Polyphenols for improvement of inflammation and symptoms in rheumatic diseases: systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are a group of pathological conditions characterized by inflammation and functional disability. There is evidence suggesting that regular consumption of polyphenols has therapeutic effects capable of relieving RD symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize data from randomized controlled trials on administration of polyphenols and their effects on RD activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review conducted at Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the databases PubMed (Medline), LILACS (BVS), IBECS (BVS), CUMED (BVS), BINACIS (BVS), EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library and in the grey literature. The present study followed a PRISMA-P checklist. RESULTS: In total, 646 articles were considered potentially eligible, of which 33 were then subjected to complete reading. Out of these, 17 randomized controlled trials articles were selected to form the final sample. Among these 17 articles, 64.71% assessed osteoarthritis (n = 11), 23.53% rheumatoid arthritis (n = 4), 5.88% rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia (n = 1) and 5.88% osteoarthritis and rheumatoid (n = 1). Intake of polyphenol showed positive effects in most of the studies assessed (94.12%): it improved pain (64.70%) and inflammation (58.82%). CONCLUSION: Polyphenols are potential allies for treating RD activity. However, the range of polyphenol sources administered was a limitation of this review, as also was the lack of information about the methodological characteristics of the studies evaluated. Thus, further primary studies are needed in order to evaluate the effects of polyphenol consumption for reducing RD activity. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTER: PROSPERO - CRD42020145349.

Antihypoxic activities of Crataegus pentaegyn and Crataegus microphylla fruits-an in vivo assay

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-hypoxia activity of polyphenolic extracts of Crataegus microphylla and Crataegus pentaegyn on mice. Three experimental models of hypoxia were considered, including asphyctic hypoxia, haemic hypoxia, and circulatory hypoxia. Polyphenolic extract of both plants exhibited significant anti-hypoxic activity and prolonged animal survival time. Anti-hypoia activity of C. pentaegyn was found to be superior to that of C. microphylla in circulatory and asphyctic hypoxia. Antihypoxic activity of these extracts may be attributed to their phenolic compounds.

Metabolic syndrome and prostatic disease: potentially role of polyphenols in preventive strategies. A review

ABSTRACT Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are two common urological diseases of the elderly. Scientific community has always looked for a link that could explain the correlation between the two diseases and the role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of BPH and PCa. As shown by the reports of the two diseases relationship with oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome, the use of compounds with antioxidant action could therefore affect both the symptoms and their onset. Polyphenols appear to act not only against oxidative stress but also at different levels. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of the most important polyphenols on these two urological diseases. As antioxidants these compounds seems to have a direct action on the cell cycle and hormone function, important for both prostate cancer and BPH. Despite a large number of articles about the relationship of the polyphenols with prostate cancer, very little evidence exists for BPH. Additional clinical trials or meta-analysis are necessary on this topic.

Cardio Protective Effect of Dark Chocolate Components: Mechanisms of Actions.

Chocolate is made from the seeds of a tropical rainforest tree called “Theobroma cacao”. When compared with other food sources based on oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) measurement, dark chocolate is a major source of flavonols with highest antioxidant levels. Some of the health benefits of cocoa consumption include antioxidant properties such as polyphenolic compounds, among others are monomeric flavanols, epicatechin, catechin and oligomeric procyanidins. Both experimental and observational studies have suggested that chocolate consumption has a positive influence on human health, with antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and antithrombotic effects as well as influence on insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelial function, and bioavailability of nitric oxide. In addition, dark chocolate consumption may alter lipid effects, by lowering total and low density lipoproteins and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The antioxidants found in chocolate have been shown to inhibit plasma lipid oxidation probably by scavenging free radical species. There are some experimental studies to prove that flavonoids could prevent LDL oxidation in vitro by scavenging radical species or sequestering metal ions. Dark chocolate (DC) has beneficial effects in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Polyphenols rich dark chocolate showed progress in insulin sensitivity and decreased blood pressure in healthy subjects. Dark Chocolate has a dual effect on platelets by decreasing platelet aggregation and also it reduces platelet adhesion. Chocolate extends its great beneficial effect from being by and large a palatable pleasant and hence sustainable therapeutic option. Thus, dark chocolate may be suggested as a potential delicacy and one of the agents for the prevention and control of cardiometabolic syndrome.

La acción cardioprotectora del uso moderado de alcohol / Cardio protector action of the alcohol moderated usage

Introducción: el objetivo de esta revisión fue enfocar el conocimiento de los beneficios cardiovasculares del consumo moderado de alcohol, así como para analizar los efectos de los diferentes tipos de bebidas alcohólicas. Discusión: el consumo fuerte de alcohol indiscutiblemente lleva a una morbimortalidad aumentada, el consumo moderado del alcohol, especialmente las bebidas alcohólicas ricas en polifenoles, como el vino y cerveza, parece conferir efectos de protección cardiovascular en los pacientes portadores de esta enfermedad, e incluso en las personas saludables. Conclusiones: en conclusiones, el vino y la cerveza (pero el vino especialmente tinto) parece conferir protección cardiovascular mayor que las espirituosas debido a su volumen de polifenoles. Sin embargo, la bebida debe tomarse con cautela y seguir las recomendaciones sociales relacionadas al consumo del alcohol.

Introduction: the aim of this review was focusing on the knowledge of the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, as well as analyzing the effects of the different kinds of alcoholic beverages. Discussion: heavy or binge alcohol consumption unquestionably leads to an increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, moderate alcohol consumption, especially alcoholic beverages rich in polyphenols, such as wine and beer, seems to confer cardiovascular protective effects in patients with documented CVD and even in healthy subjects. Conclusions: in conclusion, wine and beer (and especially red wine) seem to confer greater cardiovascular protection than spirituous beverages because of their polyphenolic content. However, caution should be taken when drinking and social recommendations related to alcohol consumption should be followed.

Modulatory effect of polyphenolic extracts of Ichnocarpus frutescens on oxidative stress in rats with experimentally induced diabetes.

Background & objectives: The role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications are extensively studied. Hyperglycaemia causes oxidative damage by generation of reactive oxygen species and results in the development of complications. The present study was undertaken with the objective of exploring the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of polyphenolic enriched extract of Ichnocarpus frutescens in streptozotocin induced (n-STZ) neonatal diabetic rats (pups) for six weeks and to study oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Methods: Two days old pups were rendered diabetic by single injection of streptozotocin (90 mg/kg body wt, ip). At the end of the treatment period, the level of blood glucose, serum biochemical markers, serum lipid levels and liver malondialdehyde, tissue antioxidant levels were measured. Results: A marked rise was observed in the levels of fasting blood glucose (230.33 mg/dl), lipid profiles, lipid peroxidative products and a significant decrease in tissue antioxidants (superoxide dismuatase, catalase and reduced glutathione) and serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in STZ treated rats. Oral administration of polyphenolic extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body wt, po) decreased fasting blood glucose levels (187.66 and 170.50 mg/dl, respectively) of STZ-treated diabetic rats significantly (P<0.01), when compared with control rats. In addition, the polyphenolic extract showed favourable effect (P<0.01) on the reduced tissues antioxidants level, liver glycogen level, high density lipoprotein level, with significant (P<0.01) reduction of elevated lipid peroxidation products. Histopathological study of the pancreas showed the protective role of polyphenolic extract. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study showed the antioxidant of effect polyphenolic extract of I. frutescens in STZ induced experimental diabetes. The results also suggested that this polyphenolic rich extract could be potentially useful for hyperglycaemia treatment to correct the diabetic state.

Utilización de extractos de avena sativa l. en dermatitis / Utilization of avena sativa l. extract in dermatitis

Los polifenoles (flavonoides y antocianinas) están ampliamente distribuidos entre las diferentes especies vegetales. Estos poseen gran capacidad antioxidante; existiendo correlación positiva entre la actividad antioxidante y los polifenoles totales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar: 1° El contenido de polifenoles y antocianas totales de semillas, glumelas y extracto acuoso de Avena sativa L. 2° El efecto de la aplicación tópica de extracto acuoso de avena en 45 casos (10 mujeres y 35 hombres, entre 1 y 56 años de edad) con dermatitis atópica, dermatitis de contacto irritativa y dermatitis de contacto alérgica; y 30 controles normales (15 mujeres y 15 hombres, entre 1 y 60 años de edad). Tratamiento: aplicación de compresas del extracto crudo de avena en la piel dañada durante 5 minutos, seguida de la colocación de la biomasa (T°= 33 + 2°C) cubierta por una tela de gasa durante 5 minutos. Dicha biomasa se retira con el extracto de avena líquido. Entre 1 y 36 meses de iniciado el tratamiento se observó remisión de los síntomas cutáneos. El extracto acuoso, la biomasa de Avena sativa L., glumelas y semillas enteras contenían 6.12+0,45, 46,11+0,36, 212,81+0,19 y 286,60+0,50 mg/100 g ác. Gálico, respectivamente, de polifenoles totales.

Polyphenols (flavonoids and anthocyanins) are widely spread among the different vegetables species. They have a big antioxidant capacity. One important correlation exists between the antioxidant activity and the quantity of total polyphenols. The objective of this work was to evaluate: 1- the contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins of whole seeds, glumes and aqueous extract of Avena Sativa L., 2- the effects of topical application of aqueous extract of Avena sativa L. in 45 patients (10 females and 35 males, between 1 and 56 years olds) with Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Irritative Dermatitis and Contact Allergic Dermatitis, and 30 normal controls (15 females and 15 males, between 1 and 60 years olds). Treatment: were applications of compress of aqueous extract Avena Sativa L over the damaged skin for approximately five minutes, immediately after, one must cover with the biomass of oat (T° = 33 + 2 C°) and a clothe for five minutes. The biomass was removed using the Avena Sativa L. acqueous extract. Remissions of the cutaneous symptoms were noticed between 1 and 36 months after the beginning of the treatment. Aqueous extract, Avena Sativa L. biomass, glumes and whole seeds contents were: 6.12+0.45; 46.11+0.36, 212.81+0.19 y 286.60+0.50 mg/100 g gallic ac., respectively, of total polyphenols.