Myrciaria cauliflora Peel Flour Had a Hypolipidemic Effect in Rats Fed a Moderately High-Fat Diet

Clina´scia R.R. Arau´jo,Elizabethe A. Esteves,Nísia A.V. Dessimoni-Pinto,Ângela G. Batista 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.2

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic effects of Myrciaria cauliflora peel flour (MPF) in rats. Previously, it was determined the proximate composition, total phenolics, and anthocyanins of MPF. Then, groups of male rats were randomly assigned to one of the five treatment groups. The standard group received a basal diet as recommended by the American Institute of Nutrition (AIN93M). The control group (CTRL) received the AIN93M diet, which added 7% of pork lard. The jaboticaba groups had their diets similar to CTRL, but added MPF at 7 ( JAB1), 10 ( JAB2), or 15% ( JAB3). Serum and liver cholesterol as well as serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and glucose were evaluated. Fecal output of lipids was also measured. MPF had expressive amounts of fibers (25.28 – 2.52 g/ 100 g), total phenolics (18.95 – 5.27 mg/100 g), and anthocyanins (6.82 – 0.18 mg/100 g). The inclusion of the MPF at three ratios, reduced serum cholesterol and TG compared with CTRL. JAB3 raised serum HDL and reduced liver cholesterol compared with CTRL. JAB3 and JAB2 reduced serum glucose compared with CTRL. JAB groups eliminated more feces and had pH values lower than CTRL. However, there was no difference in lipid fecal output between all groups. MPF has a hypolipidemic potential, especially on reducing serum cholesterol and TG. These effects can be attributed, at least in part, to its fiber and phenolic composition.

The Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty as an Alternative to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Jin Young Yoon,Román Turró Arau,The Study Group for Endoscopic Bariatric and Metabolic Therapies of the Korean Society of Gastrointe 대한소화기내시경학회 2021 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.54 No.1

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a therapeutic endoscopic technique for reducing the size of the gastric reservoir in obesepatients, using a full-thickness endoscopic suturing device. The effectiveness of ESG in weight loss is significantly greater than that ofhigh-intensity diet and lifestyle therapy and lower than that of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The efficacy at 12 months afterESG in terms of percentage of total body weight loss and excess body weight loss was approximately 16% and 60%, respectively. Thewell-known predictive factors for increased weight loss by ESG are good compliance with regular monitoring and post-procedurecare involving a multidisciplinary team approach. Although the underlying mechanism of weight loss induced by ESG is debatable,delayed gastric emptying and early satiation are some of the proposed mechanisms. The pooled rate of adverse events after ESGreported in several meta-analysis studies ranged from 1.5% to 2.3% and the incidence of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux diseaseafter ESG was negligible, indicating that ESG has a superior safety profile to LSG. Moreover, ESG reduced the risk of obesity-relatedmetabolic comorbidities, evidenced by the reduction in HbA1c level, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level, and risk of hepaticsteatosis and fibrosis; it even improved the quality of life. ESG could be considered safe and qualify as an alternative treatment toLSG.

The Protein-Rich Fraction from Spirulina platensis Exerts Neuroprotection in Hemiparkinsonian Rats by Decreasing Brain Inflammatory-Related Enzymes and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Expressions

Maria Janice Pereira Lopes,Gyllyandeson de Arau´jo Delmondes,Giovana Mendes de Lacerda Leite,De´bora Rejane Alves Cavalcante,Pedro E´ verson Alexandre de Aquino,Francisco Arnaldo Viana de Lima,Kelly R 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.7

Spirulina platensis is a cyanobacterium with high protein content and presenting neuroprotective effects. Now, we studied a protein-enriched fraction (SPF), on behavior, neurochemical and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays in hemiparkinsonian rats, distributed into the groups: SO (sham-operated), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and 6-OHDA (treated with SPF, 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o., 15 days). Afterward, animals were subjected to behavioral tests and euthanized, and brain areas used for neurochemical and IHC assays. SPF partly reversed the changes in the apomorphine-induced rotations, open field and forced swim tests, and also the decrease in striatal dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid contents seen in hemiparkinsonian rats. Furthermore, SPF reduced brain oxidative stress and increased striatal expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter and significantly reduced hippocampal inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein expressions. The data suggest that the protein fraction from S. platensis, through its brain anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions, exerts neuroprotective effects that could benefit patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease.

Yacon-Based Product in the Modulation of Intestinal Constipation

Moˆnica de Souza Lima Sant’Anna,Vivian Carolina Rodrigues,Tatiane Ferreira Arau´jo,Taˆnia Toledo de Oliveira,Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio,Ce´lia Lu´cia de Luces Fortes Ferreira 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.9

This study aimed to assess the effects of a yacon-based product (YBP) on constipation in adults, including the elderly. Forty-eight individuals were recruited and divided into equal intervention groups named the test and control groups. The YBP (test) and the control (maltodextrin) were dissolved in commercial orange juice. The volunteers for the YBP/test group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 10 g fructooligosaccharide (FOS)/inulin per day. The control group consumed, on a daily basis, orange juice containing 25 g of maltodextrin. The study had a span of 30 days. We evaluated the participants’ frequency of evacuation, consistency of the feces, constipation score, abdominal symptoms (flatulence, pain, and abdominal strain), and effects upon the microbiota, pH, lactate, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of the feces. The study showed an increased number of evacuations after the consumption of the YBP as well as an improvement in the consistency of the feces and a reduction in the constipation score. After 30 days of intervention, the group that consumed the YBP showed higher counts of Bifidobacterium, lower Clostridium and enterobacteria counts, and lower fecal pH. In relation to SCFAs, no significant change was found after the intervention. However, the lactate concentration was higher in the test group when compared to the post-treatment control group. The YBP was effective in improving constipation symptoms; not only was its functional characteristic in reducing constipation symptoms evident but it also demonstrated usefulness as a potential therapy.

Antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and its major component, geraniol, on the bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus

Eveline Kelle Ursulino Pontes,Hider Machado Melo,Jose´ Walter Arau´ jo Nogueira,Nairley Cardoso Sa´ Firmino,Ma´rio Geraldo de Carvalho,Francisco Eduardo Araga˜o Catunda Ju´nior,Theodora Thays Arruda C 한국식품과학회 2019 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.28 No.3

Medicinal plants with antimicrobial action havebeen investigated for uses against biofilms, among which,Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, stands out as a promisingspecies. The present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobialand antibiofilm action of the essential oil of C. nardus (EOCN) and geraniol on Gram-negative and positivebacteria from the determination of minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrationand inhibition of biofilms. In the results, the EOCNproduced a 41 mm halo on S. aureus, which was susceptiblewith MIC values of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL for theEOCN and geraniol respectively, both with bactericidaleffect. The antibiofilm action was confirmed, the EOCNand geraniol reduced the biofilm biomass of S. aureus up to100% between 0.5 and 4 mg/mL concentrations. Thereduction of cell viability was 0.25 and 1 mg/mL, ofEOCN and geraniol, respectively. EOCN and geraniol wereshown to be promising antibiotic against S. aureus.

Effects of Passiflora edulis on the Metabolic Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rat Offspring

Sandra M. Barbalho,De´bora C. Damasceno,Ana Paula Machado Spada,Ira Eliane dos R.N. Lima,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Karla Aparecida Martuchi,Marie Oshiiwa,Claudemir Gregorio Mendes 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.12

Dry extract of the genus Passiflora has been shown to help control glycemia and lipid levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of passion fruit (P. edulis) on the biochemical profile of offspring from diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The diabetes group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dL;the nondiabetic (control) group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels less than 120 mg/dL. After the diagnosis of diabetes,the mating phase was started. By day 21 of pregnancy, the offspring were born; the dams were kept in individual cages with their offspring until the weaning period. The offspring were then divided into 4 groups (n = 15 each): G1 were offspring from control dams, G2 were offspring from treated nondiabetic dams, G3 were offspring from diabetic dams, and G4 were offspring from treated diabetic dams. For 30 consecutive days, G1 and G3 offspring were treated with vehicle (oral gavage) and G2 and G4 offspring were treated with passion fruit juice (oral gavage). After 30-day treatment, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and blood was drawn immediately for analysis of the biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). The G2 and G4 rats showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and an increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The use of passion fruit juice improved lipid profiles, suggesting that this plant may have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemias and hyperglycemia.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Daiene Santos Buglio,Ledyane Taynara Marton,Lucas Fornari Laurindo,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Roge´rio Leone Buchaim,Ricardo de Alvares Goulart,Cla´udio Jose´ Rubira,Sandra M. Barb 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.8

Advancing age is one of the risk factors for developing many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative alterations, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have indicated that supplementation with resveratrol (RSV) might improve cerebrovascular function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of RSV on MCI and AD. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were used to perform the search, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five studies met the eligible criteria; three with AD and two with MCI. In AD patients, the use of RSV reduces Aβ levels, improves brain volume, reduces the Mini-mental status score, and improves AD scores. In patients with MCI, this polyphenol prevents decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increases the Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV can activate the human silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) and can inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase, and nuclear factor-κB, resulting in the reduction of the proinflammation pathways. It is also associated with the increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduction of interferon-γ and IL-17. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can be related to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, doing maintenance, and enabling the recovery of these conditions directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. We suggest that the use of RSV can bring beneficial effects to patients with MCI or AD.

Effects of Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng on the Metabolic Parameters of Rats Submitted to Swimming

Victor Myung Joon Bang,Ana Luisa de Carvalho Arana˜o,Bruna Zampieri Nogueira,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Patricia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza,Elen L 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.10

Adaptogen-based plant formulations play an important role in traditional medicine and have been used in medical practice to increase the resistance of individuals. Rhodiola rosea (RR) and Panax ginseng (PG) exhibit adaptogenic properties and are related to the recovery of homeostasis and strengthen systems impaired by stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RR and PG on metabolic profile and muscle damage parameters in Wistar rats submitted to swimming. Animals were divided according to the following: G1: control group; G2: group that was submitted to swimming; G3: group treated with PG; G4: group treated with PG and submitted to swimming; G5: treated with RR; and G6: treated with RR and submitted to swimming. At the end of the experimental protocol, groups G2, G4, and G6 practiced swimming for a period five times longer than during the previous 30 days. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were investigated, and no significant results were found in the groups. Nevertheless, animals treated with PG and RR reduced the levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Our findings demonstrate that both PG and RR produced a significant reduction in the levels of CPK and LDH after physical stress, suggesting that they can be used to improve physical performance. For these reasons, we may say that these plants may be used to minimize the stress promoted by the practice of physical exercises.

Analgesic Effects Elicited by Neuroactive Mediators Injected into the ST 36 Acupuncture Point on Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain in Mice

Ja´dina S. Vieira,Je´ssica A. Toreti,Ravena C. de Carvalho,Joa˜o E. de Arau´jo,Marcelo L. Silva,Josie R.T. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.5

The present study evaluates whether the injection of serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, bradykinin, histamine, or substance P (SP) into the Zusanli (Stomach 36, ST 36) acupoint can also produce the acupuncture-induced antinociceptive effect on inflammatory or neuropathic pain. In this in vivo experimental study, a total of 450 male Swiss mice were used. Mice were injected with saline or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or subjected to sham or chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery. After the establishment of the inflammatory (4 hours) or the neuropathic pain (3 days), the animals (n = 6) received manual acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or injection of saline, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, bradykinin, histamine, or SP into the ST 36 and were evaluated for up to 24 hours. Mechanical threshold was evaluated, and the L4-L6 dorsal root ganglion was used for analysis of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 overexpression. The mice from both the CFA and CCI models treated with manual acupuncture had significant increases in the thresholds for more than 24 hours. Sham acupuncture stimulation did not change the thresholds. In the mice injected with each of the mediators, the thresholds were significantly increased for all times in both the CFA and CCI models. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 overexpression in CFA and CCI mice was reduced at all times by injection of serotonin, acetylcholine, or SP but not by injection of glutamate, histamine, or bradykinin. Our data suggest that the neuroactive mediators released by acupuncture-induced tissue injury may contribute to acupuncture-induced analgesia.

Single or Multiple Electroacupuncture Sessions in Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Are We Low-Responders to Electroacupuncture?

Ravena C. de Carvalho,Julia R. Parisi,Wiliam A. Prado,Joa˜o E. de Arau´jo,Andreia M. Silva,Josie R.T. Silva,Marcelo L. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.2

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of one or multiple sessions of electroacupuncture (EA) in patients with chronic low back pain. The outcome measures were visual analog score (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), low back skin temperature, surface electromyography of longissimus muscle (contraction/rest) and blood cytokines. After examination (AV0), patients were submitted to EA (2 Hz, 30 minutes, bilaterally at the SP6, BL23, BL31, BL32, BL33, and BL60) and were revaluated after one week (AV1). Patients with VAS <3 (VAS <3 group, n = 20) were directed to return after three weeks (AV2). Patients with VAS >3 (VAS >3 group, n = 20) were submitted to one weekly EA-treatment and revaluated after three weeks (AV2). The VAS <3 group showed a significant reduction in VAS and MPQ and increased PPT in AV1, but not in AV2. No significant differences were found in RMDQ. The VAS >3 group showed reduction in VAS and increased PPT in AV1 and a reduction in MPQ and RMDQ only in AV2. No significant differences were found in electromyography, temperature or cytokines. Thus, despite 2Hz-EA is effective reducing low back pain, some patients only experienced reduced pain intensity and improved functional capacity after full treatment.