The potential role of plant-derived natural products in improving arterial stiffness: A review of dietary intervention studies

Antibacterial evaluation of garlic extracts on chitosan/starch packaging film using response surface methodology and its application for shelf-life extension of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum)

In this study, garlic extract (GE) was assessed as a potential additive in chitosan/starch (Ch/De) coatings, focusing on phenolic and flavonoid content analyses and antibacterial properties. Using response surface methodology approach, an optimization method was employed to achieve the optimal antibacterial formulation, with Ch, De, and GE identified as key variables in the Design of Experiment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses elucidated interactions among these primary components within the films, while thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the enhanced thermal stability of GE-coated film formulations (Ch/De/GE). The Ch/De/GE exhibited antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) with an inhibition zone of 7.2 mm at optimized concentrations of 2% w/v Ch, 1.5% w/v starch, and 0.5% v/v GE. In silico molecular docking studies provided insights into GE's inhibitory role as an antibacterial agent. Evaluation of green and yellow bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) over 18 days showed that coated peppers maintained better visual appearance and mass stability, with a weight loss decrease of 40.54%-48.96%, compared to uncoated ones. Additionally, the Ch/De/GE coating effectively inhibited bacterial growth, reducing it by 1-1.23 log CFU, during the storage period. In conclusion, the Ch/De/GE coating effectively extends the shelf-life of bell peppers and maintains their quality, demonstrating its potential for use in food packaging to preserve perishable items. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The optimized chitosan/starch/garlic extract (Ch/De/GE) film developed in this study shows promising potential for application in the food packaging industry, particularly in extending the shelf life of perishable items like bell peppers. Its enhanced antibacterial properties, along with its ability to maintain visual appearance and reduce weight loss, make it an effective natural preservative that could replace synthetic additives in food packaging. By incorporating this biodegradable film into packaging solutions, producers can offer safer, more sustainable products that meet consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly options.

Associations of movement behaviours and dietary intake with arterial stiffness: results from the ORISCAV-LUX 2 cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Adopting a physically active lifestyle and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of vascular diseases. Arterial stiffness is an early marker for cardiovascular diseases, indicating vascular damage. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), dietary antioxidant, trace elements intake and vascular health in men and women, with a focus on pulse wave velocity (PWV), the gold standard for assessing arterial stiffness.

DESIGN

This is a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study (Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg 2 (ORISCAV-LUX 2)).

SETTING

The study was conducted in Luxembourg, between November 2016 and January 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 988 participants from the ORISCAV-LUX 2 study, who were Luxembourg residents, aged 25-79 years, underwent the required physical examination, agreed to wear an accelerometer for 1 week and presented no personal history of myocardial infarction or stroke, were included in the analysis.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

PWV was assessed with the validated Complior instrument. Elastic-net models were used to investigate the associations of dietary intake (antioxidant and trace elements) and movement behaviours (PA and SB) with PWV in men and women.

RESULTS

The findings reveal diverse associations between PA, SB, dietary intake and PWV, with distinct patterns observed in men and women. In women, a longer median moderate-to-vigorous PA bout length (mean coefficient (β)=-0.039), a higher long-range temporal correlation (higher scaling exponent alpha) at larger time scales (>120 min; β=-1.247) and an increased intake of vitamin C (β=-1.987) and selenium (β=-0.008) were associated with lower PWV. In men, a shorter median SB bout length (β=0.019) and a lower proportion of SB time accumulated in bouts longer than 60 min (β=1.321) were associated with lower PWV. Moreover, a higher daily intake of polyphenols (β=-0.113) and selenium (β=-0.004) was associated with lower PWV in men.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the multifaceted nature of the associations between movement behaviours and dietary intake with PWV, as well as sex differences. These findings highlight the significance of considering both movement behaviours and dietary antioxidant intake in cardiovascular health assessments.

The Role of Polyphenols in Modulating PON1 Activity Regarding Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are still rising. The principal mechanism that drives them is atherosclerosis, an affection given by dyslipidemia and a pro-inflammatory state. Paraoxonase enzymes have a protective role due to their ability to contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, especially paraoxonase 1 (PON1). PON1 binds with HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and high serum levels lead to a protective state against dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and many others. Modulating PON1 expression might be a treatment objective with significant results in limiting the prevalence of atherosclerosis. Lifestyle including diet and exercise can raise its levels, and some beneficial plants have been found to influence PON1 levels; therefore, more studies on herbal components are needed. Our purpose is to highlight the principal roles of Praoxonase 1, its implications in dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other diseases, and to emphasize plants that can modulate PON1 expression, targeting the potential of some flavonoids that could be introduced as supplements in our diet and to validate the hypothesis that flavonoids have any effects regarding PON1 function.

Local and Systemic Effects of Bioactive Food Ingredients: Is There a Role for Functional Foods to Prime the Gut for Resilience?

Scientific advancements in understanding the impact of bioactive components in foods on the gut microbiota and wider physiology create opportunities for designing targeted functional foods. The selection of bioactive ingredients with potential local or systemic effects holds promise for influencing overall well-being. An abundance of studies demonstrate that gut microbiota show compositional changes that correlate age and disease. However, navigating this field, especially for non-experts, remains challenging, given the abundance of bioactive ingredients with varying levels of scientific substantiation. This narrative review addresses the current knowledge on the potential impact of the gut microbiota on host health, emphasizing gut microbiota resilience. It explores evidence related to the extensive gut health benefits of popular dietary components and bioactive ingredients, such as phytochemicals, fermented greens, fibres, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Importantly, this review distinguishes between the potential local and systemic effects of both popular and emerging ingredients. Additionally, it highlights how dietary hormesis promotes gut microbiota resilience, fostering better adaptation to stress-a hallmark of health. By integrating examples of bioactives, this review provides insights to guide the design of evidence-based functional foods aimed at priming the gut for resilience.

Differences in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid intima media thickness between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: -0.43 m s-1; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = -29.86 mm; 95% CI: -58.41, -1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Curcumin and chemokines: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases

Chemokines belong to the family of cytokines with chemoattractant properties that regulate chemotaxis and leukocyte migration, as well as the induction of angiogenesis and maintenance of hemostasis. Curcumin, the major component of the Curcuma longa rhizome, has various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-oxidative, and lipid-modifying properties. Chemokines and chemokine receptors are influenced/modulated by curcumin. Thus, the current review focuses on the molecular mechanisms associated with curcumin's effects on chemoattractant cytokines, as well as putting into context the many studies that have reported curcumin-mediated regulatory effects on inflammatory conditions in the organs/systems of the body (e.g., the central nervous system, liver, and cardiovascular system). Curcumin's effects on viral and bacterial infections, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes are also reviewed.

Rescue effect of curcumin against copper toxicity

Turmeric has long been used not only as an indispensable part of Asian cuisine but as a medicinal herb for dressing wounds, bites, burns, treating eye infections and acne. Curcuminoids are the active substances and their synthetic derivatives (i.e. diacetylcurcumin (DAC) and metal-curcumin complexes) possess an incredibly wide range of medicinal properties that encompass chelation capacity for multiple heavy metals, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, cytotoxicity against cancerous cells, antiviral and antibacterial effects, antihypertensive and insulin sensitizing role, and regulatory role on apoptosis. The aforementioned properties have put curcumin on spotlight as a potential treatment for ailments such as, hepatic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune diseases, malignancies and conditions associated with metal overload. Copper is essential for major biological functions, however, an excess causes chronic ailments including neurodegenerative disorders. The fascinating approach of curcumin could alleviate such effect by forming a complex. Thus, this review aims to present available data on the effect of copper-curcumin interaction in various in vitro, ex-vivo in vivo, and clinical studies.

Role of curcumin and its nanoformulations in the treatment of neurological diseases through the effects on stem cells

Curcumin from turmeric is a natural phenolic compound with a promising potential to regulate fundamental processes involved in neurological diseases, including inflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and apoptosis at the molecular level. In this regard, employing nanoformulation can improve curcumin efficiency by reducing its limitations, such as low bioavailability. Besides curcumin, growing data suggest that stem cells are a noteworthy candidate for neurodegenerative disorders therapy due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuronal-differentiation properties, which result in neuroprotection. Curcumin and stem cells have similar neurogenic features and can be co-administered in a cell-drug delivery system to achieve better combination therapeutic outcomes for neurological diseases. Based on the evidence, curcumin can induce the neuroprotective activity of stem cells by modulating their related signalling pathways. The present review is about the role of curcumin and its nanoformulations in the improvement of neurological diseases alone and through the effect on different categories of stem cells by discussing the underlying mechanisms to provide a roadmap for future investigations.

Modulatory properties of curcumin in cancer: A narrative review on the role of interferons

The immune network is an effective network of cell types and chemical compounds established to maintain the body's homeostasis from foreign threats and to prevent the risk of a wide range of diseases; hence, its proper functioning and balance are essential. A dysfunctional immune system can contribute to various disorders, including cancer. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in molecules that can modulate the immune network. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is one of these herbal remedies with many beneficial effects, including modulation of immunity. Curcumin is beneficial in managing various chronic inflammatory conditions, improving brain function, lowering cardiovascular disease risk, prevention and management of dementia, and prevention of aging. Several clinical studies have supported this evidence, suggesting curcumin to have an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory function; nevertheless, its mechanism of action is still not clear. In the current review, we aim to explore the modulatory function of curcumin through interferons in cancers.

The effect of nuts consumption on circulating oxidized low-density lipoproteins: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of nuts in decreasing circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL). A literature search was performed of major electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) from inception up to November 15th, 2021 to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of different nuts on circulating levels of ox-LDL. The effect size was determined using standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Evaluation of funnel plot, Begg's rank correlation, and Egger's weighted regression tests were used to assess the presence of publication bias in the meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 RCTs involving 997 subjects. Meta-analysis showed that nuts significantly decreased serum levels of ox-LDL. Besides, meta-regression results of the association between confounders such as duration of nuts consumption or delta LDL-cholesterol and levels of ox-LDL, were not significant. The correlation between nuts type and ox-LDL levels was significant in subgroup analyses suggesting the most significant effect of pistachios consumption on reducing the circulating concentrations of ox-LDL. To conclude, nuts consumption decreases the circulating concentrations of ox-LDL which might be beneficial for the prevention and/or progression of ASCVD.

The effectiveness of nano-curcumin on patients with COVID-19: A systematic review of clinical trials

The main aim of the current study was to summarize the findings of available clinical studies to assess nano-curcumin's influence on COVID patients. A comprehensive online search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar until March 2022 to identify trials that investigated the effects of nano-curcumin in patients with COVID-19. Eight studies comprising 569 patients were included in this review. Compared with placebo, nano-curcumin had no significant effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). However, gene expression of IL-6 and gene expression as well as secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) significantly decreased following nano-curcumin intervention. Nano-curcumin had beneficial effects on fever, cough, chills, myalgia, and olfactory and taste disturbances. The duration of hospitalization and mortality rate were significantly lower in the nano-curcumin group compared with the control group. Lymphocyte count was significantly increased after curcumin supplementation. Nano-curcumin also had favorable effects on O₂ saturation, sputum, chest pain, wheeze, and dyspnea in patients with COVID-19. No major adverse effects were reported in response to nano-curcumin supplementation. In summary, the results of this systematic review of clinical trials suggested that nano-curcumin supplementation has beneficial effects on inflammation, respiratory function, disease manifestations, and complications in patients with COVID-19 viral infection.

The effects of phytochemicals on serum triglycerides in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of phytochemicals on lipid parameters in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception up to October 2021 to recognize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of phytochemicals on lipid profiles in patients with HTG. Forty-eight RCTs including 53 arms and comprising 3,478 HTG patients met the eligibility criteria. Phytochemicals significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides in 32 out 53 arms, total cholesterol in 22 out of 51, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 21 out of 48, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 1 out of 5, apolipoprotein B in 2 out of 4, and lipoprotein(a) levels in 2 out of 4 arms. Furthermore, phytochemicals supplementation increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 15 out of 48 arms. In brief, phytochemicals supplementation might have beneficial effects on HTG. In most of the studies, phytochemicals had a favorable effect on at least one of the lipid parameters.

A review on curcumin colon-targeted oral drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Synthetic drugs and monoclonal antibodies are the typical treatments to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, side effects are present when these treatments are used, and their continued application could be restricted by the high relapse rate of the disease. One potential alternative to these treatments is the use of plant-derived products. The use curcumin is one such treatment option that has seen an increase in usage in treating IBD. Curcumin is derived from a rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and the results of studies on the use of curcumin to treat IBD are promising. These studies suggest that curcumin interacts with cellular targets such as NF-κB, JAKs/STATs, MAPKs, TNF-α, IL-6, PPAR, and TRPV1 and may reduce the progression of IBD. Potentially, curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent for patients with IBD when it reduces the incidence of clinical relapse. This review discusses the strategies utilized in designing and developing an oral colonic delivery dosage form of curcumin.

Curcumin-piperine co-supplementation and human health: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies

Curcumin is extracted from the rhizomes Curcuma longa L. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Despite its safety and potential for use against various diseases, curcumin's utility is restricted due to its low oral bioavailability. Co-administration of curcumin along with piperine could potentially improve the bioavailability of curcumin. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of curcumin-piperine co-supplementation in human health. The findings of this comprehensive review show the beneficial effects of curcumin-piperine in improving glycemic indices, lipid profile and antioxidant status in diabetes, improving the inflammatory status caused by obesity and metabolic syndrome, reducing oxidative stress and depression in chronic stress and neurological disorders, also improving chronic respiratory diseases, asthma and COVID-19. Further high-quality clinical trial studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the curcumin-piperine supplement.

Effect of nano-curcumin on various diseases: A comprehensive review of clinical trials

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of curcumin have made it a valuable herbal product for improving various disorders, such as COVID-19, cancer, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, migraine, and diabetes. Recent research has demonstrated that encapsulating curcumin in nanoparticles might improve its therapeutic effects and bioavailability. To our knowledge, the efficacy of nano-curcumin on different aspects of health and disease has not been summarized in a study. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate nano-curcumin's efficacy in various diseases based on the findings of clinical trials. In order to review publications focusing on nanocurcumin's impact on various diseases, four databases were searched, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the potential benefits of nano-curcumin in improving a wide range of human diseases including COVID-19, neurological disorders, chronic disease, oral diseases, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases, especially as an adjunct to standard therapy and a healthy lifestyle.

Antiviral Mechanisms of Curcumin and Its Derivatives in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19: A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now plagued the world for almost 3 years. Although vaccines are now available, the severity of the pandemic and the current dearth of approved effective medications have prompted the need for novel treatment approaches. Curcumin, as a food nutraceutical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is now under consideration for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Curcumin has been demonstrated to retard the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into cells, interfere with its proliferation inside cells, and curb the hyperinflammatory state caused by the virus by modulating immune system regulators, minimizing the cytokine storm effect, and modulating the renin-angiotensin system. This chapter discusses the role of curcumin and its derivatives in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection, considering the molecular mechanisms involved. It will also focus on the molecular and cellular profiling techniques as essential tools in this research, as these can be used in the identification and development of new biomarkers, drug targets, and therapeutic approaches for improved patient care.

The beneficial therapeutic effects of plant-derived natural products for the treatment of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle disorder typically associated with a poor quality of life. Its definition has evolved over time, and several underlying causes of sarcopenia in the elderly have been proposed. However, the exact mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, as well as effective treatments for this condition, are not fully understood. The purpose of this article was to conduct a comprehensive review of previous evidence regarding the definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and efficacy of plant-derived natural products for sarcopenia. The methodological approach for the current narrative review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar (up to March 2021) in order to satisfy our objectives. The substantial beneficial effects along with the safety of some plant-derived natural products including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng on sarcopenia are reported in this review. Based on clinical studies, nutraceuticals and functional foods may have beneficial effects on physical performance, including handgrip and knee-extension strength, weight-lifting capacity, time or distance travelled before feeling fatigued, mitochondrial function, muscle fatigue, mean muscle fibre area, and total number of myonuclei. In preclinical studies, supplementation with herbs and natural bioactive compounds resulted in beneficial effects including increased plantaris mass, skeletal muscle mass and strength production, increased expression of anabolic factors myogenin, Myf5 and MyoD, enhanced mitochondrial capacity, and inhibition of muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. We found that several risk factors such as nutritional status, physical inactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine system dysfunction, insulin resistance, history of chronic disease, mental health, and genetic factors are linked or associated with sarcopenia. The substantial beneficial effects of some nutraceuticals and functional foods on sarcopenia, including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng, without any significant side effects, are reported in this review. Plant-derived natural products might have a beneficial effect on various components of sarcopenia. Nevertheless, due to limited human trials, the clinical benefits of plant-derived natural products remain inconclusive. It is suggested that comprehensive longitudinal clinical studies to better understand risk factors over time, as well as identifying a treatment strategy for sarcopenia that is based on its pathophysiology, be undertaken in future investigations.

The effects of curcumin-containing supplements on inflammatory biomarkers in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In the past decade, the effect of curcumin or turmeric supplementation on many aspects of health status in different populations has been evaluated. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the effect of curcumin administration on inflammatory markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases from 1997 until June2022 for terms related to curcumin/turmeric and hemodialysis (HD). Randomized, double-blind/single-blind studies examining the effects of curcumin/turmeric on the inflammation of HD participants older than 18 years were considered eligible for inclusion. Data were pooled using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI as the summary statistic, considering a random-effects analysis model. The data that were pooled from nine studies with 472 patients indicated that curcumin-containing supplement had significant effect on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (WMD = -3.3 mg/L; 95% CI: -5.4 to -1.3; p < 0.001, I²  = 76.7%, 8 studies, 467 participants), and interlukine-6 (IL-6) levels (SMD: -0.4; 95% CI: -0.8 to -0.07; p = 0.02, I²  = 31.6%, 3 studies, 153 participants) compared control group. Although curcumin intervention could not change tumor neurosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration (SMD = -0.3; 95% CI: -0.7 to 0.04; p = 0.08, I²  = 25.3%, 3 studies, 153 participants), when compared with the placebo group. Our study's main limitations were small number of studies, overall high risk of bias in the included trials, and high heterogeneity in some results. The present meta-analysis suggested that intervention with curcumin-containing supplements was associated with a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP and IL-6 concentrations in HD patients. The curcumin intervention in the reduction of hs-CRP levels was greater than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for CRP (0.5 mg/L), which can be helpful in physicians' clinical decisions.

Phytochemicals: A potential therapeutic intervention for the prevention and treatment of cachexia

Cachexia, a multifactorial and often irreversible wasting syndrome, is often associated with the final phase of several chronic disorders. Although cachexia is characterized by skeletal muscle wasting and adipose tissue loss, it is a syndrome affecting different organs, which ultimately results in systemic complications and impaired quality of life. The pathogenesis and underlying molecular mechanisms of cachexia are not fully understood, and currently there are no effective standard treatments or approved drug therapies to completely reverse cachexia. Moreover, adequate nutritional interventions alone cannot significantly improve cachexia. Other approaches to ameliorate cachexia are urgently needed, and thus, the role of medicinal plants has received considerable importance in this respect due to their beneficial health properties. Increasing evidence indicates great potential of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals as an alternative and promising treatment strategy to reduce the symptoms of many diseases including cachexia. This article reviews the current status of cachexia, the molecular mechanisms of primary events driving cachexia, and state-of-the-art knowledge that reports the preventive and therapeutic activities of multiple families of phytochemical compounds and their pharmacological mode of action, which may hold promise as an alternative treatment modality for the management of cachexia. Based on our review of various in vitro and in vivo models of cachexia, we would conclude that phytochemicals may have therapeutic potential to attenuate cachexia, although clinical trials are required to unequivocally confirm this premise.

Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug−gene and gene−diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.

Phytochemicals as Modulators of Paraoxonase-1 in Health and Diseases

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, chronic liver disease, and neurodegenerative diseases are major causes of mortality. These diseases have gained much attention due to their complications, and therefore novel approaches with fewer side effects are an important research topic. Free radicals and oxidative stress are involved in the molecular mechanisms of several diseases. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and mitigate their adverse effects. One of the most important antioxidant enzymes are paraoxonases (PONs). These enzymes perform a wide range of physiological activities ranging from drug metabolism to detoxification of neuroleptics. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is produced in the liver and then transferred to the bloodstream. It has been demonstrated that PON1 could have beneficial effects in numerous diseases such as atherosclerosis, CVD, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases by modulating relevant signalling pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. These pathways include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and protein kinase B/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (AKT/NF-κB)-dependent signalling pathways. Increasing PON1 could potentially have protective effects and reduce the incidence of various diseases by modulating these signalling pathways. Several studies have reported that dietary factors are able to modulate PON1 expression and activity. This review aimed at summarizing the state of the art on the effects of dietary phytochemicals on PON1 enzyme activity and the relevant signalling pathways in different diseases.

Cardioprotective Effect of Rheum turkestanicum Against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Background: Doxorubicin as an anti-cancer drug causes cardiotoxicity, limiting its tolerability and use. The mechanism of toxicity is due to free radical production and cardiomyocytes injury. This research evaluated Rheum turkestanicum (R.turkestanicum) extract against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity due to its considerable in vitro antioxidant activity. Methods: Male Wistar rats received 2.5 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally every other day for 2 weeks to create an accumulative dose. R. turkestanicum was administrated at a dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg intraperitoneally from the second week for 7 days. On the 15th day, the animals were anesthetized and blood was collected from cardiac tissue for evaluation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cardiac muscle creatinine kinase (CK-MB), troponin T (cTn-T), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and B-type natriuretic peptide brain natriuretic peptide. A cardiac homogenate was also collected to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase Catalase Activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and thiols. Histopathology was also performed. Results: Doxorubicin increased all cardiac enzymes and malondialdehyde, correlating with a reduction in SOD, catalase, and thiols. Histopathology revealed extracellular edema, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage of foci. In contrast, administration of R. turkestanicum ameliorated these doxorubicin-induced pathophysiological changes. Conclusion: This study revealed that the extract ameliorated doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity via modulation of oxidative stress-related pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of R. turkestanicum indicated several components with potent pharmacological properties.

Investigation of the Effect of Curcumin on Protein Targets in NAFLD Using Bioinformatic Analysis

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder. Defects in function/expression of genes/proteins are critical in initiation/progression of NAFLD. Natural products may modulate these genes/proteins. Curcumin improves steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis progression. Here, bioinformatic tools, gene−drug and gene-disease databases were utilized to explore targets, interactions, and pathways through which curcumin could impact NAFLD. METHODS: Significant curcumin−protein interaction was identified (high-confidence:0.7) in the STITCH database. Identified proteins were investigated to determine association with NAFLD. gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were analyzed for significantly involved targets (p < 0.01). Specificity of obtained targets with NAFLD was estimated and investigated in Tissue/Cells−gene associations (PanglaoDB Augmented 2021, Mouse Gene Atlas) and Disease−gene association-based EnrichR algorithms (Jensen DISEASES, DisGeNET). RESULTS: Two collections were constructed: 227 protein−curcumin interactions and 95 NAFLD-associated genes. By Venn diagram, 14 significant targets were identified, and their biological pathways evaluated. Based on gene ontology, most targets involved stress and lipid metabolism. KEGG revealed chemical carcinogenesis, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and NAFLD as the most common significant pathways. Specificity to diseases database (EnrichR algorithm) revealed specificity for steatosis/steatohepatitis. CONCLUSION: Curcumin may improve, or inhibit, progression of NAFLD through activation/inhibition of NAFLD-related genes.

Current and potential trends in the bioactive properties and health benefits of Prunus mume Sieb. Et Zucc: a comprehensive review for value maximization

Prunus mume Sieb. Et Zucc (P. mume) is an acidic fruit native to China (named Chinese Mei or greengage plum). It is currently cultivated in several Asian countries, including Japan ("Ume"), Korea (Maesil), and Vietnam (Mai or Mo). Due to its myriad nutritional and functional properties, it is accepted in different countries, and its characteristics account for its commercialization. In this review, we summarize the information on the bioactive compounds from the fruit of P. mume and their structure-activity relationships (SAR); the pulp has the highest enrichment of bioactive chemicals. The nutritional properties of P. mume and the numerous uses of its by-products make it a potential functional food. P. mume extracts exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperuricaemic properties, cardiovascular protective effects, and hormone regulatory properties in various in vitro and in vivo assays. SAR shows that the water solubility, molecular weight, and chemical conformation of P. mume extracts are closely related to their biological activity. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the fruit's potential nutritional and functional therapeutic mechanisms. The industrial process of large-scale production of P. mume and its extracts as functional foods or nutraceuticals needs to be further optimized.

Protective role of nutraceuticals against myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that mostly affects young adults. The disease is commonly caused by viral infection, medications, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Nearly 50% of the cases of myocarditis are due to post-viral immune response in a setting of an identifiable or non-identifiable infection. The clinical manifestation is nonspecific ranging from asymptomatic courses to sudden death in infants and young patients. This review describes the properties of phytochemicals as plant-derived active ingredients which can be used in the prevention and treatment of myocarditis and its associated risk factors. Meanwhile, it has illustrated epidemiological analyses, mechanism of action, and the metabolism of phytochemicals in animal and human clinical trials. We also mentioned the precise mechanism of action by which phytochemicals elicit their anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects and how they regulate signal transduction pathways. Nevertheless, comprehensive clinical trials are required to study the properties of phytochemicals in vivo, in vitro, and in silico for a proper management of myocarditis. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals function as potent adjunctive therapeutic drugs in myocarditis and its related complications.

The involvement of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which inflammation and oxidative stress play key etiopathological role. The pathology of PD brain is characterized by inclusions of aggregated α-synuclein (α-SYN) in the cytoplasmic region of neurons. Clinical evidence suggests that stimulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to neuroinflammation in the affected brain regions. Upon neuroinflammation, the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, and other transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and toll-like receptors (TLRs) are upregulated and induce the microglial activation, contributing to PD via dopaminergic neuron autophagy. Aberrant activation or phosphorylation of the components of JAK/STAT signaling pathway has been implicated in increased transcription of the inflammation-associated genes and many neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukine (IL)-6 are two of the most potent activators of the JAK/STAT pathway, and it was shown to be elevated in PD. Stimulation of microglial cell with aggregated α-SYN results in production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β in PD. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT in PD and its involvement in various inflammatory pathways make it a promising PD therapy approach. So far, a variety of synthetic or natural small-molecule JAK inhibitors (Jakinibs) have been found promising in managing a spectrum of ailments, many of which are in preclinical research or clinical trials. Herein, we provided a perspective on the function of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in PD progression and gathered data that describe the rationale evidence on the potential application of Jakinibs to improve neuroinflammation in PD.

Therapeutic Effects of Polyphenols on the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating Wnt β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide in terms of both its rates of incidence and mortality. Due to serious side effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic treatments, many natural products with fewer adverse side effects have been considered as potential treatment options. In fact, many natural products have widely been used in various phases of clinical trials for CRC, as well as in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RES) are classified as natural polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to have anticancer activity against CRC and are associated with minimal side effects. By regulating select target genes involved in several key signaling pathways in CRC, in particular, the Wnt β-catenin signaling cascade, the course of CRC may be positively altered. In the current review, we focused on the therapeutic effects of CUR and RES in CRC as they pertain to modulation of the Wnt β-catenin signaling pathway.

Higher habitual dietary flavonoid intake associates with lower central blood pressure and arterial stiffness in healthy older adults

Flavonoids have shown anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic properties: the impact of habitual flavonoid intake on vascular function, central haemodynamics and arterial stiffness may be important. We investigated the relationship between habitual flavonoid consumption and measures of central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. We performed cross-sectional analysis of 381 non-smoking healthy older adults (mean age 66·0 (sd 4·1) years; BMI, 26·4 (sd 4·41) kg/m2; 41 % male) recruited as part of the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention study. Flavonoid intake (i.e. flavonols, flavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, isoflavones, flavan-3-ol monomers, proanthocyanidins, theaflavins/thearubigins and total consumption) was estimated from FFQ using the US Department of Agriculture food composition databases. Measures of central haemodynamics and arterial stiffness included systolic blood pressure (cSBP), diastolic blood pressure (cDBP), mean arterial pressure (cMAP) and augmentation index (cAIx). After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle confounders, each sd/d higher intake of anthocyanins ((sd 44·3) mg/d) was associated with significantly lower cDBP (-1·56 mmHg, 95 % CI -2·65, -0·48) and cMAP (-1·62 mmHg, 95 % CI -2·82, -0·41). Similarly, each sd/d higher intake of flavanones ((sd 19·5) mg/d) was associated with ~1 % lower cAIx (-0·93 %, 95 % CI -1·77, -0·09). These associations remained significant after additional adjustment for (1) a dietary quality score and (2) other major nutrients that may affect blood pressure or arterial stiffness (i.e. Na, K, Ca, Mg, n-3, total protein and fibre). This study suggests a possible benefit of dietary anthocyanin and flavanone intake on central haemodynamics and arterial stiffness; these findings require corroboration in further research.

The Relationship Between Dietary Choices and Health and Premature Vascular Ageing

The paper aims to review the available data about the main mechanisms enabling improvement or accelerating vascular ageing due to food choices, considering recent experimental and clinical data, and emphasising potential implications for clinical practice and therapy. The main food choices which will be discussed are diets rich in fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cocoa, caffeine, tea, meat, dairy products, sodium, and potassium intake.

Medicinal plants and bioactive natural products as inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome

The NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that induces caspase-1 activation and the downstream substrates involved with the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α). The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by a wide range of danger signals that derive from metabolic dysregulation. Activation of this complex often involves the adaptor ASC and upstream sensors including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and pyrin, which are activated by different stimuli including infectious agents and changes in cell homeostasis. It has been shown that nutraceuticals and medicinal plants have antiinflammatory properties and could be used as complementary therapy in the treatment of several chronic diseases that are related to inflammation, for example, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Herb-based medicine has demonstrated protective effects against NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, this review focuses on the effects of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the possible mechanisms of action of these natural products. Thus, herb-based, natural products/compounds can be considered novel, practical, and accessible agents in chronic inflammatory diseases by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

A Narrative Review on Dietary Strategies to Provide Nitric Oxide as a Non-Drug Cardiovascular Disease Therapy: Beetroot Formulations-A Smart Nutritional Intervention

Beetroot is a remarkable vegetable, as its rich nitrate and bioactive compound contents ameliorate cardiovascular and metabolic functions by boosting nitric oxide synthesis and regulating gene expressions or modulating proteins and enzyme activities involved in these cellular processes. Dietary nitrate provides a physiological substrate for nitric oxide production, which promotes vasodilatation, increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. A brief narrative and critical review on dietary nitrate intake effects are addressed herein by considering vegetable sources, dosage, intervention regimen and cardioprotective effects achieved in both healthy and cardiovascular-susceptible individuals. Compared to other nitrate-rich vegetables, beets were proven to be the best choice for non-drug therapy because of their sensorial characteristics and easy formulations that facilitate patient adherence for long periods, allied to bioaccessibility and consequent effectiveness. Beets were shown to be effective in raising nitrate and nitrite in biological fluids at levels capable of promoting sustained improvement in primary and advanced hemodynamic parameters.

Beneficial Effect of Statin Therapy on Arterial Stiffness

Arterial stiffness describes the increased rigidity of the arterial wall that occurs as a consequence of biological aging and several diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that parameters to assess arterial stiffness, especially pulse-wave velocity, are predictive of those individuals that will suffer cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Statin therapy may be a pharmacological strategy to improve arterial elasticity. It has been shown that the positive benefits of statin therapy on cardiovascular disease is attributable not only to their lipid-lowering capacity but also to various pleiotropic effects, such as their anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties. Additionally, statins reduce endothelial dysfunction, improve vascular and myocardial remodeling, and stabilize atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of the present review was to summarize the evidence from human studies showing the effects of statins on arterial stiffness.

Natural Insulin Sensitizers for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Possible Molecular Mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus is a growing health challenge globally which is increasing in epidemic proportion. Naturally occurring pharmacological agents are more likely to provide beneficial therapeutic effects without undesirable side effects compared to the synthetic agents. There is a growing evidence that some naturally occurring pharmacological agents derived from plants have potential antihyperglycemic effects. In this study, we have reviewed the molecular mechanism behind potential hypoglycemic properties of four well-known herbal-based agents, namely, ginger, curcumin, garlic, and cinnamon. Also, we present the related clinical data confirming experimental results aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies based on these herbal agents potentially for the management of patients with diabetes.