Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease

Irvingia gabonensis baill. (African Mango): A comprehensive review of its ethnopharmacological significance, unveiling its long-standing history and therapeutic potential

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (IG) is a multipurpose tree native to tropical Africa such as Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroon with high ethnomedicinal values.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review emphasizes the ethnopharmacological significance, phytochemical, and functional properties of African mango, focusing on its potential for human health and industrial applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature published on IG was traced by different databases, including the Egyptian Knowledge Bank database (EKB), ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholars, Research Gate, Web of Science, Elsevier, and Scopus. Numerous keywords were used to achieve an inclusive search in the databases, like 'African Mango', 'Bush Mango', 'Irvingia gabonensis', 'Wild Mango', 'Dika Nut', 'Phytochemistry', 'Traditional uses', 'Functional foods', 'Polyphenols', 'Ogbono', 'Ellagic acid and its derivatives', and 'Pharmacological activities'.

RESULTS

Different parts of IG have been employed in traditional medicine and recorded a great success. The ripe fruit pulp was consumed fresh or processed into juice and wine documented for anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The kernels, which are widely traded and incorporated into traditional dishes, remain an integral part of culinary traditions. Seeds have folkloric uses for weight loss and are popular as blood thinners and anti-diabetics. Where the bark is reported for dysentery, colic, scabies, toothache, and various skin conditions. In Senegal, the stem bark is employed for gonorrhea, hepatic disorders, and gastrointestinal ailments. The leaves possess the potential to enhance renal and hepatic functions, safeguarding these vital organs against the detrimental effects of toxic substances. Pulp is rich in vitamin C, carbohydrates, and proteins. Oil is the major constituent of the seed, which is mainly composed of myristic and lauric acids. The defatted extracts are characterized by flavonoid glycosides and ellagic acid derivatives. Despite their widespread use, IG extracts are still inadequately characterized phytochemically and merit further investigation within the realm of scientific research. Encouragingly, toxicity studies have demonstrated the relative safety of IG extract at the administered doses.

CONCLUSION

The review extends our knowledge of the health benefits of IG, where these effects could be attributed to the phytochemicals present.

A review on the biological and bioactive components of Cyperus esculentus L.: insight on food, health and nutrition

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a small, tuberous root vegetable that has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. This review article provides an elaborate overview of tiger nut, including its botany, historical uses, nutritional composition, potential health benefits and traditional medicinal uses. This review article comprehensively discusses the nutritional profile of tiger nut, providing a detailed understanding of its nutrient content. Furthermore, the potential health benefits of tiger nut are thoroughly reviewed, including its effects on digestive health, cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, immune function and other potential therapeutic uses. Scientific articles used for this review were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO databases. Only articles published between 1997 and 2022 were used for research. This review contributes to a better understanding of tiger nut and its prospective uses in functional foods and medicine by combining the available scientific material. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

MOF-derived nanozyme CuOx@C and its application for cascade colorimetric detection of phytosterols

Phytosterols (PSs), a class of naturally occurring bioactive lipid compounds, have been found to possess a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. In developing countries, the consumption of rapeseed oil is the primary pathway of PS intake for the general population. However, developing low-cost, real-time, and high-throughput screening techniques for PSs remains a challenge. Here, a Cu-based nanocomposite CuOx@C was synthesized via a simple method of the calcination of HKUST-1 and systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuOx@C demonstrated excellent peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, functioning as a peroxidase mimic to facilitate the catalysis of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into its oxidized form (oxTMB), thereby initiating a discernible color response. On the basis of this discovery, a CuOx@C-based colorimetric method for detecting total sterols in rapeseed was successfully constructed via cascade reactions. After optimizing the conditions, the high-throughput screening of total sterols in rapeseed could be completed in only 21 min, which significantly facilitated the sensing of PSs. A linear range of 0.6-6 mg/g was achieved for the detection of total sterols in rapeseed samples, thereby satisfying the requirements for detection. In addition, due to the high stability of CuOx@C and the specificity of cholesterol oxidase, the developed method had excellent stability and selectivity toward PSs, indicating that this work has huge prospects for commercial application. This innovative work overcomes the limitation of the instrumental method and provides a portable and reliable tool for total sterols detection. It can also facilitate the development of oilseeds with a high content of PSs.

Phytosterols and the Digestive System: A Review Study from Insights into Their Potential Health Benefits and Safety

Phytosterols are a large group of substances belonging to sterols-compounds naturally occurring in the tissues of plants, animals, and humans. The most well-known animal sterol is cholesterol. Among phytosterols, the most significant compounds are β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. At present, they are mainly employed in functional food products designed to counteract cardiovascular disorders by lowering levels of 'bad' cholesterol, which stands as their most extensively studied purpose. It is currently understood that phytosterols may also alleviate conditions associated with the gastrointestinal system. Their beneficial pharmacological properties in relation to gastrointestinal tract include anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Also, the anti-cancer properties as well as the impact on the gut microbiome could be a very interesting area of research, which might potentially lead to the discovery of their new application. This article provides consolidated knowledge on a new potential use of phytosterols, namely the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. The cited studies indicate high therapeutic efficacy in conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, IBD or liver failure caused by hepatotoxic xenobiotics, however, these are mainly in vitro or in vivo studies. Nevertheless, studies to date indicate their therapeutic potential as adjunctive treatments to conventional therapies, which often exhibit unsatisfactory efficacy or serious side effects. Unfortunately, at this point there is a lack of significant clinical study data to use phytosterols in clinical practice in this area.

The traditional utilization, biological activity and chemical composition of edible fern species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferns form an important part of the human diet. Young fern fiddleheads are mostly consumed as vegetables, while the rhizomes are often extracted for starch. These edible ferns are also often employed in traditional medicine, where all parts of the plant are used, mostly to prepare extracts. These extracts are applied either externally as lotions and baths or internally as potions, decoctions and teas. Ailments traditionally treated with ferns include coughs, colds, fevers, pain, burns and wounds, asthma, rheumatism, diarrhoea, or skin diseases (eczema, rashes, itching, leprosy).

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to compile the worldwide knowledge on the traditional medicinal uses of edible fern species correlating to reported biological activities and isolated bioactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The articles and books published on edible fern species were searched through the online databases Web of Science, Pubmed and Google Scholar, with critical evaluation of the hits. The time period up to the end of 2022 was included.

RESULTS

First, the edible fern species were identified based on the literature data. A total of 90 fern species were identified that are eaten around the world and are also used in traditional medicine. Ailments treated are often associated with inflammation or bacterial infection. However, only the most common and well-known fern species, were investigated for their biological activity. The most studied species are Blechnum orientale L., Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm., Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw., Marsilea minuta L., Osmunda japonica Thunb., Polypodium vulgare L., and Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.) Bedd. Most of the fern extracts have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Not surprisingly, antioxidant capacity has been the most studied, with results reported for 28 edible fern species. Ferns have been found to be very rich sources of flavonoids, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, terpenoids and steroids and most of these compounds are remarkable free radical scavengers responsible for the outstanding antioxidant capacity of fern extracts. As far as clinical trials are concerned, extracts from only three edible fern species have been evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracts of edible fern species exert antioxidant anti-inflammatory and related biological activities, which is consistent with their traditional medicinal use in the treatment of wounds, burns, colds, coughs, skin diseases and intestinal diseases. However, studies to prove pharmacological activities are scarce, and require chemical-biological standardization. Furthermore, correct botanical classification needs to be included in publications to simplify data acquisition. Finally, more in-depth phytochemical studies, allowing the linking of traditional use to pharmacological relevance are needed to be done in a standardized way.

From adolescence to adulthood: Mediterranean diet adherence and cardiometabolic health in a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent investigations suggest that specific dietary patterns during adolescence may predict cardiometabolic complications later in life. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between Mediterranean diet score (MDS) during adolescence and cardiometabolic outcomes when participants reached adulthood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cohort study was conducted on 668 subjects, aged 10-19 years, in framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The MDS was determined based on eight components using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profile data were measured both at baseline and after a 6.8 ± 2.9-year follow-up. Using multivariable linear regression, we explored the association between MDS and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Moreover, multivariable-adjusted cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for cardiometabolic complications across MDS tertiles. The mean ± SD age of participants (43.5 % men) was 15.8 ± 2.47 years. The mean ± SD of MDS was 4.03 ± 1.56, with a median of 4.00 among all participants. Higher MDS was inversely associated with 6.8-year changes in waist circumference (WC), FBG, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (Ptrend<0.05). Based on the HR analysis, after controlling for potential confounders, individuals in the highest tertile of MDS had a significantly lower risk of high-TC(HR = 0.36,95%CI:0.18-0.74,Ptrend = 0.004) compared to those in the lowest tertile. However, no significant association was observed between MDS and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adolescent adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet was associated with favorable cardiometabolic factors in adulthood, including improving the levels of WC, FBG, TC, as well as reduced risk of high-TC.

A scoping review on natural cholesterol lowering supplements sold in South African pharmacies

Background

Dyslipidaemia is defined as elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Patients may often make use of natural cholesterol lowering supplements (NCLSs) available at the pharmacy; however, limited information on these supplements is readily available. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about NCLSs to ensure that the use of these supplements is supported by evidence and to provide appropriate advice to patients for desirable therapeutic outcomes.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the NCLSs being sold in South African pharmacies and review the scientific evidence for each of the ingredients in these NCLSs.

Methods

Seventeen NCLS products were identified, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was used to conduct a literature review of NCLSs.

Results

From the ingredients reviewed it is evident that co-enzyme Q10, probiotics and sterols have sufficient evidence supporting their use. However, there is still limited scientific evidence available to validate the remaining ingredients.

Conclusion

Further research on NCLSs will provide practising pharmacists and practitioners with a guide of the evidence available on the various ingredients in NCLSs.

Contribution

This study provides a review of the available literature on the NCLSs being sold in the pharmacies across South Africa to provide pharmacists with a collated document of the evidence behind these popular supplements to assist them in making evidence based informed decision regarding natural products for cholesterol.

The effect of phytosterol supplementation on lipid profile: A critical umbrella review of interventional meta-analyses

Despite multiple investigations assessing the impact of phytosterol supplementation on serum lipid levels, there is still a great deal of debate regarding the benefits of this intervention in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed at clarifying this dilemma by conducting the present umbrella review of interventional meta-analyses. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used to search for pertinent publications on the effect of phytosterol supplementation on the lipid profile in humans up to June 2023. To compute the overall effect size (ES) and confidence intervals (CI), the random-effects model was used. The I2 statistic and Cochrane's Q-test were applied to estimate the heterogeneity among the studies. Seventeen meta-analyses with 23 study arms were included in the umbrella meta-analysis. Data pooled from the 23 eligible arms revealed that phytosterol supplementation reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES = -11.47 mg/dL; 95% CI: -12.76, -10.17, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -13.02 mg/dL; 95% CI: -15.68, -10.37, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES = -3.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: -6.04, -1.51, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that phytosterol administration with dosage ≥2 g/day and duration over 8 weeks and in hypercholesterolemic subjects was more likely to decrease LDL-C, TC, and TG. Phytosterol administration did not significantly modify HDL-C (ES = 0.18 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.51, p = 258) levels when compared to controls. The present umbrella meta-analysis confirms that phytosterol administration significantly reduces LDL-C, TC, and TG, with a greater effect with doses of ≥2 g/day and treatment duration >8 weeks, suggesting its possible application as a complementary therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of phytosterols in patients with specific health conditions, as well as to ascertain the adverse effects, the maximum tolerable dose, and the maximum recommended duration of phytosterol administration.

Pumpkin seed oil: a comprehensive review of extraction methods, nutritional constituents, and health benefits

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO), a rich source of nutrients, is extracted from the seeds of different pumpkin varieties for food and medicines. This article aims to provide an evidence-based review of the literature and to explore the extraction technologies, nutritional properties, and biological activity of PSO. From previous literature, PSO contains a large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid as the main component, and an amount of tocopherol, phytosterol, and phenolic acids. Some differences in the yield, composition, and physicochemical properties of PSO can be associated with the pumpkin's cultivars and the extraction methods. Some novel technologies involved in supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction have been replacing the conventional technologies gradually as promising methods for the safe, non-polluting, and effective recovery of PSO. This healthy vegetable oil was reported by several in vitro and in vivo studies to have potential protective roles in oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Wild and cultivated olive trees: Nutraceutical insights of extra virgin olive oils in cardiovascular and ocular diseases

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from Olea europaea (cultivated olive tree) and the oil obtained from the wild olive variety or acebuche (ACE oil from Olea oleaster) contain an extraordinary number of bioactive molecules. These include oleic acid, sterols, tocopherols, triterpene compounds, and polyphenols. Both oils are known for their healthy properties and are considered to be a nutraceutical tool against cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and ocular diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. The benefits of EVOO and ACE oil stem from their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. They also have potential as prebiotic compounds. In this update, we synthesise and illustrate the various characteristics and beneficial effects of olive oils from different varieties of olive trees, with special emphasis on Olea oleaster, also known as Olea europaea, L. var. sylvestris.

Bioactive Constituents in Cold-Pressed Plant Oils: Their Structure, Bioactivity and Chromatographic Analysis

Cold-pressed oils are oils prepared from pressing plant materials with a screw or hydraulic press, yielding oils with little contamination of harmful chemicals and high content of nutrients and functional constituents. Cold-pressed oils have gained increasing recognition as food supplements for preventing and ameliorating body deterioration due to ageing and the progression of lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases. This article aimed to review their structure, bioactivity, and chromatographic analysis of the mostly found functional compounds in cold-pressed oils, including phytosterols, carotenoids, tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols), phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignans), and squalene.

Sterols in Inflammatory Diseases: Implications and Clinical Utility

The characteristic steroid skeleton, with its 4-ringed 17-carbon structure, is one of the most recognizable organic compounds in biochemistry. In the presence of a hydroxyl ion bound to the third carbon, this structure is defined as a "sterol" (chemical formula: C17H28O). The hydroxyl group provides a hydrophilic site for the otherwise hydrophobic molecule, yielding an amphipathic lipid, which is a vital property for cellular function. It is crucial to remark that the term "steroid" describes a larger group of compounds that often retain the hydroxyl group but are primarily characterized by methyl groups, double bonds in the rings, and an aliphatic side-chain extending from the 17th carbon. In addition to serving various structural roles in the cellular membrane, sterols and steroids contribute to cellular and systemic functions as messengers, hormones, and regulators of several critical metabolic pathways.Sterol nomenclature is often confusing, partly due to structural complexity and partly due to the sheer number of different compounds that fall under the definition. Fortunately, the foremost sterols of interest in biochemistry are much fewer, and therefore, these lipids have been defined and studied vigorously. With the renaissance of lipid research during the 1990s and 2000s, many different metabolites of sterols, and more specifically phytosterols, were found to be associated with various diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and inborn errors of metabolism; thus, it is evident that the ever-evolving research in this field has been, and will continue to be, exceedingly productive.With respect to inflammation and inflammatory diseases, plant-based sterols (i.e., phytosterols) have gained considerable fame due to their anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects demonstrated by experimental and clinical research. Besides, the exceptional pharmacological benefits of these sterols, which operate as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-atherosclerotic agents, have been the subject of various investigations. While the underlying mechanisms necessitate further research, the possible function of phytosterols in improving health outcomes is an important topic to explore.In this regard, the current review aims to offer comprehensive information on the therapeutic potential of plant-based sterols in the context of human health, with a focus on preclinical effects, bioavailability, and clinical use.

Phytosterols: Potential Therapeutic Effects and Challenges in Food Industry

Increases in serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are known as hypercholesterolemia, and it is a significant risk factor for the emergence of cardiovascular illnesses. Any action strategy for lowering serum cholesterol is supported by lifestyle changes. Phytosterols are organic substances from the triterpene family. Phytosterols can lower serum LDL cholesterol levels because of their structural resemblance to cholesterol. Phytosterols are used to enrich or fortify a broad spectrum of food products. Phytosterols are quickly oxidized, just like cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids. The utilization of free phytosterols for the manufacture of functional meals is highlighted in this chapter, which also focuses on the therapeutic effects of phytosterols and their technological concerns in the industrial field.

Bioactivity of Fractions and Pure Compounds from Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. Bark Extracts

Medicines for chronic inflammation can cause gastric ulcers and hepatic and renal issues. An alternative treatment for chronic inflammation is that of natural bioactive compounds, which present low side effects. Extracts of Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity; however, testing pure compounds would be of greater interest. Campesteryl palmitate, n-heptyl ferulate, palmitic acid, and a mixture of sterols, i.e., brassicasterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, were obtained from an ethyl acetate extract from J. cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. bark using column chromatography. The toxicity and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. None of the products assessed exhibited toxicity. The sterol mixture exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition percentages were 37.97% and 41.68% at 22.5 μg/mL and 30 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, n-heptyl ferulate decreased NO by 30.61% at 30 μg/mL, while campesteryl palmitate did not show anti-inflammatory activity greater than the positive control. The mixture and n-heptyl ferulate showed NO inhibition; hence, we may conclude that these compounds have anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully explore the therapeutic potential of these bioactive compounds and their efficacy in treating chronic inflammation.

Phytochemicals and bioactive constituents in food packaging - A systematic review

Designing and manufacturing functional bioactive ingredients and pharmaceuticals have grown worldwide. Consumers demand for safe ingredients and concerns over harmful synthetic additives have prompted food manufacturers to seek safer and sustainable alternative solutions. In recent years the preference by consumers to natural bioactive agents over synthetic compounds increased exponentially, and consequently, naturally derived phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, becoming essential in food packaging field. In response to societal needs, packaging needs to be developed based on sustainable manufacturing practices, marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, environmental concerns, and the emergence of new technologies, particularly bio- and nanotechnology. This critical systematic review assessed the role of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from natural resources in food packaging and consumer behaviour patterns in relation to phytochemical and biologically active substances used in the development of food packaging. The use of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds inside packaging materials used in food industry could generate unpleasant odours derived from the diffusion of the most volatile compounds from the packaging material to the food and food environment. These consumer concerns must be addressed to understand minimum concentrations that will not affect consumer sensory and aroma negative perceptions. The research articles were carefully chosen and selected by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines.

Robustness of heteroaggregates involving hydrophobic cholesterol and its mimetics

Exploring the self and cross aggregation affinity of cholesterol (CHL) and some of its lookalikes, e.g., cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHM), campesterol (CAM) and arjunic acid (ARJ), provides crucial understanding towards the influence of weak forces in inducing mixed micellization through heteroaggregation. Strongly hydrophobic CHL, with a benchmark inclination towards aggregation, often forms detrimental plaques in crucial human organs that are fairly difficult to disintegrate. Traditionally known anti-dyslipidemic agents like CAM and ARJ are known to interact strongly with CHL in the gut when ingested. They further form mixed micelles along with the bile components and interfere with the CHL absorption across the epithelial cell layer of the intestine. Some invariant questions like how robust are the heteroaggregates formed between these mimetics and CHL are very important to appreciate the efficacy of such anti-dyslipidemic agents. In this work using molecular dynamics simulations and varied structural analysis, we characterize the heteroaggregates. Simulations indicate that CHL-CHM mixed assemblies are comparatively bigger and significantly stabilized by strong electrostatic and favourable vdW forces. Small and diffused CHL-ARJ aggregates are observed in our simulations with a not so favourable energetics, indicating a possible attenuation pathway of CHL aggregation in the presence of ARJ.

Optimized Single-Step Recovery of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds from Raspberry, Strawberry and Blackberry Pomaces Using a Simultaneous Ultrasound-Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (UEAE)

An ultrasound-enzyme-assisted extraction (UEAE) was optimized to extract, simultaneously, the hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds from three berry pomaces (raspberry, strawberry and blackberry). First, an enzyme screening designated a thermostable alkaline protease as the most suitable enzyme to recover, in an aqueous medium, the highest yields of polyphenols and oil in the most efficient way. Secondly, the selected enzyme was coupled to ultrasounds (US) in sequential and simultaneous combinations. The simultaneous US-alkaline enzyme combination was selected as a one-single-step process and was then optimized by definitive screening design (DSD). The optimized parameters were: US amplitude, 20% (raspberry pomace) or 70% (strawberry and blackberry pomaces); pH, 8; E/S ratio, 1% (w/w); S/L ratio, 6% (w/v); extraction time, 30 min; temperature, 60 °C. Compared to conventional extractions using organic solvents, the UEAE extracted all the polyphenols, with around 75% of the active polyphenols (measured by the DPPH● method) and up to 75% of the initial oil from the berry pomaces. Characterized lipophilic compounds were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), tocols and phytosterols. The polyphenolics were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS; characteristic ellagitannins of the Rosaceae family (sanguiin H-6 or agrimoniin, sanguiin H-10, …) and ellagic acid conjugates were found as the major components.

A targeted GC-MS/MS approach for the determination of eight sterols in microgreen and mature plant material

Over the past decades, a remarkable number of scientific studies supported the correlation between an adequate dietary intake of phytosterols (PS) and the reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. PS are known to inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, thus promoting the reduction of the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) amount in the bloodstream. Despite the fact that a non-negligible atherogenicity was recognized to PS, thus requiring a careful risk-benefits assessment for plant sterol supplementation, the potential role of PS as cholesterol-lowering agents has been contributing to the spreading awareness of the health benefits associated with the consumption of plant-based foods. In recent years, this has been fueling the market of innovative vegetable products, such as microgreens. Surprisingly, the recent literature concerning microgreens exhibited the lack of studies focusing on the characterization of PS. To fill this gap, a validated analytical method based on the hyphenation of gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry is proposed here for the quantitative analysis of eight phytosterols, namely β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, isofucosterol, and cholesterol, lathosterol and lanosterol. The method was exploited for the characterization of the PS content in 10 microgreen crops, i.e., chia, flax, soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, garden cress, catalogna chicory, endive, kale and broccoli raab. Finally, these results were compared to the PS content of mature forms of kale and broccoli raab. A remarkable amount of PS was detected in chia, flax, rapeseed, garden cress, kale, and broccoli raab microgreens. 100 g (wet weight) of these microgreen crops were found to contain from 20 to 30 mg of the investigated PS. Interestingly, in the case of kale and broccoli raab microgreens, the overall PS content was higher than the one measured in the edible parts of the corresponding mature forms. Additionally, a symmetric change of the PS inner profile was observed between the two growth stages of the latter two crops. Here, the overall decrease of the PS sterol content in the mature forms was associated with the increase of the relative amount of β-sitosterol and campesterol at the expense of minor PS species, such as brassicasterol.

Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in osteoporosis mechanisms and therapeutics

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is characterized by excessive loss of bone protein and mineral content. The incidence and mortality of osteoporosis increase with age, creating a significant medical and economic burden globally. The importance of cholesterol levels has been reported in the development of diseases including osteoporosis. It is important to note that key enzymes and molecules involved in cholesterol homeostasis are closely related to bone formation. Excessive cholesterol may cause osteoporosis, cholesterol and its metabolites affect bone homeostasis by regulating the proliferation and stimulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, antagonism of elevated cholesterol levels may be a potential strategy to prevent osteoporosis. There is sufficient evidence to support the use of bisphosphonates and statin drugs for osteoporosis in the clinic. Therefore, in view of the aggravation of the aging problem, we summarize the intracellular mechanism of cholesterol homeostasis and its relationship with osteoporosis (including cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in osteoporosis). Furthermore, the current clinical cholesterol-lowering drugs for osteoporosis were also summarized, as are new and promising therapies (cell-based therapies (e.g., stem cells) and biomaterial-delivered target drug therapies for osteoporosis as well).

Parkinson's Disease and the Heart: Studying Cardiac Metabolism in the 6-Hydroxydopamine Model

Parkinson's-disease (PD) is an incurable, age-related neurodegenerative disease, and its global prevalence of disability and death has increased exponentially. Although motor symptoms are the characteristic manifestations of PD, the clinical spectrum also contains a wide variety of non-motor symptoms, which are the main cause of disability and determinants of the decrease in a patient's quality of life. Noteworthy in this regard is the stress on the cardiac system that is often observed in the course of PD; however, its effects have not yet been adequately researched. Here, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to assess changes in cardiac metabolism in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cholesterol, monoacylglycerol, α-tocopherol, stearic acid, beta-glycerophosphoric acid, o-phosphoethanolamine, myo-inositol-1-phosphate, alanine, valine and allothreonine are the metabolites that significantly discriminate parkinsonian rats from sham counterparts. Upon analysis of the metabolic pathways with the aim of uncovering the main biological pathways involved in concentration patterns of cardiac metabolites, the biosynthesis of both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, the glucose-alanine cycle, glutathione metabolism and plasmalogen synthesis most adequately differentiated sham and parkinsonian rats. Our results reveal that both lipid and energy metabolism are particularly involved in changes in cardiac metabolism in PD. These results provide insight into cardiac metabolic signatures in PD and indicate potential targets for further investigation.

Nutrition interventions for adults with dyslipidemia: A Clinical Perspective from the National Lipid Association

Lifestyle habits can have a profound impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. The National Lipid Association previously published recommendations for lifestyle therapies to manage dyslipidemia. This Clinical Perspective provides an update with a focus on nutrition interventions for the three most common dyslipidemias in adults: 1) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) elevation; 2) triglyceride (TG) elevation, including severe hypertriglyceridemia with chylomicronemia; and 3) combined dyslipidemia, with elevations in both LDL-C and TG levels. Lowering LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are the primary objectives for reducing ASCVD risk. With severe TG elevation (≥500 mg/dL), the primary objective is to prevent pancreatitis and ASCVD risk reduction is secondary. Nutrition interventions that lower LDL-C levels include reducing cholesterol-raising fatty acids and dietary cholesterol, as well as increasing intakes of unsaturated fatty acids, plant proteins, viscous fibers, and reducing adiposity for patients with overweight or obesity. Selected dietary supplements may be employed as dietary adjuncts. Nutrition interventions for all patients with elevated TG levels include restricting intakes of alcohol, added sugars, and refined starches. Additional lifestyle factors that reduce TG levels are participating in daily physical activity and reducing adiposity in patients with overweight or obesity. For patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, an individualized approach is essential. Nutrition interventions for addressing concurrent elevations in LDL-C and TG include a combination of the strategies described for lowering LDL-C and TG. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to facilitate success in making and sustaining dietary changes and the assistance of a registered dietitian nutritionist is highly recommended.

Marine Chitosan-Oligosaccharide Ameliorated Plasma Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters by Modifying the Gut Microflora, Bile Acids, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

This study evaluated the cholesterol-alleviating effect and underlying mechanisms of chitosan-oligosaccharide (COS) in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Male hamsters (n = 24) were divided into three groups in a random fashion, and each group was fed one particular diet, namely a non-cholesterol diet (NCD), a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), and an HCD diet substituting 5% of the COS diet for six weeks. Subsequently, alterations in fecal bile acids (BAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microflora (GM) were investigated. COS intervention significantly reduced and increased the plasma total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in hypercholesteremic hamsters. Furthermore, Non-HDL-C and total triacylglycerols (TG) levels were also reduced by COS supplementation. Additionally, COS could reduce and increase food intake and fecal SCFAs (acetate), respectively. Moreover, COS had beneficial effects on levels of BAs and GM related to cholesterol metabolism. This study provides novel evidence for the cholesterol-lowering activity of COS.

GC-MS analysis of aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus and ameliorative potential of its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles against cadmium-induced kidney damage in rats

Plants possess compounds serving as reducing agents for green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which is currently considered for biomedical application. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can affect the functional integrity of the several organs such as kidney and liver. Nymphaea lotus (NL) is known for its several medicinal properties, including its protective role against tissue damages. This study investigated the bioactive compounds in NL using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and ameliorative potential of its biosynthesized AuNPs (NL-AuNPs) against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The presence of bioactive compounds in N. lotus was investigated by GC-MS in aqueous extract of NL. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extract of NL. Thirty rats were grouped into six (n = 5). Group 1 served as control, while group 2, 3, 4 and 5 received CdCl₂ (10 mg/kg) orally for five days. Thereafter, groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively, received silymarin (75 mg/kg), 5 and 10 mg/kg NL-AuNPs, orally for 14 days, while group 6 received 10 mg/kg NL-AuNPs only. Rats were sacrificed after treatment, and biochemical parameters and kidney histopathology were evaluated. Bioactive compounds of pharmacological importance identified include pyrogallol, oxacyclohexadecan-2-one, 22-Desoxycarpesterol, 7,22-Ergostadienol, β-sitosterol and Dihydro-β-agarofuran. Cadmium caused nephrotoxicity in rats, as evidenced by significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of kidney function markers (serum urea and creatinine) and inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB)) when compared with control. These changes were significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated by the spherically-synthesized NL-AuNPs (25-30 nm) with the 5 mg/kg NL-AuNPs more potent against kidney damage induced by Cd in rats but high doses of NL-AuNPs (≥10 mg/kg) could be suggested toxic. NL possess phytochemicals capable of reducing gold salts to nanoparticle form, and doses up to 5 mg/kg could be considered safe for the treatment of renal damage occasioned by cadmium.

Crosstalk between cholesterol metabolism and psoriatic inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease associated with multiple comorbidities, with a prevalence ranging from 2 to 3% in the general population. Decades of preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that alterations in cholesterol and lipid metabolism are strongly associated with psoriasis. Cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17), which are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, have been shown to affect cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Cholesterol metabolites and metabolic enzymes, on the other hand, influence not only the biofunction of keratinocytes (a primary type of cell in the epidermis) in psoriasis, but also the immune response and inflammation. However, the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and psoriasis has not been thoroughly reviewed. This review mainly focuses on cholesterol metabolism disturbances in psoriasis and their crosstalk with psoriatic inflammation.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Composition of Nut Bars with Addition of Various Edible Insect Flours

Edible insects represent a new functional source of nutrients that can contribute to solving nutritional deficiency problems. The antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds of nut bars with the addition of three edible insects were evaluated. Acheta domesticus L., Alphitobius diaperinus P. and Tenebrio molitor L. flours were used. A 30% share of insect flour in the bars resulted in significantly greater antioxidant activity (TPC increased from 190.19 for standard bars to 309.45 mg catechin/100 g for bars with 30% addition of cricket flour). Insect flour contributed significantly to an increase in 2,5-dihydrobenzoic acid (from 0.12 for bars with a 15% share of buffalo worm flour to 0.44 mg/100 g in the case of bars with a 30% share of cricket flour) and chlorogenic acid in all bars (from 0.58 for bars with a 15% share of cricket flour to 3.28 mg/100 g for bars with a 30% addition of buffalo worm flour), compared to the standard. The highest content of tocopherols was found in bars with cricket flour, compared to standard bars (43.57 and 24.06 mg/100 g of fat, respectively). The dominant sterol in bars enriched with insect powder was cholesterol. The highest amount of it was found in cricket bars, and the lowest in mealworm bars (64.16 and 21.62 mg/100 g of fat, respectively). The enrichment of nut bars with insect flours raises the levels of valuable phytosterols in the final product. The addition of edible insect flours reduced the perception of most sensory attributes of the bars, compared to the standard bar.

Impact of molecular interactions between hydrophilic phytosterol glycosyl derivatives and bile salts on the micellar solubility of cholesterol

Hydrophilic phytosterol glycosyl derivatives are synthetic phytosterol analogues by coupling with the glycosyl moiety to improve the water solubility and bioaccessibility of free phytosterols. The aim of this study is to clarify the molecular interaction of phytosterol glycosyl derivatives with bile salts and the consequent impact on cholesterol solubilization. Sharp nonlinear decrease in the micellar solubility of cholesterol and accompanying changes in particle size, zeta potential and microtopography of mixed micelles were observed when phytosterol glycosyl derivatives were introduced in cholesterol-loaded bile salt micelles. These results suggested that β-sitosterol glycosyl derivatives molecules indeed participated in the formation of mixed micelles. Further, nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the structural change of mixed micelles was caused by the insertion of β-sitosterol glycosyl derivatives via hydrogen bonds with sodium taurocholate, which resulted in the low cholesterol solubilization. Moreover, the hydrogen-bond interactions were apparently influenced by the glycosyl moiety of β-sitosterol glycosyl derivatives. These molecular mechanisms may contribute to the development of cholesterol-absorption inhibitors.

Enrichment of Wholemeal Rye Bread with Plant Sterols: Rheological Analysis, Optimization of the Production, Nutritional Profile and Starch Digestibility

Bread is one of the staple foods of many countries, and its enrichment with bioactive compounds is trending. This phenomenon is focused on breads with a good nutritional profile, such as wholemeal rye bread (WRB), in which enrichment with plant sterols (PSs) is allowed in accordance with European regulations. The objective of the present study was to optimize the production of a WRB enriched with PS (PS-WRB) and to evaluate the proximate composition and starch digestibility as an indicator of nutritional quality. The rheological analysis showed that the bread dough presents satisfactory farinographic properties (dough development time 6 min; stability 4 min; degree of softening 100 Brabender units) but high water absorption (67%). The PS-WRB is high in dietary fiber and low in protein (20.4 and 7.7% w/w, dry basis, respectively) compared with other cereals reported in the scientific literature. In turn, a low starch proportion was hydrolyzed during the simulated digestion (59.9% of total starch), being also slowly hydrolyzed, as deduced from the rapidly digestible starch value (56.5% of total starch). In conclusion, WRB is a suitable matrix for PS enrichment, which allows for obtaining a product with a good nutritional profile and potential health benefits.

Special Issue: Nutraceutical Approaches to Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Evidence and Opportunities

The effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is a major task for health systems since these pathological conditions are still major causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability worldwide [...].

A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges

Nutraceuticals are the nourishing components (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) that are biologically active and possess capability for maintaining optimal health and benefits. These products play a significant role in human health care and its endurance, most importantly for the future therapeutic development. Nutraceuticals have received recognition due to their nutritional benefits along with therapeutic effects and safety profile. Nutraceuticals are globally growing in the field of services such as health care promotion, disease reduction, etc. Various drug nutraceutical interactions have also been elaborated with various examples in this review. Several patents on nutraceuticals in agricultural applications and in various diseases have been stated in the last section of review, which confirms the exponential growth of nutraceuticals' market value. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nanoformulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals. Prior information on various interactions with drugs may help in preventing any deleterious effects of nutraceuticals products. Nanotechnology also leads to the generation of micronized dietary products and other nutraceutical supplements with improved health benefits. In this review article, the latest key findings (clinical studies) on nutraceuticals that show the therapeutic action of nutraceutical's bioactive molecules on various diseases have also been discussed.

Effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oil in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue

Currently, alternative plant oils with pro-health properties are sought. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of feeding strawberry, raspberry and rapeseed oils in rats’ diet on the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue. Adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=7) and fed with the addition of rapeseed, raspberry or strawberry seed oil, respectively, or control group. After a 6-week treatment period, the fatty acid profile in m. latisssimus dorsi, was analyzed using gas chromatography. The dietary strawberry or raspberry seed oil led to a significant increase in C-18:2 n-6 ad C-18:3 n-3 level in muscle fat when compared to control group. At the same time, in the group receiving raspberry oil, an unfavorable phenomenon of lowering the EPA content was observed, while a tendency towards a decrease in DHA level was observed in groups supplemented with both raspberry and strawberry oil. Both oils as a source of PUFA n-3 and n-6, increased ALA n-3 and LA n-6 fatty acids in latissimus dorsi muscle, but due to different activity of enzymes taking apart in conversion of polyunsaturated fatty acids to their long chain derivatives in rats, the research on pig model would be advisable.

An evaluation of graded levels of beta-sitosterol supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology in broiler chickens at an early age

This study was designed to examine the effects of different levels of beta-sitosterol (BS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, redox status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology of young broilers. Two hundred and forty male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated into 5 groups of 6 replicates with 8 birds each, and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BS for 21-d, respectively. The BS quadratically decreased feed conversion ratio during 1 to 14 d and 1 to 21 d, with its effect being more prominent at 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly and quadratically reduced 14-d plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level, and this effect was more pronounced when its supplemental level was 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly increased duodenal villus height (VH) and quadratically increased jejunal VH and ratio of VH and crypt depth (CD) at 14 d, and these effects in 25 mg/kg group were more remarkable (P < 0.05). Similarly, BS linearly or quadratically increased VH and ratio of VH and CD, but decreased CD in the jejunum and ileum at 21 d, with these effects being more pronounced at 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS supplementation especially at 50 or 75 mg/kg linearly or quadratically reduced 14-d serum and 21-d hepatic malondialdehyde concentration, and increased serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities at 14 and 21 d (P < 0.05). Moreover, the BS administration linearly and/or quadratically increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level, and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation in the intestinal mucosa at 14 and/or 21 d, and these consequences were more significant in 50 to 100 mg/kg BS-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that BS administration could improve growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and antioxidant status of broilers at an early age, with these effects being more pronounced at a level of 50 mg/kg.

Sterol bioaccessibility in a plant sterol-enriched beverage using the INFOGEST digestion method: Influence of gastric lipase, bile salts and cholesterol esterase

This study evaluates the influence of increasing bile salts and the addition of key enzymes of the lipidic metabolism in the INFOGEST digestion method on sterol bioaccessibility from a plant sterol (PS)-enriched beverage. The assayed modifications were increasing concentration of bovine bile salts (10 vs. 17.5 mM), and addition of gastric lipase (GL) (60U/mL), cholesterol esterase (CE) (0.075 or 2U/mL) or both. Compared to the original method (10 mM bile salts without enzymes), the assayed conditions significantly reduced bioaccessibility of individual (from 11.3 to 19.7 to 5.1-16.6%) and total PS (13.7 to 6.9-8.0%), and cholesterol (52.8 to 20.9-26.1%), except only when CE is added not allowing cholesterol quantification. The bioaccessibility achieved when lipolytic enzymes were tested was similar for all sterols. For a more physiological approach to in vivo conditions, incorporation of bile salts (10 mM), GL (60U/mL) and CE (0.075U/mL) to the INFOGEST method is proposed, although it increases the cost compared to the established method.

Serum Phytosterols Are Not Associated with Inflammatory Markers in Two Cross-Sectional, Swiss Population-Based Studies (The CoLaus|PsyCoLaus Study)

Background: The association between inflammation and dietary sterols remains poorly assessed at the population level. Aims: To assess the possible association between serum levels of various phytosterols (PS) and inflammatory markers. Methods: Serum levels of six PS (campesterol, campestanol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, sitostanol, brassicasterol), four cholesterol synthesis markers (lathosterol, lanosterol, desmosterol, dihydroxylanosterol) and one cholesterol absorption marker (cholestanol) were measured together with levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in two cross-sectional surveys of a population-based, prospective study. Results: CRP levels were negatively associated with levels of cholestanol and of sterols of plant origin, although some associations were not statistically significant. CRP levels were positively associated with cholesterol synthesis markers in the first but not in the second follow-up. IL-6 levels were negatively associated with cholestanol in both follow-ups. No associations between IL-6 levels and PS were found in the first follow-up, while significant negative associations with campesterol, sitosterol, brassicasterol, sitostanol and campesterol:TC ratio were found in the second follow-up. TNF-α levels were negatively associated with cholestanol in both follow-ups. These associations did not withstand adjusting for sex, age, BMI and statin administration. Conclusions: In a population-based study, PS serum levels were not significantly associated with inflammatory markers.

The Role of Phytosterols in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now recognized as the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an increasing prevalence in both adults and children. Although the symptoms are absent or poorly expressed in most cases, some patients may progress to end-stage liver disease. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is known to be multifactorial. Current therapeutic recommendations focus on lifestyle changes in order to reduce the incidence of risk factors and drugs targeting major molecular pathways potentially involved in the development of this disease. Given that a pharmacological treatment, completely safe and effective, is not currently known in recent years more research has been done on the effects that some bio-active natural compounds, derived from plants, have in preventing the onset and progression of NAFLD. Numerous studies, in animals and humans, have shown that phytosterols (PSs) play an important role in this pathology. Phytosterols are natural products that are found naturally in plant. More than 250 phytosterols have been identified, but the most common in the diet are stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, and campesterol. Consumption of dietary PSs can reduce serum cholesterol levels. Due to these properties, most studies have focused on their action on lipid metabolism and the evolution of NAFLD. PSs may reduce steatosis, cytotoxicity oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the importance of dietary phytosterols, which are a window of opportunity in the therapeutic management of NAFLD.

The effect of dietary supplementation of mucuna leaf meal on the growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass quality of broiler

Three hundred 1-day old broiler chickens were used to assess the effects of Mucuna leaf meal (MLM) dietary supplementation on the performance, haemato-biochemical indices, oxidative status and meat of broiler chickens. Five experimental supplemented diets were formulated: diets: 1 (0% supplement), 2 (1.1 % OXYT), 3 (0.5% MLM), 4 (1.0 % MLM) and 5 (1.5% MLM). The final weight gain of the birds fed diets 2 and 5 was higher (p < 0.05) than those birds fed the control and other diets. The relative weights of the lung were affected (p < 0.05) by dietary supplementation. Serum cholesterol concentration reduces (p < 0.05) with increased dietary MLM supplementation levels from 1.0% to 1.5%. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased (p < 0.05) in the broiler chickens fed a 1.5% MLM supplemented diet, compared to those fed the control and other diets. Meat cholesterol of the chickens fed 1.0%, and 1.5% MLM supplemented diets were lower (p < 0.05) than the experimental birds fed the rest diets. In conclusion, the 1.5 % MLM dietary supplementation improves body weight gain, reduces the serum cholesterol concentration, increases the serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of the chickens and reduced the meat cholesterol.

Property of Phytosterols and Development of Its Containing Mayonnaise-Type Dressing

Phytosterols are functional ingredients with known efficacy and safety. Phytosterols are found as free sterols or as their esters with fatty acids. Although phytosterol esters are soluble in oil and have been used in many commercial foods, it has been difficult to similarly use free phytosterols since they are insoluble in water and practically insoluble in oil. We have developed mayonnaise-type dressing materials using free phytosterols since people who are conscious about cholesterol intake are likely to be conscious about oil. In this review article, we summarized pieces of evidence for the development of phytosterol-containing mayonnaise-type dressing materials.

Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet (MedD). In this narrative review, we synthesize and illustrate the various characteristics and clinical applications of EVOO and its components—such as oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein—in the field of clinical nutrition and dietetics. The evidence is split into diet therapy, oleic acid-based enteral nutrition formulations and oral supplementation formulations, oleic acid-based parenteral nutrition, and nutraceutical supplementation of minor components of EVOO. EVOO has diverse beneficial health properties, and current evidence supports the use of whole EVOO in diet therapy and the supplementation of its minor components to improve cardiovascular health, lipoprotein metabolism, and diabetes mellitus in clinical nutrition. Nevertheless, more intervention studies in humans are needed to chisel specific recommendations for its therapeutic use through different formulations in other specific diseases and clinical populations.