativum as an edible herb that possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties along with high nutritional values. Preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) displayed anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and fracture/bone healing activities of L. sativum and support the clinical importance of plant-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of different diseases. Screening of literature revealed that L. sativum species and their bioactive compounds may be a significant source for new drug compounds and also could be used against malnutrition. Further clinical trials are needed to effectively assess the actual potential of the species and its bioactive compounds.
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Managing folate deficiency implies filling the gap between laboratory and clinical assessment.
Ferraro, S, Biganzoli, G, Gringeri, M, Radice, S, Rizzuto, AS, Carnovale, C, Biganzoli, EM, Clementi, E
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2022;(2):374-383
Abstract
The characterization of folate status in subjects at risk of deficiency and with altered vitamin homeostasis is crucial to endorse preventive intervention health policies, especially in developed countries. Several physiological changes (i.e. pregnancy), clinical situations and diseases have been associated to increased requirement, impaired intake and absorption of folate. However clinical practice guidelines (CPG) endorse folic acid supplementation generally discarding the use of its determination in serum to assess the risk of deficiency and/or its concentration at baseline. Poor confidence on the diagnostic accuracy of serum folate assays still persists in the current CPGs although recent standardization efforts have greatly improved inter-method variability and precision. In this review we critically appraise the methodological issues concerning laboratory folate determination and the evidence on the potential adverse effects of folic acid exposure. The final aim is to build a sound background to promote serum folate-based cost-effective health care policies by optimizing folic acid supplementation in subjects at risk of deficiency and with altered folate homeostasis. Our first result was to adjust in relation to current serum folate assays the thresholds reported by CPGs as index of folate status, defined on the association with metabolic and hematologic indicators. We identify a statistically significant difference between the estimated thresholds and accordingly show that the assessment of folate status actually changes in relation to the assay employed. The use of the method-dependent thresholds here reported may pragmatically endorse the stewardship of folic acid supplementation in clinical practice and increase the cost-effectiveness of health care policies.
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Changes in polyphenol serum levels and cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with Concord grape juice in veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Van Doren, WW, Iqbal, UH, Helmer, DA, Litke, DR, Simon, JE, Wu, Q, Zhao, D, Yin, Z, Ho, L, Osinubi, O, et al
Life sciences. 2022;:119797
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Abstract
AIMS: We investigated whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was associated with increased bioavailability of serum metabolites and their potential impact on cognitive performance in Veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). MAIN METHODS Twenty-six veterans were selected from a cohort of 36 enrolled in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, Phase I/IIA clinical trial exploring whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was tolerable and safe in Veterans with GWI and improved cognitive function and fatigue. These 26 veterans were selected based on their completion of the entire 24-week protocol and documented adherence to the study beverage ≥80%. Differences in serum metabolite levels between CGJ and placebo at midpoint and endpoint were evaluated using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Sidak's multiple comparison test. Bivariate correlations to assess for possible relationships between change in serum metabolite levels and change in cognitive function as measured by the Halstead Category Test-Russell Revised Version (RCAT) were also conducted. KEY FINDINGS Seventy-six metabolites were identified and quantified in this study, with three (cyanidin-glucuronide, me-cyanidin-glucuronide, and me-malvidin-glucuronide) found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CGJ group compared to placebo at 24 weeks. Significant associations between changes in cognitive function and changes in serum levels of epicatechin-sulphate (r = 0.48, p = 0.01) and petunidin-glucuronide (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) from baseline to 24 weeks were also observed. SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that dietary supplementation with CGJ is associated with increased bioavailability of specific phenolic metabolites, some of which may be correlated with cognitive performance.
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Bioactive polysaccharides from red seaweed as potent food supplements: a systematic review of their extraction, purification, and biological activities.
Qiu, SM, Aweya, JJ, Liu, X, Liu, Y, Tang, S, Zhang, W, Cheong, KL
Carbohydrate polymers. 2022;:118696
Abstract
Most marine macroalgae such as red seaweeds are potential alternative sources of useful bioactive compounds. Beside serving as food source, recent studies have shown that red seaweeds are rich sources of bioactive polysaccharides. Red seaweed polysaccharides (RSPs) have various physiological and biological activities, which allow them to be used as immunomodulators, anti-obesity agents, and prebiotic ingredients. Lack of summary information and human clinical trials on the various polysaccharides from red seaweeds, however limits industrial-scale utilization of RSPs in functional foods. This review summarizes recent information on the approaches used for RSPs extraction and purification, mechanistic investigations of their biological activities, and related molecular principles behind their purported ability to prevent diseases. The information here also provides a theoretical foundation for further research into the structure and mechanism of action of RSPs and their potential applications in functional foods.
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Fat-rich versus carbohydrate-rich nutrition in ALS: a randomised controlled study.
Dorst, J, Doenz, J, Kandler, K, Dreyhaupt, J, Tumani, H, Witzel, S, Schuster, J, Ludolph, AC
Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry. 2022;(3):298-302
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is growing evidence that the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be influenced beneficially by applying high-caloric food supplements (HCSs). However, it is unknown which composition of nutrients offers optimal tolerability and weight gain. METHODS We conducted a randomised controlled study (Safety and Tolerability of Ultra-high-caloric Food Supplements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); TOLCAL-ALS study) in 64 patients with possible, probable or definite ALS according to El Escorial criteria. Patients were randomised into four groups: a high-caloric fatty supplement (HCFS; 405 kcal/day, 100% fat), an ultra-high-caloric fatty supplement (UHCFS; 810 kcal/day, 100% fat), an ultra-high-caloric, carbohydrate-rich supplement (UHCCS; 900 kcal/day, 49% carbohydrates) and an open control (OC) group without any supplement. The primary endpoint was tolerability. Patients were followed up over 4 weeks. RESULTS Gastrointestinal side effects were most frequent in the UHCFS group (75.0%), while loss of appetite was most frequent in the UHCCS group (35.3%). During intervention, patients gained +0.9 kg/month of body weight (IQR -0.9 to 1.5; p=0.03) in the HCFS group and +0.9 kg/month (IQR -0.8 to 2.0; p=0.05) in the UHCFS group. A non-significant trend for weight gain (+0.6 kg/month (IQR -0.3 to 1.9; p=0.08)) was observed in the UHCCS group. Patients in OC group continued to lose body weight (-0.5 kg/month, IQR -1.4 to 1.3; p=0.42). INTERPRETATION The findings suggest that HCSs frequently cause mild to moderate tolerability issues in patients with ALS, most notably gastrointestinal symptoms in high-fat supplements, and loss of appetite in high-carbohydrate supplements. All three HCSs tested are suited to increase body weight.
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Excessive Vitamin A Supplementation Increased the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Zhang, Y, Lu, Y, Wang, S, Yang, L, Xia, H, Sun, G
Nutrients. 2021;(12)
Abstract
(1) Background: vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is highly prevalent in children living in poor conditions. It has been suggested that vitamin A supplementation (VAS) may reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI). Our study provides updates on the effects of oral VAS (alone) in children on ARTI and further explores the effect on interesting subgroups. (2) Methods: eight databases were systematically searched from their inception until 5 July 2021. The assessments of inclusion criteria, extraction of data, and data synthesis were carried out independently by two reviewers. (3) Results: a total of 26 randomized trials involving 50,944 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There was no significant association of VAS with the incidence of ARTI compared with the placebo (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.15). Subgroup analyses showed that VAS higher than WHO recommendations increased the incidence of ARTI by 13% (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.20), and in the high-dose intervention group, the incidence rate among well-nourished children rose by 66% (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.11). (4) Conclusions: no more beneficial effects were seen with VAS in children in the prevention or recovery of acute respiratory infections. Excessive VAS may increase the incidence of ARTI in children with normal nutritional status.
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Herbal Medications Used to Ameliorate Cardiac Conditions.
Revell, MA, Pugh, MA
The Nursing clinics of North America. 2021;(1):123-136
Abstract
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Herbs may be used by clients exclusively for disease management or in combination with conventional medications. This article increases provider awareness of certain herbs and their potential use by clients, as well as their impact on the cardiovascular system. It is important for the advanced practice nurse to collect information related to herb use during history retrieval. This information should prompt the nurse to discuss possible benefits and side effects that may occur taking herbs in isolation or in combination with cardiovascular prescription medications.
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Potential mental and physical benefits of supplementation with a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement: What is the evidence?
Sarris, J, Mehta, B, Óvári, V, Ferreres Giménez, I
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2021;(6):1277-1286
Abstract
Objective: to perform a systematic literature review to examine the effects of high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplementation on physical, mental, and energy outcomes in healthy and 'at-risk' (suboptimal nutritional status/subclinical symptoms at baseline) adult populations. Methods: PubMed was searched for relevant randomized controlled trials until January 2020. Results: overall, 136 publications were identified. In the seven randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies considered eligible for inclusion, supplementation in healthy populations predominantly showed improvements in perceived stress, physical stamina, concentration, and general mental health, and significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in self-reported vigour. However, not all of these outcomes were significant, and statistical correction for multiple outcomes was not commonly employed. Studies investigating brain mapping following supplementation indicated increased functional activity in brain regions related to processing of attention, executive control, and working memory during cognitive tasks. Conclusions: while there is certainly a need for further studies on the neurocognitive and physical benefits of micronutrient supplementation, this review provides generally supportive evidence for the benefits of a high-dose, B-complex multivitamin/mineral supplement in healthy and at-risk populations in terms of physical, mental, and energy outcomes.
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The Use of Lower or Higher Than Recommended Doses of Folic Acid Supplements during Pregnancy Is Associated with Child Attentional Dysfunction at 4-5 Years of Age in the INMA Project.
Compañ Gabucio, LM, García de la Hera, M, Torres Collado, L, Fernández-Somoano, A, Tardón, A, Guxens, M, Vrijheid, M, Rebagliato, M, Murcia, M, Ibarluzea, J, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
We assessed the association between the use of lower- and higher-than-recommended doses of folic acid supplements (FAs) during pregnancy and attentional function in boys and girls at age of 4-5. We analyzed data from 1329 mother-child pairs from the mother-child cohort INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project (INMA) study. Information on FAs use during pregnancy was collected in personal interviews at weeks 12 and 30, and categorized in <400, 400-999 (recommended dose), and ≥1000 μg/day. Child attentional function was assessed by Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test. Multivariable regression analyses were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Compared to recommended FAs doses, the periconceptional use of <400 and ≥1000 μg/day was associated with higher risk of omission errors-IRR = 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01; 1.29) and IRR = 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02; 1.33), respectively. The use of FAs < 400 μg/day and ≥1000 μg/day was significantly associated with deficits of attentional function only in boys. FAs use < 400 μg/day was associated with higher omission errors with IRR = 1.22 and increased hit reaction time (HRT) β = 34.36, and FAs use ≥ 1000 μg/day was associated with increased HRT β = 33.18 and HRT standard error β = 3.31. The periconceptional use of FAs below or above the recommended doses is associated with deficits of attentional function in children at age of 4-5, particularly in boys.
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Assessment of adverse reactions to α-lipoic acid containing dietary supplements through spontaneous reporting systems.
Gatti, M, Ippoliti, I, Poluzzi, E, Antonazzo, IC, Moro, PA, Moretti, U, Menniti-Ippolito, F, Mazzanti, G, De Ponti, F, Raschi, E
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2021;(3):1176-1185
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)-containing dietary supplements are widely used in clinical practice, although their safety assessment is under-investigated. We characterize the safety profile of ALA-containing products by analysing spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions (ARs). METHODS Suspected ARs to ALA-containing products were extracted from the Italian Phytovigilance System (IPS), and scrutinized in terms of seriousness and causality (through WHO UMC system), with a specific focus on important (IMEs) and designated medical events (DMEs). To characterize the reporting profile from an international perspective, the WHO-VigiBase was also queried. RESULTS From March 2002 to February 2020, out of 2147 total reports, 116 reports concerning 212 ARs to ALA-containing products were collected. Women were involved in 68.1% of cases. Skin (44.9%) and gastrointestinal disorders (10.8%) were the most frequently represented ARs. Causality assessment resulted as definite (15), probable (35), possible (24), unlikely (5), and unclassifiable (37). In 70% of cases, events occurred within 30 days of ALA use. Forty-five reports were serious (38.8%), being insulin autoimmune syndrome the most frequently reported (N = 10). IMEs were recorded in 20 cases, including four DMEs (3 angioedema and one anaphylactic shock). Similar distribution emerged from the 5641 reports in the WHO-VigiBase. CONCLUSIONS The remarkable reporting of unpredictable skin, immune and hepatic ARs, coupled with seriousness, strong causality and early onset, calls for a) careful risk-benefit assessment of ALA-containing products by regulators; b) awareness and monitoring by clinicians and c) continuous vigilance of their safety profile through valuable spontaneous reporting systems such as IPS.