ABSTRACT
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha's potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.
ABSTRACT
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a frequent cause of chronic abdominal complaints. So far, a lot information has been gathered on its pathogenesis but are still doubts that raise question why its causes chronic diarrhea in some and constipation in other patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the number of endothelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the duodenal and ileum mucosa in patients with SIBO with dominant diarrhea (SIBO-D) and dominant constipation (SIBO-C). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in 30 healthy patients (group I) and 40 patients with SIBO and diarrhoea (group II), and in 4o patients with constipation (group III). To diagnose SIBO the lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) was performed. To determine the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes in duodenal and jejunal mucosa the histological assessment was performed using haematoxylin-eosin staining. Moreover, immunochistochemical method was used to assess the number of enterochromatoffin cells (EC, chromogranin A - LK-2H10) in these some parts of the gut. RESULTS: The results of LHBT were similar in group II and III - 75,6±18,1 ppm and 66,9±16,2 ppm(p>0,05). The number of IELs in duodenal mucosa in controls was 14,6±4,1/100 EN, in group II - 28,3±6,8/100 EN (p<0.01), and in group III - 23,0±9,9/100 EN (p<0,05), and similar differences were in jejunal mucosa. The number of EC in both parts of the gut was higher in SIBO compared to controls. Furthermore, in patients with SIBO-D the number of IELs in duodenum, as well as in jejunum, was positively correlated with the number of EC cells ( p<0,05, p=0,056, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SIBO, particularly with SIBO-D, increased number of IELs I EC cells may be a cause of diverse abdominal symptoms.
Subject(s)
Blind Loop Syndrome , Intraepithelial Lymphocytes , Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Blind Loop Syndrome/complications , Blind Loop Syndrome/diagnosis , Breath Tests , Humans , Intestine, Small , LactuloseABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia is remains unknown. The diagnosis is based on subjective symptoms. However, many effort are being made in searching for the causes and objective indices which could facilitate the diagnosis and the treatment of this disease. AIM: The aim of study was to evaluate the indices of serotonin synthesis and metabolism in patients with functional dyspepsia in relation to psychosomatic symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 30 healthy subjects (group I - control) and 30 patients with functional dyspepsia(group II) as postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), according to Rome Criteria IV. Assessment of the severity of dyspeptic symptoms was performed using a 10-point visual-analogue scale(VAS). All patients completed the Hamilton Depression Scale. Serum serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentration in urine were measured by ELISA method using IBL antibodies (catalog numbers- RE-59121, RE-59131). RESULTS: Serum serotonin concentration in the control group was 205.1±34.1 ng/ml, and in dyspeptic patients - 154.2±52.9 ng/ml (p<0.001). Significant differences were also found in daily urinary 5-HIAA excretion: 6.88±0.79 mg/24h vs 5.06±1.25 mg/24h, respectively ( p < 0.001). Moreover, a negative correlation was found between serotonin concentration as well as urinary 5-HIAA excretion and severity of depressive symptoms. The correlation between severity of dyspeptic and psychic symptoms was poorly positive. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that in patients with functional dyspepsia homeostasis of serotonin is disturbed, and it is in relation to psychosomatic symptoms.
Subject(s)
Dyspepsia , Humans , Postprandial Period , Serotonin , SyndromeABSTRACT
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a frequent cause of chronic abdominal complaining. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of the functional disorders in this group patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 426 subjects, aged 22-65, including 294 women and 132 men with intestinal functional diseases, as defined in Rome IV Criteria. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was evaluated using the Gastrolyzer (Bedfont), assuming an increase of hydrogen concentration in the breath samples over 20 ppm in relation to the baseline value within 90 minutes after consumption of 10 g lactulose (LHBT test). In 185 subjects (group I) results of this test was negative, and in 241 patients (group II) was positive. RESULTS: On the whole the prevalence of functional disorders are similar in both groups (p > 0,05). However, in the group with a positive LHBT score, the diarrheal form of the irritable bowel syndrome was more often diagnosed (21,1% vs 28,2%; OR -1,47, 95% Cl - 0,94-2,31) as well as functional diarrhea (22,1% vs 17,8%; OR - 1,22; Cl 95% - 0,78-1,92). Less differences were determined in evaluation of the constipation and bloatedness. CONCLUSIONS: The LHBT is useful in the diagnosis of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
