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Journal of the American College of... Jun 2015
Meta-Analysis Review
Topics: Diet; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Nuts; Phytosterols
PubMed: 26112204
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.03.595 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2021Blepharis is an Afro-Asiatic genus belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It comprises about 126 species that occur in arid and semi-arid habitats. Some species of...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Blepharis is an Afro-Asiatic genus belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It comprises about 126 species that occur in arid and semi-arid habitats. Some species of Blepharis are used in traditional medicines in different countries mainly for their anti-inflammatory, wound healing activities along with treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and bone fractures.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
The present review aims to collate and analyze the available data and information on distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Blepharis.
METHODS
Scientific information of genus Blepharis was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science and Google Scholar and secondary resources including books and proceedings.
RESULTS
Seven species of Blepharis were found to be reported frequently as useful in folklore in African and Asian countries. B. maderaspatensis was found to be widely used in Indian traditional medicines whereas the B. ciliaris and B. edulis were common in folklore of Egypt, Jordan, and Arabia. Active phytochemicals of Blepharis are flavonoids from B. ciliaris, alkaloids from B. sindica, phenolic acid derivatives, and phytosterols, and derivatives of hydroxamic acids from B. edulis resulted in possessing diverse biological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
Various species of Blepharis were found to be used in traditional medicine systems in African and Asian countries. Few of these species were studied for their bioactive chemical constituents however the activity guided isolation studies are not performed. Similarly, detailed pharmacological studies in animal models to explore their mechanism of action are also not reported. Future studies should focus on these aspects related to the medicinally used species of Blepharis. The detailed and comprehensive comparative analysis presented here gives valuable information of the currently used Blepharis species and pave the way to investigate other useful species of Blepharis pertaining to ethnobotany, phytochemistry and discovery of new drugs.
Topics: Acanthaceae; Animals; Ethnobotany; Ethnopharmacology; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations
PubMed: 32798615
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113255 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2016Efficacy and safety data from trials with suitable endpoints have shown that non-statin medication in combination with a statin is a potential strategy to further reduce... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and safety data from trials with suitable endpoints have shown that non-statin medication in combination with a statin is a potential strategy to further reduce cardiovascular events. We aimed to evaluate the overall effect of stanol- or sterol-enriched diets on serum lipid profiles in patients treated with statins by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used the PubMed, Cochrane library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to search for literature published up to December 2015. Trials were included in the analysis if they were RCTs evaluating the effect of plant stanols or sterols in patients under statin therapy that reported corresponding data on serum lipid profiles. We included 15 RCTs involving a total of 500 participants. Stanol- or sterol-enriched diets in combination with statins, compared with statins alone, produced significant reductions in total cholesterol of 0.30 mmol/L (95% CI -0.36 to -0.25) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 0.30 mmol/L (95% CI -0.35 to -0.25), but not in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides. These results persisted in the subgroup analysis. Our meta-analysis provides further evidence that stanol- or sterol-enriched diets additionally lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in patients treated with statins beyond that achieved by statins alone.
Topics: Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 27539156
DOI: 10.1038/srep31337 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2022Inula racemosa Hook. f., is a critically endangered perennial herb distributed throughout the Himalaya; commercially useful in pharmaceutical products mainly because of...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Inula racemosa Hook. f., is a critically endangered perennial herb distributed throughout the Himalaya; commercially useful in pharmaceutical products mainly because of its expectorant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, carminative, thermogenic, digestive, cardiotonic, acrid, alexipharmic, anodyne, aphrodisiac, febrifuge, and antiseptic properties. The roots including rhizomes of the plant were used in the treatment of various ailments like chest pain, liver dysfunction, dyspnoea, and cardiovascular diseases by the ethenic Himalayan residents.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
Even though there are plentiful studies involving I. racemosa for pharmacological properties, but there is gap or few records available on production technologies and patents. The purpose of review is to provide large unmanageable information in systematic form for researchers, health care contributors, and policy makers so that they efficiently integrate the existing information and provide balanced decision making.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Relevant data search was completed through systematic searches using various scientific databases including e-resources viz., Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ACS, Springer Link, Taylor and Francis, Scifinder, PubMed, PubChem, Web of Science, LibGen, Wiley, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The list of literature cited in this review are dated from 1959 to 2021.
RESULTS
Till date variety of ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of essential oil including crude extract of I. racemosa have been documented. The shortlisted records revealed that the herb has a potential to treat stomach ulcer, respiratory tract infections including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Alantolactone and isoalloalantolactone were reported as the major bioactive constituents along with few fatty acids, phytosterols, and glycosides characterized by GC, GC/MS, HPLC, HPTLC and qNMR techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a detailed literature survey on the plant, evidences were found fascinating for biological, traditional, and pharmacological effects, whilst there are no genomic resources available for this medicinal herb. Thus, molecular studies are critical for unravelling the production process of bioactive metabolites inside herb, which will underlay a path for improving these metabolites at commercial scale. Moreover, the association and role of particular phytoconstituent in its biological properties still needs to be validated. In addition, there are no reports on measures on its conservation and mechanism of toxicity research, which also needs more attention. We hope this review can provide a basis for further studies concerning the protected and efficient utilization of I. racemosa.
Topics: Animals; Ethnobotany; Ethnopharmacology; Humans; India; Inula; Medicine, Traditional; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34600078
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114613 -
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism 2015The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is rising and it is the prime cause of death in all developed countries. Bioactive compounds (BACs) can play a role in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is rising and it is the prime cause of death in all developed countries. Bioactive compounds (BACs) can play a role in CVD prevention and treatment. To examine the scientific evidence supporting BACs groups' efficacy in CVD prevention and treatment, we conducted a systematized review.
METHODS
All available information on Medline, LILACS and EMBASE; all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with prospective, parallel or crossover designs in humans in which the BACs effect was compared with that of placebo/control. Vascular homeostasis, blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were considered primary outcomes.
RESULTS
We selected 26 articles, verifying their quality based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, establishing diverse quality levels of scientific evidence according to the design and bias risk of a study. Grades of recommendation were included, depending on the evidence strength of antecedents.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence shows that certain BACs' derivative from active lipids and nitrogen compounds, mainly from horse chestnut seed extract, sterol plants, allium derivatives, and certain doses of beta-glucans, can be helpful in decreasing the prevalence of CVD risk factors. However, further rigorous evidence is necessary to support and prove BACs' effect on CVD prevention and treatment.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fiber; Flavonoids; Humans; MEDLINE; Nitrogen Compounds; Phytochemicals; Phytosterols; Polysaccharides; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sulfur Compounds; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 26045206
DOI: 10.1159/000430960 -
Food & Function Jun 2024The most significant contributor to global mortality are cardiovascular diseases. Dietary factors significantly impact the risk, advancement, and treatment of... (Review)
Review
The most significant contributor to global mortality are cardiovascular diseases. Dietary factors significantly impact the risk, advancement, and treatment of cardiometabolic conditions. Chocolate, known for its adaptability and capacity to stimulate pleasure centers, emerges as a promising vehicle for integrating different bioactive elements. This systematic review analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials investigating the health effects of consuming enriched, fortified, or supplemented chocolate. These trials varied in chocolate intake amounts (ranging from 5 to 101 g day), incorporated bioactive components (co-crystalized astaxanthin, lycopene, wood-based phytosterol-phytostanol mixture, canola sterol esters, .), and duration (from 2 weeks to 1 year). Some enriched chocolates were found to reduce total and LDL cholesterol and influence markers of oxidative damage, inflammation, immune function, and skin parameters. However, certain trials showed a minimal impact on health outcomes. Therefore, while enriched chocolate holds promise as a carrier for beneficial bioactive compounds, rigorous scientific inquiry and methodological rigor are crucial to fully substantiate these claims. Comprehensive evaluations covering cardiovascular health, metabolic function, immune response, and other aspects are needed to understand its potential benefits and limitations. Advancing robust research initiatives could help realize the full potential of enriched chocolate in promoting human health and well-being.
PubMed: 38864465
DOI: 10.1039/d4fo01574f -
Marine Drugs May 2021Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early...
Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early deaths are due to exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which causes multiple respiratory diseases. Algae, as a natural product, can be an alternative treatment due to potential biofunctional properties and advantages. This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate the evidence of metabolites derived from algae as potential anti-inflammatory agents against respiratory disorders induced by atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant published full articles from 2016 to 2020. The main key search terms were limited to "algae", "anti-inflammation", and "air pollutant". The search activity resulted in the retrieval of a total of 36 publications. Nine publications are eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A total of four brown algae (, , and ) with phytosterol, polysaccharides and polyphenols were reported in the nine studies. The review sheds light on the pathways of particulate matter travelling into respiratory systems and causing inflammation, and on the mechanisms of actions of algae in inhibiting inflammation. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. More research is needed to investigate the potential of algae as anti-inflammatory agents against PM in in vivo and in vitro experimental models, as well as clinically.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Humans; Particulate Matter; Phaeophyceae; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 34070821
DOI: 10.3390/md19060317 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2019Conventionally used soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (S-LE) have high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and phytosterols that may contribute to adverse effects... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Conventionally used soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (S-LE) have high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and phytosterols that may contribute to adverse effects in preterm infants. The newer lipid emulsions (LE) from different lipid sources are currently available for use in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the safety and efficacy of all LE for parenteral nutrition (PN) in preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation) including preterm infants with surgical conditions or parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD)/cholestasis using direct comparisons and pair-wise meta-analyses.
SEARCH METHODS
We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1946 to 18 June 2018), Embase (1974 to 18 July 2018), CINAHL (1982 to 18 June 2018), MIDRIS (1971 to 31 May 2018), conference proceedings, trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO's Trials Registry and Platform), and reference lists of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled studies in preterm infants with or without surgical conditions or PNALD within the first six months of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collection and analysis conformed to the methods of Cochrane Neonatal. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence for important outcomes in addition to reporting statistical significance of results.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 29 studies (n = 2037) in this review. LE were classified in three broad groups: 1. all fish oil-containing LE including pure fish oil-LE (F-LE) and multisource LE (e.g. medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)-olive-fish-soybean oil-LE (MOFS-LE), MCT-fish-soybean oil-LE (MFS-LE) and olive-fish-soybean oil-LE (OFS-LE); 2. conventional S-LE; 3. alternative-LE (e.g. MCT-soybean oil-LE (MS-LE), olive-soybean oil-LE and borage oil-based LE).We considered the following broad comparisons: fish oil LE versus non-fish oil LE; fish oil LE versus another fish oil LE; alternative-LE versus S-LE; alternative-LE versus another alternative-LE in preterm infants less than 37 weeks' gestation, preterm infants with surgical conditions and preterm infants with PNALD/cholestasis. Separate subgroup comparisons of each LE preparation were included within these broader groups.Most studies in preterm infants used PN for mean duration of four weeks or less and for longer duration in infants with cholestasis or surgical conditions.We defined the primary outcome of PNALD/cholestasis as conjugated bilirubin (Cbil) 2 mg/dL or greater and resolution of PNALD/cholestasis as Cbil less than 2 mg/dL. There was heterogeneity in definitions used by the included studies with Cbil cut-offs ranging from 17.1 μmol/L (1 mg/dL) up to 50 μmol/L (about 3 mg/dL).In preterm infants, meta-analysis found no evidence of a difference in the incidence of PNALD/cholestasis (Cbil cut-off: 2 mg/dl) between fish oil-LEs and all non-fish oil LEs (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 1.56; typical risk difference (RD) -0.03, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.02; 4 studies; n = 328; low-quality evidence).We also considered an outcome allowing for any definition of PNALD (different Cbil cutoffs). In the meta-analysis for PNALD/cholestasis, using any definition and restricted to low or unclear risk of bias studies, there was no evidence of a difference between fish oil LE and all non-fish oil LE for incidence of cholestasis (typical RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.21; typical RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02; 10 studies; n = 1024; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence of difference in subgroup meta-analyses of individual LE types in any comparison.In preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis, there was only one small study each reporting no evidence of a difference in incidence or resolution of cholestasis respectively with use of a pure F-LE versus S-LE (using a Cbil cut-off of 2 mg/dL).In preterm infants with PNALD/cholestasis (using any definition), the meta-analysis showed significantly less cholestasis with the use of fish oil-LE compared to S-LE (typical RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.91; typical RD -0.39, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.12; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 3, 95% CI 2 to 9; 2 studies; n = 40; very low-quality evidence). However, this outcome had a very low number of participants from two small studies with methodological differences, one of which was terminated early, increasing the uncertainty about effect estimates.There were no differences between LE types in pair-wise meta-analyses for growth in preterm infants. There was paucity of studies in preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis to perform meta-analyses for growth and most other outcomes.In the secondary outcomes for preterm infants, there was no difference between fish-oil LE and non-fish oil LE in meta-analysis for severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (stage 3 or greater, or requiring surgery: typical RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.16; typical RD -0.03, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.02; 7 studies; n = 731; very low-quality evidence). There were no differences in the LE types in pair-wise meta-analyses for death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), ventilation duration, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, jaundice, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, intrahepatocellular lipid content and conjugated bilirubin levels in any comparison.In surgical infants, one study (n = 19) reported no differences in death, sepsis rates, Cbil and neurodevelopmental outcomes with pure F-LE versus S-LE.In infants with cholestasis, there were no evidence of differences in death or sepsis in meta-analyses between fish oil-LE and S-LE; (2 studies; n = 40; very low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In the current review, we did not find any particular LE with or without fish oil to be better than another LE in preterm infants for prevention of PNALD/cholestasis, growth, mortality, ROP, BPD and other neonatal outcomes.In preterm infants with surgical conditions or cholestasis, there is currently insufficient evidence from randomised studies to determine with any certainty if fish oil LEs offer advantage in prevention or resolution of cholestasis or in any other clinical outcome.Further research, with larger well-designed trials, is warranted to evaluate the ideal composition of LE in preterm infants and the role of fish oil-containing and other LEs in the prevention and resolution of PNALD, ROP and other clinical outcomes.
Topics: Bilirubin; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Cholestasis; Emulsions; Fish Oils; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Parenteral Nutrition; Plant Oils; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Soybean Oil; Surgical Procedures, Operative; gamma-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 31158919
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013163.pub2 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR May 2019Present meta-analysis investigates the effects of phytosterols and phytostanol (PS) supplementation on anthropometric indices, using data from randomized controlled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Possible anti-obesity effects of phytosterols and phytostanols supplementation in humans: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Present meta-analysis investigates the effects of phytosterols and phytostanol (PS) supplementation on anthropometric indices, using data from randomized controlled trials. We performed a systematic search in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochran, and Web of Science. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented. Overall, 79 randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of PS on anthropometric indices. Meta-analysis results did not reveal any significant effect of PS supplementation on weight (66 trials-WMD: -0.083 kg; CI [-0.233, 0.066]; I = 42.5%), percentage fat mass (6 trials-WMD: -0.090%; CI [-0.789, 0.610]; I = 0.0%), and waist circumference (WC; 5 trials-WMD: -0.039 cm; CI [-0.452, 0.374]; I = 0.0%). However, body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased after PS supplementation (39 trials-WMD: -0.063 kg/m2, p = 0.024, I = 25.1%). Subgroup analyses showed that PS supplementation in subjects with baseline BMI ≥25 and hyperlipidemic significantly decreased body weight and BMI. The overall results showed that although PS supplementation did not affect anthropometric indices (except BMI), baseline status regarding BMI and hyperlipidemia and also dose and duration could be contributing factors for favorable effects.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Humans; Obesity; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30838686
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6319 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Mar 2020Carotenoids (including zeaxanthin and lycopene) and phytosterols reportedly confer beneficial effects on metabolic profile and function, which is of clinical importance.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Carotenoids (including zeaxanthin and lycopene) and phytosterols reportedly confer beneficial effects on metabolic profile and function, which is of clinical importance. Thus, we sought to review the saffron effects on waist circumstance (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HA1C concentrations reported in Randomized Control Trials (RCTs).
METHOD
A comprehensive systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of sciences, and SCOPUS to identify RCTs up to February 2019 without any language restrictions. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random. PRISMA guidelines adhered to for this meta-analysis.
RESULT
Nine articles with 12 arms containing 595 participants were included in this study. Our study found WC was significantly reduced (WMD: -2.18 cm, 95 % CI: -4.05, -0.32) and FPG (WMD: -6.54 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -10.22, -2.85) following saffron intervention. Subgroup analysis highlighted that FPG levels (WMD: -10.24 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -15.76, -4.72) reduced significantly when intervention duration was longer than twelve weeks. There was no significant effect on HA1C levels (WMD: -0.13 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -0.31, 0.04) following saffron intervention.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the present study indicates beneficial effects on WC and FPG, following saffron supplementation.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Crocus; Dietary Supplements; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Waist Circumference
PubMed: 32147057
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102298