Dietary effect of pomegranate seed oil rich in 9cis, 11trans, 13cis conjugated linolenic acid on lipid metabolism in obese, hyperlipidemic OLETF rats

Fermented pomegranate juice enriched with pomegranate seed oil ameliorates metabolic disorders associated with a high-fat diet in C57BL/6 mice

This study investigated the health-functional properties of a lactic fermented pomegranate juice (FPJ) enriched with pomegranate seed oil (FPJO) by using the fruit-origin strain Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL 2051 (FPJO-CRL2051). For this aim, the in vitro human antiplatelet aggregation effect and antioxidant activities were determined in the fermented juices while in vivo studies using high-fat-diet (HFD) C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet or pomegranate fermented juices for 8 weeks were performed. A high anti-platelet aggregation activity for FPJO-CRL2051 was determined. The formulated juice was administered to C57BL/6 HFD mice over 8 weeks, which showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, LDL-C, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. The FPJO-CRL2051 administration was effective in ameliorating liver damage caused by HFD, reducing fat accumulation and oxidative biomarkers, and improving the liver fatty acid profile by incorporation of conjugated fatty acids. This study shows the significance of lactic fermentation in developing novel fermented plant-based beverages with enhanced functional activities with a circular economy approach for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLnA) vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A Comprehensive Review of Potential Advantages in Molecular Characteristics, Health Benefits, and Production Techniques

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively characterized due to its many biological activities and health benefits, but conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) is still not well understood. However, CLnA has shown to be more effective than CLA as a potential functional food ingredient. Current research has not thoroughly investigated the differences and advantages between CLnA and CLA. This article compares CLnA and CLA based on molecular characteristics, including structural, chemical, and metabolic characteristics. Then, the in vivo research evidence of CLnA on various health benefits is comprehensively reviewed and compared with CLA in terms of effectiveness and mechanism. Furthermore, the potential of CLnA in production technology and product protection is analyzed. In general, CLnA and CLA have similar physicochemical properties of conjugated molecules and share many similarities in regulation effects and pathways of various health benefits as well as in the production methods. However, their specific properties, regulatory capabilities, and unique mechanisms are different. The superior potential of CLnA must be specified according to the practical application patterns of isomers. Future research should focus more on the advantageous characteristics of different isomers, especially the effectiveness and safety in clinical applications in order to truly exert the potential value of CLnA.

Effect of pomegranate seed oil on egg production, egg quality and yolk fatty acid deposition in laying hen

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) contains punicic acid as well as conjugated linolenic acid isomers, including α-eleostearic and catalpic acids, along with phytosterols, especially β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, with lipotropic impact and egg fortifying effect in laying hens.

OBJECTIVES

The present experiment was designed to examine the effects of PSO on egg production, egg quality, blood lipids and yolk fatty acid deposition in laying hens.

METHODS

A total of 360 Hy-line laying hens (w-80), at 25 weeks of age, were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design during a 10-week period. Experimental treatments consisted of a basal diet or supplementation of 1, 2, 3 and 4 g PSO/kg to basal diet. Performance indicators and fatty acid composition of egg yolk were evaluated during different experimental periods. Blood lipid attributes were evaluated at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

Dietary supplementation of 4 g PSO/kg feed increased daily feed intake and egg production rate of laying hens (p < 0.05). There was not any significant influence of experimental treatments on egg quality, whereas an increasing trend observed in egg yolk colour of hens received dietary graded levels of PSO. Dietary supplemental 4 g/kg PSO increased the proportion of yolk poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the PUFA to saturated fatty acid ratio increased after dietary supplementation of 1 or 4 g/kg PSO (p < 0.05). Serum concentration of cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein decreased in response to the supplementation of more than 3 g PSO/kg in the feed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 4 g/kg PSO improved production rate and decreased blood lipids in laying hens. Moreover, dietary supplemental PSO modified yolk fatty acid deposition without detrimental effects on the egg quality.

Metabolic, structure-activity characteristics of conjugated linolenic acids and their mediated health benefits

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) is a mixture of octadecenoic acid with multiple positional and geometric isomers (including four 9, 11, 13-C18:3 isomers and three 8, 10, 12-C18:3 isomers) that is mainly present in plant seeds. In recent years, CLnA has shown many promising health benefits with the deepening of research, but the metabolic characteristics, physiological function differences and mechanisms of different isomers are relatively complex. In this article, the metabolic characteristics of CLnA were firstly reviewed, with focus on its conversion, catabolism and anabolism. Then the possible mechanisms of CLnA exerting biological effects were summarized and analyzed from its own chemical and physical characteristics, as well as biological receptor targeting characteristics. In addition, the differences and mechanisms of different isomers of CLnA in anticancer, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory physiological functions were compared and summarized. The current results show that the position and cis-trans conformation of conjugated structure endow CLnA with unique physical and chemical properties, which also makes different isomers have commonalities and particularities in the regulation of metabolism and physiological functions. Corresponding the metabolic characteristics of different isomers with precise nutrition strategy will help them to play a better role in disease prevention and treatment. CLnA has the potential to be developed into food functional components and dietary nutritional supplements. The advantages and mechanisms of different CLnA isomers in the clinical management of specific diseases need further study.

Heterologous Production of Calendic Acid Naturally Found in Calendula officinalis by Recombinant Fission Yeast

Calendic acid (CA) is a conjugated fatty acid with anti-cancer properties that is widely present in seed oil of Calendula officinalis. Using the co-expression of C. officinalis fatty acid conjugases (CoFADX-1 or CoFADX-2) and Punica granatum fatty acid desaturase (PgFAD2), we metabolically engineered the synthesis of CA in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe without the need for linoleic acid (LA) supplementation. The highest CA titer and achieved accumulation were 4.4 mg/L and 3.7 mg/g of DCW in PgFAD2 + CoFADX-2 recombinant strain cultivated at 16 °C for 72 h, respectively. Further analyses revealed the accumulation of CA in free fatty acids (FFA) and downregulation of the lcf1 gene encoding long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase. The developed recombinant yeast system represents an important tool for the future identification of the essential components of the channeling machinery to produce CA as a high-value conjugated fatty acid at an industrial level.

Pomegranate Seed Oil as a Source of Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLnA) Has No Effect on Atherosclerosis Development but Improves Lipid Profile and Affects the Expression of Lipid Metabolism Genes in apoE/LDLR-/- Mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of pomegranate seed oil as a source of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) (cis-9,trans-11,cis-13; punicic acid) compared to linolenic acid (LnA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (cis-9,trans-11) in apoE/LDLR^-/- mice. In the LONG experiment, 10-week old mice were fed for the 18 weeks. In the SHORT experiment, 18-week old mice were fed for the 10 weeks. Diets were supplied with seed oils equivalent to an amount of 0.5% of studied fatty acids. In the SHORT experiment, plasma TCh and LDL+VLDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in animals fed CLnA and CLA compared to the Control. The expression of PPARα in liver was four-fold increased in CLnA group in the SHORT experiment, and as a consequence the expression of its target gene ACO was three-fold increased, whereas the liver's expression of SREBP-1 and FAS were decreased in CLnA mice only in the LONG experiment. Punicic acid and CLA isomers were determined in the adipose tissue and liver in animals receiving pomegranate seed oil. In both experiments, there were no effects on the area of atherosclerotic plaque in aortic roots. However, in the SHORT experiment, the area of atherosclerosis in the entire aorta in the CLA group compared to CLnA and LnA was significantly decreased. In conclusion, CLnA improved the lipid profile and affected the lipid metabolism gene expression, but did not have the impact on the development of atherosclerotic plaque in apoE/LDLR^-/- mice.

Improved biological value of eggs due to the addition of pomegranate seed oil to laying-hen diets

In this study, the effects of the addition of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) at different levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5  mL kg - 1 ) to laying-hen rations on performance values, egg quality criteria, egg shelf life, some enzyme activity, and the fatty acid composition of yolks were investigated. In the study, 96 Lohman LSL laying hens at 64 weeks of age were used. The trial consisted of four groups, each containing 24 hens. Chickens were given feed and water ad libitum during the 8-week experiment. The first group was the control group and was fed with a basal diet, while the other groups were fed with feeds with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5  mL kg - 1 PSO added to the basal feed, respectively. The lowest feed consumption and the highest egg weight were determined in the 1  mL kg - 1 PSO group. The highest feed conversion ratio, the lowest eggshell weight, and the shell-breaking strength were determined in the 0.5  mL kg - 1 PSO group. It was determined that the egg yolk malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the groups to which pomegranate seed oil was added was significantly lower than the control group on the 28th day of storage. The lowest glutation (GSH) and catalase values were found in the control group, and the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was found in the 1  mL kg - 1 PSO group. It was determined that the addition of PSO to the diet significantly increased the rate of saturated fatty acids (SEFA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) in yolk. The results showed that the addition of 1  mL kg - 1 pomegranate seed oil to the feeds decreased feed consumption, increased egg weight, and positively affected the shelf life of the egg. In short, the addition of PSO had a positive effect on shelf life, and it increased punicic acid and CLA levels without reducing egg quality.

Pomegranate Oil’s Potential as an Anti-Obesity Ingredient

In recent years, pomegranate oil has obtained more attention due to its content of conjugated linolenic acids and possible application in the prevention of many diseases. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential ability of pomegranate oil to modulate obesity-related metabolism and immune response using in vitro models. In this regard, pomegranate oil was characterized in terms of fatty acids profile, tocopherols and phytosterols, and antioxidant capacity. After evaluation of the safety profile, pomegranate oil’s capacity to modulate obesity-related metabolism was evaluated through adipolysis and adipokines secretion quantification in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation assay in Hep G2 hepatocytes. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated in Caco-2 cells by quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. This oil showed high antioxidant capacity and was mainly composed of conjugated fatty acid, namely punicic acid. Its chemical composition was responsible for its capacity to reduce the lipid accumulation in Hep G2 cells and 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. In short, pomegranate oil shows great potential for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting obesity.

Assessing the concentration of conjugated fatty acids within pomegranate seed oil using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR)

INTRODUCTION

Pomegranate seed is rich in oil, and seed oil of pomegranate consists of conjugated fatty acids with different percentages.

OBJECTIVES

The current contribution covers how to determine percentages of different isomeric conjugated fatty acids.

METHODS

The percentages of these isomers are analysed by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) using benzoic acid as an internal reference chemical with a well-defined amount. Linear mathematical equations are developed for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids found in pomegranate seed oil.

RESULTS

The developed approach is utilised for the pomegranate seed oils prepared in the laboratory and tested for commercial samples. Among the oils derived at the laboratory, the Yeni Hicaz pomegranate cultivar seeds yielded the highest fraction of punicic acid. Among the acids, punicic acid was the one with the highest fraction, while linolenic acid was the one with the lowest percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are important in identifying pomegranate seed oils. Among the commercial samples tested with the current approach, only one of them showed similar content analysis as in the laboratory-derived oils.

The effect of pomegranate seed oil on human health, especially epidemiology of polycystic ovary syndrome; a systematic review

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Today, medicinal plants have been considered by women, especially in the reproductive and pregnancy ages. Multiple drug treatments and the length of the treatment period often lead to incomplete treatment by patients. Therefore, due to the side effects of chemical drugs, this study was conducted to assess investigate the effect of pomegranate seed oil on polycystic ovary syndrome. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing by 15 to 20% and clinically includes oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hirsutism, and often infertility. Databases such as Cochran library, Medline, PubMed, SID, and Science Direct were used to access the related articles. To collect the required information, first, the articles that had one of the keywords of medicinal plants, polycystic ovary syndrome, plant, pomegranate extract, and menstrual irregularities in their text were searched in databases. All studies from 1985 to 2021 are included in the study. Conjugated linolenic acid (CLN) is a group of geometric and positional isomers of linolenic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. CLN has been reported to have a very strong cytotoxic effect on tissue tumor cells in the body, preventing cancer, reducing the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver, polycystic ovary syndrome, and LDL cholesterol in the blood. So far, seven CLN isomers have been identified, including ponic acid in pomegranate seed oil. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of situational and geometric isomers of linoleic acid in which double bonds are conjugated. The positive effects of the two main CLA isomers (cis-9, trans-11, and trans-10, cis-12) include inhibiting the growth of cancer, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and reducing body fat.

Jacaranda oil administration improves serum biomarkers and bioavailability of bioactive conjugated fatty acids, and alters fatty acid profile of mice tissues

Jacaric acid, a conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) present in jacaranda oil (JO), is considered a potent anticarcinogenic agent. Several studies have focused on its biological effects, but the metabolism once consumed is not clear yet. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of two different daily doses of JO on serum parameters and fatty acid (FA) profile of mice tissues after 4 weeks of feeding. No significant changes on body weight gain, food intake, or tissue weight were determined after 0.7 or 2 ml/kg of JO supplementation compared to control animals. Significantly lower blood low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (20 mg/dl) and glucose (~147-148 mg/dl) levels were detected in both oil-treated groups compared to control (31.2 and 165 mg/dl, respectively). Moreover, jacaric acid was partially converted into cis9, trans11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and thus further incorporated into tissues. Liver evidenced the highest total conjugated fatty acid content (1.1%-2.2%), followed by epididymal (0.7%-1.9%) and mesenteric (1.4%-1.8%) fat. Lower saturated and higher unsaturated fatty acid content was detected in both oil-treated groups compared to control. Our results support the safety of JO and its potential application with a functional or nutraceutical propose, by increasing human CLNA consumption and further availability of CLA.

Punicic acid ameliorates obesity and liver steatosis by regulating gut microbiota composition in mice

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of punicic acid (PUA, cis9,trans11,cis13-18 : 3) on obesity and liver steatosis in mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD), and to explore the possible mechanism. Mice were fed with either a HFD or a control diet for 8 weeks. Half of HFD-mice received daily supplementation of PUA. Supplementation with PUA ameliorated the liver steatosis and obesity in mice fed by HFD, as demonstrated by the decreased hepatic triglyceride accumulation, body weight gain and fat weight. A HFD increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, whereas supplementation with PUA effectively restored it. PUA supplementation counteracted the upregulation in family Desulfovibrionaceae and Helicobacteraceae, and the downregulation in Muribaculaceae and Bacteroidaceae induced by HFD. Correspondingly, the family of Desulfovibrionaceae was positively related, whereas Muribaculaceae was negatively related to the amount of epididymal and perirenal fat, and the level of liver triglyceride and total cholesterol. The family Helicobacteraceae was also positively related to the amount of epididymal and perirenal fat. Moreover, PUA supplementation counteracted the increase in the population of Anaerotruncus, Faecalibaculim, Mucispirillum, and the decrease in the population of Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Oscillibacter at the genus level induced by HFD. These results demonstrated that PUA can at least in part ameliorate obesity and liver steatosis in mice induced by HFD by regulating gut microbiota composition.

The Egg Yolk Content in ω-3 and Conjugated Fatty Acids Can Be Sustainably Increased upon Long-Term Feeding of Laying Hens with a Diet Containing Flaxseeds and Pomegranate Seed Oil

Long-term feeding trials examining the incorporation of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) into the diet of laying hens are lacking. In the present study, we compared two diets in sixty-six red Sex-Link hens (33 hens/treatment), fed for 26 weeks. The control diet was high in oleic acid, while the test diet was high in α-linolenic acid (ALA) and punicic acid (PunA). No significant differences were observed between treatments for hens’ performance, egg weight and yolk weight. In contrast, dietary ALA and PunA resulted in a significant increase in n-3 PUFA, rumenic acid (RmA) and PunA contents in egg yolk, as well as in the liver, heart, muscle and adipose tissue of the hens. Other conjugated dienes resulting from the metabolism of PunA or RmA also accumulated in the egg yolk and tissues. Unlike DHA, which was exclusively distributed in phospholipids, ALA, RmA and PunA were preferably distributed in triglycerides.

Conjugated Fatty Acids in Muscle Food Products and Their Potential Health Benefits: A Review

Conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) are a group of positional and geometric isomers of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with conjugated double bonds. There are several subgroups of CFAs including conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), conjugated linolenic acids (CLNAs), conjugated eicosapentaenoic acids (CEPAs), and conjugated docosahexaenoic acids (CDHAs). CFAs, especially CLAs, have been studied in recent years both for their health benefits and factors that affect their level in muscle food products. CFAs have been reported in numerous studies as having antitumor, antiobesity, antidiabetes, anticardiovascular disease, and modulating immune system effects. These biological activies are involved in changes of lipid peroxidation and energy expenditure, as well as inhibitory effects on the hormone receptor, lipid metabolism, lipoprotein lipase activity, and adiponectin production. A large body of studies has revealed that the diet, processing, storage conditions, slaughter season, and age are common factors that affect CFA content in muscle food products, as detailed in this review. Recommendations are made regarding animal farming and meat product processing to obtain high CFA content meat products and to optimize the benefits of CFA for health promotion.

Effect of the dietary combination of flaxseed and Ricinodendron heudelotii or Punica granatum seed oil on the fatty acid profile of eggs

The health promoting omega-3, -7, and -5 fatty acids, α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), rumenic acid (RmA), and α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA)/punicic acid (PunA), are not currently combined in frequently consumed food items. We have evaluated the impact of supplementing laying hens' feeds with flaxseeds combined with oil derived from seeds of either Ricinodendron heudelotii, an α-ESA source, or Punica granatum, a PunA source, on the egg fatty acid profile. The supplemented diets increased the egg content in ALA, DHA, RmA, as well as α-ESA or PunA. The combination of dietary lipids did not affect the conversion rate of ALA into DHA. Hens fed on R. heudelotii or P. granatum seed oil both accumulated RmA in egg yolk, indicating an efficient conversion from the α-ESA or PunA precursors through a Δ-13 reductase activity. The accumulation of PunA in eggs was largely higher than that of α-ESA.

Microencapsulated Pomegranate Modifies the Composition and Function of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) in New Zealand Rabbits

Previous studies demonstrated that pomegranate, which is a source of several bioactive molecules, induces modifications of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) lipid composition and functionality. However, it remains unclear whether the beneficial effects of pomegranate are related to improvement in the lipid components of HDL. Therefore, in this placebo-controlled study, we characterized the size and lipid composition of HDL subclasses and assessed the functionality of these lipoproteins after 30 days of supplementation with a pomegranate microencapsulated (MiPo) in New Zealand white rabbits. We observed a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL sphingomyelin, as well as increases in HDL cholesterol and HDL phospholipids after supplementation with MiPo. Concomitantly, the triglycerides of the five HDL subclasses isolated by electrophoresis significantly decreased, whereas phospholipids, cholesterol, and sphingomyelin of HDL subclasses, as well as the HDL size distribution remained unchanged. Of particular interest, the triglycerides content of HDL, estimated by the triglycerides-to-phospholipids ratio, decreased significantly after MiPo supplementation. The modification on the lipid content after the supplementation was associated with an increased resistance of HDL to oxidation as determined by the conjugated dienes formation catalyzed by Cu²⁺. Accordingly, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity determined with phenylacetate as substrate increased after MiPo. The effect of HDL on endothelial function was analyzed by the response to increasing doses of acetylcholine of aorta rings co-incubated with the lipoproteins in an isolated organ bath. The HDL from rabbits that received placebo partially inhibited the endothelium-dependent vasodilation. In contrast, the negative effect of HDL on endothelial function was reverted by MiPo supplementation. These results show that the beneficial effects of pomegranate are mediated at least in part by improving the functionality of HDL, probably via the reduction of the content of triglycerides in these lipoproteins.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Trichosanthes kirilowii maxim seed oil and flavonoids in mice fed with a high-fat diet

Trichosanlhes kirilowii Maxim seed oil (TSO) is rich in conjugated linolenic acids, and the flavonoids (FLA) combined with n-3 fatty acids can effectively change the plasma antioxidant capacity. Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress are one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the TSO, FLA, and TSO combined with FLA (TSOFLA) intake on hyperlipemia mice. TSO and TSOFLA administration resulted in a significant decline in serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. TSOFLA improved the hepatic and serum antioxidant status as assessed by superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of liver and aorta tissue has shown a marked reduction of the hyperlipidemia-induced lesions by gavage TSOFLA. Compared with TSO and FLA, TSOFLA has more significant hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities, which effects may be correlated to the synergy between TSO and FLA. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic disorder, which is characterized by triglyceride levels increased, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipid-lowering treatment can reduce the expansion of coronary atherosclerosis, and particular the dietary lipids have important roles in controlling the concentrations of these risk factors. This is the first study evaluating the hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities effects of Trichosanlhes kirilowii Maxim seed oil (TSO), flavonoids (FLA), and TSO combined with FLA (TSOFLA) intake on hyperlipemia mice caused by a high-fat diet. The pharmacological effects of dietary TSOFLA are correlated to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids. This information can be of interest to the development of food supplements in the field of diseases associated with high-fat intakes such as cardiovascular diseases and adiposis.

Impact of a Formulation Containing Unusual Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Trace Elements, Polyphenols and Plant Sterols on Insulin Resistance and Associated Disturbances

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect of a lipid-based formulation containing unusual polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, polyphenols and plant sterols on insulin resistance and its associated disturbances among adults at risk of diabetes.

METHODS

This was an 8-week, three-arm, open-label randomized clinical trial. We studied individuals aged ≥ 18 years old with diabetes risk given by a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² or a FinnRisc score ≥ 13/20. Participants were randomly assigned to receive: 7 ml sunflower oil (control group), 3.5 ml of the study formulation + 3.5 ml of sunflower oil (low-dose group) or 7 ml of study formulation (high-dose group).

RESULTS

We randomized 25 individuals. After one withdrawal in the high-dose group, the study sample comprised nine patients in the control, nine in the low-dose and six in the high-dose groups. The insulin sensitivity increased significantly and in a dose-dependent fashion, up to 10% in the high-dose group. At week 8 the low-dose group exhibited lower glycemic excursions during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), especially 1 h after the glucose challenge (32 mg/dl or 23% lower vs. control group). The incremental area under the glucose curve in the OGTT was 17.1% lower in the low-dose group vs. the control group. Waist circumference increased in the control group, remained constant in the low-dose group and decreased in the high-dose group. C-reactive protein decreased in both formulation groups, up to 50% in the high-dose group. Participants in the formulation groups exhibited increased secretion of GLP-1 and plasma irisin at week 8 vs. the control group.

CONCLUSION

The formulation induced favorable changes in insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity and inflammation. These effects and their durability will need to be assessed in larger studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03512665.

FUNDING

Team Foods Colombia.

Effect of Feeding Pomegranate Byproduct on Fatty Acid Composition of Ruminal Digesta, Liver, and Muscle in Lambs

This work investigated the effects of feeding whole pomegranate byproduct (WPB) to lambs on ruminal, liver, and intramuscular fatty acids (FA). Seventeen lambs, divided into two groups, were fed for 36 days with a cereal-based concentrate diet (CON) or with a concentrate diet containing 200 g/kg DM of WPB to partially replace barley and corn (WPB). The dietary treatment did not affect the final body and carcass weight, the dry matter intake, or the average daily gain. However, total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), linolenic, rumenic (RA), and vaccenic (VA) acid were increased in liver (+15%, +32%, +344%, and +118%, respectively) and muscle (+46%, +38%, +169%, and +89%, respectively) of WPB lambs ( P < 0.05). Punicic acid and three isomers of conjugated linolenic acid were detected exclusively in the rumen and tissues of WPB-lambs. The C18:1 t10/ t11 ra tio in rumen digesta or in tissues was reduced by feeding WPB (-791%, -690%, and -456%, respectively, in rumen, liver and muscle; P < 0.001), suggesting that the WPB prevented the t10-shift rumen biohydrogenation pathway. In conclusion, the inclusion of WPB into a concentrate-based diet can be a strategy to improve the FA composition of meat, without effects on the animal performances.

Mammary cancer risk and serum lipid profile of rats supplemented with pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract

The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of dietary supplementation with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and/or an aqueous extract of dried bitter melon fruits (BME) on breast cancer risk and fatty acid profile in serum of female rats with chemical carcinogen-inflicted mammary tumours. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 96) were fed control diet or experimental diets supplemented with 0.15 ml PSO/day, BME or jointly PSO and BME. After 21 weeks mammary tumours were subjected to histopathological examination and in serum fatty acids, 8-isoprostaglandin F_2α content and indices of desaturases activity were analysed. Supplementation of the diet with PSO and BME did not inhibit the breast cancer formation. Conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA), present in PSO, were converted into cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), however, its content was lower in groups treated with a carcinogen. A similar tendency was observed for the content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, 8-iso PGF_2α and the activity of Δ⁶-desaturase. Enhanced pro-carcinogenic effect of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), caused by applied supplements, may be a result of their influence on DMBA metabolism.

Probiotics in human health and disease: from nutribiotics to pharmabiotics

Probiotics are the most useful tools for balancing the gut microbiota and thereby influencing human health and disease. Probiotics have a range of effects, from those on nutritional status to medical conditions throughout the body from the gut to non-intestinal body sites such as the brain and skin. Research interest in probiotics with nutritive claims (categorized as nutribiotics) has evolved into interest in therapeutic and pharmacological probiotics with health claims (pharmabiotics). The concept of pharmabiotics emerged only two decades ago, and the new categorization of probiotics to nutribiotics and pharmabiotics was recently suggested, which are under the different regulation depending on that they are food or drug. Information of the gut microbiome has been continuously accumulating, which will make possible the gut microbiome-based healthcare in the future, when nutribiotics show potential for maintaining health while pharmabiotics are effective therapeutic tools for human diseases. This review describes the current understanding in the conceptualization and classification of probiotics. Here, we reviewed probiotics as nutribiotics with nutritional functions and pharmabiotics with pharmaceutic functions in different diseases.

Lack of efficacy of pomegranate supplementation for glucose management, insulin levels and sensitivity: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The potential glucose-lowering effects of pomegranate have been reported in animal and observational studies, but intervention studies in humans have generated mixed results. In this paper, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the precise effects of pomegranate supplementation on measures of glucose control, insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in humans.

Methods

Comprehensive electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies included were RCTs that evaluated the changes in diabetes biomarkers among adults (≥18 years) following pomegranate interventions. The predefined outcomes included fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Endpoints were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using a random-effects model. Publication bias, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and random-effects meta-regression were also performed to explore the influence of covariates on the net changes in fasting glucose and insulin concentrations.

Results

Sixteen eligible trials with 538 subjects were included. The pooled estimates suggested that pomegranate did not significantly affect the measures of FBG (WMD, −0.6 mg/dL; 95% CI, −2.79 to 1.58; P=0.59), FBI (WMD, 0.29 μIU/mL; 95% CI, −1.16 to 1.75; P=0.70), HOMA-IR (WMD, −0.04; 95% CI, −0.53 to 0.46; P=0.88) or HbA1c (WMD, −0.11%; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.18; P=0.46). Overall, significant heterogeneity was detected for FBI and HOMA-IR, but subgroup analysis could not identify factors significantly influencing these parameters. These results were robust in sensitivity analysis, and no significant publication bias was found in the current meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Pomegranate intake did not show a notably favourable effect on improvements in glucose and insulin metabolism. The current evidence suggests that daily pomegranate supplementation is not recommended as a potential therapeutic strategy in glycemic management. Further large-scale RCTs with longer duration are required to confirm these results.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12937-017-0290-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Punicic acid: A striking health substance to combat metabolic syndromes in humans

Punicic acid, a bioactive compound of pomegranate seed oil has gained wide attention for their therapeutic potential. Different studies conducted on animal and human models have revealed that punicic acid is very effective against various chronic diseases. Substantial laboratory works has been carried out to elaborate punicic acid effectiveness and mechanism of action in animals. The intention of this review article is to explore the facts about the clinical trials of punicic acid and to discuss different future strategies that can be employed to use it in human clinical trials. Although punicic acid may represent a novel therapeutic unconventional approach for some disorders, still further experimental studies are required to demonstrate its effects in human beings.

Pomegranate seed oil influences the fatty acids profile and reduces the activity of desaturases in livers of Sprague-Dawley rats

The aim of our study was to compare the influence of diet supplementation with pomegranate seed oil - as conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) source, or conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and to examine the mechanism of their activity. The content of fatty acids, levels of biomarkers of lipids' oxidation and the activity of key enzymes catalyzing lipids metabolism were measured. Obtained results revealed that conjugated fatty acids significantly decrease the activity of Δ5-desaturase (p=0.0001) and Δ6-desaturase (p=0.0008) and pomegranate seed oil reduces their activity in the most potent way. We confirmed that diet supplementation with pomegranate seed oil - a rich source of punicic acid leads to the increase of cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in livers (p=0.0003). Lack of side effects and beneficial influence on desaturases activity and fatty acids profile claim pomegranate seed oil to become interesting alternative for CLA as functional food.

Bifidobacterium breve with α-linolenic acid alters the composition, distribution and transcription factor activity associated with metabolism and absorption of fat

This study focused on the mechanisms that fatty acid conjugating strains - Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 702258 and Bifidobacterium breve DPC 6330 - influence lipid metabolism when ingested with α-linolenic acid (ALA) enriched diet. Four groups of BALB/c mice received ALA enriched diet (3% (w/w)) either alone or in combination with B. breve NCIMB 702258 or B. breve DPC 6330 (10⁹ CFU/day) or unsupplemented control diet for six weeks. The overall n-3 PUFA score was increased in all groups receiving the ALA enriched diet. Hepatic peroxisomal beta oxidation increased following supplementation of the ALA enriched diet with B. breve (P < 0.05) and so the ability of the strains to produce c9t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was identified in adipose tissue. Furthermore, a strain specific effect of B. breve NCIMB 702258 was found on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Liver triglycerides (TAG) were reduced following ALA supplementation, compared with unsupplemented controls (P < 0.01) while intervention with B. breve further reduced liver TAG (P < 0.01), compared with the ALA enriched control. These data indicate that the interactions of the gut microbiota with fatty acid metabolism directly affect host health by modulating n-3 PUFA score and the ECS.

Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Metabolic State of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Rapid increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a serious health concern in the world. New data determined that the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus is chronic low-grade inflammation, resulting insulin resistance. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has anti-inflammatory effects; though it may reduce insulin resistance and improve glycemia in diabetes mellitus. The present study has been designed to investigate the effects of PSO as a natural dietary component on metabolic state of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

In a randomized double-blind clinical trial study, 80 patients (28 men) with Type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group consumed PSO capsules, containing 1000 mg PSO twice daily (2000 mg PSO), whereas controls take placebo for 8 weeks. The participants followed their previous dietary patterns and medication use. Dietary factors and metabolic factors including lipid profile, fasting plasma sugar, and insulin and were assayed at the baseline and after 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Participants in two intervention and control group were similar regarding anthropometric and the dietary factors at baseline and after trial (P > 0.05). Mean level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein was not different significantly between groups after trial (P > 0.05). Consumption of PSO did not significantly affect the levels of parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HbA1c, alanine transferase, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of 2000mg PSO per day for 8 weeks had no effect on FBS, insulin resistance and lipid profile in diabetic patients.

A Review of Natural Stimulant and Non-stimulant Thermogenic Agents

Obesity and overweight are major health issues. Exercise and calorie intake control are recognized as the primary mechanisms for addressing excess body weight. Naturally occurring thermogenic plant constituents offer adjunct means for assisting in weight management. The controlling mechanisms for thermogenesis offer many intervention points. Thermogenic agents can act through stimulation of the central nervous system with associated adverse cardiovascular effects and through metabolic mechanisms that are non-stimulatory or a combination thereof. Examples of stimulatory thermogenic agents that will be discussed include ephedrine and caffeine. Examples of non-stimulatory thermogenic agents include p-synephrine (bitter orange extract), capsaicin, forskolin (Coleus root extract), and chlorogenic acid (green coffee bean extract). Green tea is an example of a thermogenic with the potential to produce mild but clinically insignificant undesirable stimulatory effects. The use of the aforementioned thermogenic agents in combination with other extracts such as those derived from Salacia reticulata, Sesamum indicum, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Cissus quadrangularis, and Moringa olifera, as well as the use of the carotenoids as lutein and fucoxanthin, and flavonoids as naringin and hesperidin can further facilitate energy metabolism and weight management as well as sports performance without adverse side effects. © 2016 The Authors Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A conjugated fatty acid present at high levels in bitter melon seed favorably affects lipid metabolism in hepatocytes by increasing NAD(+)/NADH ratio and activating PPARα, AMPK and SIRT1 signaling pathway

α-Eleostearic acid (α-ESA), or the cis-9, trans-11, trans-13 isomer of conjugated linolenic acid, is a special fatty acid present at high levels in bitter melon seed oil. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of α-ESA on hepatic lipid metabolism. Using H4IIEC3 hepatoma cell line, we showed that α-ESA significantly lowered intracellular triglyceride accumulation compared to α-linolenic acid (LN), used as a fatty acid control, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effects of α-ESA on enzyme activities and mRNA profiles in H4IIEC3 cells suggested that enhanced fatty acid oxidation and lowered lipogenesis were involved in α-ESA-mediated triglyceride lowering effects. In addition, α-ESA triggered AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation without altering sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein levels. When cells were treated with vehicle control (VC), LN alone (LN; 100μmol/L) or in combination with α-ESA (LN+α-ESA; 75+25μmol/L) for 24h, acetylation of forkhead box protein O1 was decreased, while the NAD(+)/NADH ratio, mRNA levels of NAMPT and PTGR1 and enzyme activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase were increased by LN+α-ESA treatment compared to treatment with LN alone, suggesting that α-ESA activates SIRT1 by increasing NAD(+) synthesis and NAD(P)H consumption. The antisteatosis effect of α-ESA was confirmed in mice treated with a high-sucrose diet supplemented with 1% α-ESA for 5weeks. We conclude that α-ESA favorably affects hepatic lipid metabolism by increasing cellular NAD(+)/NADH ratio and activating PPARα, AMPK and SIRT1 signaling pathways.

Sources and Bioactive Properties of Conjugated Dietary Fatty Acids

The group of conjugated fatty acids known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have been extensively studied with regard to their bioactive potential in treating some of the most prominent human health malignancies. However, CLA isomers are not the only group of potentially bioactive conjugated fatty acids currently undergoing study. In this regard, isomers of conjugated α-linolenic acid, conjugated nonadecadienoic acid and conjugated eicosapentaenoic acid, to name but a few, have undergone experimental assessment. These studies have indicated many of these conjugated fatty acid isomers commonly possess anti-carcinogenic, anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties, a number of which will be discussed in this review. The mechanisms through which these bioactivities are mediated have not yet been fully elucidated. However, existing evidence indicates that these fatty acids may play a role in modulating the expression of several oncogenes, cell cycle regulators, and genes associated with energy metabolism. Despite such bioactive potential, interest in these conjugated fatty acids has remained low relative to the CLA isomers. This may be partly attributed to the relatively recent emergence of these fatty acids as bioactives, but also due to a lack of awareness regarding sources from which they can be produced. In this review, we will also highlight the common sources of these conjugated fatty acids, including plants, algae, microbes and chemosynthesis.

Incorporation and effects of punicic acid on muscle and adipose tissues of rats

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) supplementation, rich in punicic acid (55 %/C18:3-9c,11 t,13c/CLNA), on the lipid profile and on the biochemical and oxidative parameters in the gastrocnemius muscle and adipose tissues of healthy rats. Linseed oil (LO), rich in linolenic acid (52 %/C18:3-9c12c15c/LNA) was used for comparison.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (n = 56) were distributed in seven groups: control (water); LNA 1 %, 2 % and 4 % (treated with LO); CLNA 1 %, 2 % and 4 % (treated with PSO), po for 40 days. The percentages were compared to the daily feed intake. Fatty acid profile were performed by gas chromatography, antioxidant enzymes activity by spectrophotometer and the adipocytes were isolated by collagenase tissue digestion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to check for differences between the groups (control, LNAs and CLNAs) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to project the groups in the factor-place (PC1 vs PC2) based on the biochemical responses assessed in the study.

RESULTS

The fatty acids profile of tissues showed that the LNA percentages were higher in the animals that were fed LO. However, PA was only detected in the adipose tissues. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was present in all the tissues of the animals supplemented with PSO, in a dose dependent manner, and 9c11t-CLA was the predominant isomer. Nevertheless there were no changes in the total weight gain of the animals, the weights of the tissues, and the oxidative stress parameters in the muscle. In addition, there was an increase in the size of the epididymal fat cells in the groups treated with PSO. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the CLNAs groups were arranged separately with a cumulative variance of 68.47 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that PSO can be used as a source of CLAs but that it does not cause changes in body modulation and does not interfere in the antioxidant activity of healthy rats.

Health Benefits of Punicic Acid: A Review

Punicic acid (PA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (18:3 n-5), which is classified as a conjugated linolenic acid. PA is also referred as a "super CLnA" whose effect is even more potent than that of an ordinary CLnA. It is found mainly in the seeds of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) and Trichoxanthes kirilowii and some other minor sources. It possesses a wide array of biological properties including antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic activity against various forms of cancer. In spite of this, PA has not been explored as a nutraceutical or as an ingredient of food products which can be aimed at specific consumer target groups. This review details the various health-beneficial properties of PA and explores the possibilities of its utilization as an active ingredient in various food products.

Modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) by conjugated fatty acid in obesity and inflammatory bowel disease

Conjugated fatty acids including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) have drawn significant attention for their variety of biologically beneficial effects. Evidence suggested that CLA and CLNA could play physiological roles by regulating the expression and activity of PPAR γ. This review summarizes the current understanding of evidence of the role of CLA (cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-10,cis-12 CLA) and CLNA (punicic acid and α-eleostearic acid) in modulating the expression or activity of PPAR γ that could in turn be employed as complementary treatment for obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

Conjugated linolenic acids and their bioactivities: a review

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecatrienoic acid (α-linolenic acid, cis9,cis12,cis15-18:3 n-3) found in plant seeds. Three 8,10,12-18:3 isomers and four 9,11,13-18:3 isomers have been reported to occur naturally. CLNA isomers such as punicic acid, α-eleostearic acid and jacaric acid have been attributed to exhibit several health benefits that are largely based on animal and in vitro studies. This review has summarized and updated the evidence regarding the metabolism and bioactivities of CLNA isomers, and comprehensively discussed the recent studies on the effects of anti-carcinogenic, lipid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-obese and antioxidant activities of CLNA isomers. The available results may provide a potential application for CLNA isomers from natural sources, especially edible plant seeds, as effective functional food ingredients and dietary supplements for the above mentioned disease management. Further research, especially human randomized clinical trials, is warranted to investigate the detailed physiological effects, bioactivity and molecular mechanism of CLNA.

Fatty Acid Composition of Egg Yolk from Chickens Fed a Diet including Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diet supplemented with marigold on egg yolk fatty acid composition and egg quality parameters. Sixty hens were assigned into three groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 (control), 10 g kg⁻¹, or 20 g kg⁻¹ marigold for 42 days. Eggs collected at the 6th week of the study were analyzed for fatty acid analysis. Laying performance, egg quality parameters, and feed intake were also evaluated. Yolk color scores in the group fed the 20 g kg⁻¹ marigold-supplemented diet were found greater than control (10.77 versus 9.77). Inclusion of 20 g kg⁻¹ marigold in diet influenced egg weights adversely compared to the control. Diet supplemented with 10 g kg⁻¹ or 20 g kg⁻¹ marigold increased the levels of C16:0 and C18:0 and decreased levels of C16:1 (n-7) and C18:1 (n-9) in the egg yolk. Also, diet including marigold increased total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and decreased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the egg yolk.

Effects of pomegranate seed oil on insulin release in rats with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate seed oil and its main constituent, punicic acid, have been shown to decrease plasma glucose and have antioxidant activity. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of pomegranate seed oil on rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

Six groups (n=8 each) of male Sprague-Dawley rats, comprising a control, a diabetic (induced by Streptozocin and Nicotinamide) receiving water as vehicle, a diabetic receiving pomegranate seed oil (200 mg/kg/day), a diabetic receiving pomegranate seed oil (600 mg/kg/day), a diabetic receiving soybean oil (200 mg/kg/day), and a diabetic receiving soybean oil (600 mg/kg/day), were used. After 28 days of receiving vehicle or oils, blood glucose, serum levels of insulin, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid profile were determined.

RESULTS

The diabetic rats had significantly higher levels of blood glucose, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde and lower levels of serum insulin and glutathione peroxidase. Rats treated with pomegranate seed oil had significantly higher levels of serum insulin and glutathione peroxidase activity, and there were no statistically significant differences in terms of blood glucose between them and the diabetic control group.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest that pomegranate seed oil improved insulin secretion without changing fasting blood glucose.