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Wu JY, Tso R, Teo HS, Haldar S. The utility of algae as sources of high value nutritional ingredients, particularly for alternative/complementary proteins to improve human health. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1277343. [PMID: 37904788 PMCID: PMC10613476 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1277343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As the global population continues to grow, the demand for dietary protein is rapidly increasing, necessitating the exploration of sustainable and nutritious protein sources. Algae has emerged as a promising food source due to their high value ingredients such as proteins, as well as for their environmental sustainability and abundance. However, knowledge gaps surrounding dietary recommendations and food applications restrict algae's utilization as a viable protein source. This review aims to address these gaps by assessing the suitability of both microalgae and macroalgae as alternative/complementary protein sources and exploring their potential applications in food products. The first section examines the potential suitability of algae as a major food source by analyzing the composition and bioavailability of key components in algal biomass, including proteins, lipids, dietary fiber, and micronutrients. Secondly, the biological effects of algae, particularly their impact on metabolic health are investigated with an emphasis on available clinical evidence. While evidence reveals protective effects of algae on glucose and lipid homeostasis as well as anti-inflammatory properties, further research is required to understand the longer-term impact of consuming algal protein, protein isolates, and concentrates on metabolic health, including protein metabolism. The review then explores the potential of algal proteins in food applications, including ways to overcome their sensory limitations, such as their dark pigmentation, taste, and odor, in order to improve consumer acceptance. To maximize algae's potential as a valuable protein source in the food sector, future research should prioritize the production of more acceptable algal biomass and explore new advances in food sciences and technology for improved consumer acceptance. Overall, this paper supports the potential utility of algae as a sustainable and healthy ingredient source for widespread use in future food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yee Wu
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Tso
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hwee Sze Teo
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sumanto Haldar
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
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Sahoo S, Samantaray M, Jena M, Gosu V, Bhuyan PP, Shin D, Pradhan B. In Vitro and in silico studies to explore potent antidiabetic inhibitor against human pancreatic alpha-amylase from the methanolic extract of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37561393 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2244592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Today's era and lifestyle have led to a quick rise in cases of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has risen to the top of the list of serious diseases and stems from different health disorders. Human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) enzyme plays a critical role in the digestion of carbohydrates, and inhibitors of alpha-amylase have been investigated as a way to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and reduce postprandial (after meal) hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Recently algal derivatives have been studied for their potential as a new drug against diabetes and other diseases. The study is aimed to find active biochemical compounds from the methanolic extract of Chlorella vulgaris. The in vitro studies were carried out and the results revealed that methanolic extract from C. vulgaris showed abundant inhibition efficacy of the α-amylase (IC50 of about 2.66 µg/mL) compared to acarbose (IC50 of about 2.85 µg/mL), a standard, commercial inhibitor. All the bioactive compounds from the methanolic extract were identified from the GCMS study and considered for in silico evaluation. Out of 14 bioactive compounds from GCMS, compound C3 showed higher docking energy (-8.3 kcal/mol) compared to other compounds. Subsequently, the comparative molecular dynamic simulation of apo and ligand-bound (compound C3 and acarbose) α-amylase complexes showed overall structural stability for compound C3 at the active site of α-amylase from various MD analyses. Hence, we believe, the bioactive compounds identified from GCMS may assist in diabetic therapeutics. Moreover, the compound C3 identified in this study could be a potential antidiabetic therapeutic inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sthitaprajna Sahoo
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahesh Samantaray
- Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Mrutyunjay Jena
- Algal Biotechnology and Molecular Systematic Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, India
| | - Vijaykumar Gosu
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Prajna Paramita Bhuyan
- Department of Botany, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, Odisha, India
| | - Donghyun Shin
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Biswajita Pradhan
- Algal Biotechnology and Molecular Systematic Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, India
- School of Biological Sciences, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Barghchi H, Dehnavi Z, Nattagh-Eshtivani E, Alwaily ER, Almulla AF, Kareem AK, Barati M, Ranjbar G, Mohammadzadeh A, Rahimi P, Pahlavani N. The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114624. [PMID: 37018990 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High incidence rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) make this condition as an important public health concern. The use of natural products in treating this chronic condition has increased in recent years one of which is the single-celled green alga Chlorella. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been studied for its potential benefits to human health due to its biological and pharmacological features. CV contains a variety of macro and micronutrients, including proteins, omega-3, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Some studies have indicated that taking CV as a dietary supplement can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In some studies, cardiovascular risk factors that are based on hematological indices did not show these benefits, and no molecular mechanisms have been identified. This comprehensive review summarized the research on the cardio-protective benefits of chlorella supplementation and the underlying molecular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Barghchi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Dehnavi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elyas Nattagh-Eshtivani
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Enas R Alwaily
- Microbiology Research Group, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Abbas F Almulla
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Ali K Kareem
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, 51001, Hillah, Iraq
| | - Mehdi Barati
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Golnaz Ranjbar
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Pegah Rahimi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Naseh Pahlavani
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; School of Medical Sciences, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran.
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Lorenzo K, Santocildes G, Torrella JR, Magalhães J, Pagès T, Viscor G, Torres JL, Ramos-Romero S. Bioactivity of Macronutrients from Chlorella in Physical Exercise. Nutrients 2023; 15:2168. [PMID: 37432326 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorella is a marine microalga rich in proteins and containing all the essential amino acids. Chlorella also contains fiber and other polysaccharides, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The proportion of the different macronutrients in Chlorella can be modulated by altering the conditions in which it is cultured. The bioactivities of these macronutrients make Chlorella a good candidate food to include in regular diets or as the basis of dietary supplements in exercise-related nutrition both for recreational exercisers and professional athletes. This paper reviews current knowledge of the effects of the macronutrients in Chlorella on physical exercise, specifically their impact on performance and recovery. In general, consuming Chlorella improves both anaerobic and aerobic exercise performance as well as physical stamina and reduces fatigue. These effects seem to be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activity of all its macronutrients, while each component of Chlorella contributes its bioactivity via a specific action. Chlorella is an excellent dietary source of high-quality protein in the context of physical exercise, as dietary proteins increase satiety, activation of the anabolic mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) pathway in skeletal muscle, and the thermic effects of meals. Chlorella proteins also increase intramuscular free amino acid levels and enhance the ability of the muscles to utilize them during exercise. Fiber from Chlorella increases the diversity of the gut microbiota, which helps control body weight and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve physical performance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from Chlorella contribute to endothelial protection and modulate the fluidity and rigidity of cell membranes, which may improve performance. Ultimately, in contrast to several other nutritional sources, the use of Chlorella to provide high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and bioactive fatty acids may also significantly contribute to a sustainable world through the fixation of carbon dioxide and a reduction of the amount of land used to produce animal feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karenia Lorenzo
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Garoa Santocildes
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Ramon Torrella
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Magalhães
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pagès
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ginés Viscor
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Lluís Torres
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Ramos-Romero
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Sandgruber F, Höger AL, Kunze J, Schenz B, Griehl C, Kiehntopf M, Kipp K, Kühn J, Stangl GI, Lorkowski S, Dawczynski C. Impact of Regular Intake of Microalgae on Nutrient Supply and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Results from the NovAL Intervention Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071645. [PMID: 37049486 PMCID: PMC10097350 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A 14-day randomized controlled study with a parallel design was conducted with 80 healthy participants. Intervention groups I (IG1) and II (IG2) received a defined background diet and consumed a smoothie enriched with either 15 g of Chlorella dry weight (d.w.) or 15 g of Microchloropsis d.w. daily. Control group II (CG2) received a defined background diet without the smoothie. Control group I (CG1) received neither. Blood samples and 24-h urine were collected at the beginning and the end of the study. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, vitamin D3, selenium, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and the LDL-cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio decreased in IG1 (p < 0.05), while 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 increased (p < 0.05). In IG2, vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamins D2 and D3 decreased (p < 0.05), while concentrations of fatty acids C20:5n3 and C22:5n3 increased. Serum and urine uric acid increased in IG1 and IG2 (p < 0.05). Microchloropsis is a valuable source of n3 fatty acids, as is Chlorella of vitamin D2. Regular consumption of Chlorella may affect the iron and selenium status negatively but may impact blood lipids positively. An elevated uric acid concentration in blood and urine following the regular consumption of microalgae poses potential risks for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Sandgruber
- Junior Research Group Nutritional Concepts, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 29, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (J.K.); (B.S.)
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Anna-Lena Höger
- Competence Center Algal Biotechnology, Anhalt University of Applied Science, Bernburger Str. 55, 06366 Köthen, Germany; (A.-L.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Julia Kunze
- Junior Research Group Nutritional Concepts, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 29, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (J.K.); (B.S.)
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Benjamin Schenz
- Junior Research Group Nutritional Concepts, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 29, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (J.K.); (B.S.)
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Carola Griehl
- Competence Center Algal Biotechnology, Anhalt University of Applied Science, Bernburger Str. 55, 06366 Köthen, Germany; (A.-L.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Michael Kiehntopf
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Kristin Kipp
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sophien- and Hufeland Hospital, Henry-Van-De-Velde-Str. 1, 99425 Weimar, Germany;
| | - Julia Kühn
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Gabriele I. Stangl
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 2, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Lorkowski
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Dawczynski
- Junior Research Group Nutritional Concepts, Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 29, 07743 Jena, Germany; (F.S.); (J.K.); (B.S.)
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Dornburger Str. 25, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.K.); (G.I.S.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Quantifying the Impact of Algae Supplement on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022; 47:101336. [PMID: 35870546 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The impact of Algae supplements and its extract on blood pressure has not concluded yet. The aim of this systematic review meta-analysis is to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of this group marine organism on human. Alga was used in some studies as capsules (from 500 mg to 8 g) and the follow-up duration changed from 17 days to 9 months. The difference in standardized mean and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied as the effect size of algae supplementation on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Based on the results, a meta-analysis of 10 studies with baseline effect control demonstrated that there was no difference in the mean systolic blood pressure in the two groups SMD (95%CI): -1.05 (-2.85,0.76), but a significant difference in the mean diastolic blood pressure was observed and showed that the mean diastolic blood pressure in the treatment group was lower than the control group SMD(95%CI): -2.23 (-4.35,-0.11). A meta-analysis of 4 studies with no baseline control effect did not show significant results on both blood pressure. The evidence to support this systematic review meta-analysis requires more investigation and future large scale RCT clinical trial to confirm the results.
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Functional Yogurt Fortified with Honey Produced by Feeding Bees Natural Plant Extracts for Controlling Human Blood Sugar Level. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11111391. [PMID: 35684164 PMCID: PMC9182764 DOI: 10.3390/plants11111391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The human blood sugar level is important and should be controlled to avoid any damage to nerves and blood vessels which could lead to heart disease and many other problems. Several market-available treatments for diabetes could be used, such as insulin therapy, synthetic drugs, herbal drugs, and transdermal patches, to help control blood sugar. In a double-blind human study, four kinds of honey from bees fed on acacia, sea buckthorn, chlorella alga, and green walnut extracts were used in fortifying yogurt for controlling human blood sugar. The impact of a previously fortified honey was investigated on blood levels and other parameters of healthy individuals in a human study with 60 participants. The participants received 150 mL of yogurt mixed with 30 g of honey every morning for 21 days. Before and after the study period, the basic blood parameters were tested, and the participants filled out standardized self-report questionnaires. Acacia honey was the traditional honey used as a control; the special honey products were produced by the patented technology. The consumption of green walnut honey had a significant effect on the morning blood sugar level, which decreased for every participant in the group (15 people). The average blood sugar level at the beginning in the walnut group was 4.81 mmol L−1, whereas the value after 21 days was 3.73 mmol L−1. The total decrease level of the individuals was about 22.45% (1.08 mmol L−1). Concerning the sea buckthorn and chlorella alga-based honey product groups, there was no significant change in the blood sugar level, which were recorded at 4.91 and 5.28 mmol L−1 before treatment and 5.28 and 5.07 mmol L−1 after, respectively. In the case of the acacia honey group, there was a slight significant decrease as well, it was 4.77 mmol L−1 at the beginning and 4.27 mmol L−1 at the end with a total decrease rate of 10.48%. It could thus be concluded that the active ingredients of green walnut can significantly decrease the blood sugar level in humans. This study, as a first report, is not only a new innovative process to add herbs or healthy active ingredients to honey but also shows how these beneficial ingredients aid the honey in controlling the human blood sugar level.
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Effect of supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2022; 66:102822. [PMID: 35331862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize available findings on the effect of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on lipid profile in adults. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING This study followed 2020 PRISMA guideline. We performed a systematic search in the online databases to identify relevant articles and then, extracted required data from each paper for the meta-analysis. Random-effects models were used to obtain overall mean difference (MD) comparing Chlorella vulgaris supplementation with a control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood lipids including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C. RESULTS In total, 10 RCTs with a total sample size of 539 adults (264 in the Chlorella vulgaris group and 275 in the control group) were included. Of the 10 RCTs, four had a low risk of bias for all aspects of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Also, only two studies determined the chlorella content, purity, potency, and contamination of the supplements used in the intervention. Combining results from these studies showed a summary MD of -2.11 mg/dL (95% CI: -7.28 to 3.06) for TG, -7.47 mg/dL (95% CI: -12.98 to -1.96) for TC, -7.71 mg/dL (95% CI: -14.05 to -1.37) for LDL-C, and -0.45 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.67 to 1.57) for HDL-C, indicating a beneficial effect of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on TC and LDL-C levels. Based on the dose-response analysis, the reducing effect of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on LDL-C levels was seen at the dosages between zero and 1500 mg/d (P for non-linearity= 0.01), whereas in higher amounts, this effect was not significant. CONCLUSION We found that Chlorella vulgaris supplementation had a beneficial effect on TC and LDL-C levels with no significant effect on TG and HDL-C levels.
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