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Nutrients Jun 2024In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of beetroot-based dietary supplements, driven by their rich nitrate composition. Several types of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of beetroot-based dietary supplements, driven by their rich nitrate composition. Several types of beetroot-based dietary supplements can be found in markets worldwide; however, ensuring the safety of dietary supplements is a crucial consideration, as there is limited evidence on their safety, especially for older populations. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a nitrate-rich beetroot extract in older participants taking supplements over 12 weeks. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 20 g daily of beetroot extract or a matching placebo. The safety and tolerability of the supplementation were evaluated as the occurrence of adverse events and anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters were measured. No serious adverse events were reported in any group. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameter changes between the baseline and the end of the study were not statistically significant in either group. However, interestingly, the group receiving beetroot extract supplementation exhibited a notable increase in plasma nitrate levels ( = 0.076, = 0.50) and showed a decrease in insulin levels ( = 0.026, = 0.59). In conclusion, we found that 20 g of beetroot extract supplementation for 12 weeks was safe and well tolerated in older participants.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Beta vulgaris; Plant Extracts; Aged; Male; Female; Nitrates; Plant Roots; Double-Blind Method; Insulin; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38931296
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121942 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Physical fatigue (peripheral fatigue), which affects a considerable portion of the world population, is a decline in the ability of muscle fibers to contract effectively...
Bioactive Compounds in Peel Are Potential Candidates for Alleviating Physical Fatigue through a Triad Approach of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Modeling.
Physical fatigue (peripheral fatigue), which affects a considerable portion of the world population, is a decline in the ability of muscle fibers to contract effectively due to alterations in the regulatory processes of muscle action potentials. However, it lacks an efficacious therapeutic intervention. The present study explored bioactive compounds and the mechanism of action of peel (CR-P) in treating physical fatigue by utilizing network pharmacology (NP), molecular docking, and simulation-based molecular dynamics (MD). The bioactive ingredients of CR-P and prospective targets of CR-P and physical fatigue were obtained from various databases. A PPI network was generated by the STRING database, while the key overlapping targets were analyzed for enrichment by adopting KEGG and GO. The binding affinities of bioactive ingredients to the hub targets were determined by molecular docking. The results were further validated by MD simulation. Five bioactive compounds were screened, and 56 key overlapping targets were identified for CR-P and physical fatigue, whereas the hub targets with a greater degree in the PPI network were AKT1, TP53, STAT3, MTOR, KRAS, HRAS, JAK2, IL6, EGFR, and ESR1. The findings of the enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of the targets in three key signaling pathways, namely PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and JAK-STAT. The molecular docking and MD simulation results revealed that the bioactive compounds of CR-P exhibit a stronger affinity for interacting with the hub targets. The present work suggests that bioactive compounds of CR-P, specifically Hesperetin and Sitosterol, may ameliorate physical fatigue via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway by targeting AKT1, KRAS, and MTOR proteins.
Topics: Citrus; Molecular Docking Simulation; Network Pharmacology; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Humans; Fruit; Hesperidin; Plant Extracts; Fatigue; Protein Interaction Maps; Signal Transduction; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 38931288
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121934 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Guarana (GUA), a Brazilian seed extract, contains caffeine and other bioactive compounds that may have psychoactive effects. To assess the acute effects of GUA compared... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Guarana (GUA), a Brazilian seed extract, contains caffeine and other bioactive compounds that may have psychoactive effects. To assess the acute effects of GUA compared to a low dose of caffeine (CAF) on cognitive and mood parameters, twenty participants completed a double-blind, crossover experiment where they ingested capsules containing the following: (1) 100 mg CAF, (2) 500 mg GUA containing 130 mg caffeine, or (3) placebo (PLA). Cognitive tests (Simon and 2N-Back Task) were performed at the baseline (pre-ingestion) and 60 min after ingestion. The response time for the cognitive tests and heart rate variability were unaffected ( > 0.05) by treatment, although 2N-Back was overall faster ( = 0.001) across time. The accuracy in the 2N-Back Task showed a significant interaction effect ( = 0.029) due to higher post-ingestion versus pre-ingestion levels ( = 0.033), but only with the PLA. The supplements also had no effect on cognitive measures following physical fatigue ( = 11). There was an interaction effect on perceived mental energy, where the pre-ingestion of GUA had lower mental pep ratings compared to post-ingestion ( = 0.006) and post-exercise ( = 0.018) levels. Neither the acute ingestion of GUA nor low dose of CAF influenced cognitive performance or provided consistent benefit on mood or mental workload through vagal modulation. Additional investigations are beneficial to determining the lowest effective dose for CAF or GUA to influence mood and/or cognitive performance.
Topics: Humans; Caffeine; Paullinia; Male; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Cognition; Adult; Young Adult; Female; Heart Rate; Affect; Vagus Nerve; Plant Extracts; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38931247
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121892 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role during neuronal development as well as during differentiation and synaptogenesis. They are important...
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role during neuronal development as well as during differentiation and synaptogenesis. They are important proteins present in the brain that support neuronal health and protect the neurons from detrimental signals. The results from the present study suggest BDNF expression can be increase up to ~8-fold by treating the neuroblastoma cells SHSY-5Y with an herbal extract of (50 μg/mL) and ~5.5-fold under lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation conditions. The extract (Sabroxy) was standardized to 10% oroxylin A, 6% chrysin, and 15% baicalein. In addition, Sabroxy has shown to possess antioxidant activity that could decrease the damage caused by the exacerbation of radicals during neurodegeneration. A mode of action of over expression of BDNF with and without inflammation is proposed for the extract, where the three major hydroxyflavones exert their effects through additive or synergistic effects via five possible targets including GABA, Adenoside A2A and estrogen receptor bindings, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduced mitochondrial ROS production.
Topics: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Plant Extracts; Lipopolysaccharides; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Neurons; Cell Line, Tumor; Inflammation; Flavanones; Bignoniaceae; Up-Regulation; Flavonoids; Reactive Oxygen Species; Antioxidants; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38931243
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121887 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Chronic sleep disturbance affects daily functioning, leading to decreased concentration, fatigue, and higher healthcare costs. Traditional insomnia medications are often...
Chronic sleep disturbance affects daily functioning, leading to decreased concentration, fatigue, and higher healthcare costs. Traditional insomnia medications are often associated with adverse side effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel compound derived from and extracts (named RNE) in improving sleep quality with fewer side effects. The study included individuals between the ages of 20 and 65 with subthreshold insomnia and evaluated the effects of RNE on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Participants took 750 mg of RNE daily at bed-time for two weeks. The study used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a sleep diary, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for assessments. Of the 20 participants, 13 completed the study and showed significant improvements in sleep quality. The results showed improvements in ISI and PSQI scores, a 57% reduction in wake-time after sleep onset, and improved sleep efficiency. Although FSS scores remained unchanged, significant improvements were seen in SF-36 physical and mental health scores. The results suggest that RNE is an effective, low-risk option for sleep disturbance, significantly improving sleep quality and overall wellbeing without significant side effects.
Topics: Humans; Rhodiola; Adult; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Sleep Quality; Quality of Life; Nelumbo; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Young Adult; Fatigue; Aged; Sleep Wake Disorders; Sleep
PubMed: 38931222
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121867 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Iron deficiency remains a public health challenge globally. Prebiotics have the potential to improve iron bioavailability by modulating intestinal bacterial population,...
Iron deficiency remains a public health challenge globally. Prebiotics have the potential to improve iron bioavailability by modulating intestinal bacterial population, increasing SCFA production, and stimulating expression of brush border membrane (BBM) iron transport proteins among iron-deficient populations. This study intended to investigate the potential effects of soluble extracts from the cotyledon and seed coat of three pea () varieties (CDC Striker, CDC Dakota, and CDC Meadow) on the expression of BBM iron-related proteins (DCYTB and DMT1) and populations of beneficial intestinal bacteria in vivo using the model by oral gavage (one day old chicks) with 1 mL of 50 mg/mL pea soluble extract solutions. The seed coat treatment groups increased the relative abundance of compared to the cotyledon treatment groups, with CDC Dakota seed coat (dark brown pigmented) recording the highest relative abundance of . In contrast, CDC Striker Cotyledon (dark-green-pigmented) significantly increased the relative abundance of ( < 0.05). Subsequently, the two dark-pigmented treatment groups (CDC Striker Cotyledon and CDC Dakota seed coats) recorded the highest expression of DCYTB. Our study suggests that soluble extracts from the pea seed coat and dark-pigmented pea cotyledon may improve iron bioavailability by affecting intestinal bacterial populations.
Topics: Animals; Pisum sativum; Chickens; Prebiotics; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Iron; Plant Extracts; Intestines; Seeds; Bifidobacterium; Cotyledon; Lactobacillus; Cation Transport Proteins
PubMed: 38931211
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121856 -
Nutrients Jun 2024, a polyphenol-rich plant, holds potential for improving inflammation, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, this study employed network pharmacology...
, a polyphenol-rich plant, holds potential for improving inflammation, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, this study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism by which ameliorates inflammation. In this study, 29 kinds of active ingredients were obtained via data mining. Five main active components were screened out for improving inflammation, which were flemichin D, naringenin, chrysophanol, genistein and orobol. In total, 52 core targets were identified, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), serum albumin (ALB), and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 2331 entries related to biological processes, 98 entries associated with cellular components, and 203 entries linked to molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis yielded 149 pathways, including those involved in EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, endocrine resistance, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed strong binding effects between the main active components and the core targets, with binding energies less than -5 kcal/mol. In summary, this study preliminarily elucidated the underlying mechanisms by which , through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach, ameliorates inflammation. This provides a theoretical foundation for the subsequent application of in inflammation amelioration.
Topics: Molecular Docking Simulation; Network Pharmacology; Inflammation; Humans; Signal Transduction; Fabaceae; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38931205
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121850 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy...
Cancer therapy, from malignant tumor inhibition to cellular eradication treatment, remains a challenge, especially regarding reduced side effects and low energy consumption during treatment. Hence, phytochemicals as cytotoxic sensitizers or photosensitizers deserve special attention. The dark and photo-response of Yemenite 'Etrog' leaf extracts applied to prostate PC3 cancer cells is reported here. An XTT cell viability assay along with light microscope observations revealed pronounced cytotoxic activity of the extract for long exposure times of 72 h upon concentrations of 175 μg/mL and 87.5 μg/mL, while phototoxic effect was obtained even at low concentration of 10.93 μg/mL and a short introduction period of 1.5 h. For the longest time incubation of 72 h and for the highest extract concentration of 175 μg/mL, relative cell survival decreased by up to 60% (below the IC). In combined phyto-photodynamic therapy, a reduction of 63% compared to unirradiated controls was obtained. The concentration of extract in cells versus the accumulation time was inversely related to fluorescence emission intensity readings. Extracellular ROS production was also shown. Based on an ATR-FTIR analysis of the powdered leaves and their liquid ethanolic extract, biochemical fingerprints of both polar and non-polar phyto-constituents were identified, thereby suggesting their implementation as phyto-medicine and phyto-photomedicine.
Topics: Humans; Male; Plant Extracts; Photochemotherapy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Plant Leaves; Cell Survival; Photosensitizing Agents; PC-3 Cells; Reactive Oxygen Species; Yemen; Cell Line, Tumor; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
PubMed: 38931175
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121820 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Obesity and type 2 diabetes are prevalent metabolic diseases that have significant links to several chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and...
The Anti-Obesogenic Effects of Muscadine Grapes through Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Receptor (Cntfr) and Histamine Receptor H1 (Hrh1) Genes in 3T3-L1 Differentiated Mouse Cells.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are prevalent metabolic diseases that have significant links to several chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Muscadine grape extracts have shown the potential to reduce adiposity and improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Thus, this study was designed to determine the potential of muscadine grape berries extract (Pineapple and Southern Home) for its antiobesity properties in 3T3-L1 cells as a model for obesity research. The current study's data indicated the total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraziyl (DPPH) activity were higher in cultivar (CV) Southern Home, meanwhile, elevated the total flavonoid content (TFC) in Pineapple. Both extracts were safe across the tested range (0-5 mg/mL). A noticeable reduction in lipid accumulation was also found in extract-treated cells. In preadipocytes and adipocytes, the tested extracts showed significant alterations in various genes involved in glucose homeostasis and obesity. The most remarkable findings of the current study are the upregulation of two genes, Cntfr (+712.715-fold) and Hrh1 (+270.11-fold) in CV Pineapple extract-treated adipocytes 3T3-L1 and the high fold increase in Ramp3 induced by both Pineapple and Southern Home in pre-adipose cells. Furthermore, the tested extracts showed a potential to alter the mRNA of various genes, including Zfp91, B2m, Nr3c1, Insr, Atrn, Il6ra, Hsp90ab1, Sort1, and Npy1r. In conclusion, the data generated from the current study suggested that the two extracts under investigation are considered potential candidates for controlling insulin levels and managing obesity.
Topics: Animals; Mice; 3T3-L1 Cells; Plant Extracts; Anti-Obesity Agents; Obesity; Vitis; Adipocytes; Cell Differentiation; Fruit
PubMed: 38931172
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121817 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger populations are unclear. This study examined the effects of liposomal ashwagandha supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and markers of health and safety in healthy young men and women.
METHODS
59 men and women (22.7 ± 7 yrs., 74.9 ± 16 kg, 26.2 ± 5 BMI) fasted for 12 h, donated a fasting blood sample, and were administered the COMPASS cognitive function test battery (Word Recall, Word recognition, Choice Reaction Time Task, Picture Recognition, Digit Vigilance Task, Corsi Block test, Stroop test) and profile of mood states (POMS). In a randomized and double-blind manner, participants were administered 225 mg of a placebo (Gum Arabic) or ashwagandha () root and leaf extract coated with a liposomal covering. After 60-min, participants repeated cognitive assessments. Participants continued supplementation (225 mg/d) for 30 days and then returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Data were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons of mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Ashwagandha supplementation improved acute and/or 30-day measures of Word Recall (correct and recalled attempts), Choice Reaction Time (targets identified), Picture Recognition ("yes" correct responses, correct and overall reaction time), Digit Vigilance (correct reaction time), Stroop Color-Word (congruent words identified, reaction time), and POMS (tension and fatigue) from baseline more consistently with several differences observed between groups.
CONCLUSION
Results support contentions that ashwagandha supplementation (225 mg) may improve some measures of memory, attention, vigilance, attention, and executive function while decreasing perceptions of tension and fatigue in younger healthy individuals. Retrospectively registered clinical trial ISRCTN58680760.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Cognition; Double-Blind Method; Dietary Supplements; Young Adult; Adult; Affect; Plant Extracts; Adolescent; Reaction Time; Biomarkers; Liposomes; Plant Leaves; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38931168
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121813