A Novel Approach of Ayurveda Towards Understanding the Fundamental Characteristics and Health Benefits of Various Types of Takras (Buttermilk)

Takra (buttermilk) is included under the Pathya kalpna (dietetic preparations) because of its use as both medicine and a dietary regime. Takra is called as Amruta for the patients suffering from the diseases caused by Mandagni (low digestive power). Detail description about Takra is mentioned in all classical texts of Ayurveda. It plays important role in diseases namely Arsha (hemorrhoids), Grahani (irritable bowel syndrome), Udara (ascities) and Agni vikruti. The properties of Takra (buttermilk) according to Ayurveda are mentioned as Laghu (light), Anushna (not hot in potency), Grahi (absorbant), Dipana (appetizing), Madhur vipak (sweet taste after digestion) and Tridhoshaghna. Because of this unique combination Takra can be included in daily diet for all type of Prakruti (constitution of person). In this study Takra along with its various types, their properties, and methods of preparation and health benefits has been studied critically on the basis of principles and practices of Ayurveda. This study will bring about novel understanding of nutritional and therapeutic uses and newer preparations of buttermilk.

Physicochemical features, functional characteristics, and health benefits of cottonseed oil: a review / Benefícios à saúde humana e características físico-químicas e funcionais do óleo de semente de algodão: uma revisão

Vegetable oils have their specific physicochemical properties due to which they are playing vital role in human nutritional diet for health benefits. Cottonseed oil is obtained from various species of cotton seeds that are famous to be grown mainly for their fiber quality. The most prominently used specie is Gossypium hirsutum. It is obvious that the seeds of different variety of cotton vary as grown in diverse agroclimatic conditions with respect to oil, fats and protein contents. Cottonseed oil is routinely used for cooking and food manufacturing products. Cottonseed oil obtained after proper extraction/processing steps from crude state to refined oil in a variety of ways. Cotton crop is considered for their dual-use purpose, for fiber quality and oil production to promote health benefits in the world. Keeping in view the above facts, this review clearly demonstrated an overview about physicochemical and functional properties of cottonseed oil to promote health benefits associated with the use of this oil. The overall characteristics and all concerned health benefits of CSO will further improve their usefulness is a compact way. We have summarized a brief multi-dimensional features of CSO in all aspects up to the best of our knowledge fort he end researchers who can further research in the respective aspect.

Os óleos vegetais têm propriedades físico-químicas específicas que desempenham um papel vital na dieta nutricional humana em benefício à saúde. O óleo de semente de algodão, utilizado rotineiramente no preparo e na fabricação de alimentos, é obtido através de várias espécies de sementes de algodão, famosas pela alta qualidade de sua fibra, cuja espécie mais utilizada é Gossypium hirsutum. As sementes variam, em relação ao teor do óleo, da gordura e das proteínas, de acordo com o cultivo e as diversas condições agroclimáticas. O óleo de algodão é obtido após etapas adequadas de extração das sementes e processamento do estado bruto ao refinado. Assim, a presente revisão demonstra, de maneira geral, as propriedades físico-químicas e funcionais do óleo de semente de algodão e seus benefícios à saúde humana, resumindo suas características multidimensionais. As características gerais e todos os benefícios do composto podem melhorar ainda mais se utilizadas de forma compacta, auxiliando futuros pesquisadores.

Physicochemical features, functional characteristics, and health benefits of cottonseed oil: a review

Abstract Vegetable oils have their specific physicochemical properties due to which they are playing vital role in human nutritional diet for health benefits. Cottonseed oil is obtained from various species of cotton seeds that are famous to be grown mainly for their fiber quality. The most prominently used specie is Gossypium hirsutum. It is obvious that the seeds of different variety of cotton vary as grown in diverse agroclimatic conditions with respect to oil, fats and protein contents. Cottonseed oil is routinely used for cooking and food manufacturing products. Cottonseed oil obtained after proper extraction/processing steps from crude state to refined oil in a variety of ways. Cotton crop is considered for their dual-use purpose, for fiber quality and oil production to promote health benefits in the world. Keeping in view the above facts, this review clearly demonstrated an overview about physicochemical and functional properties of cottonseed oil to promote health benefits associated with the use of this oil. The overall characteristics and all concerned health benefits of CSO will further improve their usefulness is a compact way. We have summarized a brief multi-dimensional features of CSO in all aspects up to the best of our knowledge for the end researchers who can further research in the respective aspect.

Resumo Os óleos vegetais têm propriedades físico-químicas específicas que desempenham um papel vital na dieta nutricional humana em benefício à saúde. O óleo de semente de algodão, utilizado rotineiramente no preparo e na fabricação de alimentos, é obtido através de várias espécies de sementes de algodão, famosas pela alta qualidade de sua fibra., cuja espécie mais utilizada é Gossypium hirsutum. As sementes variam, em relação ao teor do óleo, da gordura e das proteínas, de acordo com o cultivo e as diversas condições agroclimáticas. O óleo de algodão é obtido após etapas adequadas de extração das sementes e processamento do estado bruto ao refinado. Assim, a presente revisão demonstra, de maneira geral, as propriedades físico-químicas e funcionais do óleo de semente de algodão e seus benefícios à saúde humana, resumindo suas características multidimensionais. As características gerais e todos os benefícios do composto podem melhorar ainda mais se utilizadas de forma compacta, auxiliando futuros pesquisadores.

Physicochemical features, functional characteristics, and health benefits of cottonseed oil: a review / Benefícios à saúde humana e características físico-químicas e funcionais do óleo de semente de algodão: uma revisão

Vegetable oils have their specific physicochemical properties due to which they are playing vital role in human nutritional diet for health benefits. Cottonseed oil is obtained from various species of cotton seeds that are famous to be grown mainly for their fiber quality. The most prominently used specie is Gossypium hirsutum. It is obvious that the seeds of different variety of cotton vary as grown in diverse agroclimatic conditions with respect to oil, fats and protein contents. Cottonseed oil is routinely used for cooking and food manufacturing products. Cottonseed oil obtained after proper extraction/processing steps from crude state to refined oil in a variety of ways. Cotton crop is considered for their dual-use purpose, for fiber quality and oil production to promote health benefits in the world. Keeping in view the above facts, this review clearly demonstrated an overview about physicochemical and functional properties of cottonseed oil to promote health benefits associated with the use of this oil. The overall characteristics and all concerned health benefits of CSO will further improve their usefulness is a compact way. We have summarized a brief multi-dimensional features of CSO in all aspects up to the best of our knowledge for the end researchers who can further research in the respective aspect.

Os óleos vegetais têm propriedades físico-químicas específicas que desempenham um papel vital na dieta nutricional humana em benefício à saúde. O óleo de semente de algodão, utilizado rotineiramente no preparo e na fabricação de alimentos, é obtido através de várias espécies de sementes de algodão, famosas pela alta qualidade de sua fibra., cuja espécie mais utilizada é Gossypium hirsutum. As sementes variam, em relação ao teor do óleo, da gordura e das proteínas, de acordo com o cultivo e as diversas condições agroclimáticas. O óleo de algodão é obtido após etapas adequadas de extração das sementes e processamento do estado bruto ao refinado. Assim, a presente revisão demonstra, de maneira geral, as propriedades físico-químicas e funcionais do óleo de semente de algodão e seus benefícios à saúde humana, resumindo suas características multidimensionais. As características gerais e todos os benefícios do composto podem melhorar ainda mais se utilizadas de forma compacta, auxiliando futuros pesquisadores.

The Health and Wellness Benefits of Traditional Postnatal Practice (TPC) on Postnatal Mothers: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: Postnatal is a transition process for the mother back to her non-pregnancy state and involves the changes in hormones level. During the postnatal period, many health issues need to be addressed for both mother and newborn. One of the upsetting health issues for the mother due to the increasing trend is postnatal depression and if it is not identified and treated early, it may cause further complicated problems not only to the mother but also to the baby, family, and local community. With this issue, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has taken a few initiatives to encourage the postnatal mother to also practice the non-medical approaches or traditional postnatal care (TPC) as a self-care for the prevention of postnatal depression. Aim: To systematically identify and review studies examining the influence of TPC on postnatal mothers. Design & Data Sources: A systematic search strategy on the research trend for the period between the years 2013 to 2020 through the Scopus database, Science Direct, and PubMed database. Methods: This review has identified 7 journal articles based on the preferred reporting items for the systematic reviews (PRISMA) framework. Results: There are many methods of TPC, such as traditional postnatal body massage, herbal consumption, herbal bath, body steaming, and body wrapping based on own culture and beliefs. Besides the TPC preparation and techniques, some studies also describe the effects of TPC on a mother’s health and wellness. Conclusion: TPC shows encouraging health trends, and it helps to enhance the well-being and good health of postpartum mothers.

Factores sociodemográficos y económicos asociados a no realizar cuarentena por COVID-19 en población venezolana residente en Chile

Resumen Introducción: el colectivo venezolano residente en Chile ha aumentado en cantidad y en la vulnerabilidad social en que migran. Objetivo: analizar qué elementos sociodemográficos y económicos dificultan la realización de cuarentena en la población venezolana residente en Chile, considerando cómo esto varía según características como estar trabajando, tener seguro de salud, sexo y nivel educacional. Metodología: el diseño corresponde a un estudio cuantitativo observacional de corte transversal desde una encuesta online sobre COVID-19 a extranjeros en Chile, realizada en abril (2020), por medio de una estrategia de muestreo en "bola de nieve" (n=1,690 migrantes). Este análisis secundario se focaliza en participantes venezolanos (N=1,006), por medio de análisis descriptivo, bivariado y de regresión multivariada, con ajuste de Raking para disminuir el sesgo de auto-selección. De estos, el 49,6% fueron mujeres, y la mayoría (el 50%) tenía entre 30 y 49 años. Resultados: la probabilidad de no poder realizar cuarentena es mayor en quienes cuentan con trabajo ((OR=5,35, 95%IC (3,16-9,02)), en relación a los que no; en quienes no poseen previsión de salud ((OR=4,02, 95%IC (1,57-10,32)) y en los que tienen previsión pública (Fonasa) ((OR=3,92, 95%IC (1,84-8,35)), en relación a las personas con previsión privada; en hombres ((OR=2,23, 95%IC (1,50-3,32)) que en mujeres; y en los que tienen nivel educacional menor a nivel superior ((OR=1,74, 95%IC (11,50-3,32)). Conclusión: la asociación encontrada entre no cumplir cuarentena con condiciones laborales y tipo de seguro de salud expone la relevancia de la vulnerabilidad socioeconómica en las oportunidades de llevar adelante medidas de cuidado de salud pública en población migrante venezolana en Chile, como es el seguimiento de confinamiento durante una pandemia. Esto es importante para la planificación sanitaria en futuras crisis socio-sanitarias.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Venezuelan group residing in Chile has increased in number and in the social vulnerability in which they migrate. Objective: To analyze which sociodemographic and economic elements make it difficult to carry out quarantine in the Venezuelan population residing in Chile, considering how this varies according to characteristics such as being working, having health insurance, sex, and educational level. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational quantitative study from an online poll on COVID-19 to foreigners in Chile, carried out in April (2020), through a "snowball" sampling strategy (n=1,690 migrants). This secondary analysis focuses on Venezuelan participants (N=1,006), through descriptive, bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, with Raking adjustment to reduce self-selection bias. Of these, 49.6% were women, and the majority (50%) were between 30 and 49 years old. Results: The probability of not being able to quarantine is higher in those who have a job ((OR=5.35, 95% CI (3.16-9.02)), in relation to those who do not; in those who do not have a health insurance ((OR=4.02, 95% CI (1.57-10.32)) and in those who have public insurance (i.e. Fonasa) ((OR=3.92, 95% CI ( 1.84-8.35)), in relation to people with private pension; in men ((OR=2.23, 95% CI (1.50-3.32)) than in women; and in those with a lower educational level at a higher level ((OR=1.74, 95% CI (11.50-3.32)). Conclusion: The association found between not complying with quarantine due to working conditions and type of health insurance exposes the relevance of socioeconomic vulnerability in the opportunities to carry out public health care measures in the Venezuelan migrant population in Chile, such as monitoring of confinement during a pandemic. This is important for health planning in future socio-health crises.

A review of the literature on the health benefits of Salat (Islamic prayer)

@#Introduction: Recent studies explored the association between health and religious practice/spirituality. Several studies revealed that religious commitment and spirituality are generally associated with better health outcomes. Throughout the world, millions of Muslims perform salat (prayer) regularly five times a day. Salat is not only a physical activity but involves recitations of various Quranic verses and performance of certain postural positions. Several studies showed that salat does have positive effects on health status. This review aims to investigate the effects of Islamic salat on general health. Methods: A series of searches were conducted of Medline databases published in English between 1966 and October 2020 with the following keywords: Prayer, salat, health, and Islam. Results: Several positive effects of salat on health were identified. These include: psychological, neurological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal effects. Conclusion: Salat is a non-pharmacological intervention and resource, and may be included in the holistic care and rehabilitation program aimed at the well-being of patients.

Desarrollo de productos lácteos funcionales y sus implicaciones en la salud: Una revisión de literatura

RESUMEN El grupo de la leche y sus derivados ha sido ampliamente estudiado, debido a su alta calidad nutricional y sus potenciales beneficios en salud, contribuyendo así a la modulación y prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT). Además, son productos de gran aceptación por la población mundial y poseen una alta versatilidad tecnológica. Por lo anterior, se buscó establecer un marco de referencia en torno a la investigación en el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales derivados de la matriz láctea. En la actualidad, los principales compuestos bioactivos adicionados en el desarrollo de derivados lácteos funcionales son prebióticos, probióticos, fibra, antioxidantes y ácidos grasos insaturados y la principal estrategia tecnológica empleada para su adición es la encapsulación, debido a que promueve la retención de nutrientes en la matriz láctea, su estabilidad y biodisponibilidad en el organismo, potenciando los beneficios en salud de los mismos. Se ha visto que los beneficios en salud de los lácteos funcionales se centran en la mejora de biomarcadores de salud cardio-metabólica, regulación del apetito y la saciedad y modulación de la microbiota intestinal, dependiendo del compuesto adicionado. En conclusión, el desarrollo de productos lácteos funcionales hoy en día se constituye como una tendencia mundial de exploración científica, que ha evolucionado debido a su versatilidad como vehículo de compuestos bioactivos con potenciales efectos benéficos en la salud de los individuos y de las poblaciones, sin embargo, es necesario realizar más estudios que respalden los beneficios en salud de estos alimentos sobre diferentes enfermedades.

ABSTRACT Milk and dairy products have been studied in food processing due to their high nutritional quality and potential health benefits, contributing to the modulation and prevention of non-communicable diseases. In addition, these products have great acceptance by the population, are frequently consumed and have high technological versatility. As a result, they have been widely studied in the field of functional foods. The aim of this review was to compile information on the development of functional dairy foods. Currently, the main bioactive compounds added in the development of functional dairy products are prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Encapsulation is the main technological strategy used for incorporation because it improves nutrient retention and stability in the dairy matrix and promotes bioavailability in the body, enhancing the potential health benefits. The main health benefits of functional dairy products are the improvement of cardio-metabolic health biomarkers, appetite and satiety regulation, and gut microbiota modulation, depending on the added compound. In conclusion, the development of functional dairy products is a global trend of scientific exploration, which has evolved due to its versatility as a vehicle for bioactive compounds with potential health benefits for consumers. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the health benefits of these foods for the prevention of different diseases.

Efectos fisiológicos de los péptidos bioactivos derivados de las proteínas del lactosuero en la salud: Una revisión / Physiological health effects of whey protein-derived bioactive peptides: A review

RESUMEN El lactosuero es un subproducto derivado de la elaboración de queso. La calidad de la composición química de las proteínas del lactosuero las convierte en un sustrato ideal para la generación de péptidos con actividad biológica. La presente revisión tiene por objetivo analizar y discutir los efectos fisiológicos de los péptidos bioactivos derivados de las proteínas del lactosuero (PBDL) en la salud. Asimismo, este trabajo muestra detalladamente las estructuras químicas de las secuencias de los PBDL capaces de ejercer efectos favorables in vitro e in vivo e influir positivamente en los sistemas cardiovascular, endócrino e inmunológico. Sin embargo, las metodologías para generar PBDL de manera controlada, la dosificación y las concentraciones óptimas han sido poco exploradas. Por lo que es importante llevar a cabo investigación de frontera que permita avanzar el umbral del conocimiento vislumbrando la posibilidad de utilizar los PBDL como coadyuvantes en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades.

ABSTRACT Whey is a by-product of cheese production. The relevant chemical composition of whey proteins makes them an ideal substrate to release peptides with biological activity. The objective of this manuscript was to analyze and discuss the effects of whey-derived proteins bioactive peptides in health. Moreover, this review shows in detail sequences able to benefit human systems. Several in vitro and in vivo studies showed the capacity of these bioactive peptides to positively influence cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems. However, the methodologies to obtain them in a controlled way, as well as dose and optimum concentrations have been scarcely explored. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct new research to improve knowledge that focuses on the possibility of using whey-derived bioactive peptides in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Effects of yogic breath regulation: A narrative review of scientific evidence

Pranayama or breath regulation is considered as an essential component of Yoga, which is said to influence the physiological systems. We present a comprehensive overview of scientific literature in thefield of yogic breathing. We searched PubMed, PubMed Central and IndMed for citations for keywords“Pranayama” and “Yogic Breathing”. The search yielded a total of 1400 references. Experimental papers,case studies and case series in English, revealing the effects of yogic breathing were included in thereview. The preponderance of literature points to beneficial effects of yogic breathing techniques in bothphysiological and clinical setups. Advantageous effects of yogic breathing on the neurocognitive, psychophysiological, respiratory, biochemical and metabolic functions in healthy individuals were elicited.They were also found useful in management of various clinical conditions. Overall, yogic breathing couldbe considered safe, when practiced under guidance of a trained teacher. Considering the positive effectsof yogic breathing, further large scale studies with rigorous designs to understand the mechanismsinvolved with yogic breathing are warranted.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

A survey of consumer' opinion about consumption and health benefits of fermented plant beverages in Thailand

Fermented beverages are widely used all over the country. Fermented plant beverages (FPB) are prevalent in Thailand and FPBs are believed to cure and prevent many health oriented problems. The people of Thailand produce many varieties of FPBs in small scale or large scale and consume them in their daily lives. This study is a survey conducted among the representative consumers of FPBs in Thailand to know the consumer's opinion on FPBs, effects and benefits of FPBs, and real status of consumer satisfaction in Thailand. This study revealed that the rationale for the consumption of respective FPBs was to treat their health issues and for the betterment of their health. Most of the consumers of FPBs benefited in case of improving their physical and mental health. The current survey revealed the opinion of the FPBs consumers in Thailand. This study concluded that FPBs are health promoting drink that is affordable in the daily life of Thai people. The FPBs prepared in Thailand did not report any massive adverse effects in Thailand. Till now the preparation and consumption of FPBs are followed in Thailand and not influenced by adverse effects; FPBs are considered safe for human consumption.

A survey of research papers on the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This review article provides an overview of the trends of research papers on the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria published from 1995 to 2017. METHODS: All publications from 1995 to 2017 regarding kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were collected, reviewed, and classified. This review article covers the publications of the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria on experimental, clinical trials, and epidemiology studies. RESULTS: The number of publications on kimchi over the period were 590: 385 publications in Korean and 205 publications in English. The number of publications on the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were 95 in Korean and 54 in English. The number of publications on kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria were 84 and 38, respectively, in the experimental models. Ten research papers on kimchi in clinical trials and 7 publications in epidemiology were found. Kimchi or kimchi lactic acid bacteria had protective effects against oxidative stress, mutagenicity, toxicity, cancer, dyslipidemia, hypertension, immunity, and inflammation in in vitro, cellular, and in vivo animal models. Moreover, kimchi had effects on the serum lipids, intestinal microbiota, iron status, obesity, and metabolic parameters in human clinical trials. In epidemiology, kimchi had effects on hypertension, asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, cholesterol levels, and free radicals. CONCLUSION: This review focused on the publications regarding the health benefits of kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria, suggesting the future directions of studies about kimchi and kimchi lactic acid bacteria by producing a database for an evaluation of the health benefits of kimchi.

Review on the evaluation research of the effects of smoke-free legislations on cardiovascular diseases / 中华预防医学杂志

A substantial amount of data suggested that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) could cause cardiovascular diseases and acute coronary events in nonsmoking adults. In order to protect the public from SHS, more and more countries and regions across the world have enacted and implemented smoke-free legislations. Developed countries, such as USA, Canada, the Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain, have carried out many studies to analyze the effects of smoke-free legislations on the hospital admission, incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases with the purpose of confirming the health benefits of the smoking ban and promoting the conduct of the ban. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WANFANG databaseto summarize the study designs, evaluating indicators, statistical methods and results of these studies to provide reference for evaluating smoke-free legislations in inland cities in China.

Consumer attitude regarding products containing probiotics / Atitude do consumidor em relação a produtos contendo probióticos

This study sought to determine the attitude of consumers in the city of Viçosa-MG, Brazil in relation to products containing probiotics using a validated questionnaire. A total of 352 individuals responded to questionnaires which, in addition to the items of attitude, also assessed the health of consumers and acceptance and frequency of consumption of these products. Internal validation utilized the Cronbach coefficient to measure the reliability of the attitude scale. To analyze the profile of these consumers, descriptive statistics was utilized. The results indicated a low consumption of products containing probiotics by respondents. A reliable attitude scale was obtained (alpha = 0.70). In general, the attitude of respondents was positive however it was verified that there is a need to develop more explanatory labels, clearly stating the information allowed by Brazilian legislation, as well as strengthen campaigns to promote the benefits of consuming probiotic to the consumer.

Neste trabalho, buscou-se verificar a atitude de consumidores da cidade de Viçosa-MG em relação a produtos contendo probióticos, por meio de um questionário validado para tal fim. Um total de 352 indivíduos respondeu aos questionários que, além dos itens de atitude, também avaliou questões de saúde dos consumidores, aceitação e frequência de consumo desses produtos. A validação interna valeu-se do coeficiente de Cronbach para medir a confiabilidade da escala de atitude. Para analisar o perfil desses consumidores, foi utilizada a estatística descritiva. Os resultados indicaram baixo consumo de produtos contendo probióticos pelos entrevistados. Foi obtida uma escala de atitude confiável (alfa = 0,70). De uma forma geral, a atitude dos entrevistados foi positiva, porém, verificou-se a necessidade de se desenvolver rótulos mais explicativos, expondo de forma clara as informações permitidas pela legislação brasileira, assim como reforçar as campanhas publicitárias que divulguem os benefícios do consumo de probióticos ao consumidor.

Organic Foods for Children: Health or Hype.

Organic foods are promoted as superior and safer options for today’s health-conscious consumer. Manufacturers of organic food claim it to be pesticide-free and better in terms of micronutrients. Consumers have to pay heavily for these products – and they are willing to – provided they are assured of the claimed advantages. Scientific data proving the health benefits of organic foods, especially in children, are lacking. Indian Government has developed strict guidelines and certification procedures to keep a check on manufacturers in this financially attractive market. American Academy of Pediatrics, in its recently issued guidelines, did not recommend organic foods over conventional food for children. Indian Academy of Pediatrics has not opined on this issue till date. In this perspective, we present a critical review of production and marketing of organic foods, and scientific evidence pertaining to their merits and demerits, with special reference to pediatric population.

Natural alkaloids: basic aspects, biological roles, and future perspectives / 中国天然药物

Natural products have gained popularity worldwide for promoting healthcare, as well as disease prevention. Alkaloids are important chemical compounds that serve as a rich reservoir for drug discovery. Several alkaloids isolated from natural herbs exhibit antiproliferation, antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal, and antimetastatic effects on various types of cancers both in vitro and in vivo. This paper focuses on the naturally-derived alkaloids such as berberine, matrine, piperine, fritillarine, and rhynchophylline, etc., and summarizes the action mechanisms of these compounds. Based on the information in the literature that is summarized in this paper, the use of alkaloids as drugs is very promising, but more research and clinical trials are necessary before final recommendations on specific alkaloids can be made. Following this, it is hoped that as a result of this review, there will be a greater awareness of the excellent promise that natural alkaloids show for use in the therapy of diseases.

Probiotics: The Emissaries of Health from Microbial World.

Probiotics have a long history of human use and are traditionally consumed in several parts of the world. These are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods, drugs, and dietary supplements. Examples of foods containing probiotics are yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also fit the bill. Probiotics are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria". They are gaining importance because of the innumerable benefits, e.g. treating lactose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia and managing cardiac problems like atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. With the current focus on disease prevention and the quest for optimal health at all ages, the probiotics potential could reign high. Health professionals and pharmaceutical companies need to objectively help and guide their clients and consumers toward appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic uses of probiotics that deliver the desired beneficial health effects, shunning type and instant benefits.

Xilooligossacarídeos: produção, aplicações e efeitos na saúde humana / Xylooligosaccharides: production, applications and effects on human health

Os xilooligossacarídeos são açúcares não-convencionais (oligômeros formados por unidades de xilose), não-calóricos e não são metabolizados pelo organismo humano. São considerados prebióticos, uma vez que promovem seletivamente o crescimento de probióticos como Lactobacillus sp. e Bifidobacterium bifidum, promovendo uma série de benefícios à saúde humana, como a redução da constipação intestinal, a promoção da digestão e a absorção de nutrientes, a prevenção de infecções gastrintestinais e a inibição do crescimento de microrganismos patogênicos. Este artigo de revisão demonstra a produção de xilooligossacarídeos, tendo como fonte materiais lignocelulósicos, através de métodos químicos e enzimáticos, e também a sua aplicação como ingredientes em alimentos, salientando os efeitos benéficos à saúde provindos desses tipos de compostos.

Xylooligosaccharides are non-conventional sugars (sugar oligomers made of xylose units), non-calorics and non-digestible by humans. They are recognyzed as prebiotics once there are non digestible food ingredient that stimulate selectively probiotic growth like Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium bifidum, promoting several benefices to the human health as the reduction of the gut constipation, the increase of the digestion and nutrient absorption, prevention of gastrointestinal infections, and the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. This article reviews the production of xylooligosaccharides from lignocellulosic materials (by chemical or enzymatic methods) and its end products, as well as their application as food ingredients, with special attention to the beneficial effects caused on health by these types of compounds.

Physical activity and persons with intellectual disability: some considerations for Latin America: [review]

Physical activity is a personal and societal investment in health. In Latin America, rates of non-communicable diseases are growing and there is burgeoning interest in physical activity as a preventative health measure. This paper describes physical activity among adults with intellectual disability from a public health perspective; and provides recommendations related to the need for, and measurement of, physical activity among persons with intellectual disability in Latin America.

La actividad física es una inversión en salud, tanto personal como social. En América Latina las tasas de enfermedades no transmisibles van en aumento y existe un creciente interés en la actividad física como medida de salud preventiva. Este artículo describe la actividad física entre adultos con discapacidad intelectual desde la perspectiva de la salud pública y proporciona recomendaciones pertinentes a la necesidad y medición de la actividad física entre personas con discapacidad intelectual en América Latina.