Guarana supplementation attenuated obesity, insulin resistance, and adipokines dysregulation induced by a standardized human Western diet via brown adipose tissue activation

The impact of Paullinia cupana extract on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in rats

Epilepsy patients are at a higher risk of developing overweight and obesity. Given the thermogenic properties of Paullinia cupana (Guarana), this study aimed to evaluate a potential pharmacokinetic interaction between P. cupana extract and phenytoin in rats. Two pharmacokinetic studies were developed with P. cupana and phenytoin: a coadministration and a pre-treatment study. Plasma concentrations of phenytoin and its primary metabolite (5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin) were determined by HPLC-DAD, and data were analysed by non-compartmental pharmacokinetic methods. Both studies demonstrated a significant delay in the time to reach peak plasma concentration of phenytoin and its primary metabolite. Furthermore, a lower extent of systemic exposure of its primary metabolite was found in the coadministration study. In addition, the pre-treatment study indicated weight loss in the experimental group. These results suggest that concurrent administration of P. cupana extract with phenytoin may compromise the drug's therapeutic efficacy.

Amazonian Fruits for Treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The Amazon region has a high biodiversity of flora, with an elevated variety of fruits, such as Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dúbia), Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum and Astrocaryum vulgare), Fruta-do-conde (Annona squamosa L.), Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), Graviola (Annona muricata L.), Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth var. sorbilis), and Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora), among many others, that are rich in phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins with prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies evaluating the chemical composition of these fruits have observed a high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Such components are associated with significant biological effects in treating various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related complications. Regular intake of these fruits from Amazonas emerges as a potential therapeutic approach to preventing and treating NCDs as a nutritional strategy to reduce the incidence or mitigate common complications in these patients, which are the leading global causes of death. As studies remain largely unexplored, this narrative review discusses the possible health-beneficial effects for patients with NCDs.

Adipose Tissue Plasticity in Aging

As a dynamic endocrine organ, white adipose tissue (WAT) stores lipids and plays a critical role in maintaining whole-body energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. A large group of the population over 65 years old suffer from increased WAT mass, especially in the visceral location. Visceral adiposity accelerates aging through promoting age-associated chronic conditions, significantly shortening life expectancy. Unlike WAT, brown adipose tissue (BAT) functions as an effective energy sink that burns and disposes of excess lipids and glucose upon activation of thermogenesis. Unfortunately, the thermogenic activity of BAT declines during aging. New appreciation of cellular and functional remodeling of WAT and BAT during aging has emerged in recent years. Efforts are underway to explore the potential underlying mechanisms behind these age-associated alterations in WAT and BAT and the impact of these alterations on whole-body metabolism. Lastly, it is intriguing to translate our knowledge obtained from animal models to the clinic to prevent and treat age-associated metabolic disorders. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 4119-4132, 2022.

Medicinal Plants and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Background: Various neurocognitive and mental health-related conditions have been associated with the gut microbiome, implicating a microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA). The aim of this systematic review was to identify, categorize, and review clinical evidence supporting medicinal plants for the treatment of mental disorders and studies on their interactions with the gut microbiota. Methods: This review included medicinal plants for which clinical studies on depression, sleeping disorders, anxiety, or cognitive dysfunction as well as scientific evidence of interaction with the gut microbiome were available. The studies were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Eighty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and covered thirty mental health-related medicinal plants with data on interaction with the gut microbiome. Conclusion: Only a few studies have been specifically designed to assess how herbal preparations affect MGBA-related targets or pathways. However, many studies provide hints of a possible interaction with the MGBA, such as an increased abundance of health-beneficial microorganisms, anti-inflammatory effects, or MGBA-related pathway effects by gut microbial metabolites. Data for Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, and Salvia rosmarinus indicate that the interaction of their constituents with the gut microbiota could mediate mental health benefits. Studies specifically assessing the effects on MGBA-related pathways are still required for most medicinal plants.

Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant from the Amazon region with cultural importance. Despite its early ancestral use by indigenous tribes, the first reports regarding the benefits of guarana consumption for human health were published in the 19th century. Since then, the use of guarana seed in powder and extract forms has been studied for its diverse effects on human health, such as stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-obesity effects. These effects are attributed to the high content of bioactive compounds found in guarana seeds, especially methylxanthines and flavonoids. In fact, the Brazilian Food Supplement Law has officially acknowledged guarana as a source of bioactive compounds. The number and diversity of studies focused on guarana and human health are increasing; thus, organizing and describing the available evidence on guarana and its applications is necessary to provide a framework for future studies. In this narrative review, we have organized the available information regarding guarana and its potential effects on human health. Guarana produces unique fruits with great potential for human health applications. However, the available evidence lacks human studies and mechanistic investigations. Future studies should be designed considering its applicability to human health, including intake levels and toxicity studies.

Food phenolics stimulate adipocyte browning via regulating gut microecology

Fat browning has piqued the interest of researchers as a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders. Recruitment of brown adipocytes leads to enhanced energy dissipation and reduced adiposity, thus facilitating the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Evidence is increasing to support the crucial roles of polyphenols and gut microecology in turning fat "brown". However, it is not clear whether the intestinal microecology is involved in polyphenol-mediated regulation of adipose browning, so this concept is worthy of exploration. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge, mostly from studies with murine models, supporting the concept that the effects of food phenolics on brown fat activation and white fat browning can be attributed to their regulatory actions on gut microecology, including microbial community profile, gut metabolites, and gut-derived hormones. Furthermore, the potential underlying pathways involved are also discussed. Basically, understanding gut microecology paves the way to determine the underlying roles and mechanisms of food phenolics in adipose browning.

Polyphenols and their anti-obesity role mediated by the gut microbiota: a comprehensive review

Obesity is a global public health problem that results in chronic pathologies such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The treatment approach based on energy restriction and promotion of physical activity is ineffective in the long term. Due to the high prevalence of this pathology, complementary treatments such as brown adipose tissue activation (BAT) and white adipose tissue browning (WAT) have been proposed. Dietary polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites that can stimulate browning and thermogenesis of adipose tissue. They have also been shown to prevent body weight gain, and decrease systemic inflammation produced by high-fat diets. Ingested dietary polyphenols that reach the colon are metabolized by the gut microbiota (GM), regulating its composition and generating a great array of metabolites. GM is involved in the production of short chain fatty acids and secondary bile salts that regulate energetic metabolism. The alteration in the composition of GM observed in metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes can be attenuated by polyphenols. Recent studies support the hypothesis that GM would mediate WAT browning and BAT thermogenesis activation induced by polyphenol administration. Together, these results indicate that GM in the presence of polyphenols plays a fundamental role in the control of obesity possible through BAT activation.

Comprehensive Study of Scientific Evidence and Potential Risk of Herbal Medicine Use for Body Weight Reduction in North West Saudi Arabia

Herbal and home remedies are widely used worldwide especially those for weight loss. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia has highly elevated during the past decades. People in Saudi Arabia preferred the usage of remedies more than standard medicine. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the use of weight reduction herbal and home remedies in Tabuk, North West Saudi Arabia. Data about weight-loss herbal remedies were collected from major local herbalist shops. In addition, inherited weight-loss herbal and household remedies were collected. Data collected included composition, method of preparation, method of use, and any reported side effects. Some of these remedies were used either alone or in combination. Majority of these ingredients were boiled in water to be drunk or directly added to food. Most of these mixtures were taken before food to reduce appetite. Most of these herbs were recorded to produce side effects. Mainly people suffer from gastric symptoms and headache. Many natural herbal and home remedies are still in use in Tabuk for weight reduction. Many of these remedies lack important scientific evidence for their usage, effectiveness, or safety.

Current Evidence to Propose Different Food Supplements for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review

The use of food supplements for weight loss purposes has rapidly gained popularity as the prevalence of obesity increases. Navigating through the vast, often low quality, literature available is challenging, as is providing informed advice to those asking for it. Herein, we provide a comprehensive literature revision focusing on most currently marketed dietary supplements claimed to favor weight loss, classifying them by their purported mechanism of action. We conclude by proposing a combination of supplements most supported by current evidence, that leverages all mechanisms of action possibly leading to a synergistic effect and greater weight loss in the foreseen absence of adverse events. Further studies will be needed to confirm the weight loss and metabolic improvement that may be obtained through the use of the proposed combination.

Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin

Guarana plant is a native of the Amazon region. Due to its high amount of caffeine and tannins, the seed has medicinal and stimulating properties. The guarana industry has grown exponentially in recent years; however, little information is available about associated mycobiota, particularly endophytic fungi. The present study aimed to compare the distribution and diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the leaves and seeds of anthracnose-resistant and susceptible guarana plants produced in Maués and Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. A total of 7514 endophytic fungi were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar, Sabouraud and Czapek media, and grouped into 77 morphological groups. Overall, fungal communities in guarana leaves and seeds were mainly composed by Colletotrichum and Fusarium genera, but also by Chondrostereum, Clonostachys, Curvularia, Hypomontagnella, Lentinus, Neopestalotiopsis, Nigrospora, Peroneutypa, Phyllosticta, Simplicillium and Tinctoporellus. Obtained results indicate that some members of Colletotrichum and Fusarium genera may have experienced dysbiosis during the guarana domestication process, suggesting that some individuals may behave as latent pathogens. The susceptible guarana genotype cultivated in Manaus presented higher fungal diversity. The relative abundance of taxa and diversity among samples suggests that communities are structured by genotype and geographic location. This is the first report of mycobiota in both guarana leaves and seeds.

A Critical Review on the Role of Food and Nutrition in the Energy Balance

The mass media has increasingly frequently suggested to the general population that specific foods or nutritional schemes are able to affect both human metabolism and energy expenditure, thus facilitating weight loss. This critical review is aimed at assessing available evidence on the roles of nutrients, food and dietary regimens in energy intake and energy expenditure. We queried the National Library of Medicine, the Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica dataBASEand the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, and a search strategy was performed by using database-specific subject headings and keywords. We found that available scientific evidence on these topics is scarce, and that the limited number of available studies often have poor methodological quality. Only a few foods show beneficial effects on metabolism and energy expenditure, as the human energy balance is complex and multifactorial. Finally, microbiota may interfere with the intake, use and expenditure of energy in the human body. Conclusive evidence is still lacking, and, at present, it is not possible to identify a food or a diet with a significant impact on human energy expenditure.