Exploring Multi-dimensional Approach for Treating and Preventing Hair Loss with Nutraceuticals

Although hair disorders are not life-threatening, there is no denying that they significantly influence social interactions and patients� psychological well-being. A sufficient and well-balanced nutritional intake is responsible for normal skin and hair function integrity. Dietary imbalance can disturb this equilibrium, whether it takes the form of an overall deficiency, a more specific shortage, or an excess of one component over another. Human skin and hair can be affected by nutritional factors, resulting in excessive hair shedding and hair loss. It is essential to separate those nutritional factors that directly affect the hair cycle and promote hair growth. One of the most emerging areas in dermatology is the role of nutraceuticals in hair loss without any side effects. However, with increasing awareness among patients, there has been a tremendous demand for natural hair care and treatment products. An effective combination of bioactive ingredients derived from natural sources is essential in hair growth stimulation and provides a therapeutic benefit in hair conditioning. When it comes to hair health, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals can be part of a plan to address a visible problem that impacts self-esteem and confidence in men and women.

Influência do açafrão (Curcuma longa) na melhoria dos parâmetros biológicos e comportamentais: uma revisão narrativa / Influence of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the improvementof biological and behavioral parameters: a narrative review

O papel dos produtos naturais, em especial os nutracêuticos, vem ganhando destaque nos últimos anos devido aos efeitos positivos em parâmetros relacionados à saúde. O açafrão é uma espécie originária do sudeste da Ásia e considerado uma preciosa especiaria. Além da principal utilização como condimento, possui substâncias com atividades antioxidante, antimicrobiana e corante, que lhe conferem possibilidade de emprego nas áreas de cosméticos, têxtil e alimentícia, sendo também muito utilizado nas medicinas tradicionais chinesa e indiana. Seu principal composto fenólico, a curcumina, tem sido amplamente estudado, por apresentar uma variedade de propriedades para a saúde, como efeitos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios, antivirais, antibacterianos, antidepressivos e anticancerígenos e, assim, potencial de ação contra várias doenças crônicas. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar os efeitos do açafrão nos parâmetros biológicos e comportamentais, bem como sua utilização na manutenção da saúde e qualidade de vida dos indivíduos.

The role of natural products, especially nutraceuticals, has been gaining prominence in recent years due to their positive effects on health-related parameters. Turmeric is a species native to Southeast Asia and considered a precious spice. In addition to its main use as a condiment, it has substances with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and coloring activity, which give it the possibility of being used in the areas of cosmetics, textiles, and food; It is also widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Its main phenolic compound, curcumin, has been widely studied, as it has a variety of health properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant and anticancer effects and, thus, potential for action against various chronic diseases. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to review the effects of saffron on biological and behavioral parameters, as well as its use in maintaining the health and quality of life of individuals.

Ad libitum consumption of milk supplemented with omega 3, 6, and 9 oils from infancy to middle age alters behavioral and oxidative outcomes in male mice

We tested the hypothesis that administration of omega (ω)-9, ω-3, and ω-6 to mice can prevent oxidative alterations responsible for behavioral and cognitive alterations related with aging. Twenty-eight-day-old mice received skim milk (SM group), SM enriched with omega oil mixture (EM group), or water (control group) for 10 and 14 months, equivalent to middle age. Mice were evaluated for behavioral alterations related to depression and memory and oxidative status [brain levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. The 10-month EM group increased immobility time during the forced swimming test compared with control, indicating increased stress response. The 14-month SM- and EM-treated groups increased sucrose consumption compared with control, showing an expanded motivational state. The 14-month SM group decreased the number of rearings compared with the 14-month control and EM groups. The number of entries and time spent in the central square of the open field was higher in the 10-month EM group than in the control, revealing an anxiolytic-like behavior. TBARS decreased in the hippocampus and striatum of the 10-month EM group compared with the control. A similar decrease was observed in the striatum of the 10-month SM group. GSH levels were higher in all 14-month treated groups compared with 10-month groups. MPO activity was higher in the 14-month EM group compared with the 14-month control and SM groups, revealing a possible pro-inflammatory status. In conclusion, omega oils induced conflicting alterations in middle-aged mice, contributing to enhanced behavior and anxiolytic and expanded motivational state, but also to increased stress response and pro-inflammatory alterations.

COMPOSICIÓN MICOQUÍMICA Y ACTIVIDAD ANTIOXIDANTE DE LA SETA Pleurotos ostreatus EN DIFERENTES ESTADOS DE CRECIMIENTO / Mycochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom in different growth stages

RESUMEN Pleurotus sp. es un género de basidiomicetos ampliamente distribuido a nivel mundial, con especies que revisten importancia, no solo desde el punto de vista comercial por su valor nutricional, sino también por sus propiedades medicinales. Sin embargo, aún son insuficientes los estudios micoquímicos y se desconoce su relación con las propiedades antioxidantes de bioproductos obtenidos de estas setas durante diferentes estados de crecimiento. En el presente trabajo, se determinó el contenido de proteínas, carbohidratos, azúcares reductores, fenoles totales y flavonoides, así como la actividad antioxidante in vitro (ensayos de captación de radicales DPPH y estimación del poder reductor) de extractos acuosos de Pleurotus ostreatus en dos estados de crecimiento (primordios y cuerpos fructíferos maduros) durante la fermentación sólida. El contenido de proteínas, azúcares reductores y flavonoides fue superior en el extracto acuoso de cuerpos fructíferos maduros, mientras que los carbohidratos y fenoles totales fueron mayores en el extracto de primordios. Los valores de EC50 en los ensayos de DPPH y los de poder reductor fueron de 1,72 mg/mL y 3,27 mg/mL para el extracto de primordios y de 0,44 mg/mL y 0,48 mg/mL para el de cuerpos fructíferos maduros, respectivamente. Los resultados sugieren que las propiedades antioxidantes de extractos acuosos de Pleurotus ostreatus (primordios y cuerpos fructíferos maduros) reflejan las variaciones en la concentración de moléculas bioactivas, teniendo en cuenta las particularidades fisiológicas de las fases de crecimiento. Ello podría resultar de utilidad para el diseño de protocolos de obtención de bioproductos de Pleurotus ostreatus con aplicaciones potenciales como antioxidantes en las industrias alimentaria y farmacéutica.

ABSTRACT Pleurotus sp. is a genus of Basidiomycetes widely distributed worldwide, with species that are important not only from the commercial point of view for its nutritional value, but also for their medicinal properties. However, mycochemical studies and the relationship with the antioxidant properties of bioproducts obtained from these mushrooms during different growth stages are still insufficient. In this work, the content of proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, total phenols and flavonoids was determined, as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity (tests of scavenging DPPH and reducing power estimation) of aqueous extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus in different growth stages (primordia and mature fruiting bodies) during the solid fermentation. The content of proteins, reducing sugars and flavonoids was higher in the aqueous extract ofmature fruiting bodies, while carbohydrates and total phenols were increased in the extract ofprimordia. The EC50 values in the DPPH and reducing power assays were 1.72 mg/mL and 3.27 mg/mL for primordia extract and 0.44 mg/mL and 0.48 mg/mL in the case of mature fruiting bodies extract, respectively. The results suggest that the antioxidant properties of Pleurotus ostreatus aqueous extracts (primordia and mature fruiting bodies), reflected the variations in the concentration of bioactive molecules, taking into account the physiological characteristics of the growth phases. This could be useful in designing protocols for obtaining bioproducts from Pleurotus ostreatus with potential applications as antioxidant in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The safety, efficacy and pharmaceutical quality of male enhancement nutraceuticals bought online: Truth versus claim / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Nutraceutical products are widely used for their claimed therapeutic benefits. However, falsified or adulterated nutraceuticals present a major health threat to consumers. This study investigates the pharmaceutical quality, safety and anti-inflammatory effects of six male enhancement nutraceuticals that claim to be 100% natural.@*METHODS@#Three batches of six male enhancement products were tested to detect the presence and levels of adulterants via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pharmaceutical quality of the selected nutraceuticals was tested with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and SeDeM. The cytotoxic effects of these products on HepG2 cells were determined through cell proliferation (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays. Lastly, the in vitro inflammatory effects of these products were investigated using murine J774 macrophages through cytokine release analysis.@*RESULTS@#HPLC analysis detected the presence of sildenafil citrate, a vasodilator, and the active ingredient in Viagra and Revatio, in all batches of the products we analyzed. Amount of sildenafil citrate ranged from 0.45 mg to 51.85 mg among different batches. NIR assessment showed inter- and intra-batch heterogeneity in product composition. Results of the XTT and LDH assays showed significant cytotoxic effects of the analyzed products. XTT analysis revealed that the viability of HepG2 treated with tested products varied from 27.57% to 41.43%. Interestingly, the male enhancement products also showed anti-inflammatory effects.@*CONCLUSION@#Despite their labeling as 100% natural, all products tested in this study contained levels of sildenafil citrate, which was not reported on the packaging. There was a lack of pharmaceutical uniformity among products of the same batch and across different batches. Additionally, the products we tested had cytotoxic effects. These study findings highlight the adulteration, poor quality and hazard of these nutraceuticals. Therefore, strict regulation of these products and standardization of the definition of nutraceuticals are urgently needed. Further, these falsely advertised products should be withdrawn from the market due to potential adverse effects on the health of their consumers.

Resveratrol in Alzheimers disease: a review of pathophysiology and therapeutic potential / Resveratrol na doença de Alzheimer: uma revisão sobre fisiopatologia e potencial terapêutico

ABSTRACT Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of cognitive function. The presence of senile plaques is one of the pathological markers of the disease and is associated with the onset of neuroinflammatory mechanisms. The exact pathophysiology of AD has not been completely understood, and there are no curative therapies yet. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenol that is noted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To review the role of resveratrol in the pathophysiological aspects of AD. Methods: This study carried out a literature review using PubMed/Medline, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Web of Sciences, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library databases. Original research articles, describing both in vitro and in vivo experiments, published between 2008 and 2018, were included. Results: We identified 667 articles, of which 619 were excluded because they were repeated or did not follow the inclusion criteria. The present study includes the remaining 48 articles. Discussion: Resveratrol demonstrates beneficial and protective effects in AD models and seems to provide a promising therapeutic alternative. Conclusion: Although resveratrol appears to mitigate some pathophysiological aspects of AD, further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of this compound in humans.

RESUMO Introdução: A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é neurodegenerativa e caracterizada por perda progressiva e irreversível da função cognitiva. A presença de placas senis é um dos marcadores patológicos da doença e está associada ao aparecimento de mecanismos neuroinflamatórios. A fisiopatologia exata da DA ainda não é completamente compreendida, e ainda não existem terapias curativas. O resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihidroxi-trans-estilbeno) é um polifenol conhecido por suas propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Revisar o papel do resveratrol nos aspectos fisiopatológicos da DA. Métodos: Este estudo realizou uma revisão narrativa da literatura a partir das bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Web of Science, SCOPUS e Cochrane Library. Foram incluídos artigos originais, realizados in vitro e in vivo, publicados entre 2008 e 2018. Resultados: Foram identificados 667 artigos, dos quais 619 foram excluídos por estarem repetidos ou não se enquadrarem nos critérios de inclusão. O presente estudo inclui os 48 artigos restantes. Discussão: O resveratrol demonstra efeitos benéficos e protetores em modelos de DA, bem como parece fornecer uma alternativa terapêutica promissora. Conclusão: Embora o resveratrol pareça atenuar alguns aspectos fisiopatológicos da DA, são necessários mais estudos para comprovar a segurança e a eficácia deste composto em seres humanos.

The grand challenge of regulating health foods in India

Food is the primary source of nutrients to keep us nourished and healthy. Poor and unhealthy diets implicated with the increase of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs) require a food-based approach to reduce the ongoing rise. Traditional knowledge and science behind food-related health benefits became evident in the last three decades. Active ingredients, bioactive molecules and conventionally used herbs were clinically researched and proven to have beneficial outcomes. In the Indian scenario, the multiplicity of food products, including medicinal type formats, such as health supplements, containing plant, herbs or novel ingredients, brings in a new complexity to regulations. Several of these ingredients are pharmacologically active substances and could overlap with drug regulations. The data generated on the nutritional and health benefit of a supplement should be reproducible, outcomes measurable and disease risk reduction shown by well-designed research studies. Regulatory challenges occur at several levels, namely, harmonization of law, fair trade practice, population exposures to chemicals and contaminants, food borne illness, rise in NCD's, novel ingredients, new technologies and a legacy of regulatory practice. While regulatory and legal challenges will always exist, reliance on the role of scientific research in the regulatory context becomes significant.

Comparative Evaluation of Some Bioactive Compounds in Raw and Boiled Egg Varieties: Eggs, Potential Nutraceuticals?

Aims: To comparatively evaluate some bioactive compounds (egg white proteins) of chicken (exotic and local), turkey, quail and guinea fowl eggs in their raw and boiled forms. It also aimed at ascertaining claims on egg being a functional food.Study Design:Experimental.Place and Duration of Study:Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar and Department of Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, February to July 2017.Methodology:Freshly-laid poultry-bred eggs were purchased, cleaned and divided into 2: one batch was broken and the egg white separated while the other was boiled by submerging the eggs in boiling water at 100°C for 10min, before taking out the egg whites. The raw and boiled albumen were homogenized before analyses. A combination of methods involving separation of egg white proteins using ion-exchange chromatography, purification using tangential flowfiltration and quantification using the colorimetric Bradford assay.Results of the quantitative estimation of avidin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin and flavoprotein concentrations were statistically compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results:It was observed that concentrations of the bioactive compounds(except ovalbumin) were significantly (P< 0.05) higher among the raw eggs than the boiled ones. Raw turkey egg had the highest avidin content (15.83 ± 0.15 ?g/g) and this was significantly different (P<0.05) from the others, while quail had the lowest avidin concentration (8.47 ± 0.20 ?g/g) even among the boiled samples. Ovalbumin, a storage protein, was the most abundant of the egg white proteins (50-55%).Conclusion:Quail eggs are healthier due to their relatively safer content of avidin, higher contents of flavoprotein and ovotransferrin; turkey egg with exceptionally higher avidin concentrations, should be consumed in moderation in order to reduce the risk of biotin deficiency. The presence of thesebioactive compounds in significant quantities also show that eggs may serve as functional foods

Phytochemical Profile and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Methanol Extract of Green Pea

The legume, Green pea (Pisum sativum) is usually consumed as a vegetable. Phytochemical screening of its methanol extract showed that it contains terpenoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, saponins, phenols and flavonoids. Quantitative phytochemical estimation in (20/mg) revealed that it contains Saponins 13.4±0.11, Flavonoids 10.4±0.089, Phenols 9.8±0.063 and steroids 7.2±0.075. DPPH radical scavenging activities of methanol extract of green pea was expressed as the percentage inhibition of DPPH at varying concentrations of the extract. It was found to be proportional to the concentration of the plant extract; at 5 mg/ml (57.1%), 2 mg/ml (41.7%), 1 mg/ml (31%), 0.5 mg/ml (26.4%), 0.1 mg/ml (21.3%), and 0.05 mg/ml (16.9%). Thus, Pisum sativum, is a herb with some nutritional and pharmacologically important secondary metabolites with potent antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipidemic and growth enhancement effects

Anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-hyperglycaemic effects of conventional and supercritical extracts of black cumin (Nigella sativa)

Objective:To explore the hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of conventional and supercritical extracts of black cumin.Methods:Purposely,rat modelling was carried out for 2 months by designing three studies i.e.study Ⅰ (normal rats),study Ⅱ (hyperglycaemic rats) and study Ⅲ (hypercholesterolemic rots).Each study was further divided into three groups based on diet i.e.control,functional diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by using conventional solvent) and nutraceutical diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by supercritical fluid extraction system).Results:During whole trial,an abating trend was observed in the level of serum cholesterol with maximum reduction (12.8％) in nutraceutical group of study Ⅲ.Low density lipoprotein and triglyceride level was also lowered maximum in study Ⅲ as 17.1％ and 11.6％,respectively.Whereas,highest decline in glucose level was in nutraceutical group of study Ⅱ as 11.2％.Conclusions:Inclusion of black cumin extracts in diet significantly lowers the occurrence of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia.Furthermore,hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of nutraceutical diet is more prominent as compared to functional diet.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-hyperglycaemic effects of conventional and supercritical extracts of black cumin (Nigella sativa)

Objective To explore the hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of conventional and supercritical extracts of black cumin. Methods Purposely, rat modelling was carried out for 2 months by designing three studies i.e. study I (normal rats), study II (hyperglycaemic rats) and study III (hypercholesterolemic rats). Each study was further divided into three groups based on diet i.e. control, functional diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by using conventional solvent) and nutraceutical diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by supercritical fluid extraction system). Results During whole trial, an abating trend was observed in the level of serum cholesterol with maximum reduction (12.8%) in nutraceutical group of study III. Low density lipoprotein and triglyceride level was also lowered maximum in study III as 17.1% and 11.6%, respectively. Whereas, highest decline in glucose level was in nutraceutical group of study II as 11.2%. Conclusions Inclusion of black cumin extracts in diet significantly lowers the occurrence of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia. Furthermore, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of nutraceutical diet is more prominent as compared to functional diet.

Glutamine dipeptide supplementation improves clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

ABSTRACT The effect of glutamine dipeptide (GDP) supplementation in patients with diabetic foot syndrome was evaluated. A total of 22 patients took part in the study. GDP was supplied in 10 g sachets, and was dissolved in water immediately before use, with ingestion once a day, after lunch or after dinner (20 g/day) over a period of 30 days. Quantification of foot insensitive areas, oxidative stress, blood cytokines, and biochemical, hematological and toxicological parameters was performed before and after GDP supplementation. We observed an increase in blood levels of interferon-α (P=0.023), interferon-γ (P=0.038), interleukin-4 (P=0.003), interleukin-6 (P=0.0025), interleukin-7 (P=0.028), interleukin-12 p40 (P=0.017), interleukin-13 (P=0.001), leukocytes (P=0.037), eosinophils (P=0.049), and typical lymphocytes (P<0.001) due to GDP administration. In addition, we observed a reduced number (P=0.048) of insensitive areas on the foot, and reduction (P=0.047) of fasting hyperglycemia. Patients also showed increased blood high density lipoprotein (P<0.01) and protein thiol groups (P=0.004). These favorable results were associated with the absence of renal and hepatic toxicity. These results are of clinical relevance, since supplementation with GDP over 30 days improved clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS Identification of Polyphenolic Phytochemicals in Different Market Classes of Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Aim: The aim of the study was to screen the market classes of common beans popularly grown in Zambia for their polyphenolic phytochemical profiles. Methodology: Three market classes of common bean (red, grey mottled and brown) were investigated for their polyphenolic phytochemical profiles using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESIMS). Results: Various phenolic compounds were identified in the Zambian market classes of common beans. Quinic acid, a syringic acid derivative, ferulic acid derivatives, medioresinol, p-coumaric acid, catechin, gallic acid and ferulic acid were identified in all the market classes investigated. However, the isomers of ferulic acid derivatives observed were 4 in red, 3 in brown and 1 in grey mottled beans. Epicatechin was only identified in the red and grey mottled beans. A compound with the molecular ion at m/z 567, tentatively identified as a flavonone derivative was only observed in red beans. Catechin glucoside was only identified in grey mottled and brown beans. Compounds tentatively identified as kaempferol glucoside and carnosol were only observed in brown beans and not in the other market classes. Conclusion: The study has shown that the market classes of common beans investigated contain various polyphenolic compounds that may be useful as nutraceuticals. The study assumes that the diversity in the phenolic phytochemical profile is an excellent opportunity for genetic improvement in the nutraceutical attributes of these common bean market classes by crop breeders.

The main potentialities of resveratrol for drug delivery systems

Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol found in grapes, was found to be effective in the prevention and therapy of several diseases, however, it does have unfavourable physicochemical properties. In this context, an increasing number of studies have aimed at developing novel therapeutic systems for its delivery to overcome these disadvantages. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. Finally, it also describes some tested formulations for RSV administration, controlled release and targeting, developed with the purpose of increasing RSV bioavailability.

O resveratrol (RSV) é um polifenol natural encontrado nas uvas, que se mostrou eficaz na prevenção e terapia de várias doenças. No entanto, apresenta propriedades físico-químicas desfavoráveis. Neste contexto, um número cada vez maior de estudos visando ao desenvolvimento de novos sistemas terapêuticos para a sua liberação vem sendo desenvolvido no sentido de ultrapassar estas desvantagens. Esta revisão discorre sobre os mecanismos de ação e aplicações terapêuticas do RSV. Finalmente, são abordadas algumas formulações de liberação controlada e vetorizada, testadas para administração do RSV, desenvolvidas com a finalidade de aumentar a biodisponibilidade do RSV.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Some Wild Nutraceutical Plant Species from Nebbi District, Uganda.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of selected wild nutraceutical plants from Nebbi district in Uganda. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity, Makerere University, between January and March 2012. Methodology: The diameters of the zones of inhibition and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined using the Agar well diffusion Assay and the serial dilution methods respectively. Results: Seven plant species were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans (clinical isolates). The ether extract for Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile showed the lowest MIC (150 μg/ml) against C. albicans, with a corresponding large diameter of the zone of inhibition (22.0 mm). The ether extract of Capparis erythrocarpos Isert. showed the highest activity against C. albicans and S. aureus, with MIC values of 330 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml respectively. Conclusion: Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, and Capparis erythrocarpos Isert were the most potent antifungal and antibacterial nutraceutical plant species. The ether extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, had the lowest MIC (150 μg/ml) against C. albicans and Capparis erythrocarpos Isert. showed the highest activity against C. albicans, S. aureus, and E. coli with MIC values of 330 μg/ml, 400 μg/ml and 320 μg/ml, respectively. The bioactivity of the selected wild nutriceutical plant species can be used to justify their ethnobotanical uses as ‘medicinal foods’.

Alimentos funcionales, nutraceúticos y foshu: ¿vamos hacia un nuevo concepto de alimentación? / Functional foods, nutraceuticals and foshu: are we going to a novel food concept?

The increase of economic development and life expectancy of humans has aroused concerns about the health and nutrition in important groups of the population. These modifications have stimulated the development of functional foods (FF), nutraceuticals (NT) and FOSHU (Food with Specific Health Uses) in many countries around the world, mainly in those of greater development. FF are foods to which one or more healthy component has been added without changing its characteristics. The definition of FF is now incorporated into the food normative of many countries. NT is a more complex concept, because it is not referred to a food but to components of a food that can be ingested in amounts greater than those frequently consumed. NT are not pharmaceuticals since they have no therapeutic action although they may have preventive properties. FOSHU is a concept of foods with exclusive medical actions developed in Japan. This review discusses the significance of these new food concepts establishing their origins, potentialities, differences and future projections of these types of foods or food components.

El mayor desarrollo económico y las mayores expectativas de vida de la población, motivan una mayor preocupación por la salud y la alimentación a importantes grupos de la población. Estos cambios han motivado el desarrollo de los llamados alimentos funcionales (AF) y de los nutracéuticos (NT) y de los FOSHU (Food with Specific Health Uses) en varios países del mundo, principalmente en aquellos de mayor desarrollo económico. AF y NT son conceptos diferentes. Los AF son alimentos a los cuales se les ha incrementado o incorporado un componente cuyo consumo representa un beneficio de salud establecido, sin que el producto deje de ser un alimento. La definición de AF está ahora incorporada en la normativa alimentaria de varios países. NT es un concepto más complejo, ya que no se trata de alimentos pero sí de componentes de estos que se pueden consumir en mayores concentraciones que las habituales. Tampoco son medicamentos ya que no se les atribuye propiedades terapéuticas pero sí potencialmente preventivas. FOSHU es un concepto de alimentación con fines medicinales exclusivo de Japón. Este trabajo revisa el significado de estos nuevos conceptos alimentarios estableciendo sus orígenes, potencialidades, diferencias y las futuras proyecciones de este tipo de alimentos o componentes alimentarios.

Atividade antioxidante e determinação de fenóis totais, carotenoides, betacarotenos, licopeno e zinco em variedades branca, amarela e rosada de Manihot esculenta Crantz / Antioxidant activity and determination of total phenol contents, carotenoids beta-carotene, lycopene and zinc in white, yellow and pinkish varieties of Manihot Esculenta crantz

Existem variedades de mandioca que apresentam compostos como os carotenoides, beta-caroteno, licopeno e minerais importantes para a saúde humana e animal. O presente estudo avaliou a atividade antioxidante das variedades branca, amarela e rosada de Manihot esculenta, por meio de teste de DPPH e pela atividade quelante de íons ferro. Além disso, o conteúdo de fenóis totais, carotenoides, beta-caroteno, licopeno e zinco também foram determinados. Utilizando o teste de DPPH foi possível verificar que os extratos de amostras cozidas apresentaram maior atividade antioxidante (89,53% - rosada) em comparação com as amostras frescas (1,97% - branca). Para o teste de atividade quelante de íons ferro, a maior atividade foi encontrada para o extrato da variedade rosada cozida (63,43%) e a menor foi do extrato da amarela in natura (17,34%) a amostra branca não apresentou atividade. A maior concentração de fenóis e de zinco foi obtida para o extrato da variedade rosada cozida 136,12 mg EAG/g de extrato e 0,811 ppm, respectivamente, na concentração de 1000 µg/mL. A variedade rosada apresentou também maior quantidade de pigmentos, incluindo carotenoides (29,40 µg/g); beta-caroteno (9,14 µg/100g) e licopeno (68,92%). De acordo com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, foi possível concluir que as variedades amarela e rosada de M. esculenta, apresentam quantidades de compostos fenólicos e minerais suficientes para atribuir a atividade antioxidante, podendo assim, contribuir para diminuir os danos oxidativos e serem utilizadas como nutracêuticos ou diretamente ingeridas na dieta para manter a boa saúde.

There are cassava varieties that present compounds as carotenoids, beta-carotene, lycopene and minerals important for human and animal health. The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity of the white, yellow and pinkish varieties of Manihot esculenta, by mean of the DPPH test and by the ferrous ion-chelating activity. Furthermore, the total phenols, carotenoids, beta-carotene, lycopene and zinc contents were also determined. Utilizing the DPPH test it was possible to find that extracts of boiled samples presented higher antioxidant activity (89.53% - pinkish) in comparison to the fresh samples (1.97% - white). For the ferrous ion-chelating test, the highest activity was found for the boiled pinkish variety extract (63.43%) and the lowest was for fresh yellow extract (17.34%) the white sample did not present activity. The highest concentration of total phenols and zinc content was obtained for the boiled pinkish variety extract 136.12 mg EAG/g of extract and 0,811ppm, respectively, in the concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The pinkish variety presented also higher quantity of pigments, including carotenoid (29.40 µg/g), beta-carotene (9.14 µg/100g) and lycopene (68.92%). According to the results obtained in this study it was possible to conclude that the yellow and pinkish varieties of M. esculenta present quantity of phenolic compounds and minerals sufficient to attribute the antioxidant activity and may thus contribute to reduce oxidative damage and be used as nutraceuticals or directly ingested in the diet to maintain good health.

Mushrooms as therapeutic agents

Mushrooms have been known for their nutritional and culinary values and used as medicines and tonics by humans for ages. In modern terms, they can be considered as functional foods which can provide health benefits beyond the traditional nutrients. There are monographs that cover the medicinal and healing properties of some individual traditional mushrooms. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in mushrooms not only as a health food which is rich in protein but also as a source of biologically active compounds of medicinal value which include complementary medicine/dietary supplements for anticancer, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immunopotentiating and hypocholesterolemic agents. However the mechanisms of the various health benefits of mushrooms to humans still require intensive investigation, especially given the emergence of new evidence of their health benefits. In the present paper the medicinal potential of mushrooms is being discussed.

Cereals Nutraceuticals, Health Ennoblement and Diseases Obviation: A Comprehensive Review.

Nutraceuticals have time-honored considerable interest because of their reputed safety, nutritional and therapeutic potential effects. Pharmaceutical and nutritional industries are conscious of the monetary success taking advantage of the more health-seeking consumers. Natural products such as cereals are likely to form the basis of nutraceutical as its revolution represents an enormous opportunity for growth and expansion. Wheat, rice, millets, barley, oat, buckwheat ,corn ,sorghum, flaxseed psyllium, brown rice, and products are notify the most common cereal based functional foods and nutraceuticals. The nutrients in the cereals have identified prospective for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, tumor incidence, cancer risk, blood pressure, reduces the rate of cholesterol and fat absorption, delaying gastrointestinal emptying and providing gastrointestinal health. Thus, the regular insertion of cereals and their processed products can make a payment to health endorsement and disease avoidance.

Potential Health Benefits of Indian Spices in the Symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Review.

Spices used in Indian cooking have a long history of use as medicines to prevent and treat diseases. Many studies have confirmed that spices can be useful medicines, but the major challenge is now to provide scientific evidence and plausible mechanisms for their therapeutic responses. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of Indian spices to treat multiple symptoms of the metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, altered lipid profile and hypertension. The metabolic syndrome is prevalent and has become an important financial burden to the healthcare system in both developed and developing countries. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed as initiators of the metabolic syndrome, especially of insulin resistance. Natural products with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties are found in spices. Adequate doses of these compounds may be effective in treating the metabolic syndrome. Testing these potential treatments requires adequate animal models, usually rodents, so the limitations of these models are important. Furthermore, this review highlights the need for adequate legislation and regulation to ensure the safety and success of evidence-based functional foods and nutraceuticals.