-
Journal of Dairy Science Jul 2020Astringency is the sensation of mouth drying and puckering, and it has also been described as a loss of lubrication in the mouth. Astringency is perceived as an increase... (Review)
Review
Astringency is the sensation of mouth drying and puckering, and it has also been described as a loss of lubrication in the mouth. Astringency is perceived as an increase in oral friction or roughness. Astringency caused by tannins and other polyphenols has been well documented and studied. Whey proteins are popular for their functional and nutritional quality, but they exhibit astringency, particularly under acidic conditions popular in high acid (pH 3.4) whey protein beverages. Acids cause astringency, but acidic protein beverages have higher astringency than acid alone. Whey proteins are able to interact with salivary proteins, which removes the lubricating saliva layer of the mouth. Whey proteins can also interact directly with epithelial tissue. These various mechanisms of astringency limit whey protein ingredient applications because astringency is undesirable to consumers. A better understanding of the causes of whey protein astringency will improve our ability to produce products that have high consumer liking and deliver excellent nutrition.
Topics: Beverages; Humans; Sensation; Taste; Whey Proteins
PubMed: 32448585
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18303 -
Advances in Wound Care Jun 2020Sickle-cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a severe, chronic, and recurrent complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD). There are no official recommendations for treatment.... (Review)
Review
Sickle-cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a severe, chronic, and recurrent complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD). There are no official recommendations for treatment. Only a few studies with a high level of evidence have been conducted to evaluate treatment of SCLUs. However, several studies have been conducted with a high level of evidence to evaluate the efficacy of treatments in venous leg ulcers, and SCLUs could benefit from these treatments, especially when a venous incompetence or an edema is associated. Pathophysiology of SCLUs includes a vasculopathy related to chronic hemolysis and an endothelial dysfunction, which could be therapeutic approaches to SCLU treatment. Therapeutic approaches to SCLUs can target SCD on the one hand and skin healing and associated aggravating factors on the other. A review of the literature found only case series and six randomized controlled trials; some offered encouraging results, but most had serious biases. Clinical trials specifically targeting SCLUs are difficult to realize because of the small number of affected patients, in comparison with patients with leg ulcers from other causes. Treating SCLUs remains a challenge. Data in the literature are currently insufficient to offer clear treatment guidelines because of several biases in controlled studies. New studies are under way to assess the efficacy of topical treatments and describe the microbiome of SCLUs. Prevention of SCLU recurrence should be assessed in future clinical trials because the high risk of recurrence is an unsolved critical issue.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Astringents; Bandages; Child; Edema; Female; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Microbiota; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Pain Management; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Secondary Prevention; Varicose Ulcer; Venous Insufficiency; Wound Healing; Young Adult; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 32286203
DOI: 10.1089/wound.2018.0918 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2021Tannins are important polyphenol compounds with different component proportions in different plant species. The plants in the Juglandaceae are rich in tannins, including...
Tannins are important polyphenol compounds with different component proportions in different plant species. The plants in the Juglandaceae are rich in tannins, including condensed tannins and hydrolyzable tannins. In this study, we identified seven tannase genes () responsible for the tannin metabolism from walnut, pecan, and Chinese hickory, and three nut tree species in the Juglandaceae, which were divided into two groups. The phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that genes and neighboring clade genes ( genes) had similar sequences compared with other carboxylesterase genes, which may be the origin of genes produced by tandem repeat. genes also indicated higher expressions in leaf than other tissues and were quickly up-regulated at 3 h after leaf injury. During the development of the seed coat, the expression of the synthesis-related gene and the hydrolase gene was continuously decreased, resulting in the decrease of tannin content in the dry sample of the seed coat of Chinese hickory. However, due to the reduction in water content during the ripening process, the tannin content in fresh sample increased, so the astringent taste was obvious at the mature stage. In addition, the ' expression was higher than in the initiation of development, but continued to be down-regulated while and were up-regulated, which may bring about the significant differences in tannin content and astringent taste between Chinese hickory and pecan. These results suggested the crucial role of in wound stress of leaves and astringent ingredient accumulation in seed coats of two nut tree species in the Juglandaceae.
PubMed: 34079571
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.664470 -
Asian Journal of Andrology Mar 2006Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) affects approximately 30% of all infertile men. This mini-review discussed recent data in this field. Age,... (Review)
Review
Idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) affects approximately 30% of all infertile men. This mini-review discussed recent data in this field. Age, non-inflammatory functional alterations in post-testicular organs, infective agents (Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes virus and adeno-associated viruses), alterations in gamete genome, mitochondrial alterations, environmental pollutants and "subtle" hormonal alterations are all considered possible causes of iOAT. Increase of reactive oxygen species in tubules and in seminal plasma and of apoptosis are reputed to affect sperm concentration, motility and morphology. iOAT is commonly diagnosed by exclusion, nevertheless spectral traces of the main testicular artery may be used as a diagnostic tool for iOAT. The following can be considered therapies for iOAT: 1) tamoxifen citrate (20 mg/d) + testosterone undecanoate (120 mg/d) (pregnancy rate per couple/month [prcm]: 3.8%); 2) folic acid (66 mg/d) + zinc sulfate (5 mg/d); 3) L-carnitine (2 g/d) alone or in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine (1 g/d) (prcm: 2.3%); and 4) both carnitines = one 30 mg cinnoxicam suppository every 4 days (prcm: 8.5%). Alpha-blocking drugs improved sperm concentration but not morphology, motility or pregnancy rate. Tranilast (300 mg/d) increased sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in an initial uncontrolled study. Its efficacy on sperm concentration (but not on sperm motility, morphology or prcm) was confirmed in subsequent published reports. The efficacy of tamoxifen + testosterone undecanoate, tamoxifen alone, and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone is still a matter for discussion.
Topics: Acetylcarnitine; Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Autoimmunity; Chlamydia Infections; Chlamydia trachomatis; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosomes, Human, Y; Diagnosis, Differential; Environmental Pollutants; Folic Acid; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Oligospermia; Reactive Oxygen Species; Recombinant Proteins; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa; Tamoxifen; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 16491265
DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00123.x -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Despite the many advantages of pulses, they are characterised by off-flavours that limit their consumption. Off-notes, bitterness and astringency contribute to negative... (Review)
Review
Despite the many advantages of pulses, they are characterised by off-flavours that limit their consumption. Off-notes, bitterness and astringency contribute to negative perceptions of pulses. Several hypotheses have assumed that non-volatile compounds, including saponins, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids, are responsible for pulse bitterness and astringency. This review aims to provide an overview highlighting the non-volatile compounds identified in pulses and their bitter and/or astringent characteristics to suggest their potential involvement in pulse off-flavours. Sensorial analyses are mainly used to describe the bitterness and astringency of molecules. However, in vitro cellular assays have shown the activation of bitter taste receptors by many phenolic compounds, suggesting their potential involvement in pulse bitterness. A better knowledge of the non-volatile compounds involved in the off-flavours should enable the creation of efficient strategies to limit their impact on overall perception and increase consumer acceptability.
Topics: Taste; Astringents; Flavoring Agents; Phenols
PubMed: 37110532
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083298 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Chinese fir ( (Lamb.) Hook.) stands as one of the pivotal afforestation tree species and timber resources in southern China. Nevertheless, the occurrence of seed...
Chinese fir ( (Lamb.) Hook.) stands as one of the pivotal afforestation tree species and timber resources in southern China. Nevertheless, the occurrence of seed abortion and a notably high proportion of astringent seeds significantly curtail the yield and quality of elite seeds, resulting in substantial economic losses. The development of astringent seeds is accompanied by significant physiological and biochemical alterations. Here, the first combined lipidomic and metabolomic analysis was performed to gain a comprehensive understanding of astringent seed traits. A total of 744 metabolites and 616 lipids were detected, of which 489 differential metabolites and 101 differential lipids were identified. In astringent seeds, most flavonoids and tannins, as well as proline and γ-aminobutyric acid, were more accumulated, along with a notable decrease in lipid unsaturation, indicating oxidative stress in the cells of astringent seeds. Conversely, numerous elemental metabolites were less accumulated, including amino acids and their derivatives, saccharides and alcohols, organic acids and nucleotides and their derivatives. Meanwhile, most lipid subclasses, mainly associated with energy storage (triglyceride and diglyceride) and cell membrane composition (phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine), also exhibited significant reductions. These results reflected a disruption in the cellular system or the occurrence of cell death, causing a reduction in viable cells within astringent seeds. Furthermore, only one lipid subclass, sphingosine phosphate (SoP), was more accumulated in astringent seeds. Additionally, lower accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid and more accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) were also identified in astringent seeds. Both SA and SoP were closely associated with the promotion of programmed cell death in astringent seeds. Collectively, our study revealed significant abnormal changes in phytohormones, lipids and various metabolites in astringent seeds, allowing us to propose a model for the development of astringent seeds in Chinese fir based on existing research and our findings. This work enriches our comprehension of astringent seeds and presents valuable bioindicators for the identification of astringent seeds.
Topics: Cunninghamia; Astringents; Lipidomics; Seeds; Lipids
PubMed: 37894783
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015103 -
Breeding Science Jan 2016Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki) originated in Eastern Asia, and many indigenous cultivars have been developed in China, Japan, and Korea. These cultivars are... (Review)
Review
Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki) originated in Eastern Asia, and many indigenous cultivars have been developed in China, Japan, and Korea. These cultivars are classified into four groups based on their natural astringency loss on the tree and seed formation: pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA), pollination-variant non-astringent (PVNA), pollination-constant astringent (PCA), and pollination-variant astringent (PVA). PCNA is the most desirable type because the fruit can be eaten without any postharvest treatment; therefore, one of the goals of our persimmon breeding programs is to release superior PCNA cultivars. The PCNA genotype is recessive to the other three non-PCNA genotypes, and PCNA-type F1 offspring are obtained exclusively from crosses among PCNA genotypes. Moreover, the number of superior PCNA cross-parents have been limited. In the late 1980s, inbreeding depression became obvious, especially in terms of fruit size, tree vigor, and productivity. To mitigate the inbreeding, a backcross program using PCNA [(non-PCNA × PCNA) × PCNA] was started in 1990. This process, however, was inefficient because only 15% of the offspring were PCNA, and all offspring had to be grown to the fruiting stage. Therefore, molecular markers linked to the PCNA locus were developed for discriminating PCNA offspring. A molecular marker linked to Chinese PCNA has also been developed.
PubMed: 27069391
DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.66.60 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021
Review
PubMed: 35095484
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.751712 -
International Journal of Medical... 2021Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequent treatment for patients suffering from malignant progression of cancer. Even though new treatments are now being... (Review)
Review
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequent treatment for patients suffering from malignant progression of cancer. Even though new treatments are now being implemented, administration of these chemotherapeutic agents remains as the first line option in many tumor types. However, the secondary effects of these compounds represent one of the main reasons cancer patients lose life quality during disease progression. Recent data suggests that Ocoxin, a plant extract and natural compound based nutritional complement rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory mediators exerts a positive effect in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This mixture attenuates the chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related side effects such as radiation-induced skin burns and mucositis, chemotherapy-related diarrhea, hepatic toxicity and blood-infection. Moreover, it has been proven to be effective as anticancer agent in different tumor models both and , potentiating the cytotoxic effect of several chemotherapy compounds such as Lapatinib, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Sorafenib and Irinotecan. The aim of this review is to put some light on the potential of this nutritional mixture as an anticancer agent and complement for the standard chemotherapy routine.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Ascorbic Acid; Chemoradiotherapy; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drug Synergism; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Folic Acid; Humans; Neoplasms; Pantothenic Acid; Plant Extracts; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Tolerance; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Zinc Sulfate
PubMed: 33437220
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50122 -
BioMed Research International 2021Illicium verum commonly known as star anise has been widely used in many Asian countries for pharmaceutical treatment for many diseases. The aim of the present study was... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Illicium verum commonly known as star anise has been widely used in many Asian countries for pharmaceutical treatment for many diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties of an Illicium verum mouthwash.
METHODS
The present double blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on fifty subjects, divided into groups A and B. Illicium verum mouthwash (group A) and placebo (group B) were provided to subjects for 21 days; after 14 days, washout period mouthwashes were switched as per crossover design between groups for 21 days. The gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), and oral microbial count were recorded at each stage of study.
RESULTS
The significant intragroup difference was observed, before crossover in group A and after crossover in group B for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count at different stages of study. On comparing both group A and group B at the first and second follow-up for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count, a statistically significant difference ( < 0.05) was observed. A statistically highly significant mean intergroup and intragroup difference was seen for all the clinical parameters at different stages of study.
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that the Illicium verum/star anise has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astringents; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Illicium; Male; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Mouth; Mouth Mucosa; Mouthwashes; Periodontal Index; Plant Extracts; Research Design; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 34195261
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5510174