-
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021Persimmon ( L.f.) crop has markedly increased in Spain, and "Rojo Brillante" persimmon is the main cultivated variety. This astringent cultivar requires de-astringency...
Persimmon ( L.f.) crop has markedly increased in Spain, and "Rojo Brillante" persimmon is the main cultivated variety. This astringent cultivar requires de-astringency treatment before commercialization, which may involve an extra cost. Its short commercial season implies handling large volumes of fruits with consequent postharvest losses. Therefore, the development of derived added-value products is of much interest. In this study, astringent and non-astringent "Rojo Brillante" persimmons were dehydrated by following a natural drying method used in Asia. The drying kinetics and physico-chemical properties were analyzed for 81 days. The results indicated subsequent reductions in weight, water content, and water activity throughout the drying process, and the equatorial diameter decreased. All the employed thin-layer mathematical models were suitable for representing the drying characteristics of both products with similar behavior. The effective water diffusivity values were 5.07 × 10 m s and 6.07 × 10 m s for astringent and non-astringent persimmon samples, respectively. The drying treatment significantly decreased the soluble tannins content, and the astringent samples obtained similar values to those obtained for the non-astringent samples in 20 days. The external and internal flesh of the astringent fruit remained orange through the drying period, while brown coloration in the non-astringent fruit was observed after 57 drying days. Therefore, prior de-astringency treatment would not be necessary.
PubMed: 33803816
DOI: 10.3390/foods10030647 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Apr 2022Human Papillomavirus is one of the most crucial infectious disease in gynecology disease. To assess the efficacy of supplemental zinc treatment in clearance of HPV... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
AIM
Human Papillomavirus is one of the most crucial infectious disease in gynecology disease. To assess the efficacy of supplemental zinc treatment in clearance of HPV infection.
METHODS
Eighty zinc-sufficient women between 21-55 years, with positive HPV DNA testing, and abnormal cervical cytology in Pap test (ASCUS or LISL) were randomly divided to case (n=40) and control group (n=40). Case group received oral tablets of zinc sulfate twice a day for 3 months while control group received no placebo. During follow-up patients underwent repeat HPV DNA test and PAP test and were evaluated for clearance/persistence of HPV infection and regression/progression in the lesion grading.
RESULTS
As far as demographics, serum zinc levels and the relevant risk factors for persistence of HPV were concerned, there was no significant difference between two groups, except for the frequency distribution of HR-HPV which was significantly higher in case group. Zinc treatment for 3 months reduced the risk of persistence of HPV infection and progression from baseline cytology (OR = 0.130) (CI 95% 0.04-0.381; p <0.001) and 0.301 (95% CI 0.777-0.116; p = 0.012), respectively. Age, initial cytology, HPV type, and contraceptive method were not related to persistence of HPV. Serum zinc levels increased in the casr group as a result of oral zinc consumption for 3-month period, though without any statistical significance (p = 0.407).
CONCLUSION
The results of the following study suggested that oral intake of zinc sulfate supplement for 3 months increases the rates of HPV clearance and resolution of pre-existing cervical lesion.
Topics: Alphapapillomavirus; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Papanicolaou Test; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Zinc; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 35485687
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.4.1285 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2021Phenotypic characterization of postharvest traits is essential for the breeding of high-quality fruits. To compare postharvest traits of different genetic lines, it is...
Phenotypic characterization of postharvest traits is essential for the breeding of high-quality fruits. To compare postharvest traits of different genetic lines, it is essential to use a reference point during fruit development that will be common to all the lines. In this study, we employed a non-destructive parameter of chlorophyll levels to establish a similar physiological age and compared several postharvest traits of ten astringent and seven non-astringent persimmon cultivars. The fruit's traits examined were astringency, weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), chlorophyll levels (I ), color (hue), firmness, color development and firmness loss during storage, crack development, and susceptibility to infection. Although the chlorophyll (I ) index and color (hue) showed a high correlation among mature fruits of all cultivars, the chlorophyll parameter could detect higher variability in each cultivar, suggesting that I is a more rigorous parameter for detecting the developmental stage. The average weight, TSS, and TA were similar between astringent and non-astringent cultivars. Cracks appeared only on a few cultivars at harvest. Resistance to infection and firmness were lower in astringent than in non-astringent cultivars. Only the astringent cultivar "32" was resistant to infection possibly due to the existence of an efficient peel barrier. It was concluded that a high correlation existed between astringency, susceptibility to infection, and firmness. Cracks did not correlate with astringency or firmness. The phenotypic traits evaluated in this work can be used in future breeding programs for elite persimmon fruits.
PubMed: 34163526
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.670929 -
Environmental Sustainability (Singapore) May 2023The cashew apple is a tropical pseudo fruit, with high fiber content, high nutritional value, and therapeutic compositional profile. Consuming cashew apples can help... (Review)
Review
The cashew apple is a tropical pseudo fruit, with high fiber content, high nutritional value, and therapeutic compositional profile. Consuming cashew apples can help with several health-related problems, such as obesity, stomach ulcers, and gastritis. It has even demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic effects, and its antioxidants can help with wound-healing. Despite such benefits, the cashew apple is frequently considered as waste generated by cashew nut industries, since its commercial applications are restricted by the astringency and poor storability. This astringency is primarily due to the presence of tannins; and a lack of proper, efficient, and economical astringency reduction strategy is accountable for major waste generation. This review compiles pieces of information on the causes of astringency, as well as tannin reduction methods, such as clarification, thermal treatments, microfiltration, and fermentation. These methods aim to either just reduce tannin content or to valorize this by-product in a less-astringent better product. Both routes will eventually help with the better utilization of said organic food waste, which is critical for sustainable development.
PubMed: 37363088
DOI: 10.1007/s42398-023-00276-7 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Sep 2009Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 100 types, which probably infects the skin via areas of minimal trauma. Risk factors include... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 100 types, which probably infects the skin via areas of minimal trauma. Risk factors include use of communal showers, occupational handling of meat, and immunosuppression. In immunocompetent people, warts are harmless and resolve as a result of natural immunity within months or years.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for warts (non-genital)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2008 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 12 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic, review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: intralesional bleomycin; cimetidine; contact immunotherapy; cryotherapy; duct tape occlusion; formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde; homeopathy; photodynamic treatment; pulsed dye laser; surgical procedures; topical salicylic acid; and zinc sulphate.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Bandages; Bleomycin; Cimetidine; Cryosurgery; Cryotherapy; Humans; Warts; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 21726478
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2015This Cochrane Review was withdrawn in April 2015, and this withdrawal notice was updated in September 2016. The review was withdrawn as result of comments submitted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This Cochrane Review was withdrawn in April 2015, and this withdrawal notice was updated in September 2016. The review was withdrawn as result of comments submitted via the Cochrane Library by Harri Hemilä in February 2015. Hemilä identified multiple errors in this Cochrane Review and made allegations of plagiarism of text and data from a previously published systematic review (Hemilä H. Zinc Lozenges may shorten the duration of colds: a systematic review. 2011;5:51‐58. dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874306401105010051). The comments referred to the version of this review first published in June 2013 (Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. 2013;(6):CD001364. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub4/full). The Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group, which maintains the review, withdrew the review in April 2015, pending an assessment of the errors reported, and the group referred the allegations of plagiarism to the Editor in Chief. The Editor in Chief notified the authors of the concerns, and followed the Committee for Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. Replication of text was identified in the Cochrane Review. This was limited to copying of short phrases and was acknowledged by the authors. The level of text plagiarism was minor and at a level that would be addressed by a correction. The Editor in Chief carried out further investigation into the alleged plagiarism of data, with the co‐operation of the review authors, who provided supplementary information in support of their work. The allegations related to the derivation of means and standard deviations of data from some of the included studies. Although the authors acknowledge and cite the Hemilä 2011 review, the Editor in Chief considered that the authors’ explanation regarding some similarities in presented data between the two reviews was not conclusive. This version of the review will therefore remain withdrawn. This review was withdrawn due to concerns raised via the feedback mechanism regarding the calculation and analysis of data in the review in April 2015. Whilst it is not unusual for reviews to be withdrawn, the editorial group took the view that it would be better to take a cautious approach and explore the source and calculation of data used in the analysis in more detail, rather than keep the review on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the time being. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
Topics: Common Cold; Dosage Forms; Gluconates; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Zinc; Zinc Acetate; Zinc Compounds; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 25924708
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub5 -
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... Mar 2023The roles of plants and its products in all forms of life cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal products from plant are phytochemicals, drugs, food supplements, beauty... (Review)
Review
The roles of plants and its products in all forms of life cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal products from plant are phytochemicals, drugs, food supplements, beauty products, etc. In ethnomedicine, leaves, fruits, stem, bark, root and fluids from plants are used in the cure, management and prevention of several diseases. Cupressus sempervirens, sometimes called Italian or Mediterranean cypress, is found in subtropical Asia, North America and eastern Mediterranean region. Pharmacological investigations of Cupressus sempervirens showed biological properties such as aromatherapeutic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic or anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiperspirant, diuretic and antispasmodic. Chemical analysis of Cupressus sempervirens gives phytochemicals like monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoid glycosides and bioflavonoids. The current review highlights interactions, conventional uses and biological actions of Cupressus sempervirens plant and plant products.
Topics: Cupressus; Astringents; Diterpenes; Monoterpenes; Fruit; Flavonoids
PubMed: 36385684
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02326-z -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Oct 2021Polyphenols have been part of human culture for about 6000 years. However, their mode of action in relation to wine tasting while eating is only beginning to be... (Review)
Review
Polyphenols have been part of human culture for about 6000 years. However, their mode of action in relation to wine tasting while eating is only beginning to be understood. This review, using analytical techniques and physicochemical concepts, attempts to summarize current knowledge and present an integrated view of the complex relationship between tannins, salivary proteins, lipids in food and in oral membranes. The action of tannins on taste sensations and astringency depends on their colloidal state. Although taste sensations are most likely due to interactions with taste receptors, astringency results from strong binding to proline-rich salivary proteins that otherwise lubricate the palate. Tannins disorder non-keratinized mucosa in mouth, possibly perturbing taste receptor function. The 10-15% ethanol present in wines potentiates this action. Cholesterol present in large quantities in keratinized mucosa prevents any disordering action on these oral membranes. Polyphenols bind strongly to the lipid droplets of fatty foods, a situation that reduces the astringency perceived when drinking a tannic wine, the so-called "camembert effect". Based on binding constants mainly measured by NMR, a comprehensive thermodynamic model of the interrelation between polyphenols, salivary proteins, lipids and taste receptors is presented.
Topics: Colloids; Ethanol; Humans; Membrane Lipids; Micelles; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Tannins; Taste; Wine
PubMed: 34111413
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183670 -
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Jul 2023Astringency and more generally mouthfeel perception are relevant to the overall quality of the wine. However, their origin and description are still uncertain and are... (Review)
Review
Astringency and more generally mouthfeel perception are relevant to the overall quality of the wine. However, their origin and description are still uncertain and are constantly updating. Additionally, the terminology related to mouthfeel properties is expansive and extremely diversified, characterized by common traditional terms as well as novel recently adopted descriptors. In this context, this review evaluated the mention frequency of astringent subqualities and other mouthfeel attributes in the scientific literature of the last decades (2000-August 17, 2022). One hundred and twenty-five scientific publications have been selected and classified based on wine typology, aim, and instrumental-sensorial methods adopted. Dry resulted as the most frequent astringent subquality (10% for red wines, 8.6% for white wines), while body-and related terms-is a common mouthfeel sensation for different wine types, although its concept is still vague. Alongside, promising analytical and instrumental techniques investigating and simulating the in-mouth properties are discussed in detail, such as rheology for the viscosity and tribology for the lubrication loss, as well as the different approaches for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the interaction between salivary proteins and astringency markers. A focus on the phenolic compounds involved in the tactile perception was conducted, with tannins being the compounds conventionally found responsible for astringency. Nevertheless, other non-tannic polyphenolic classes (i.e., flavonols, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, anthocyanin-derivative pigments) as well as chemical-physical factors and the wine matrix (i.e., polysaccharides, mannoproteins, ethanol, glycerol, and pH) can also contribute to the wine in-mouth sensory profile. An overview of mouthfeel perception, factors involved, and its vocabulary is useful for enologists and consumers.
Topics: Wine; Taste; Astringents; Anthocyanins; Sensation
PubMed: 37282812
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13184 -
Current Biology : CB Oct 2012In most cultures, people ingest a variety of astringent foods and beverages during meals, but the reasons for this practice are unclear. Many popular beliefs and...
In most cultures, people ingest a variety of astringent foods and beverages during meals, but the reasons for this practice are unclear. Many popular beliefs and heuristics, such as high tannin wines should be balanced with fatty foods, for example 'red wine with red meat', suggest that astringents such as pickles, sorbets, wines, and teas 'cleanse' the palate while eating. Oral astringents elicit 'dry, rough' sensations [1], in part, by breaking down mucinous lubricating proteins in saliva [2,3]. The introduction of oral lubricants, including fats, partially diminishes strong astringent sensations [4,5]. Thus, it appears that astringency and fattiness can oppose each other perceptually on an oral rheological spectrum. Most teas, wines, and 'palate cleansers', however, are only mildly astringent and an explanation of how they could oppose the fattiness of meals is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that weakly astringent stimuli can elicit strong sensations after repeated sampling. Astringency builds with exposures [6] to an asymptotic level determined by the structure and concentration of the compound. We also establish that multiple sips of a mild astringent solution, similar to a wine or tea, decrease oral fat sensations elicited by fatty food consumption when astringent and fatty stimuli alternate, mimicking the patterning that occurs during a real meal. Consequently, we reveal a principle underlying the international practice of 'palate cleansing'. Repeatedly alternating samples of astringent beverages with fatty foods yielded ratings of fattiness and astringency that were lower than if rinsing with water or if presented alone without alternation.
Topics: Adult; Alum Compounds; Astringents; Catechin; Drinking Water; Female; Food; Grape Seed Extract; Humans; Male; Meat Products; Nontherapeutic Human Experimentation; Taste; Taste Perception; Tea
PubMed: 23058798
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.08.017