Grape seed extract activates Th1 cells in vitro

The Signaling Pathways, and Therapeutic Targets of Antiviral Agents: Focusing on the Antiviral Approaches and Clinical Perspectives of Anthocyanins in the Management of Viral Diseases

As the leading cause of death worldwide, viruses significantly affect global health. Despite the rapid progress in human healthcare, there are few viricidal and antiviral therapies that are efficient enough. The rapid emergence of resistance, and high costs, as well as the related side effects of synthetic antiviral drugs, raise the need to identify novel, effective, and safe alternatives against viral diseases. Nature has been of the most exceptional help and source of inspiration for developing novel multi-target antiviral compounds, affecting several steps of the viral life cycle and host proteins. For that matter and due to safety and efficacy limitations, as well as high resistance rate of conventional therapies, hundreds of natural molecules are preferred over the synthetic drugs. Besides, natural antiviral agents have shown acceptable antiviral value in both preclinical and clinical trials.This is the first review regarding molecular and cellular pathways of the virus life cycle, treatment strategies, and therapeutic targets of several viral diseases with a particular focus on anthocyanins as promising natural compounds for significant antiviral enhancements. Clinical applications and the need to develop nano-formulation of anthocyanins in drug delivery systems are also considered.

The effect of OPC Factor on energy levels in healthy adults ages 45-65: a phase IIb randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of the food supplement OPC Factor to increase energy levels in healthy adults aged 45 to 65.

DESIGN

Randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind crossover study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-five (25) healthy adults recruited from the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

INTERVENTIONS

OPC Factor,trade mark (AlivenLabs, Lebanon, TN) a food supplement that contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins from grape seeds and pine bark along with other nutrient supplements including vitamins and minerals, was in the form of an effervescent powder. The placebo was similar in appearance and taste.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Five outcome measurements were performed: (1) Energy subscale scores of the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD ACL); (2) One (1) global question of percent energy change (Global Energy Percent Change); (3) One (1) global question of energy change measured on a Likert scale (Global Energy Scale Change); 4. One (1) global question of percent overall status change (Global Overall Status Percent Change); and (5) One (1) global question of overall status change measured on a Likert scale (Global Overall Status Scale Change).

RESULTS

There were no carryover/period effects in the groups randomized to Placebo/Active Product sequence versus Active Product/Placebo sequence. Examination of the AD ACL Energy subscale scores for the Active Product versus Placebo comparison revealed no significant difference in the intention-to-treat (IT) analysis and the treatment received (TR) analysis. However, Global Energy Percent Change (p = 0.06) and Global Energy Scale Change (p = 0.09) both closely approached conventional levels of statistical significance for the active product in the IT analysis. Global Energy Percent Change (p = 0.05) and Global Energy Scale Change (p = 0.04) reached statistical significance in the TR analysis. A cumulative percent responders analysis graph indicated greater response rates for the active product.

CONCLUSIONS

OPC Factor may increase energy levels in healthy adults aged 45-65 years. A larger study is recommended. Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT03318019.

Neem leaf preparation enhances Th1 type immune response and anti-tumor immunity against breast tumor associated antigen

An 85-kDa breast tumor associated antigen (BTAA) has been identified and partially characterized from human breast tumors. As BTAA is poorly immunogenic, enhancement of the anti-tumor immunity induced by BTAA is required to obtain an objective clinical response. The potent immune activation by an aqueous preparation of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf (NLP) suggests its possible utility for enhancing immune responses to tumor vaccines. Mice (Swiss and Balb/c) and rats (Sprague Dawley) immunized with BTAA and NLP have a higher IgG antibody response and a lower IgM response than mice immunized with BTAA alone. Antibody generated by immunization with BTAA and NLP can induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response towards BTAA-expressing MCF-7 cells. Antibody produced by vaccination with BTAA alone generated little cytotoxic response. The occurrence of ADCC and CTL response induced by BTAA plus NLP vaccination was possibly assisted by the induction of a Th1 response, as evidenced by the enhanced secretion of IFN-gamma and decreased release of IL-10 from spleen cells and the greater production of IgG2a antibody in immunized mice. As NLP is nontoxic, abundantly available in the Indian subcontinent and can be extracted by a cost-effective method, this preparation may be considered a promising immune enhancer for BTAA vaccine.