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Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2001"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicate that the anthocyanin Cy 3-Glc contributes to the antioxidant activity of PBR through its strong superoxide radical but not hydroxyl radical scavenging activity.
Abstract: Antioxidant activity was studied for anthocyanins extracted from purple black rice (PBR) by a 3% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid solution (TFA), as well as for anthocyanins extracted from blueberry (Bluetta, high bush type). Capillary zone electrophoresis revealed that the PBR extract contained almost exclusively a single anthocyanin, which was identified as cyanidin 3-O-β-D-glucoside (Cy 3-Glc) after purification by polyvinylpyrrolidone column chromatography. In contrast, 11 anthocyanins were identified in the blueberry extract. PBR extract showed slightly weaker superoxide scavenging and crocin bleaching activities than blueberry extract did. Both PBR and blueberry extracts, however, showed 10 to 25 times stronger activity than the same concentration of Trolox used as a reference antioxidant. It was further noted that the purified Cy 3-Glc from PBR extract retained approximately 74% of the antioxidant activity (both crocin bleaching and superoxide scavenging) observed in the original TFA extract. The hydro...

192 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Serum lipid and low-density lipoprotein oxidation were significantly reduced after the consumption of tomato products containing lycopene, and Lycopene was absorbed readily from the dietary sources.
Abstract: Lycopene is a bioactive carotenoid present in many fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes constitute the major dietary source of lycopene. Recent evidence shows lycopene to be associated with several health benefits. However, very little information is available about the stability of lycopene and its bioavailability. Because tomatoes undergo extensive processing and storage before consumption, a study was conducted to evaluate the stability, isomeric form, bioavailability, and in vivo antioxidant properties of lycopene. Total lycopene and isomers were measured by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Lycopene content of tomatoes remained unchanged during the multistep processing operations for the production of juice or paste and remained stable for up to 12 months of storage at ambient temperature. Moreover, subjecting tomato juice to cooking temperatures in the presence of corn oil resulted in the formation of the cis isomeric form, which was considered to be more bioavailable. Lycopene was absorbed readily from the dietary sources. Serum lipid and low-density lipoprotein oxidation were significantly reduced after the consumption of tomato products containing lycopene.

177 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The beneficial effect of Spirulina supplementation in controlling blood glucose levels and in improving the lipid profile of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus is suggested.
Abstract: Spirulina, with its high concentration of functional nutrients, is emerging as an important therapeutic food. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic role of Spirulina. Twenty-five subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to receive Spirulina (study group) or to form the control group. At baseline, the control and study groups were matched for various variables. The efficacy of Spirulina supplementation (2 g/day for 2 months) was determined using the preintervention and postintervention blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and lipid profiles of the diabetic subjects. Two-month supplementation with Spirulina resulted in an appreciable lowering of fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels. A significant reduction in the HbA1c level was also observed, indicating improved long-term glucose regulation. With regard to lipids, triglyceride levels were significantly lowered. Total cholesterol (TC) and its fraction, low-density...

173 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Because grape extracts are a convenient alimentary source of salutary phytochemicals to supplement currently prevalent occidental food and resveratrol appears to be especially useful, it could conveniently be added in biosignificant amounts to the grape extracts provided that their extraction, contents, and quality controls are instituted.
Abstract: The recent and essential reports on the biological activity of the principal phytophenols of Vitis vinifera and wine, with special attention to resveratrol, are reviewed. The phytophenols are arbitrarily divisible into single-ring phenolic acids, bisphenols including stilbenes, tricyclic phenols (flavonoids) and their subclasses, and oligomeric and polymeric species, the proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins. Their precursors and the stilbenes, including resveratrol with its analogs and conjugates, appear to be of preventative and possibly therapeutic value in atherosclerosis and certain neoplastic and inflammatory afflictions. The probable mechanisms are free radical scavenging and selective interference with a multitude of factors affecting the division cycle of rapidly and abnormally proliferating mammalian cells. Reviewed are studies of natural occurrence, extraction methods, bioavailability, analytical detection, and metabolism of resveratrol, as well as its effects on cancer and inflammation, atheros...

90 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An unfractionated aqueous extract of raspberry and the ethanol extract of Premier blueberry significantly inhibited mutagenesis by both direct-acting and metabolically activated carcinogens.
Abstract: Freeze-dried fruits of two strawberry cultivars, Sweet Charlie and Carlsbad, and two blueberry cultivars, Tifblue and Premier were sequentially extracted with hexane, 50% hexane/ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and 70% acetone/water at ambient temperature. Each extract was tested separately for in vitro anticancer activity on cervical and breast cancer cell lines. Ethanol extracts from all four fruits strongly inhibited CaSki and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines and MCF-7 and T47-D breast cancer cell lines. An unfractionated aqueous extract of raspberry and the ethanol extract of Premier blueberry significantly inhibited mutagenesis by both direct-acting and metabolically activated carcinogens.

73 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In vitro, an inhibitory rather than a stimulatory effect of cucumariosides on phagocytosis and release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was found, and possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties of triterpene glycosides from C. japonica are discussed.
Abstract: Holothurian triterpene glycosides (cucumariosides) are known to possess multiple biological activities. Here we show that cucumariosides from the Far Eastern edible holothurian (sea cucumber), Cucumaria japonica, and their semisynthetic derivatives possess potent immunomodulatory properties. Intraperitoneal injection of cucumariosides (0.2-20 ng per mouse) induced macrophage lysosomal activity in a dose-dependent manner (up to 250% of control). The stimulatory effect was related to the chemical structure of cucumariosides and was especially influenced by the number and position of sulfate groups in the carbohydrate moiety of the molecules. In vitro, an inhibitory rather than a stimulatory effect of cucumariosides on phagocytosis and release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was found. Virtually all cucumariosides inhibited latex bead phagocytosis by human peripheral blood granulocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha production by immune cells in human blood diluted with RPMI-1640 was decreased, without a clear relation to the structure and dose of the compounds. The data are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory properties of triterpene glycosides from C. japonica.

62 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of this pilot study indicate that Pycnogenol may be a valuable nutraceutical in the management of chronic asthma and recommend that further clinical trials be conducted in larger groups of asthmatics to establish its efficacy.
Abstract: Asthma is characterized as a chronic inflammatory process. Pycnogenol((R)), a bioflavonoid mixture extracted from Pinus maritima, is known to scavenge free radicals while possessing antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of this agent in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study in patients with varying asthma severity. Twenty-six patients who fulfilled the American Thoracic Society criteria for asthma were enrolled in the study. Medical history, physical examination, blood sample analyses, and spirometric values were obtained at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1 mg/lb/day (maximum 200 mg/day) Pycnogenol or placebo for the first period of 4 weeks and then crossed over to the alternate regimen for the next 4 weeks. No adverse effects were observed related to the study drug. Within the contingent of 22 patients who completed the study, almost all responded favorably to Pycnogenol in contrast to placebo. Pycnogenol treatment also significantly reduced serum leukotrienes compared with placebo. The results of this pilot study indicate that Pycnogenol may be a valuable nutraceutical in the management of chronic asthma. We recommend that further clinical trials be conducted in larger groups of asthmatics to establish its efficacy.

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Improving the taste properties of soy appeared to have a more dramatic potential impact on the consumption of those who were knowledgeable about functional and medicinal foods than on the general population.
Abstract: Is it reasonable to believe that the consumption of medicinal and functional foods such as soy is driven by nutritional knowledge? A national survey of 770 U.S. consumers indicated that 39% of male and female subjects did not know of any health benefits associated with soy. Among those who know of soy's nutritional benefits, consumption occurred only among those who perceived these benefits as specifically relevant to themselves. People who had even a slight familiarity with functional foods were more likely to consume soy. Improving the taste properties of soy appeared to have a more dramatic potential impact on the consumption of those who were knowledgeable about functional and medicinal foods than on the general population.

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A commercial California wine grapeseed extract, MegaNatural((R)) Gold, is investigated and compared it to grapes, grape juice, red wine, other grapeseed extracts, and commercial extracts with respect to antioxidant activity, using an oxidation-reduction colorimetric assay.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies have produced solid evidence that consumption of fruits results in a reduction of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Red wine has been hypothesized to reduce the risk of heart disease as a result of its antioxidant, endothelial relaxation, and antiplatelet aggregation mechanisms. We investigated a commercial California wine grapeseed extract, MegaNatural® Gold, and compared it to grapes, grape juice, red wine, other grapeseed extracts, and commercial extracts with respect to antioxidant activity, using an oxidation-reduction colorimetric assay. The quality of the antioxidants was determined with the use of an in vitro model of heart disease, a dose-response inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation. MegaNatural® Gold had a superior quantity/quality antioxidant index compared with all other samples tested. In nine subjects given 600 mg of MegaNatural® Gold, the plasma antioxidant activity as measured by the RANDOX assay was significantly increased by 12% after both 1 and 2 hou...

44 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A remarkable protective effect of D-002 on lipid peroxidation in gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin and a moderate protective effect on gastric erosions and lipid per oxidation induced by I-R are demonstrated.
Abstract: D-002 is a natural mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols isolated from beeswax that has antioxidant and antiulcer properties. Because the role of lipid peroxidation in gastric damage is well recognized, this work was designed to investigate the possible effect of D-002 on lipid peroxidation in gastric mucosa in two experimental models of gastric injury in rats: (1) gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin and (2) mucosal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I-R). The results demonstrated a remarkable protective effect of D-002 on lipid peroxidation in gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin and a moderate protective effect of D-002 on gastric erosions and lipid peroxidation induced by I-R.

39 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 26 normal and hypercholesterolemic subjects, the citrus extract and vitamin C, but not vitamin C or vitamin E alone, significantly lowered triglycerides and the combination increased the lag time of lipoprotein oxidation.
Abstract: Polyphenols and particularly flavonoids are well known in vitro antioxidants. Their consumption in foods has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease in epidemiological studies. Because flavonoids are consumed with vitamin C in the diet, the combination may prove to be more beneficial than either alone. The combination of citrus extract and vitamin C was found to produce a synergistic antioxidant effect in an in vitro lipoprotein oxidation model. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 26 normal and hypercholesterolemic subjects, the citrus extract and vitamin C, but not vitamin C or vitamin E alone, significantly lowered triglycerides. The combination of citrus extract and vitamin C increased the lag time of lipoprotein oxidation, compared with vitamin C alone or a placebo, and was a significantly better antioxidant than vitamin E. These results and other published studies are highly suggestive of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant synergism between citrus extract and vitamin C.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicate that D-003 does not show evidence of cytotoxic or genotoxic activity on either somatic or germ cells in rodents.
Abstract: D-003 is a mixture of very long chain aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax with cholesterol-lowering effects The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of D-003 using three established assays: bone marrow micronucleus, sperm morphology, and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay In a first experimental series, CEN/NMRI mice (6–8 animals per sex per group) were administered D-003 by gastric gavage at 5, 50, or 500 mg/kg for 90 days, then sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration The effects on bone marrow micronucleus were evaluated only in female mice D-003 (5–500 mg/kg) did not increase the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, nor the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes, compared with the controls The assessment of the effects on sperm morphology showed that D-003 did not change the sperm count or the frequency of all types of abnormal head shapes, compared with the controls In a second se

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Protection by nicotinamide in both neurons and ECs appeared to be independent and downstream from p38 activation, and further investigations that define the cellular and molecular mechanisms employed by the nutrient Nicotinamide may provide greater insight into the potential therapeutic targets that determine neuronal and vascular injury.
Abstract: In addition to functioning as an essential nutrient for cellular growth and maintenance, nicotinamide also may be an attractive therapeutic agent with efficacy demonstrated against free radical ischemic programmed cell death (PCD). Yet, the cellular mechanisms that mediate cellular PCD, as well as protection by nicotinamide, are considered to require further definition. In primary rat hippocampal neurons and rat cerebrovascular endothelial cells (ECs), cellular injury was determined through trypan blue dye exclusion, externalization of membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) residues, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 through Western blot analysis. Nicotinamide was without cellular toxicity at concentrations lower than 50 mM in both neuronal and EC populations. Exposure to either anoxia or the nitric oxide (NO) donors sodium nitroprusside and NOC-9 significantly decreased neuronal and EC survival from approximately 85% to 38% and increased membrane PS exposure from approximately 10% to 80% over a 24-hour period. Pretreatment with nicotinamide (12.5 mM) prevented anoxic and NO cytodegeneration by significantly increasing survival and decreasing membrane PS expression. Protection by nicotinamide in both neurons and ECs appeared to be independent and downstream from p38 activation. Further investigations that define the cellular and molecular mechanisms employed by the nutrient nicotinamide may provide greater insight into the potential therapeutic targets that determine neuronal and vascular injury.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: D-002 treatment may be useful to prevent or manage certain pathophysiological conditions in the elderly and significantly reduced the susceptibility of nonfractionated plasma samples to copper-mediated lipid peroxidation and increased the length of the lag phase.
Abstract: D-002 is a mixture of higher aliphatic alcohols isolated from beeswax that inhibits rat microsomal lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo. This study was undertaken to investigate whether D-002 also inhibits lipid peroxidation in older subjects. The free radical theory of aging suggests that progressive defects in the protection against free radical reactions leads to progressive deleterious effects of free radicals on cells and tissues. This free radical damage has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes associated with the chronic degenerative diseases that occur with aging. Forty-eight older subjects were randomly assigned, in a double-blind fashion, to receive placebo or D-002 tablets (50 mg/day) once daily. At baseline, D-002 and placebo groups were well matched regarding several variables. D-002 significantly reduced the susceptibility of nonfractionated plasma samples to copper-mediated lipid peroxidation. It also significantly increased the length of the lag phase (P < .001) and t...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The higher antioxidant capacity and anticlastogenic activity of GSEs can be explained, structurally, by the high number of conjugated structures between the catechol groups in the B-rings and the 3-OH free groups of the polymeric polyphenolic skeleton and by the stability of the aroxyl flavonoid radical generated in the processes.
Abstract: The quantitative distribution of flavan-3-ols was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography in several grape seed extracts (GSEs). In all GSEs, polymers of four or more carbon units were the group of procyanidins present in the highest concentration, the real quantity ranging between 60% and 99.5%. In a previous paper we established a relation between antioxidant and anticlastogenic activity of GSEs. A higher grade of polymerization in GSEs allows the existence of a higher number of conjugated structures and higher antioxidant activity. The radioprotective effects of GSEs with various grades of polymerization were determined by use of the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic activity, evaluating the reduction in the frequency of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked cells of human lymphocytes exposed to gamma-rays. The radioprotective efficiency of GSEs was according to their grade of polymerization: GSE3 > GSE2 > GSE1 > dimethylsulfoxide. The higher antioxidant capacity and anticlastogenic activity of GSEs can be explained, structurally, by the high number of conjugated structures between the catechol groups in the B-rings and the 3-OH free groups of the polymeric polyphenolic skeleton and, in addition, by the stability of the aroxyl flavonoid radical generated in the processes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This work establishes key identification parameters to differentiate P. incarnata from P. edulis, which is a popular sedative and anxiolytic plant that is rarely reported to possess significant central nervous system depressant activity.
Abstract: Passiflora incarnata Linn. and Passiflora edulis Sims are the two important plants of the family Passifloraceae that have often been reported as synonymous because of their identical morphological and microscopic characteristics. P. incarnata is a popular sedative and anxiolytic, whereas, P. edulis is rarely reported to possess significant central nervous system depressant activity. P. edulis, as the name of the species reflects, is mainly grown for edible purposes. During a survey of literature on the genus Passiflora, it was noticed that in many references the two plants are mentioned synonymously. The designation by Sir William J. Hooker in 1843, followed by the citation of P. edulis as the synonym of P. incarnata in Index Kewensis of 1895, not only substantiated the controversial identity but also caused confusion to researchers. The prevailing confusion might have led to improper selection of the bioactive plant, thereby accounting for inconclusive and contradictory pharmacological reports on either of the two plants. In this work, we establish key identification parameters to differentiate P. incarnata from P. edulis. Various leaf constants such as vein-islet number, vein-termination number, stomatal number, and stomatal index are different for the two species. Physicochemical parameters such as ash values and extractive values and the thin layer chromatography profile of the petroleum ether extract of P. incarnata and P. edulis are also distinct and different. Various clinical uses of P. incarnata for anxiety and allied diseases are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that policosanol chronically administered by the oral route is safe and that no drug-related toxicity was demonstrated.
Abstract: Policosanol is a cholesterol-lowering drug purified from sugar cane. Previous toxicological studies have not demonstrated any policosanol-related toxicity, even with long-term oral administration at 500 mg/kg, a dose 1,724 times larger than the maximal therapeutic dose (20 mg/day) recommended to date. The present study was undertaken to investigate the oral toxicity of policosanol administered for 6 months in doses up to 5,000 mg/kg to Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomly distributed in five groups (15 animals per dose per sex): a control and four groups given oral policosanol (50, 500, 2,500, or 5,000 mg/kg). Eight treated rats (6 males, 2 females) died during the study, five of them (4 males, 1 female) from among those receiving the highest dose (5,000 mg/kg). According to necropsy, all deaths were related to gavage manipulation of higher doses. Although the differences were not significant, body weight gain and food consumption in the groups receiving 2,500 or 5,000 mg/kg tended to be lower than in the control group. Nevertheless, no drug-related toxicity symptoms were detected. Analysis of blood biochemistry, hematology, organ weight ratios, and histopathological findings did not show significant differences compared with controls, nor any tendency with the dose. Therefore, the present study did not show any new evidence of oral toxicity of policosanol, and the findings observed were a consequence of long-term administration by gastric gavage of the highly concentrated suspensions needed to reach the higher doses. It is concluded that policosanol chronically administered by the oral route is safe and that no drug-related toxicity was demonstrated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that chronic exposure of spermatozoa to high doses of genistein could be associated with infertility problems through suppression/inhibition of AcR and sperm motility.
Abstract: Caudal epididymal spermatozoa were used to study the influence of genistein isoflavone and dexamethasone (dxm) on the functional characteristics of spermatozoa. The effects of genistein alone and in combination with dxm on sperm motility, sperm morphology, spontaneous acrosome reaction (AcR), and ionophore A23187-induced AcR were investigated. The FITC-PSA/Hoechst 33258 staining procedure was used to assess sperm cell viability and AcR status and thus to differentiate between true AcR and acrosome degeneration. The overall results indicated that (1) lower doses of genistein alone, or in combination with dxm, did not significantly influence sperm motility or sperm morphology; (2) ionophore A23187 induced AcR in rat spermatozoa; (3) there appeared to be no direct correlation between sperm motility and AcR, (4) higher doses of genistein, alone or in combination with dxm, significantly interfered with percentage sperm motility and caused significant detachment of sperm heads but did not cause morphological de...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A rational procedure for determining the total chain-breaking AOA of beverages with the use of the Clark electrode technique is presented, which suggested the release of polyphenols from their complexes with other components of beverages was suggested as the most probable mechanism.
Abstract: The protective effects of red wine, tea, and coffee on cancer, atheroclerosis, and other diseases are attributed to the antioxidant activity (AOA) of polyphenols, which are abundant in those bevera...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Strong antioxidant activity corresponding to mitigation of the generation of hydroxyl radicals is demonstrated, a possible rationale for the observed therapeutic effects of this weed.
Abstract: We studied the scavenging capabilities of an extract of Scoparia dulcis (a cosmopolitan weed widespread in Laos and Vietnam) for 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and measured hemoglobin-catalyzed linoleic acid peroxidation with an oxygen electrode. Our results demonstrated strong antioxidant activity corresponding to mitigation of the generation of hydroxyl radicals, a possible rationale for the observed therapeutic effects of this weed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The postexercise blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower when the silicate mineral supplement was used, compared with placebo, suggesting a beneficial effect of Microhydrin on lactate metabolism.
Abstract: Amorphous silicate minerals, often described as rock flour, were once common in natural water sources and abundant in glacial stream waters. Not only do the silica mineral particles bond water and other elements for transport; they also can be adsorbed with reduced hydrogen, which releases electrons, providing antioxidant or reducing potential to surrounding fluids. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the cardiovascular responses during exercise after consumption of a dietary silicate mineral antioxidant supplement, Microhydrin® (Royal BodyCare, Inc., Irving, TX). A clinical trial incorporating a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design was employed. Subjects received either active agent or placebo, four capsules per day, for 7 days before the trial. The trial evaluated six exercise bicycle-trained subjects performing a 40-km bicycling time trial. Ratings of perceived exertion and measurements of oxygen uptake, heart rate, performance workload, and preexercise and poste...

Journal ArticleDOI
Zhaoping Liu, Bing Yu, J.S. Huo, C.Q. Lu, J.S. Chen 
TL;DR: In the in vitro study, a dose-response relationship was demonstrated when cells were treated with low doses of CR extracts, and the optimal enhancement concentration ofCR extracts resulted in significantly increased ER levels compared with the control group.
Abstract: The estrogenic effects of Cimicifuga racemosa or Actacea racemosa (black cohosh, CR) extracts were tested in mice, and their effects on estrogen receptor (ER) levels in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were also investigated. Four groups of weanling female Kunming mice were given 0 (control), 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg body weight CR extracts orally for 14 days. The estrus cycle and the weights of the uterus and ovary of mice, as well as serum estradiol (E2) were measured. The proliferation patterns of MCF-7 cells exposed to CR extracts or 17β-estradiol were studied by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, growth of MCF-7 cells in 0 (control) or 4.75 μg/L of CR extracts or 0.3 nmol/L of 17β-estradiol groups were observed for 5 days. ER levels in MCF-7 cells were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay using flow cytometry. The uterine weights of mice increased with the increase in dosage of CR extracts, and the estrus duration was significantly prolong...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results demonstrated that the effect of AA depended on the in vitro growth conditions, and palmitoyl ascorbate demonstrated significant inhibition of intracellular DCFH-DA oxidation presumably caused by inhibition of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase.
Abstract: Ascorbic acid (AA) and its derivatives participate in vitro in oxidative-reductive reactions both as antioxidants and as prooxidants. The physiological relevance of these prooxidant effects of AA and its derivatives remains unclear. There is little evidence that AA can initiate formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or lipid peroxidation in cells or tissue. In order to examine the effect of AA and its derivative palmitoyl ascorbate on in situ intracellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and cis-parinaric acid were used as fluorescent probes in cultural neonatal foreskin fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that the effect of AA depended on the in vitro growth conditions. AA induced augmentation of the intracellular ROS concentration in newly plated (24 hours) cells. However, in cells cultured for 72 hours, AA had a different effect: it moderately reduced intracellular ROS concentration but stimulated lipid peroxidation in the cytoplasmic membrane. ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Both probiotic preparations and glucose increased the production of most short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid but decreased those of ammonia and isovaleric acid, and effects of different preparations were alike.
Abstract: Probiotic preparations are used to prevent or treat diarrhea. Probiotic preparations increase the in vitro breakdown of carbohydrates and decrease that of protein by mixed cecal bacteria in the absence of readily fermentable materials. Diarrhea can increase the influx of readily digestible materials into the large intestine. Therefore, we compared production of organic acids and ammonia in batch cultures using pig cecal contents with or without probiotic preparations (Clostridium butyricum, Lactobacillus casei plus Bifidobacterium breve, or L. casei plus Enterococcus faecalis) and with or without readily fermentable substrates (glucose or polypeptone). Effects of additional substrates appeared earlier than those of probiotic preparations. Both probiotic preparations and glucose increased the production of most short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid but decreased those of ammonia and isovaleric acid. Effects of probiotic preparations and glucose were not additive. Effects of different preparations were alike. Polypeptone increased the production of ammonia and isovaleric acid independent of probiotic preparations. Effects of probiotics and glucose may be to provide either energy or carbon to the microbial ecosystem. Effects of glucose were probably mediated through their direct utilization by indigenous bacteria.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Still waters with higher mineral content tended to be less favorable for drinking purposes, and carbonated waters with more minerals were favorable, and still waters with high mineral content were preferable as mouth cleaners for red wine.
Abstract: We studied the sensory preference for six still waters and four carbonated waters, nonflavored, by 11 tasting experts (4 women and 7 men). Five tasters rated the still waters, four tasters rated the carbonated water, and seven tasters rated twice on each of the still waters when evaluated with a dry red wine. All ratings were performed through answering a set of questions regarding the specific taste and/or smell of the waters. All tasters and the statistician were blinded to the water brands during rating and analysis. Multidimensional preference analysis and correspondence analysis were used to portray the underlying sensory preference. Still waters with higher mineral content tended to be less favorable for drinking purposes. On the other hand, carbonated waters with more minerals (but not over a certain limit) were favorable, and still waters with higher mineral content were preferable as mouth cleaners for red wine. The methodology can be carried to the food and beverage industries, to the functional...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The use of herbal and other botanical products, including those used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, has increased dramatically in the last decade, yet little scientific research has been done into their effects on human health.
Abstract: The use of herbal and other botanical products, including those used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, has increased dramatically in the last decade. Yet, little scientific research exists concerning their efficacy and safety. We examined the effects of Immune+, a combination of five botanicals frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, on the production of two cytokines. For this purpose, unstimulated or phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers were incubated with different concentrations of Immune+. The secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was measured after 72 hours of incubation. At the highest concentration tested (100 micro g/ml), Immune+ significantly increased the secretion of IL-1beta. Importantly, PHA alone had no effect on IL-1beta production, and the combination of PHA with Immune+ resulted in the same increase in IL-1beta production as seen with the botanical extract alone. Immune+ did not have any detectable effect on either unstimulated or PHA-stimulated IFN-gamma synthesis. These in vitro data support the concept that Immune+ may enhance human immune responses.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Policosanol reduced thromboxane A(2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels in animals and human beings and significantly increased the nitroprusside-induced hypotensive effect.
Abstract: Policosanol is a natural mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols isolated from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum L.). It has cholesterol-lowering effects demonstrated in experimental model...