Lemon detox diet reduced body fat, insulin resistance, and serum hs-CRP level without hematological changes in overweight Korean women

Roles of citrus fruits on energy expenditure, body weight management, and metabolic biomarkers: a comprehensive review

Citrus fruits are widely consumed for their nutritional and health benefits. They belong to the Rutaceae and have many varieties, such as sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), which is the most popular. Citrus fruits are rich in water (>80%), dietary fiber, and vitamins. They also contain bioactive components, which may modulate energy metabolism and lipid oxidation through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include stimulating β3-adrenergic receptors, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis, activating AMP kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α pathways, inhibiting lipogenesis and lipid accumulation, and inducing browning of white adipose tissue. This review summarizes the mechanisms and outcomes of citrus fruits and their metabolites on energy metabolism and body weight in different experimental models. The literature was searched for in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies that investigated the effects of citrus consumption on energy expenditure, thermogenesis, adipogenesis, and lipid accumulation. Citrus fruits and their metabolites have shown promising effects on energy metabolism and lipid oxidation in in vitro and in vivo animal studies. However, the evidence from human studies is limited and inconsistent. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are briefly discussed, and knowledge gaps and research needs are identified for future studies. Citrus fruits may have beneficial effects on energy metabolism and body weight, but more rigorous and well-designed human trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Phytoconstituents of Citrus limon (Lemon) as Potential Inhibitors Against Multi Targets of SARS-CoV-2 by Use of Molecular Modelling and In Vitro Determination Approaches

In the present work, phytoconstituents from Citrus limon are computationally tested against SARS-CoV-2 target protein such as Mpro - (5R82.pdb), Spike - (6YZ5.pdb) &RdRp - (7BTF.pdb) for COVID-19. Docking was done by glide model, QikProp was performed by in silico ADMET screening & Prime MM-GB/SA modules were used to define binding energy. When compared with approved COVID-19 drugs such as Remdesivir, Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Hydroxychloroquine, plant-based constituents such as Quercetin, Rutoside, Naringin, Eriocitrin, and Hesperidin. bind with significant G-scores to the active SARS-CoV-2 place. The constituents Rutoside and Eriocitrin were studied in each MD simulation in 100 ns against 3 proteins 5R82.pdb, 6YZ5.pdb and 7BTF.pdb.We performed an assay with significant natural compounds from contacts and in silico results (Rutin, Eriocitrin, Naringin, Hesperidin) using 3CL protease assay kit (B.11529 Omicron variant). This kit contained 3CL inhibitor GC376 as Control. The IC50 value of the test compound was found to be Rutin -17.50 μM, Eriocitrin-37.91 μM, Naringin-39.58 μM, Hesperidine-140.20 μM, the standard inhibitory concentration of GC376 was 38.64 μM. The phytoconstituents showed important interactions with SARS-CoV-2 targets, and potential modifications could be beneficial for future development.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal that lemon extract prolongs Drosophila lifespan by affecting metabolism

Ageing is an evolutionarily conserved and irreversible biological process in different species. Numerous studies have reported that taking medicine is an effective approach to slow ageing. Lemon extract (LE) is a natural extract of lemon fruit that contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals. Various forms of LE have been shown to play a role in anti-ageing and improving ageing-related diseases. However, studies on the molecular mechanism of LE in Drosophila ageing have not been reported. In this study, we found that 0.05 g/L LE could significantly extend Drosophila lifespan and greatly improve antioxidative and anti-heat stress abilities. Furthermore, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of 10 d flies between the LE-fed and control groups suggested that the differentially expressed gene ppo1 (Prophenoloxidase 1) and metabolite L-DOPA (Levodopa) were co-enriched in the tyrosine metabolism pathway. Overall, our results indicate that affecting metabolism was the main reason for LE extending Drosophila lifespan.

C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians

The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.

A review of citrus plants as functional foods and dietary supplements for human health, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, clinical trials, and their chemical composition

Fruits, flowers, leaves, essential oils, hydrosols, and juices of citrus spp. Are utilized to prepare various forms of food products. Along with their nutritional values, in the health industry, different parts of the plants of the citrus genus have been used as supplements or remedies to prevent or control diseases. This review focused on reported meta-analyses and clinical trials on the health benefits of citrus plants as functional foods. Also, chemical compounds of various citrus species were reviewed. The following information sources were used for data collection: Google Scholar, the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Various keywords, including "citrus AND chemical compounds," "citrus AND phytochemicals," "citrus species," "citrus AND meta-analysis," "nutritional and therapeutical values of citrus spp.," "clinical trials AND citrus," "clinical trials AND Rutaceae," "health benefits of citrus spp.," "citrus edible or non-edible applications," and scientific names of the citrus plants were utilized to collect data for the review. The scientific name and common name of all twenty-eight citrus species, along with any of the above keywords, were also searched in the mentioned databases. Scientific papers and data sources were sought to review and discuss the citrus plant's nutritional and therapeutic importance. Several meta-analyses and clinical trials have reported beneficial effects of citrus spices on a variety of cancer risks, cardiovascular risk factors, neurologic disorders, urinary tract conditions, and gastrointestinal tract conditions. They have shown anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and pain-alleviating effects. Some of them can be helpful in managing obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Omnifarious fruit polyphenols: an omnipotent strategy to prevent and intervene diabetes and related complication?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome which cannot be cured. Recently, considerable interest has been focused on food ingredients to prevent and intervene in complications of diabetes. Polyphenolic compounds are one of the bioactive phytochemical constituents with various biological activities, which have drawn increasing interest in human health. Fruits are part of the polyphenol sources in daily food consumption. Fruit-derived polyphenols possess the anti-diabetic activity that has already been proved either from in vitro studies or in vivo studies. The mechanisms of fruit polyphenols in treating diabetes and related complications are under discussion. This is a comprehensive review on polyphenols from the edible parts of fruits, including those from citrus, berries, apples, cherries, mangoes, mangosteens, pomegranates, and other fruits regarding their potential benefits in preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. The signal pathways of characteristic polyphenols derived from fruits in reducing high blood glucose and intervening hyperglycemia-induced diabetic complications were summarized.

Nutrients and bioactives in citrus fruits: Different citrus varieties, fruit parts, and growth stages

Citrus fruits are consumed in large quantities worldwide due to their attractive aromas and taste, as well as their high nutritional values and various health-promoting effects, which are due to their abundance of nutrients and bioactives. In addition to water, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers are important nutrients in citrus, providing them with high nutritional values. Citrus fruits are also rich in various bioactives such as flavonoids, essential oils, carotenoids, limonoids, and synephrines, which protect from various ailments, including cancer and inflammatory, digestive, and cardiovascular diseases. The composition and content of nutrients and bioactives differ significantly among citrus varieties, fruit parts, and growth stages. To better understand the nutrient and bioactive profiles of citrus fruits and provide guidance for the utilization of high-value citrus resources, this review systematically summarizes the nutrients and bioactives in citrus fruit, including their contents, structural characteristics, and potential health benefits. We also explore the composition variation in different citrus varieties, fruits parts, and growth stages, as well as their health-promoting effects and applications.

Citrus species: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

The Citrus species from family Rutaceae has worldwide applications such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems. Phytochemical investigations have shown that these plants have constituents including flavonoids, limonoids and carotenoids. There are many reports on a wide range of activities such as antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects. In the current review, we discuss information regarding botany, phytochemistry, ethnobotany uses, traditional knowledge and pharmacological aspects of the Citrus species.

Lemon Extract Reduces Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Expression and Activity and Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Lipolysis in Mouse Adipocytes

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications. In this paper, we examine the possible beneficial role of lemon juice in dieting. Lemon extract (LE) has been proposed to improve serum insulin levels and decrease angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in mouse models. ACE is also a biomarker for sustained weight loss and ACE inhibitors improve insulin sensitivity in humans. Here, we show that LE impacts adipose tissue metabolism directly. In 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocyte cells, LE improved insulin sensitivity as evidenced by a 3.74 ± 0.54-fold increase in both pAKT and GLUT4 levels. LE also induced lipolysis as demonstrated by a 16.6 ± 1.2 fold-change in pHSL protein expression levels. ACE gene expression increased 12.0 ± 0.1 fold during differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells in the absence of LE, and treatment with LE decreased ACE gene expression by 80.1 ± 0.5% and protein expression by 55 ± 0.37%. We conclude that LE's reduction of ACE expression causes increased insulin sensitivity and breakdown of lipids in adipocytes.

Effect of toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction following four-week intake of the Wellnessup diet: a three-arm, randomized clinical trial

Background

Detox diet are known as a popular dieting strategies that helps toxins elimination and weight manage but there is very little clinical evidence. The Wellnessup diet (WD) used in the present study designed as a healthy meals based on organic plant based diets including various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and phytonutrients.

Methods

To evaluate the effects of 4 week intake of the WD on toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction, and safety parameters. Forty-five women with body mass index (BMI) of 23.5-30 kg/m² were recruited. Thirty of them were assigned 1:1 to the test group (WD, 15 subjects) and control group 1 (calorie-restricted diet, CRD, 15 subjects) in a single blind and randomized, and the remaining 15 subjects were assigned to control group 2 (maintaining regular diet, MRD). The primary outcome were toxic trace element levels in hair (29 types of heavy metals), and the secondary outcomes were changes in anthropometric and urinary organic acids.

Results

The levels of four toxic trace elements in hair decreased in the WD group after the diet compared to before the diet. Ni, Rh, Sn, and Ga were significantly lower in the WD group than in the CRD or MRD group (p < 0.05). At the end of the trial, both WD and CRD groups had lower BMI, Waist Circumference(WC), Hip Circumference(HC) and WHR compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05). Compared to the WD group, the CRD group had a greater mean change (p < 0.05) from the baseline for weight loss (- 3.22 ± 0.48 kg vs - 1.88 ± 0.95 kg vs) and fat free mass (- 2.08 kg vs - 1.09 kg). The weight, BMI, body fat mass, fat free mass, WC, and HC of the CRD group were significantly decreased compared to the MRD (p < 0.05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed.

Conclusions

Use of WD might have several beneficial effects and safety such as body fat reduction and improving some the element detoxification through caloric restriction but did not reducing body fat mass more than calorie-restricted diet.

Trial registration

This study was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003002).

Citrus limon (Lemon) Phenomenon-A Review of the Chemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Applications in the Modern Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetics Industries, and Biotechnological Studies

This review presents important botanical, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of Citrus limon (lemon)—a species with valuable pharmaceutical, cosmetic and culinary (healthy food) properties. A short description of the genus Citrus is followed by information on the chemical composition, metabolomic studies and biological activities of the main raw materials obtained from C. limon (fruit extract, juice, essential oil). The valuable biological activity of C. limon is determined by its high content of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids (e.g., diosmin, hesperidin, limocitrin) and phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic, synapic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids). The essential oil is rich in bioactive monoterpenoids such as D-limonene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene. Recently scientifically proven therapeutic activities of C. limon include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and antiparasitic activities. The review pays particular attention, with references to published scientific research, to the use of C. limon in the food industry and cosmetology. It also addresses the safety of use and potential phototoxicity of the raw materials. Lastly, the review emphasizes the significance of biotechnological studies on C. limon.

"Cleanse" detoxification diet program in Appalachia: Participant characteristics and perceived health effects

Introduction Numerous detoxification or "detox" diets purport to eliminate toxins from the body, help with weight loss, and improve health. Despite the claims of proponents, few of these programs have evidence of effectiveness. They often have significant associated costs and may have potential for harm, but they seem to be quite popular. Members of a community in Appalachia were invited to participate as a group in one such diet (called a "cleanse"). We conducted a study to explore characteristics of people who chose to complete the program, including their motivations and their perceptions of the health effects related to participation. Methods Those who volunteered to participate were educated on this program's definition of a "clean" diet through an information session and were given written guidelines. The diet was to last 21 days, and instructions were outlined as to which foods were allowed and which were to be eliminated. This study evaluated participants in two cohorts (June 2014 and January 2015). Individuals who registered for the study were asked to complete three anonymous surveys: one pretest before beginning the program (PRE), one roughly 1 week after completion (1wPOST), and one follow-up 8 weeks after the end of the diet period (8wPOST). Descriptive statistics, Skillings-Mack test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze results. Results Thirty-four individuals completed the PRE surveys, 15 individuals completed the 1wPOST surveys (44% of those completing the PRE surveys), and 8 individuals completed the 8wPOST surveys (24% of those completing the PRE surveys). Comparing results from the PRE, 1wPOST, and 8wPOST surveys, there were significant overall differences seen in the following health characteristics: cravings for sweet/salty foods (p=0.03), "giving in" to cravings (p=0.04), energy levels (p=0.001), and sleep quality (p=0.0001). These differences seen were between the PRE and 1wPOST surveys. Weight satisfaction and overall health did not show any overall significant differences. Conclusions While participants in Appalachia could benefit from a program that could improve health, this program's participants did not share socioeconomic characteristics reflective of most people from that area. Most were college-educated females with a reported family income and level of education that were higher than the average population. Self-reported health characteristics related to cravings, energy levels, and sleep quality demonstrated overall significant improvements from the PRE to the 1wPOST surveys. This exploratory study provides insight into the popularity of such programs. While measurement rather than self-report of clinical outcomes would be needed to more definitively determine the effects of this program, it would be worthwhile to explore further in an experimental study the outcomes identified in this study as being affected (cravings, energy, sleep, and weight).

Does Weekend Catch-up Sleep Affect High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Korean Workers?: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KNHANES

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) influenced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in workers.

METHODS

We analyzed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016) data from 3304 workers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals based on serum hs-CRP cut-off values of 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that at least 1-hour and less than 2 hours of weekend CUS reduced the risk of elevated hs-CRP levels (odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.99) in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

CUS may reduce serum hs-CRP levels in workers, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.