Cinnamon extracts exert intrapancreatic cytoprotection against streptozotocin in vivo

Spices and Biomarkers of COVID-19: A Mechanistic and Therapeutic Perspective

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the world have increased their healthy behaviors to prevent transmission of the virus and potentially improve their immune systems. Therefore, the role of diet and food compounds such as spices with bioactive and antiviral properties may be important in these efforts. In this chapter, we review the efficacy of spices such as turmeric (curcumin), cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, saffron, capsaicin, and cumin by investigating the effects of these compounds of COVID-19 disease severity biomarkers.

Andrade J. Effects of a spice-blended honey muffin on salivary inflammation markers in adults with obesity: a feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Obesity is considered a low-grade chronically inflamed state that contributes to communicable chronic diseases. This inflammation may be modulated by consuming spices like turmeric daily. However, few studies have looked at the inclusion of spice within whole foods.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this feasibility pre/posttrial was to assess the influence of turmeric in a muffin on salivary IL-6 and CRP in adults who were obese.

METHODS

Participants consumed one, 60-gram muffin containing 3 g turmeric for 10 days. Participants provided a urinary sample at baseline, a 2-ml saliva sample, and a 30-day food frequency and spice consumption questionnaire at baseline and post-trial. A one-sample t-test was conducted using SAS v 9.4 with significance determined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 14 participants, average BMI of 32.16 kg/m2 with 10 identifying as female, completed the trial after 5 dropped due to various reasons. The visit lengths and collection of data with participants adhering to the instructions were deemed a success. There was a significant decrease in salivary IL-6 (p = 0.03) but no statistical difference in salivary CRP (p = 0.46). Participants consumed fruits and vegetables at least once daily, chicken and eggs 5-6 times per week, and beef, pork, and fish at least once per week. Participants consumed chili pepper, garlic, cinnamon, cilantro, and ginger at least once per week. No changes were observed in dietary/spice habits during this trial.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility pre/post study revealed that consumption of a muffin with turmeric reduced at least salivary IL-6 in 10 days. Modifications to the study design such as lengthier trial time to assess the impact of this muffin on CRP is necessary prior to implementing larger-scale randomized control trials.

Immunologic aspects of migraine: A review of literature

Migraine headaches are highly prevalent, affecting 15% of the population. However, despite many studies to determine this disease's mechanism and efficient management, its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. There are suggested hypotheses about the possible mediating role of mast cells, immunoglobulin E, histamine, and cytokines in this disease. A higher incidence of this disease in allergic and asthma patients, reported by several studies, indicates the possible role of brain mast cells located around the brain vessels in this disease. The mast cells are more specifically within the dura and can affect the trigeminal nerve and cervical or sphenopalatine ganglion, triggering the secretion of substances that cause migraine. Neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neurokinin-A, neurotensin (NT), pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), and substance P (SP) trigger mast cells, and in response, they secrete pro-inflammatory and vasodilatory molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a selective result of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion. This stress hormone contributes to migraine or intensifies it. Blocking these pathways using immunologic agents such as CGRP antibody, anti-CGRP receptor antibody, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)/interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) axis-related agents may be promising as potential prophylactic migraine treatments. This review is going to summarize the immunological aspects of migraine.

Cinnamon: A Promising Natural Product Against COVID-19

COVID-19 is a pandemic and acute respiratory disease. Every day, all around the world, researchers are endeavoring to find effective or potential adjuvant therapies. Studies illustrate that essential oils from cinnamon and derivatives such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid possess numerous biological activities. In this paper, we have reviewed the possible mechanisms of cinnamon on the inflammatory cascade as a potential alternative therapy to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in COVID-19 patients.

Effect of cinnamon on migraine attacks and inflammatory markers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Migraine is the most common type of primary headaches. Increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nitric oxide (NO) lead to inflammation and neurogenic pain. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of cinnamon on migraine attacks and inflammatory status. Fifty patients with migraine were randomized to receive either cinnamon powder (three capsules/day each containing 600 mg of cinnamon) or three placebo capsules/day each containing 100 mg of corn starch (control group) for 2 months. Serum levels of IL-6, CGRP and NO were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. The frequency, severity and duration of pain attacks were also recorded using questionnaire. Serum concentrations of IL-6 and NO were significantly reduced in the cinnamon group compared with the control group (p < .05). However, serum levels of CGRP remained unchanged in both groups. The frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks were significantly decreased in the cinnamon group compared with the control group. Cinnamon supplementation reduced inflammation as well as frequency, severity and duration of headache in patients with migraine. Cinnamon could be regarded as a safe supplement to relieve pain and other complications of migraine.

In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Diabetes: A Focus on Pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes, both for the mother and her offspring. Although clinical and epidemiological studies are invaluable to assess these outcomes and the effectiveness of potential treatments, there are certain ethical and practical limitations to what can be assessed in human studies.Thus, both in vivo and in vitro models can aid us in the understanding of the mechanisms behind these complications and, in the long run, towards their prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the existing animal and cell models used to mimic diabetes, with a specific focus on the intrauterine environment. Summary of this review.