Nutrients

Editorial

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7 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Products and Health

by Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek and Edyta Mądry

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030415 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 830

Abstract

A natural product is an organic compound from a living organism that can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

Research

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15 pages, 2462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

THC-Reduced Cannabis sativa L.—How Does the Solvent Determine the Bioavailability of Cannabinoids Given Orally?

by Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, Edyta Mądry, Michał Książkiewicz, Jakub Winkler-Galicki, Milena Szalata, Marlena Szalata, Ulises Elizalde Jiménez, Karolina Wielgus, Edmund Grześkowiak, Ryszard Słomski and Agnieszka Bienert

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122646 - 06 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

The bioavailability levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) determine their pharmacological effects. Therefore, for medical purposes, it is essential to obtain extracts containing the lowest possible content of the psychogenic component THC. In our extract, the CBD/THC ratio was 16:1, which is [...] Read more.

The bioavailability levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) determine their pharmacological effects. Therefore, for medical purposes, it is essential to obtain extracts containing the lowest possible content of the psychogenic component THC. In our extract, the CBD/THC ratio was 16:1, which is a high level compared to available medical preparations, where it is, on average, 1:1. This study assessed the bioavailability and stability of CBD and THC derived from Cannabis sativa L. with reduced THC content. The extract was orally administered (30 mg/kg) in two solvents, Rapae oleum and Cremophor, to forty-eight Wistar rats. The whole-blood and brain concentrations of CBD and THC were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. Much higher concentrations of CBD than THC were observed for both solvents in the whole-blood and brain after oral administration of the Cannabis sativa extract with a decreased THC content. The total bioavailability of both CBD and THC was higher for Rapae oleum compared to Cremophor. Some of the CBD was converted into THC in the body, which should be considered when using Cannabis sativa for medical purposes. The THC-reduced hemp extract in this study is a promising candidate for medical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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18 pages, 7971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeting Anti-Inflammatory Pathways to Treat Diabetes-Induced Neuropathy by 6-Hydroxyflavanone

by Shehla Akbar, Fazal Subhan, Aroosha Akbar, Faiza Habib, Naila Shahbaz, Ashfaq Ahmad, Abdul Wadood and Saad Salman

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112552 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1702

Abstract

It is evident that inflammation and metabolic syndrome instigated by diabetes mellitus can precipitate diabetes-induced neuropathy (DIN) and pain. In order to find an effective therapeutic method for diabetes-related problems, a multi-target-directed ligand model was used. 6-Hydroxyflavanone (6-HF) carrying anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic pain [...] Read more.

It is evident that inflammation and metabolic syndrome instigated by diabetes mellitus can precipitate diabetes-induced neuropathy (DIN) and pain. In order to find an effective therapeutic method for diabetes-related problems, a multi-target-directed ligand model was used. 6-Hydroxyflavanone (6-HF) carrying anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic pain potential due to its quadruplicate mechanisms, targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and opioid and GABA-A receptors was investigated. The anti-inflammatory potential of the test drug was confirmed utilizing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo tests. A molecular simulation approach was utilized to observe the interaction of 6-HF with the inflammatory enzyme COX-2 as well as opioid and GABA-A receptors. The same was confirmed via in vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays. In vivo tests were performed to analyze the thermal anti-nociception in the hot-plate analgesiometer and anti-inflammatory action in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rodents. The potential anti-nociceptive effect of 6-HF was evaluated in the DIN model in rats. The Naloxone and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) antagonists were used to confirm the underlying mechanism of 6-HF. The molecular modeling studies revealed a favorable interaction of 6-HF with the identified protein molecules. In vitro inhibitory studies revealed that 6-HF inhibited the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes significantly. The 6-HF at dosages of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg substantially reduced heat nociception in a hot plate analgesiometer as well as carrageenan-induced paw edema in rodent models. The authors discovered that 6-HF had anti-nociception properties in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy model. According to the findings of this study, 6-HF was demonstrated to diminish inflammation caused by diabetes as well as its anti-nociception effect in DIN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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13 pages, 3093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Health: Study on the Effect of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Oleocanthal on Human Fibroblasts

by Anabel González-Acedo, Javier Ramos-Torrecillas, Rebeca Illescas-Montes, Víctor J. Costela-Ruiz, Concepción Ruiz, Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez and Olga García-Martínez

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092077 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3615

Abstract

Fibroblasts contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis and are a key cell population in wound healing. This cell population can be stimulated by some bioactive compounds such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols. The aim of this study was to determine [...] Read more.

Fibroblasts contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis and are a key cell population in wound healing. This cell population can be stimulated by some bioactive compounds such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hydroxytyrosol (htyr), tyrosol (tyr), and oleocanthal (ole) phenolic compounds present in EVOO on the proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts. CCD-1064Sk human fibroblast cells were treated for 24 h with each polyphenol at doses ranging 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁹ M. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT spectrophotometric technique, migration capacity by culture insert assay, and cell cycle and antigenic profile with flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was significantly increased by treatment with all compounds. The highest increases followed treatments with htyr or tyr at doses of 10⁻⁵ or 10⁻⁶ M and with ole at 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁷ M, and these compounds and doses were used for assays of antigenic profile, cell cycle, and migration. During the first few hours after treatment, increased fibronectin and α-actin expressions and greater cell migration were observed, with no cell cycle changes. In conclusion, these in vitro results suggest that phenolic compounds in EVOO might contribute to wound healing through action on fibroblasts related to tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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24 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabidiol as a Modulator of the Development of Alcohol Tolerance in Rats

by Michał Szulc, Radosław Kujawski, Amanda Pacholak, Marta Poprawska, Kamila Czora-Poczwardowska, Bogna Geppert and Przemysław Ł. Mikołajczak

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071702 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

The study aimed to explore in vivo the influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on the development of alcohol tolerance in rats. Rats were treated with ethanol (3.0 g/kg, i.p.) and CBD (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for nine successive days, and rectal body temperature, sedation (sleeping [...] Read more.

The study aimed to explore in vivo the influence of cannabidiol (CBD) on the development of alcohol tolerance in rats. Rats were treated with ethanol (3.0 g/kg, i.p.) and CBD (20 mg/kg, p.o.) for nine successive days, and rectal body temperature, sedation (sleeping time), and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) were measured. In the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, the cannabinoid (CB1R and CB2R) and dopaminergic (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, DRD5) receptors’ mRNA level changes were analyzed using the quantitative RT-PCR method. CBD inhibited the development of tolerance to the hypothermic and sedative action of alcohol, coupled with BAC elevation. On a molecular level, the most pronounced effects of the CBD + ethanol interaction in the striatum were observed, where CBD reversed the downregulation of CB2R gene transcription caused by ethanol. For CB1R, DRD1, and DRD2 mRNAs, the CBD + ethanol interaction produced opposite effects than for CB2R ones. In turn, for the transcription of genes encoding dopaminergic receptors, the most potent effect of alcohol as CBD occurred in the hippocampus. However, the combined CBD and alcohol administration showed the same effect for each substance administered separately. Since tolerance is considered a prelude to drug addiction, obtained results allow us to emphasize the thesis that CBD can inhibit the development of alcohol dependence in rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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22 pages, 2910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effect of 11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats Entails Activation of AMPK

by Jozaa Z. AlTamimi, Nora A. AlFaris, Ghedeir M. Alshammari, Reham I. Alagal, Dalal H. Aljabryn and Mohammed Abdo Yahya

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071660 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

This study examined the protective effect of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) in rats and examined the possible mechanisms of action. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each): (1) control, AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), STZ (65 [...] Read more.

This study examined the protective effect of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) in rats and examined the possible mechanisms of action. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/each): (1) control, AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), STZ (65 mg/kg, i.p.), STZ + AKBA (10 mg/kg, orally), and STZ + AKBA + compound C (CC/an AMPK inhibitor, 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.). AKBA improved the structure and the systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricles (LVs) of STZ rats. It also attenuated the increase in plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), and free fatty acids (FFAs) in these diabetic rats. AKBA stimulated the ventricular activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC); increased levels of malonyl CoA; and reduced levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), indicating improvement in glucose and FA oxidation. It also reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); increased mitochondria efficiency and ATP production; stimulated mRNA, total, and nuclear levels of Nrf2; increased levels of glutathione (GSH), heme oxygenase (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT); but reduced the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and levels of tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These effects were concomitant with increased activities of AMPK in the LVs of the control and STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with CC abolished all these protective effects of AKBA. In conclusion, AKBA protects against DC in rats, mainly by activating the AMPK-dependent control of insulin release, cardiac metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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17 pages, 2564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activation of AMPK Entails the Protective Effect of Royal Jelly against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

by Alaa Hasanain Felemban, Ghedeir M. Alshammari, Abu ElGasim Ahmed Yagoub, Laila Naif Al-Harbi, Maha H. Alhussain and Mohammed Abdo Yahya

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061471 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

This study examined the mechanism underlying the protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) against high-fat-diet (HFD)-mediated non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8 each): control fed a standard diet, control + RJ (300 [...] Read more.

This study examined the mechanism underlying the protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) against high-fat-diet (HFD)-mediated non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8 each): control fed a standard diet, control + RJ (300 mg/kg), HFD, HFD + RJ (300 mg/kg), and HFD + RJ + CC (0.2 mg/kg). The treatment with RJ reduced weight gain, increased fat pads, and attenuated fasting hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose tolerance in the HFD-fed rats. It also reduced the serum levels of liver function enzymes, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and leptin but significantly increased the serum levels of adiponectin. In addition, and with no effect on lipid excretion in stool, RJ significantly decreased the hepatic mRNA expression of SREBP1, serum, hepatic cholesterol, and triglycerides but increased hepatic mRNA levels of PPARα. Furthermore, RJ reduced the hepatic levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the livers of these rats. Of note, with no effect on the mRNA levels of AMPK, RJ stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH) in the livers of the control and HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, RJ attenuates NAFLD via its antioxidant potential and adiponectin-independent activation of liver AMPK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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17 pages, 2690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phloretamide Prevent Hepatic and Pancreatic Damage in Diabetic Male Rats by Modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB

by Rasha Al-Hussan, Nawal A. Albadr, Ghedeir M. Alshammari, Soheir A. Almasri and Mohammed Abdo Yahya

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061456 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1857

Abstract

This study examined the effect of phloretamide, a metabolite of phloretin, on liver damage and steatosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats. Adult male rats were divided into two groups: control (nondiabetic) and STZ-treated rats, each of which was further treated orally [...] Read more.

This study examined the effect of phloretamide, a metabolite of phloretin, on liver damage and steatosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats. Adult male rats were divided into two groups: control (nondiabetic) and STZ-treated rats, each of which was further treated orally with the vehicle phloretamide 100 mg or 200 mg. Treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. Phloretamide, at both doses, significantly attenuated STZ-mediated pancreatic β-cell damage, reduced fasting glucose, and stimulated fasting insulin levels in STZ-treated rats. It also increased the levels of hexokinase, which coincided with a significant reduction in glucose-6 phosphatase (G-6-Pase), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (PBP1) in the livers of these diabetic rats. Concomitantly, both doses of phloretamide reduced hepatic and serum levels of triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (CHOL), serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and hepatic ballooning. Furthermore, they reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), mRNA, and total and nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, but increased mRNA levels, total and nuclear levels of Nrf2, as well as levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase (CAT), and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the livers of diabetic rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent. In conclusion, phloretamide is a novel drug that could ameliorate DM-associated hepatic steatosis via its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Mechanisms of protection involve improving the β-cell structure and hepatic insulin action, suppressing hepatic NF-κB, and stimulating hepatic Nrf2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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18 pages, 7867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catalpol Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Mechanisms Involving Sirtuin-1 Activation and NF-κB Inhibition in Experimentally-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease

by Nur Elena Zaaba, Suhail Al-Salam, Sumaya Beegam, Ozaz Elzaki, Javed Yasin and Abderrahim Nemmar

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010237 - 03 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2423

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a stealthy disease, and its development is linked to mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress. Catalpol (CAT), an iridoid glucoside from the root of Rehmannia glutinosa, is reported to manifest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic properties. Hence, [...] Read more.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a stealthy disease, and its development is linked to mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress. Catalpol (CAT), an iridoid glucoside from the root of Rehmannia glutinosa, is reported to manifest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic properties. Hence, we studied the possible nephroprotective effects of CAT and its mechanisms in an adenine-induced (0.2% w/w in feed for 4 weeks) murine model of CKD by administering 5 mg/kg CAT to BALB/c mice for the duration of 4 weeks except during weekends. Upon sacrifice, the kidney, plasma and urine were collected and various physiological, biochemical and histological endpoints were assessed. CAT significantly ameliorated the adenine-induced altered body and kidney weight, water intake, urine volume, and concentrations of urea and creatinine in plasma, as well as the creatinine clearance and the albumin and creatinine ratio. Moreover, CAT significantly ameliorated the effect of adenine-induced kidney injury by reducing the kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C and adiponectin. Similarly, the augmented concentrations of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the adenine-treated group were markedly reduced with CAT pretreatment. Furthermore, CAT prevented adenine-induced deoxyribonucleic acid damage and apoptotic activity in the kidneys. Histologically, CAT significantly reduced the formation of tubular necrosis and dilation, as well as interstitial fibrosis in the kidney. In addition to that, CAT significantly decreased the adenine-induced increase in the phosphorylated NF-κB and reversed the reduced expression of sirtuin-1 in the kidney. In conclusion, CAT exhibits salutary effects against adenine-induced CKD in mice by mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis via mechanisms involving sirtuin-1 activation and NF-κB inhibition. Confirmatory studies are warranted in order to consider CAT as a potent nephroprotective agent against CKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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15 pages, 3518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suffruticosol C-Mediated Autophagy and Cell Cycle Arrest via Inhibition of mTORC1 Signaling

by Senlin Qin, Huijun Geng, Guoyan Wang, Lei Chen, Chao Xia, Junhu Yao, Zhangzhen Bai and Lu Deng

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5000; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235000 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

Paeonia species are well-known ornamental plants that are used in traditional Chinese medicines. The seeds of these species are rich in stilbenes, which have wide-ranging health-promoting effects. In particular, resveratrol, which is a common stilbene, is widely known for its anticancer properties. Suffruticosol [...] Read more.

Paeonia species are well-known ornamental plants that are used in traditional Chinese medicines. The seeds of these species are rich in stilbenes, which have wide-ranging health-promoting effects. In particular, resveratrol, which is a common stilbene, is widely known for its anticancer properties. Suffruticosol C, which is a trimer of resveratrol, is the most dominant stilbene found in peony seeds. However, it is not clear whether suffruticosol C has cancer regulating properties. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of suffruticosol C against various cancer cell lines. Our findings showed that suffruticosol C induces autophagy and cell cycle arrest instead of cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, suffruticosol C regulates autophagy and cell cycle via inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Thus, our findings imply that suffruticosol C regulates cancer cell viability by inducing autophagy and cell cycle arrest via the inhibition of mTORC1 signaling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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Review

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37 pages, 4656 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Proposed Biosynthetic Pathways of Steroidal Saponins from Healthy Nutritious Vegetable—Allium

by Huaxiang Wang, Qi Zheng, Aijun Dong, Junchi Wang and Jianyong Si

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2233; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092233 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1832

Abstract

Allium is a common functional vegetable with edible and medicinal value. Allium plants have a special spicy taste, so they are often used as food and seasoning in people’s diets. As a functional food, Allium also has abundant biological activities, some of which [...] Read more.

Allium is a common functional vegetable with edible and medicinal value. Allium plants have a special spicy taste, so they are often used as food and seasoning in people’s diets. As a functional food, Allium also has abundant biological activities, some of which are used as drugs to treat diseases. By consuming Allium on a daily basis, people can receive active compounds of natural origin, thereby improving their health status and reducing the likelihood of disease. Steroidal saponins are important secondary metabolites of Allium, which are formed by the steroidal aglycone group and sugar. Steroidal saponins have various physiological activities, such as hypoglycemic, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and enzyme activity inhibition, which is one of the key reasons why Allium has such significant health benefits. The structural diversity and rich biological activities of steroidal saponins make Allium important plants for both food and medicine. In this paper, the chemical structures, biological activities, and structure–activity relationships of steroidal saponins isolated from Allium are reviewed, and the biosynthetic pathways of some key compounds are proposed as well, to provide a molecular reference basis based on secondary metabolites for the health value of Allium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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59 pages, 15912 KiB

Open AccessReview

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review

by Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Sandra Maria Barbalho, Adriano Cressoni Araújo, Elen Landgraf Guiguer, Arijit Mondal, Gabrielle Bachtel and Anupam Bishayee

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040989 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6470

Abstract

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing [...] Read more.

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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11 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessReview

What Should I Eat? Dietary Recommendations for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

by Srishti Saha and Neha Patel

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040896 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3406

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder thought to be caused by enteric inflammation in a genetically susceptible host. Although the pathogenesis of IBD is largely unknown, it is widely accepted that dietary components play an important role. Human and animal-based studies [...] Read more.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder thought to be caused by enteric inflammation in a genetically susceptible host. Although the pathogenesis of IBD is largely unknown, it is widely accepted that dietary components play an important role. Human and animal-based studies have explored the role of various dietary components such as meat, artificial sweeteners and food additives in causing enteric inflammation. Several diets have also been studied in patients with IBD, specifically their role in the induction or maintenance of remission. The most well-studied of these include exclusive enteral nutrition and specific carbohydrate diet. A diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), typically prescribed for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, has also been studied in a specific subgroup of patients with IBD. In this review, we describe the current evidence on how various dietary components can induce enteric and colonic inflammation, and the clinical–epidemiological evidence exploring their role in predisposing to or protecting against the development of IBD. We also discuss several special diets and how they affect clinical outcomes in IBD patients. Based on the available evidence, we provide guidance for patients and clinicians managing IBD regarding the best practice in dietary modifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health)

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