Positive effects of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk on mental health problems in the working population: an open-label study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems. Anthocyanins from berries might have an inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes and alleviate various mood and anxiety symptoms. This study examined the effects of a daily supplement of an anthocyanin-rich product on mental health problems.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis from a randomized, 6-week, open-label trial in 300 healthy participants aged 18-60 years who consumed 1 or 2 servings of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk daily. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to monitor mental health problems. In addition, the saliva activity levels of MAO-A, MAO-B, and cortisol were examined at the baseline and after 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The total scores of the GHQ-28 and HADS and all their subscales decreased in both groups (all P < 0.05). The cortisol, MAO-A, and MAO-B activities decreased significantly (all P <0.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups (all P > 0.05). Significant correlations were noted between the decreased activity level of MAO-A enzyme and decreased scores from the GHQ-28 somatic subscale and the HADS depression subscale (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily consumption of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk possibly improves mental health problems by reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in the working population. The suppression of MAO-A activity is a possible underlying mechanism.

Trial Registration

Thai Clinical Trial Registration: #TCTR20201031002.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of an Anthocyanin-Rich Functional Ingredient on Cognitive Function and Eye Dryness in Late Adulthood Volunteers: Roles of Epigenetic and Gut Microbiome Modulations

Due to the rising demand for supplements targeting cognitive enhancement and dry eye together with the health benefits of anthocyanins, we have developed a functional soup containing an anthocyanin-rich functional ingredient, or "Anthaplex," and assessed the effects on cognitive function and eye dryness together with the possible mechanisms. A total of 69 male and female health volunteers were randomized and divided into placebo, D2, and D4 groups. All subjects consumed 120 mL of placebo or functional soup containing "Anthaplex" either at 2 or 4 g per serving per day within 5 min in the morning for eight weeks. The cognitive function, working memory, dry eye, AChE, MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, and GABA-T activities, BDNF, HAC, HDAC, and DNMT activities, pH, and amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in feces, were determined before intervention and after eight weeks of consumption. Subjects who consumed the "Anthaplex" soup had improved cognitive function, working memory, eye dryness, histone acetylation, ACh E suppression, and BDNF with increased Bifidobacterium spp. but decreased pH in feces. These data suggest that "Anthaplex" improves cognitive function and eye dryness via the modulations of the histone acetylation process, gut microbiome, and cholinergic function.

The Polyherbal Functional Ingredient Containing Ginger, Chinese Date, and Wood Ear Mushroom Protects against Dementia following Metabolic Syndrome

The anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of the polyherbal functional ingredient comprising ginger, Chinese date, and wood ear mushroom (GCJ) was hypothesized due to its neuroprotective effect against stroke. This study was performed to test this hypothesis and to explore the underlying mechanism. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) feeding. The rats with MetS characteristics were orally administered GCJ at various doses (GCJ100, GCJ200, and GCJ300 mg kg-1 BW) 21 days pre-induction and 21 days post-induction of reperfusion injury (I/R) at the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Memory was evaluated every 7 days during the study period. At the end of the study, neuron density, AChE activity, and the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were also determined. MetS rats with GCJ treatment improved memory impairment, enhanced neuron density, and increased the expressions of eNOS, BDNF, and pERK/ERK but suppressed AChE in both areas. Therefore, the anti-dementia effect following ischemic stroke with metabolic syndrome of GCJ may involve the improvement of AChE, eNOS, BDNF, pERK/ERK, and neural plasticity. However, this required confirmation by clinical study.

Anxiety, Insomnia, and Memory Impairment in Metabolic Syndrome Rats Are Alleviated by the Novel Functional Ingredients from Anacardium occidentale

Despite an increase in the coexistence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychological disorders, together with their great impact on socio-economic burdens, no protective strategies that focus on these situations are available. Due to the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychological disorders, we hypothesized that substances possessing antioxidant activity such as the novel functional ingredients from Anacardium occidentale (AO) could mitigate common psychological disorders in MetS rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, were induced with MetS through a 12-week high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHC). Then, they were given AO orally via a gastric gavage needle at doses of 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg BW for 14 days. Spatial memory, anxiety, depression, and sleep behaviors, together with changes in oxidative stress status and neurotransmitters, were assessed. All doses of AO significantly improved memory, anxiety, and sleep, together with the suppression of oxidative stress, AChE, and GABA-T in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These results suggest the protective effect of AO against anxiety, insomnia, and memory impairment that coexist with the MetS condition via an improvement in oxidative stress and the functions of the cholinergic and GABAergic systems. However, this benefit requires clinical confirmation.

Memory-Enhancing Effect of a Phytosome Containing the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger in an Animal Model of Ischemic Stroke with Metabolic Syndrome

The prevalence of dementia following cerebral ischemia in metabolic syndrome (MetS) condition is increasing, and most of the cases are often severe. Unfortunately, no effective strategy for treating this condition is available. Based on the positive modulation effect of a polyphenol-rich substance on dementia and the improvement in bioavailability and stability of polyphenols induced by the phytosome technique together with the use of the synergistic concept, we hypothesized that a phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) should mitigate dementia and memory impairment following ischemic stroke in MetS. MetS was induced in male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g by exposure to a 16-week feeding period of high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg-1 BW 21 days before and 21 days after the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). Then, their spatial memory was determined and the possible underlying mechanisms explored via the alterations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neuron density, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and signal transduction via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in both the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. It was found that PMG significantly enhanced memory. It also decreased AChE, IL-6, and MDA but increased SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, neuron density, and phosphorylation of ERK. These data suggested the cognitive enhancing effect of PMG. The possible underlying mechanisms might occur partly via the improvement of cholinergic function via the ERK pathway together with the decrease in neurodegeneration induced by the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, a subchronic toxicity study is also required to assure the safety of PMG consumption before moving forward to a clinical trial study.

Phytosome Loading the Combined Extract of Mulberry Fruit and Ginger Protects against Cerebral Ischemia in Metabolic Syndrome Rats

The prevalence of ischemic stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) is continually increasing and produces a great impact on both qualities of life and annual healthcare budget. Due to the efficiency limitation of the current therapeutic strategy, the poor availability of polyphenol substances induced by the first pass effect and the beneficial effects of mulberry fruit and ginger on brain and MetS-related diseases together with the synergistic concept, the neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke in MetS condition of phytosome containing the combined extract of mulberry fruit and ginger (PMG) has been considered. To explore the neuroprotective effect and possible underlying mechanism of PMG on brain damage in cerebral ischemic rat with MetS, male Wistar rats were induced MetS by high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF) for 16 weeks and subjected to the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) at the right middle cerebral artery (Rt. MCAO). PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were orally fed with for 21 days, and they were assessed brain damage, neurological deficit score, and the changes of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, PPARγ expression, and epigenetic modification via DNMT-1 were performed. All doses of PMG significantly improved brain infarction, brain edema, and neurological deficit score. In addition, the reduction in DNMT-1, MDA level, NF-κB, TNFα, and C-reactive protein together with the increase in SOD, CAT, and GPH-Px activities, and PPARγ expression in the lesion brain were also observed. The current data clearly revealed the neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia with MetS condition. The possible underlying mechanism might occur partly via the suppression of DNMT-1 giving rise to the improvement of signal transduction via PPARγ resulting in the decreasing of inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, PMG is the potential neuroprotectant candidate against ischemic stroke in the MetS condition. However, the clinical trial is still essential.

Antimetabolic Syndrome Effect of Phytosome Containing the Combined Extracts of Mulberry and Ginger in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Due to the antimetabolic syndrome effect of mulberry and ginger together with the advantages of the synergistic effect and phytosome encapsulation technique, we hypothesized that phytosome containing the combined extracts of mulberry and ginger (PMG) should be able to manage MetS. PMG was developed and assessed the phenolic content and biological activities associated with the pathophysiology of MetS. The antimetabolic syndrome effect and the possible underlying mechanisms in the animal model of MetS were also assessed. Male Wistar rats induced MetS by subjecting to a 16-week high-carbohydrate high-fat diet. MetS rats were orally given PMG at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 21 days. They were determined metabolic parameter changes in serum, histomorphology changes of adipose tissue, the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, oxidative stress status, PPAR-γ, and HDAC3 in adipose tissue. Our in vitro data showed that PMG increased phenolic contents and biological activities. PMG significantly improved MetS parameters including body weight gain, lipid profiles, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and ACE. In addition, the density and size of adipocyte, adiposity index, and weights of adipose tissues were also improved. Moreover, the decrease in TNF-α and IL-6, oxidative stress status, and HDAC3 expression together with the increase in PPAR-γ expression in adipose tissue was also observed. These data suggest that PMG exhibit antimetabolic syndrome and the possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the modulation effect on HDAC3, PPAR-γ, and adipose tissue. In addition, PMG also improves oxidative stress and inflammation in MetS. Therefore, PMG can be served as the potential supplement to manage MetS. However, a clinical trial study is essential to confirm this health benefit.

Preventive Effect of Cashew-Derived Protein Hydrolysate with High Fiber on Cerebral Ischemia

This study aimed to determine the protective effect of cashew nut-derived protein hydrolysate with high dietary fiber (AO) in cerebral ischemic rats induced by the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (Rt.MCAO). Acute toxicity was determined and data showed that LD50 of AO > 5000 mg/kg BW. To determine the cerebroprotective effect of AO, male Wistar rats were orally given AO at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg for 14 days and subjected to Rt.MCAO. Brain infarction volume, neurological score, spatial memory, serum lipid profiles, and C-reactive protein together with the brain oxidative stress status were assessed. All doses of AO significantly decreased brain infarction in cortex, hippocampus, and striatum together with the decreased oxidative stress status. The improvement of spatial memory and serum C-reactive protein were also observed in MCAO rats which received AO at all doses. In addition, the decreased serum cholesterol, TG, and LDL but increased HDL were observed in MCAO rats which received high dose of AO. Taken all together, AO is the potential protectant against cerebral ischemia. The improvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia might play roles in the actions. However, further researches are required to understand the precise underlying mechanism.

Cashew Apple Juice Improves Physical Fitness and Oxidative Stress Status in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Volunteers

OBJECTIVE

Based on the crucial role of oxidative stress on physical performance and muscular strength, we aimed to determine the effect of a 12 week-consumption period of cashew apple juice, a substance possessing antioxidant effect, on the physical fitness and oxidative stress status of the middle aged and the elderly.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design was performed. Forty-five healthy middle-age and elderly volunteers received 1,000 ml of either cashew apple juice (120 and 240 mg/day) or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes in the plasma together with the health related-physical fitness was assessed every four weeks throughout the 12-week consumption period and four weeks after the cessation of the consumption.

RESULTS

The subjects who consumed the cashew apple juice at dose of 240 mg/day showed improved oxidative stress status and enhanced performance in 30-second chair stand test and 6-minute walk test. These data suggested that a 12-week consumption period of cashew apple juice consumption enhance muscle strength of lower extremities and the cardiopulmonary endurance.

CONCLUSION

The possible underlying mechanism might occur partly via the improved oxidative stress status. Therefore, cashew apple fruit juice may be a potential candidate to enhance the health-related physical fitness for the middle aged and elderly volunteers. However, further research is required to provide better understanding about the precise underlying mechanism.

The combined extract of purple waxy corn and ginger prevents cataractogenesis and retinopathy in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Based on the crucial roles of oxidative stress and aldose reductase on diabetic complications and the protective effect against diabetic eye complication of purple waxy corn and ginger (PWCG) together with the synergistic effect concept, we aimed to determine anticataract and antiretinopathy effects of the combined extract of purple waxy corn and ginger (PWCG). The streptozotocin diabetics with the blood glucose levels >250 mg·dL(-1) were orally given the extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg·BW(-1) for 10 weeks. Then, lens opacity and histopathology of retina were determined. The changes of MDA together with the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and AR in lens were also determined using biochemical assays. All doses of PWCG decreased lens opacity, MDA, and AR in the lens of diabetic rats. The elevation of CAT and GPx activities was also observed. The antiretinopathy property of the combined extract was also confirmed by the increased number of neurons in ganglion cell layer and thickness of total retina and retinal nuclear layer in diabetic rats. PWCG is the potential functional food to protect against diabetic cataract and retinopathy. However, further studies concerning toxicity and clinical trial are still essential.

Preventive effect of Zea mays L. (purple waxy corn) on experimental diabetic cataract

Recently, substances possessing antioxidant can prevent cataractogenesis of diabetic cataract. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the anticataract effect of Zea mays L. (purple waxy corn), a flavonoids rich plant, in experimental diabetic cataract. Enucleated rat lenses were incubated in artificial aqueous humor containing 55 mM glucose with various concentrations of Zea mays L. (purple waxy corn) ranging between 2, 10, and 50 mg/mL at room temperature for 72 h. At the end of the incubation period, the evaluation of lens opacification, MDA level, and the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and AR in lens were performed. The results showed that both medium and high doses of extract decreased lens opacity together with the decreased MDA level. In addition, medium dose of extract increased GPx activity while the high dose decreased AR activity. No other significant changes were observed. The purple waxy corn seeds extract is the potential candidate to protect against diabetic cataract. The mechanism of action may occur via the decreased oxidative stress and the suppression of AR. However, further research in vivo is still essential.