Effect of evening primrose oil supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The Association of Prothrombin Gene G20210A Mutation with Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The prothrombin (PT) G20210A mutation is one of the most prevalent genetic variations associated with an increased susceptibility to the first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it remains uncertain whether this inherited thrombophilic abnormality also poses a risk for recurrent VTE. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relation of PT G20210A mutation to the risk of recurrent VTE.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched for pertinent prospective studies. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to test the association. Sixteen studies, with 16,174 participants, were included.

RESULTS

Carriers of the G20210 A mutation were at increased risk of recurrent VTE (RR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.20-2.14) compared to noncarriers; the increased risk was observed in heterozygotes (GA versus GG) (RR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.24-2.57), but not in GA/AA mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

This association was found to be significant in the long term (≥5 years of follow-up), but not in the short term (<5 years of follow-up).

Safety of Innovative Nanotechnology Oral Formulations Loaded with Bioactive Menopause Molecules: Influence of Genotoxicity and Biochemical Parameters on a Menopausal Rat Model

In recent years, nanoparticles have gained significant importance due to their unique properties, such as pharmacological, electrical, optical, and magnetic abilities, contributing to the growth of the science and technology sector. Particular naturally derived biomolecules with beneficial effects on menopause disorder have been the subject of studies of pharmaceutical formulation to obtain alternative pharmaceutical forms with increased bioavailability and without side effects, as in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with such active ingredients. In the present study, one stage of a broader project, we have performed pharmacotoxicology studies for six combinatory innovative nanocapsule pharmaceutical forms containing active natural biomolecules before considering them as oral formulas for (1) in vitro toxicity studies on culture cells and (2) in vivo preclinical studies on a surgically induced menopause model of Wistar female rats, and the influence of the NLCs on key biochemical parameters: lipid profile (TG, Chol, HDL), glycemic markers (Gli), bone markers (Pac, Palc, Ca, phosphorus), renal markers (Crea, urea, URAC), inflammation (TNF), oxidative stress (GSH, MDA), and estrogen-progesterone hormonal profile. The micronucleus test did not reveal the genotoxicity of the tested compounds; the menopause model showed no significant safety concerns for the six tested formulas evaluated using the blood biochemical parameters; and the results showed the potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypouricemic, and antioxidant potential of one of the tested formulas containing nano diosgenin and glycyrrhizic acid.

Dioscorea nipponica Makino: A comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacology on chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread ailment that significantly impacts global health. It is characterized by high prevalence, poor prognosis, and substantial healthcare costs, making it a major public health concern. The current clinical treatments for CKD are not entirely satisfactory, leading to a high demand for alternative therapeutic options. Chinese herbal medicine, with its long history, diverse varieties, and proven efficacy, offers a promising avenue for exploration. One such Chinese herbal medicine, Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DNM), is frequently used to treat kidney diseases. In this review, we have compiled studies examining the mechanisms of action of DNM in the context of CKD, focusing on five primary areas: improvement of oxidative stress, inhibition of renal fibrosis, regulation of metabolism, reduction of inflammatory response, and regulation of autophagy.

Evening primrose oil: a comprehensive review of its bioactives, extraction, analysis, oil quality, therapeutic merits, and safety

Oil crops have become increasingly farmed worldwide because of their numerous functions in foods and health. In particular, oil derived from the seeds of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) (EPO) comprises essential fatty acids of the omega-6 (ω-6) series. It is well recognized to promote immune cells with a healthy balance and management of female ailments. The nutrients of interest in this oil are linoleic acid (LA, 70-74%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 8-10%), which are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that account for EPO's popularity as a dietary supplement. Various other chemicals in EPO function together to supply the body with PUFA, elevate normal ω-6 essential fatty acid levels, and support general health and well-being. The inclusive EPO biochemical analysis further succeeded in identifying several other components, i.e., triterpenes, phenolic acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols of potential health benefits. This comprehensive review capitalizes on EPO, the superior product of O. biennis, highlighting the interrelationship between various methods of cultivation, extraction, holistic chemical composition, sensory characters, and medicinal value. Besides the literature review, this study restates the numerous health advantages of primrose oil and possible drug-EPO interactions since a wide spectrum of drugs are administered concomitantly with EPO. Modern techniques to evaluate EPO chemical composition are addressed with emphasis on the missing gaps and future perspectives to ensure best oil quality and nutraceutical benefits.

γ-Linolenic Acid-Rich Oil- and Fish Oil-Induced Alterations of Hepatic Lipogenesis, Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Adipose Tissue mRNA Expression in Obese KK-A y Mice

The physiological activity of γ-linolenic acid (GLA)-rich evening primrose oil and eicosapentaenoic and doxosahexaenoic acids-rich fish oil, which affect hepatic fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, and adipose tissue mRNA expression were compared in diabetic obese KK-A ^y mice. The mice were fed diets containing 100 g/kg of either palm oil (saturated fat), GLA oil, or fish oil for 21 days. These oils, compared with palm oil, greatly increased the activity and mRNA levels of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes. These oils also increased the carnitine concentrations and mRNA levels of carnitine transporter (solute carrier family 22, member 5) in the liver. In general, these effects were comparable between GLA and fish oils. In contrast, GLA and fish oils, compared with palm oil, reduced the activity and mRNA levels of the proteins related to hepatic lipogenesis, except for those of malic enzyme. The reducing effect was stronger for fish oil than for GLA oil. These changes were accompanied by reductions in the triacylglycerol levels in the serum and liver. The reduction in the liver was stronger for fish oil than for GLA oil. These oils also reduced epididymal adipose tissue weight accompanied by a reduction in the mRNA levels of several proteins that regulate adipocyte functions; these effects were stronger for fish oil than for GLA oil. These oils were also effective in reducing serum glucose levels. Therefore, both fish oil and GLA-rich oil were effective at ameliorating metabolic disorders related to obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Therapeutic potential and research progress of diosgenin for lipid metabolism diseases

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, is a natural product found in many plants. Diosgenin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and has been used to treat cancer, nervous system diseases, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have shown that diosgenin has potential therapeutic value for lipid metabolism diseases via various pathways and mechanisms, such as controlling lipid synthesis, absorption, and inhibition of oxidative stress. These mechanisms and pathways have provided ideas for researchers to develop related drugs. In this review, we focus on data from animal and clinical studies, summarizing the toxicity of diosgenin, its pharmacological mechanism, recent research advances, and the related mechanisms of diosgenin as a drug for the treatment of lipid metabolism, especially in obesity, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. This systematic review will briefly describe the advantages of diosgenin as a potential therapeutic drug and seek to enhance our understanding of the pharmacological mechanism, recipe-construction, and the development of novel therapeutics against lipid metabolism diseases.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters and Nutrition of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. One of the therapeutic options recommended for severe acne or acne that has not responded to previous therapies is isotretinoin. However, its use may lead to adverse changes in the serum lipid profile and increased levels of transaminases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of supplementation with evening primrose oil in acne vulgaris patients treated with isotretinoin on blood lipid parameters and transaminase activity. Methods: Study participants were randomly assigned to two treatments: conventional with isotretinoin (25 patients) and novel with isotretinoin combined with evening primrose oil (4 × 510 mg/day; 25 patients) for 9 months. Results: Compared to isotretinoin treatment, isotretinoin treatment combined with evening primrose oil had a positive effect on TCH concentrations (mean: 198 vs. 161, p < 0.001), LDL (95.9 vs. 60.2, p < 0.001), HDL (51.0 vs. 48.0, p < 0.001), TG (114 vs. 95.0, p < 0.001), ALT (24.0 vs. 22.0, p < 0.001), and AST (28.0 vs. 22.0, p < 0.001), but had no effect on the energy and ingredient content of the diets (p > 0.05) after treatment. Conclusion: Evening primrose oil was found to have beneficial effects on lipid profiles and transaminase activity during isotretinoin treatment. However, longer studies are needed to make more reliable decisions regarding the use of evening primrose oil and its safety in clinical practice. The evening primrose oil treatment group also showed a reduction in dietary energy due to a reduction in dietary protein and carbohydrates.

Evening primrose seed extract rich in polyphenols modulates the invasiveness of colon cancer cells by regulating the TYMS expression

Natural polyphenols are plant metabolites exhibiting a broad range of biological activities.

Borage oil intake by overweight young adults: no effect on metabolic rate; beneficial effects on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol readings

Some research has raised the possibility that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) can increase resting metabolic rate (RMR), which can help with weight control. However, in overweight young adults with a family history of obesity, no effect on RMR was seen after a 6 weeks treatment with borage oil (880 mg GLA per day) or evening primrose oil (540 mg GLA per day). On the other hand, borage oil did lower plasma triglyceride readings and raise HDL cholesterol readings (mean starting values in normal range for triglycerides, borderline low for HDL). No effect was seen for body mass index, plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or glucose. Thus, in the type of subjects studied here, borage oil, a source of GLA, did not show promise as a weight control aid, but could help prevent undesirable readings for two blood lipid measures.

Targeting dyslipidemia by herbal medicines: A systematic review of meta-analyses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The worldwide increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia has become a global health concern. Various herbal remedies have been claimed to be effective for the treatment of dyslipidemia in traditional and folkloric medicine of different regions clinical trials have been conducted to investigate their efficacy. The aim of the current systematic review is to critically assess the meta-analyses of controlled trials (CT) evaluated herb medicines for dyslipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist until January 2021 have been searched. All meta-analyses which pooled studies on the effect of herbal medicines on lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low- or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C) were also included. Meta-analyses of in vitro, animal or observational studies were excluded.

RESULTS

The overall of 141 meta-analyses were revealed. Vegetable oils, phytosterols, tea, soy protein, nuts, and curcumin have been studied frequently among the herbal medicines. Among 13 meta-analyses on vegetable oils, the greater reduce of TC (18.95 mg/dl), LDL-C (16.24 mg/dl) and TG (13.69 mg/dl) were exhibited from sunflower oil. Furthermore, rice bran oil (6.65 mg/dl) increased HDL-C significantly. Phytosterols in 12 meta-analyses demonstrated significant improvements in reducing TC, LDL-C and TG as 16.4, 23.7, and 8.85 mg/dl, respectively, and rise in HDL-C as 10.6 mg/dl. The highest reduction in serum level of TC, LDL-C and TG was reported while intake Green tea; 27.57, 24.75, and 31.87 mg/dl, accordingly within 9 meta-analyses. Average improvement of lipid profiles by 6 meta-analyses on plant proteins were 23.2, 21.7, 15.06, and 1.55 mg/dl for TC, LDL-C, TG, and HDL-C, respectively. Among 11 meta-analyses on nuts, almond showed better and significant alleviations in TC (10.69 mg/dl), walnut in LDL-C (9.23 mg/dl), pistachio in TG (22.14 mg/dl), and peanut in HDL-C (2.72 mg/dl). Overall, Curcumin, Curcuminoid, and Turmeric have resulted in the reduction of TC (25.13 mg/dl), LDL-C (39.83 mg/dl), TG (33.65 mg/dl), and an increase in the HDL-C (4.31 mg/dl).

CONCLUSION

The current systematic review shed light on the use of herbal medicines for the management of dyslipidemia. However, more well-conducted CTs are required to determine effective doses of herbal medicines.

Phytonutrient supplements and metabolic biomarkers of cardiovascular disease: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of clinical trials

Phytonutrients exert several pharmacological effects on humans. In this study, we performed an umbrella review of the association of phytonutrient supplements (PNSs) with biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. Relevant published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library until July 4, 2020. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for summarized effects and I² statistics of heterogeneity were extracted from individual studies or reanalyzed using a random-effects model. Of the 50 included studies, pooled effects of PNSs on blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic control were reported in 16, 25, and 14 articles, respectively. The findings appeared to be highly heterogeneous among individual trials of included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Ginger (WMD = -6.36 mmHg, 95% CI = -11.27, -1.46) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (WMD = -7.58 mmHg, 95% CI = -9.69, -5.46) were associated with lowered systolic blood pressure, whereas Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, and spirulina were associated with beneficial effects on both lipid profiles and glycemic control. In summary, this umbrella review has provided up-to-date evidence for the effect of PNSs on biomarkers related to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. The results must be interpreted with caution due to potential heterogeneity.