PMID: 

Nutr J. 2018 12 5 ;17(1):114. Epub 2018 Dec 5. PMID: 30518394

Abstract Title: 

Higher dietary magnesium intake is associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference and serum glucose in Mexican adults.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) are public health concerns in Mexico of top-level priority due to their high prevalence and their growth rate in recent decades. The accumulation of adipose tissue leads to an unbalanced release of pro-oxidant factors, which causes cellular damage and favors the development of comorbidities. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress also promotes the accumulation of adipose tissue and the development of insulin resistance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between usual intake of antioxidant nutrients, specifically vitamins A, C, E and magnesium with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and serum glucose concentrations in a representative sample of Mexican adults.METHODOLOGY: We analyzed data on diet, BMI, WC and serum glucose from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. Analysis included 20- to 65-year-old adults without a known diagnosis of DM (n = 1573). Dietary information was obtained using the five-step multiple-pass method developed by the United States Department of Agriculture and adapted to the Mexican context. Nutrient usual intake distributions were estimated using the Iowa State University method, through the"Software for Intake Distribution Estimation"(PC-Side) v.1.02. Associations were analyzed using multivariate regression models.RESULTS: Higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with lower markers of adiposity, so that an increase in 10 mg per 1000 kcal/day of magnesium was associated with an average decrease in BMI of 0.72% (95% CI: -1.36, - 0.08) and 0.49 cm (95% CI: -0.92, - 0.07) of WC. Additionally, in women with normal glucose concentrations, an increase in magnesium intake was associated with an average decrease in serum glucose by 0.59% (95% CI: -1.08, - 0.09).CONCLUSION: The results suggest that magnesium intake is associated with lower BMI, WC and serum glucose in Mexican population. However, more studies are required to elucidate the nature of this association.

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PMID: 

J Med Food. 2019 Oct 15. Epub 2019 Oct 15. PMID: 31613687

Abstract Title: 

Policosanol Attenuates Cholesterol Synthesis via AMPK Activation in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Abstract: 

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of policosanol on high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats to provide strong evidence in support of its hypocholesterolemic effect. The hypercholesterolemic rats showed elevations in liver weight, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in serum; however, policosanol supplementation reduced these markers significantly. In addition, we found that policosanol supplementation stimulated an increase in fecal cholesterol and bile acid contents and deactivated 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation during high-fat and high-cholesterol-containing diet-induced development of hypercholesterolemia. Policosanol supplementation decreased ApoB levels and increased LDL-receptor expression, but it did not affect the hepatic ACAT2 level in livers from hypercholesterolemic rats. Moreover, supplementation with policosanol significantly decreased aortic wall thickness and levels of P-selectin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) in serum. In conclusion, we suggest that policosanol supplementation induces antihypercholesterolemia by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis, LDL cholesterol uptake, and cholesterol excretion.

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PMID: 

Nutr Cancer. 2019 Jul 5:1-13. Epub 2019 Jul 5. PMID: 31274029

Abstract Title: 

-Enhanced Extract and Adriamycin Antiproliferative Effect on PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, which is almost incurable, once it progresses into the metastatic stage. Adriamycin (ADR) is a known chemotherapeutic agent that causes severe side effects. In recent years, studies in natural plant products have revealed their anticancer activities. In particular,enhanced extract (GGE), commonly known as licorice, has been reported to exert antiproliferative properties against cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxic potential of GGE was assessed in PC-3 cells, when it is administrated alone or in combination with Adriamycin. PC-3 cells were treated with GGE and/or ADR, and the inhibition of cell proliferation was evaluated by the MTT assay. Cell cycle alterations and apoptosis rate were measured through flow cytometry. Expression levels of autophagy-related genes were evaluated with specific ELISA kits, Western blotting, and real-time PCR, while NMR spectrometry was used to identify the implication of specific metabolites. Our results demonstrated that GGE alone or in co-treatment with ADR shows antiproliferative properties against PC-3 cells, which are mediated by both apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms.

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PMID: 

PLoS One. 2019 ;14(8):e0221756. Epub 2019 Aug 23. PMID: 31442287

Abstract Title: 

Lollipop containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract reduces Streptococcus mutans colonization and maintains oral microbial diversity in Chinese preschool children.

Abstract: 

The anticariogenic activity of the extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) has been well documented. We recently developed an herbal lollipop containing licorice extracts with Glycyrrhizol A, the compound displaying strong antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans. Preliminary testing showed that the herbal lollipop reduced salivary S. mutans counts in vivo. In this study, we aimed to further test the efficacy of this herbal lollipop for reducing salivary S. mutans levels, and investigate its impact on salivary microbiome. Using a well-established in vitro oral microbiome model, we showed that licorice extract displays targeted killing against S. mutans without affecting the biodiversity of the community. In vivo study corroborated in vitro findings, showing for high caries-risk children aged 3-6 with salivary S. mutans levels>5×105 cells/ml, daily use of 2 licorice-containing lollipops for 3 weeks significantly reduced salivary S. mutans levels compared to the control group. Salivary microbiome analysis showed either no change or even increase in phylogenetic diversity of the oral community following herbal lollipop usage. Although further study with longer term observation is needed, these results suggest that use of licorice extract-containing lollipops can be as a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of dental caries in children.

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PMID: 

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Aug ;98(35):e16601. PMID: 31464895

Abstract Title: 

Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra has a beneficial effect in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra have been reported as having beneficial effects on Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fermented milk containing L paracasei HP7 and G glabra in patients with H pylori infection.
METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 hospitals from April to December 2017. Patients with H pylori infection were randomized into either the treatment group (fermented milk with L paracasei HP7 and G glabra) or placebo group (fermented milk only) once daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the gastric load of H pylori measured by C-urea breath test (UBT). Secondary endpoints were histologic and clinical improvement.
RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 71) or placebo groups (n = 71). Compared to baseline data, the quantitative value of C-UBT at 8 weeks was significantly reduced in the treatment group (from 20.8 ± 13.2% to 16.9 ± 10.8%, P = .035), but not in the placebo group (P = .130). Chronic inflammation improved significantly only in the treatment group (P = .013), whereas the neutrophil activity deteriorated significantly only in the placebo group (P = .003). Moreover, the treatment group had significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms (P = .049) and quality of life (P = .029). No serious adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSION: The combination of fermented milk containing L paracasei and G glabra reduced H pylori density and improved histologic inflammation. However, their mechanisms of action should be elucidated in further studies.

PMID: 

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2019 Oct 7:1-7. Epub 2019 Oct 7. PMID: 31589096

Abstract Title: 

suppresses nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation through inhibiting the expression of lncRNA, AK027294.

Abstract: 

is considered as potential drug for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, whether the long noncoding RNAs' (lncRNAs) contributes to the anti-cancer function of this herb is unknown. In present study, we analyzed the differential expression of lncRNA between-treated and untreated C666-1 cells. Out of those tumor-related lncRNAs, AK027294 had a strongest down-regulation upontreatment. Knockdown of AK027294 suppresses the proliferation of C666-1 cells by inducing the apoptosis. Moreover, eithertreatment or knockdown of AK027294 significantly increases the production of EZH1 (Enhancer of zeste 1 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit). Collectively, we have identified a potential mechanism that the down-regulation of AK027294 contributes to the anti-cancer function ofand also provide the potential inter-relationship between AK027294 and EZH1.

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PMID: 

Tissue Cell. 2019 Oct ;60:14-20. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31582013

Abstract Title: 

Caffeic acid reduces oxidative stress and microglial activation in the mouse hippocampus.

Abstract: 

A number of studies have indicated the benefits of coffee consumption on physical and mental health; however, scientific evidence on these effects, in particular of the benefits to brain function, has not been determined. In the present study, we aimed to determine the benefits of caffeic acid in the nervous system. For this purpose, we administered doses of 0 or 300 mg/kg for 30 days to mice that were not otherwise affected. We analyzed survival of newly born cells, oxidative stress, inflammatory marker expression, and microglial activation in the hippocampus. We found that caffeic acid had no effect on the expression levels of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, caffeic acid-treated mice exhibited significantly lower levels of 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress marker, in the hippocampus, as well as significantly fewer activated microglia. Abnormally high oxidative stress, as well as activated microglia accumulation are both considered to relate to the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The present study demonstrates the physiological effects of caffeic acid and may explain the suggested benefits of coffee consumption on brain health.

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PMID: 

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2019 Aug ;25(5):433-439. PMID: 31475327

Abstract Title: 

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester ameliorates pulmonary inflammation and apoptosis reducing Nf-κβ activation in blunt pulmonary contusion model.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary contusion (PC) is an important life-threatening clinical condition characterized by lung injury and inflammation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a biological agent with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of CAPE on tissue damage, nuclear factor kappa-beta (Nf-κβ) activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) synthesis, and pulmonary apoptosis in an experimental PC model.METHODS: Forty adult Wistar albino rats were used in this study and divided into four groups as follows: control, PC, PC + CAPE, and CAPE. CAPE was administered intraperitoneally for seven days following PC formation (10µmol/kg, dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide). Wet/dry weight ratio in lung tissue was determined. The pulmonary tissue was examined using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome histochemical staining and also by scanning electron microscopy. Nf-κβ and iNOS activities in the lungs were determined by the indirect immunohistochemical method. Pulmonary apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method.RESULTS: Increased leukocyte infiltration score, pulmonary edema, alveolar damage, and increased Nf-κβ and iNOS activities were determined in the PC group. CAPE administration inhibited Nf-κβ and iNOS activities and pulmonary apoptosis.CONCLUSION: In this study, the findings showed that CAPE inhibited tissue damage by suppressing inflammatory mediators of Nf-κβ and iNOS activities. Also, CAPE was found to be protective in the lung tissue and could be used as a therapeutic agent.

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PMID: 

Arch Med Sci. 2019 Sep ;15(5):1329-1335. Epub 2018 Jul 5. PMID: 31572481

Abstract Title: 

Study of the mechanism of anti-ulcer effects of virgin coconut oil on gastric ulcer-induced rat model.

Abstract: 

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the gastro-protective effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on different ulcer models as compared to the standard drug (omeprazole).Material and methods: Three groups of rats (6 rats per group for each ulcer model) were pre-treated with distilled water for the negative control group, 30 mg/kg of omeprazole for the positive control group and VCO (2 ml per rat) for the treatment group. Animals were pre-treated for 7 days and ulcers were induced with cold restraint stress, piroxicam, ethanol and pylorus ligation. On day eight, animals were sacrificed and ulcer scores were determined based on macroscopic evaluation. The gastric volume, pH, total acidity and mucus content were measured in the pylorus-ligated model. The levels of antioxidants were determined from the gastric tissue homogenates.Results: Virgin coconut oil significantly (

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PMID: 

Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Sep ;6(6):1676-1683. Epub 2018 Jul 20. PMID: 30258612

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory potentials ofhusk.

Abstract: 

Concoctions containing extract fromhusk fiber are used in Nigeria by traditional medicine practitioners for management of diabetes and its associated complications. Preliminary antidiabetic study was designed to validate the folkloric usage of the plant extract. Dried coconut husk fiber was pulverized and extracted with methanol, followed by partitioning of the methanolic extract in ethyl acetate. Phenolic content, radical scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity as well as inhibitory effects ofmethanolic (CN-M) extract and its ethyl acetate (CN-E) fraction on pancreaticα-amylase and lipid peroxidation were determined. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of CN-E fraction were significantly higher than that of CN-M extract, whereas there was no significant difference in their ability to scavenge free radicals. The CN-E fraction also exhibited higher invitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on α-amylase activity and lipid peroxidation; reducing blood glucose level within 5 days following intraperitoneal administration of theextract to alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The phenolic-rich extracts from coconut husk can be further explored as nutraceutical supplement in food formulation for diabetic patients.

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