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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 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2020In the literature, there are still controversies regarding the effect of phytosterol(PS) supplementation on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels and glycosylated... (Review)
Review
Effects of Phytosterols supplementation on blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin levels in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
In the literature, there are still controversies regarding the effect of phytosterol(PS) supplementation on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in humans. We aimed to assess the impact of PS supplementation on FBS, HbA1c and insulin levels by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all RCTs published up to May 2019 in the following databases: PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus. The mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was pooled using a random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method).
RESULTS
Twenty-six arms from 20 RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. Our findings show that PS supplementation decreases insulin levels (mean difference [MD]: -6.426 μU/ml, 95% CI: -7.187, -5.665, P- value = 0.000). However, PS supplementation did not have significant effects on FBS and HbA1c levels. Following PS supplementation, significant changes in FBS (mean difference [MD]: -1.942 mg/dl, 95% CI: -3.637, -0.246, P- value = 0.025) and HbA1c (mean difference [MD]: -0.059%, 95% CI: -0.114, -0.004, P- value = 0.035) based on PS dosage (mg/d) were recorded.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with a baseline BMI <25 kg/m, PS consumption significantly increased FBS levels. Patients who consumed 1-2 g/day of PS had a lower FBS and lower HbA1c levels.
PubMed: 32550215
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00526-z -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2021Several studies describe the immobilization of microbial lipases aiming to evaluate the mechanical/thermal stability of the support/enzyme system, the appropriate method...
Several studies describe the immobilization of microbial lipases aiming to evaluate the mechanical/thermal stability of the support/enzyme system, the appropriate method for immobilization, acid and alkaline stability, tolerance to organic solvents and specificity of fatty acids. However, literature reviews focus on application of enzyme/support system in food technology remains scarce. This current systematic literature review aimed to identify, evaluate and interpret available and relevant researches addressing the type of support and immobilization techniques employed over lipases, in order to obtain products for food industry. Fourteen selected articles were used to structure the systematic review, in which the discussion was based on six main groups: (i) synthesis/enrichment of polyunsaturated fatty acids; (ii) synthesis of structured lipids; (iii) flavors and food coloring; (iv) additives, antioxidants and antimicrobials; (v) synthesis of phytosterol esters and (vi) synthesis of sugar esters. In general, the studies discussed the synthesis of the enzyme/support system and the characteristics: surface area, mass transfer resistance, activity, stability (pH and temperature), and recyclability. Each immobilization technique is applicable for a specific production, depending mainly on the sensitivity and cost of the process.
Topics: Enzyme Stability; Enzymes, Immobilized; Esters; Fatty Acids; Food Industry; Solvents
PubMed: 32423294
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1764489 -
Combinatorial Chemistry & High... 2020The Arisaema (Araceae) is a genus of approximately 180 perennial herbs widely distributed in the evergreen and deciduous forests. This genus (Arisaema) has been used as...
BACKGROUND
The Arisaema (Araceae) is a genus of approximately 180 perennial herbs widely distributed in the evergreen and deciduous forests. This genus (Arisaema) has been used as a medicinal agent since ancient times. Experimental investigations have shown a promising positive correlation with its folklore claim and this encourages us to report updated medicinal review (genus Arisaema) for future research.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to summarize the ethnobotany, folklore uses, chemistry and biological activities.
CONCLUSION
The comprehensive literature on genus Arisaema indicates the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, and glycosphingolipids as the principal chemical constituents. Additionally, phytosterols, alkaloids, carboline derivatives and miscellaneous compounds were documented in plants of genus Arisaema. Biological investigations led to the credentials of antioxidant, anticancer, insecticidal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and hepatoprotective activities. Following, several plant species are promising candidates for the treatment of cancer, parasitic diseases and microbial infection complications. Though, a lot of facets of this genus like phytoconstituents identification, mechanistic profile, adverse effects and clinical studies are still quite limited. Thus, this systematic review may act as a powerful tool in future studies for promoting health benefits against various health hazards.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antiparasitic Agents; Arisaema; Humans; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 32297572
DOI: 10.2174/1386207323666200416150754 -
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 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Sep 2020Several reports have indicated a positive effect of phytosterols on blood pressure (BP), nevertheless these findings have been controversial. Therefore, a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Several reports have indicated a positive effect of phytosterols on blood pressure (BP), nevertheless these findings have been controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was aimed to investigate the effects of phytosterol supplementation on BP. An online search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to May 2019. Weighted Mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. The present meta-analysis of 19 RCTs showed that supplementation with phytosterols can decrease both systolic BP (WMD: -1.55 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.67 to -0.42, p = 0.007) and diastolic BP (WMD: -0.84 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.08, p = 0.03). Dose-response analysis revealed that phytosterol intake change SBP significantly based on treatment dose in nonlinear fashion. Subgroup analysis based on duration showed a significant effect of phytosterol on SBP and DBP in subsets of <12 weeks. In addition, a significant effect of phytosterol was observed in dosage of ≥2000 mg for SBP and <2000 mg for DBP. Based on current findings supplementation with phytosterol may be a beneficial adjuvant therapy in hypertensive patients as well as a complementary preventive option in prehypertensive and normotensive individuals. However, this issue is still open and requires further investigation in future studies.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Hypertension; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31902603
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.12.020 -
Nutrition, Metabolism, and... Nov 2019Although some earlier studies have indicated the effect of phytosterol (PS) supplementation on serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentration,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Impact of phytosterol supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Although some earlier studies have indicated the effect of phytosterol (PS) supplementation on serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and free fatty acid (FFA) concentration, findings are still conflicting. We aimed to assess the impact of PS supplementation on serum Lp(a) and FFA concentration through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a systematic search of all available RCTs conducted up to 21 February 2019 in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. The choice of fixed- or random-effect model for analysis was determined according to the I statistic. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooling of 12 effect sizes from seven articles revealed a significant reduction of Lp(a) levels following PS supplementation (MD: -0.025 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.045, -0.004, p = 0.017) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I = 0.0%, p = 0.599). Also, PS supplementation significantly lowered FFA (MD: -0.138 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.195, -0.081, p = 0.000) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I = 0.0%, p = 0.911). The results for meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were not significant.
CONCLUSION
The meta-analysis suggests that oral PS supplementation could cause a significant reduction in serum Lp(a) and FFA.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Dietary Supplements; Down-Regulation; Dyslipidemias; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Lipoprotein(a); Male; Middle Aged; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31582198
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.07.011 -
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Dec 2019The composition of phytosterol (PS) formulations used to enrich food and supplements are typically different due to varying natural sources. Sitosterol and it's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The composition of phytosterol (PS) formulations used to enrich food and supplements are typically different due to varying natural sources. Sitosterol and it's hydrogenated form: sitostanol are the major PSs in most of these formulations. This review aimed to investigate whether the proportion of sitosterol plus sitostanol in a PS formulation is a determinant of the hypocholesterolaemic effect of PS products. If the amount of sitosterol plus sitostanol in a PS composition is ≥80%, the product is considered to be high in sitosterol plus sitostanol, otherwise the product is considered to be low in sitosterol plus sitostanol. We conducted a meta-analysis on the cholesterol-lowering potential of PS products that were high or low in sitosterol plus sitostanol. Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched, and published RCTs investigating the efficacy of dietary PSs intervention (≥1.5 g/d) on blood lipid profile improvement were selected. After strict screening and quality assessment, a total of 51 RCTs were included. As expected, PSs with all compositions significantly reduced LDL-C (p < 0.00001), while the LDL-C lowering effect associated with the high sitosterol plus sitostanol group was significantly greater than that of the low sitosterol plus sitostanol group (p = 0.002). PSs also significantly reduced TG (p = 0.009) without affecting HDL-C. Thus, the composition might affect the hypocholesterolaemic effect of PS products. PS products with higher sitosterol plus sitostanol proportions might have superior cholesterol-lowering potential than those with lower sitosterol plus sitostanol proportions.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anticholesteremic Agents; Cholesterol; Humans; Middle Aged; Phytosterols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sitosterols
PubMed: 31562385
DOI: 10.1038/s41430-019-0504-z -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Sep 2019Plant derivatives such as carotenoids and phytosterols enrich foods have been shown to reduce plasma triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Plant derivatives such as carotenoids and phytosterols enrich foods have been shown to reduce plasma triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses study was to investigate the effects of saffron on lipid profiles, reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic electronic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS to identify RCTs and screening of relevant articles references up to October 12, 2018. There were no language restrictions. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We identified and analyzed 14 eligible studies in this meta-analysis. Our study found a significant reduction in cholesterol and TG following saffron intervention (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -6.36 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval, CI, [-10.58, -2.18] and WMD: -5.37 mg/dl, 95% CI [-10.25, -0.48], respectively). There was no significant effect on weight and LDL concentration. A meta-regression analysis showed that long-term saffron intervention can increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In conclusions, our study findings indicate some benefits of saffron on cholesterol, HDL, and TG compared with placebo. However, we recommend the conduct of adequately powered, high-quality RCTs with short- and long-term follow-up, evaluating relevant clinical outcomes to allow for making definitive recommendations.
Topics: Cholesterol; Crocus; Humans; Lipids; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 31264281
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6420 -
Nutrients Jun 2019Human studies have shown diurnal rhythms of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis, but a better understanding of the role of the circadian system in cholesterol...
Diurnal Variation of Markers for Cholesterol Synthesis, Cholesterol Absorption, and Bile Acid Synthesis: A Systematic Review and the Bispebjerg Study of Diurnal Variations.
Human studies have shown diurnal rhythms of cholesterol and bile acid synthesis, but a better understanding of the role of the circadian system in cholesterol homeostasis is needed for the development of targeted interventions to improve metabolic health. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature search on the diurnal rhythms of cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers and of bile acid synthesis markers. We also examined the diurnal rhythms of the cholesterol synthesis markers lathosterol and desmosterol, and of the cholesterol absorption markers cholestanol, campesterol, and sitosterol in serum samples from the Bispebjerg study. These samples were collected every three hours over a 24-hour period in healthy males ( 24) who consumed low-fat meals. The systematic search identified sixteen papers that had examined the diurnal rhythms of the cholesterol synthesis markers lathosterol ( 3), mevalonate ( 9), squalene ( 2), or the bile acid synthesis marker 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) ( 4). Results showed that lathosterol, mevalonate, and squalene had a diurnal rhythm with nocturnal peaks, while C4 had a diurnal rhythm with daytime peaks. Furthermore, cosinor analyses of the serum samples showed a significant diurnal rhythm for lathosterol ( < 0.001), but not for desmosterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and cholestanol ( > 0.05). In conclusion, cholesterol synthesis and bile acid synthesis have a diurnal rhythm, though no evidence for a diurnal rhythm of cholesterol absorption was found under highly standardised conditions. More work is needed to further explore the influence of external factors on the diurnal rhythms regulating cholesterol homeostasis.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bile Acids and Salts; Biomarkers; Cholestanol; Cholesterol; Circadian Rhythm; Desmosterol; Female; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Middle Aged; Phytosterols; Sitosterols; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 31247945
DOI: 10.3390/nu11071439