Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of the effects of major dietary patterns on cognitive function in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: Evidence shows diet promotes brain health. Combining foods and nutrients may have beneficial synergistic effects, but the effects on cognitive function interventions are inconsistent. So, a meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted to examine the specific effects on cognitive function. METHODS: We searched four databases from creation to April 2023. Eligible randomized controlled trials were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine standardized mean differences (SMD) (95% confidence intervals [CI]), and homogeneity tests for a variance were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies involving 12,119 participants were included in this systematic review. The dietary intervention group had a positive effect on overall cognitive functioning compared to the control group (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [0.08, 0.20], P < 0.00001). The dietary intervention improved executive function, processing speed and language skills (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI [-0.17,-0.04], P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.23,-0.09], P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI [0.01, 0.20], P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). The dietary intervention had no effect on delayed memory and spatial ability (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.09], P = 0.20, I2 = 0%), (SMD = 0.08, 95% CI [-0.01, 0.16], P = 0.08, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: The Mediterranean diet, a diet with restricted caloric intake, a diet incorporating aerobic exercise, a low-carbohydrate diet, and a healthy lifestyle diet (increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and weight and blood pressure management) appear to have positive effects on cognitively healthy adults, as reflected in their overall cognitive, processing speed, executive, and language functions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023414704.

Efficacy of vitamin and antioxidant supplements for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACTThe results of treatment effect of vitamin or antioxidant intake on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine whether these supplements are effective in DPN treatment. We searched seven databases from inception to October 2021. All RCTs of DPN treatments with vitamin and antioxidant supplements were included. We performed sensitivity and subgroup analysis, and also tested for publication bias by the funnel plot and Egger's test. A total of 14 studies with 1384 patients were included in this systematic review. Three high-quality trials showed that vitamin and antioxidant supplements significantly increased sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of the sural nerve (MD = 2.66, 95%CI (0.60, 4.72), P < 0.05, I2 = 0%). Seven studies (758 participants) suggested that these supplements might have improvement on motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the peroneal nerve in DPN patients with the random-effect model (MD = 0.60, 95%CI (0.28, 0.92), P < 0.05, I2 = 65%). In four studies, these supplements could have improved on MNCV of the median nerve with the fixed-effect model (MD = 4.22, 95%CI (2.86, 5.57), P < 0.05, I2 = 0%). However, ten studies (841 participants) have suggested that vitamin and antioxidant supplements have not decreased glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Vitamin and antioxidant supplements may improve the conduction velocity of nerves, including median, sural and peroneal nerves of patients with DPN. But these supplements have not decreased HbA1c in DPN patients. Several trials with a large sample size are needed to provide evidence support for clinical practice in the future.

Protective Effect of Lycium ruthenicum Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress against Acrylamide Induced Liver Injury in Rats.

Acrylamide (ACR) is formed during tobacco and carbohydrate-rich food heating and is widely applied in many industries, with a range of toxic effects. The antioxidant properties of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols (LRP) have been established before. This study aimed to research the protective effect of LRP against ACR-induced liver injury in SD rats. Rats were divided into six groups: Control, ACR (40 mg/kg/day, i.g.), LRP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, i.g.) plus ACR, and LRP groups. After 19 days, we evaluated oxidative status and mitochondrial functions in the rat's liver. The results showed that glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased after LRP pretreatment. In contrast, each intervention group reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the ACR group. Meanwhile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver mitochondrial ATPase activity, mRNA expression of mitochondrial complex I, III, and expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins were all increased. This study suggested that LRP could reduce ACR-induced liver injury through potent antioxidant activity. LRP is recommended as oxidative stress reliever against hepatotoxicity.

Combined effect of FTO and MC4R gene polymorphisms on obesity in children and adolescents in Northwest China: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes associated with obesity have been identified through Genome-wide Association Studies. However, no multiple loci interaction studies have been conducted in the Chinese population. This study investigated whether the combined effects of FTO and MC4R increase the risk of obesity in children and adolescents living in Northwest China. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 370 subjects (170 overweight/obese and 200 normal BMI subjects according to the Working Group on Obesity in China criteria) were enrolled using the random sampling method. FTO rs9939609 and rs9935401 and MC4R rs12970134 and rs17782313 interactions were analysed through generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and logistic regression models were used to calculate the risk of the relationship between genotypes and obesity. RESULTS: Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis showed a significant gene-gene interaction among FTO rs9939609/MC4R rs12970134/MC4R rs17782313, with a score of 10/10 for the cross-validation consistency and 9 for the sign test (p=0.011). A 2.453-fold increased risk of obesity was observed in individuals carrying the genotypes of FTO rs9939609 TA/AA, MC4R rs12970134 GA/AA, and MC4R rs17782313 TC/CC (adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity; 95% CI=1.12-5.37, p=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that FTO rs9939609, MC4R rs12970134, and MC4R rs17782313 are strongly associated with obesity. The combined effects were highly significant on obesity in children and adolescents living in Northwest China.

Effects of dietary supplements, foods, and dietary patterns in Parkinson's disease: meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized and crossover studies.

BACKGROUND: Diet significantly impacts Parkinson's disease (PD) with plausible biological hypotheses. Although the thesis has been explored in several human clinical trials, no current meta-analyses or reviews summarize the results. We examined the effect of intervention of dietary supplements, foods, and dietary patterns in treating PD. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized and crossover studies published between 1989 and 26 June 2022, searching from PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases, and Chinese databases. Twenty-four studies were included in this review. RESULTS: The meta-analysis results show that dietary supplements intervention significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) [MD = 0.02, 95% CI (0.01, 0.02), p < 0.00001]. Dietary supplement intervention does not significantly affect the total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score and six-min walk test (6MWT) distance. We did not find evidence that dietary supplements or food intervention may minimize the UPDRS III score. However, systematic review results indicated that the Mediterranean, low-fat, and ketogenic diets significantly reduced the total UPDRS score; low-protein diets meaningfully mitigated motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis result displays that diet and diet supplements had a very modest but statistically significant impact on QUICKI but no effect on motor and non-motor symptoms in PD. The systematic review concludes that dietary patterns intervention may positively attenuate the overall symptoms of PD, including both motor and non-motor symptoms.

Yields, phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of Ziziphus jujube Mill. in response to different fertilization treatments.

Increasing demand for more jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) production requires understanding the specific fertilization needs of jujube trees. This study was conducted to compare fruit yields, phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of jujube in response to different fertilizers. Application of organic fertilizer appeared to enhance the phenolics and antioxidant activity accumulation of jujubes, compared to conventional fertilized jujubes. Amongst inorganic fertilizers, supplemental potassium as an individual nutrient improved the accumulation of phenolics in jujubes. Our results demonstrate that phenolics levels and antioxidant activity of jujube can be manipulated through fertilizer management and tracked by following proanthocyanidin concentrations. In a practical production context, the combination of organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers such as more supplemental individual potassium, and less supplemental individual nitrogen and phosphorus, might be the best management combination for achieving higher phenolic concentration, stronger antioxidant activity and a good harvest.

Dietary exposure to acrylamide of university students in Ningxia of Northwest China and the effect on their neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in serum.

This study aims to investigate dietary exposure to acrylamide (AA) and also make an assessment of its effect on the neurobehavioral performance and oxidative stress in the serum of university students in Ningxia. The place primarily consists of arid, dry desert, and wheat-based foods are the staple food there. A total of 803 university students in Ningxia participated in this cross-sectional study. Diet intake of AA was estimated with FFQ. The AA risk was calculated as margin of exposure (MOE) values. NCTB questionnaires were used to assess neurobehavioral performance. The serum oxidative stress levels of the university students were measured as GSH, MDA, and SOD. The mean for AA exposure of university students was 0.515 µg kg-1 bw day-1. The highest contributor was traditional Chinese grain products, representing 34.71% of the total daily AA intake. Followed were deep-fried potato products, traditional Western grain products, soft drinks, and nuts, which accounted for 23.87%, 16.59%, 11.15%, and 11%, respectively. The median AA exposure were 480 (BMDL10 = 0.18 mg kg-1 bw day-1) and 827 (BMDL10 = 0.31 mg kg-1 bw day-1), respectively. The results indicated that diet AA may have an effect on the emotional status and neurobehavior among this population. We observed no significant differences in oxidative stress under the three levels of AA exposure (p > .05). It suggests a health concern for university students in Northwest China that should get society's attention.

Protective effect and mechanism of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

This study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols (LRP) against acrylamide (ACR)-induced neurotoxicity and the mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. LRP treatment significantly attenuated ACR-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells in a dose-dependent manner. LRP treatment increased the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein and subsequent activation of downstream proteins in SH-SY5Y cells. LRP treatment down-regulated the expression of relevant apoptotic proteins, including JNK, P-JNK, P38, P-P38, and caspase 3 in ACR-induced cells. In vivo, LRP improved exploratory and locomotor deficits in ACR-induced rats. LRP activated the Nrf2 pathway in the striatum and substantia nigra. LRP treatment attenuated striatal ROS levels and increased GSH and SOD in ACR-induced rats. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and ELISA revealed a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) neurons and dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum and substantia nigra under the protective effect of LRP. Therefore, LRP can be a protective agent against ACR-induced brain damage.

Effect of fruit intake on functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover studies.

Functional constipation (FC) is commonly treated with fruits whose efficacy remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of fruit intervention for FC and provided evidence-based recommendations. We searched seven databases from inception to July 2022. All randomized and crossover studies on the effectiveness of fruits on FC were included. We conducted sensitivity and subgroup analysis. A total of 11 studies were included in this review. Four trials showed that kiwifruits have significantly increased stool frequency (MD = 0.26, 95% CI (0.22, 0.30), P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) than palm date or orange juice in the fixed-effect meta-analysis. Three high-quality studies suggested that kiwifruits have a better effect than ficus carica paste on the symptom of the FC assessed by the Bristol stool scale in the fixed-effect meta-analysis [MD = 0.39, 95% CI (0.11, 0.66), P < 0.05, I 2 = 27%]. Besides, five trials showed that fruits can increase the amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus [MD = 0.82, 95% CI (0.25, 1.39), P < 0.05, I 2 = 52%], analyzed with the random-effect model. Subgroup meta-analysis based on the types of fruits suggested that fruits including pome fruit, citrus fruit, and berries have increased the effect of Bifidobacterium t more than the stone fruits in the random effect meta-analysis [MD = 0.51, 95% CI (0.23, 0.79), P < 0.05, I 2 = 84%]. Totally, fruit intake may have potential symptom alleviation on the FC as evidence shows that they can affect stool consistency, stool frequency, and gut microbiota. Further large-scale studies are needed to gain more confident conclusions concerning the association between fruit intake and FC in the future.

Dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A and risk of Parkinson disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A on Parkinson disease (PD) have been confirmed, but some studies have yielded questionable results. Therefore, this meta-analysis investigated the effect of dietary ß-carotene and vitamin A on the risk of PD. METHODS: The following databases were searched for relevant paper: PubMed, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Med online, and Weipu databases for the relevant paper from 1990 to March 28, 2022. The studies included were as follows: ß-carotene and vitamin A intake was measured using scientifically recognized approaches, such as food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); evaluation of odds ratios using OR, RR, or HR; ß-carotene and vitamin A intake for three or more quantitative categories; and PD diagnosed by a neurologist or hospital records. RESULTS: This study included 11 studies (four cohort studies, six case-control studies, and one cross-sectional study). The high ß-carotene intake was associated with a significantly lower chance of developing PD than low ß-carotene intake (pooled OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.74-0.94). Whereas the risk of advancement of PD was not significantly distinctive among the highest and lowest vitamin A intake (pooled OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 0.91-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary ß-carotene intake may have a protective effect against PD, whereas dietary vitamin A does not appear to have the same effect. More relevant studies are needed to include into meta-analysis in the further, as the recall bias and selection bias in retrospective and cross-sectional studies cause misclassifications in the assessment of nutrient intake.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Energy Balance in a NAFLD Cell Model.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model. METHODS: Normal human hepatocyte LO2 cells were treated with 1 mmol/L free fatty acids (FFA) mixture for 24 h to induce NAFLD cell model. Cells were divided into 5 groups, including control, model, low-, medium- and high dose LBP (30,100 and 300 µg/mL) groups. The monosaccharide components of LBP were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography. Effects of LBP on cell viability and intracellular lipid accumulation were assessed by cell counting Kit-8 assay and oil red O staining, respectively. Triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated. Energy balance and mitochondrial biogenesis related mRNA and proteins were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Heteropolysaccharides with mannose and glucose are the main components of LBP. LBP treatment significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation as well as TG, ALT, AST and malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and ATP in NAFLD cell model (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of uncoupling protein 2 was down-regulated and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor 1/mitochondrial transcription factor A pathway was up-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LBP promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and improves energy balance in NAFLD cell model.

Optimised anthropometric indices as predictive screening tools for metabolic syndrome in adults: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and two latest optimised indices, waist divided by height 0.5 (WHT.5R) and body mass index (BMI) multiply by the square root of BMI and waist circumference (BMI√WC), and to comprehensively compare the ability of 10 anthropometric indices to identify MetS, including BMI√WC, WHT.5R, abdominal volume index (AVI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Body Roundness Index (BRI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ningxia, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3860 adults aged 18-88 years from Ningxia, China were recruited by a single stratified cluster random sampling method. METHODS: ORs and 95% CIs for associations between indices and MetS were calculated using binary logistic regression, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were performed to compare their predictive capacity for MetS. All results for men and women were analysed and presented separately. RESULTS: The highest adjusted ORs for MetS were observed for the following indices: AVI (OR 15.22, 95% CI 10.88 to 21.30), WHT.5R (OR 13.83, 95% CI 9.89 to 19.35) and BMI√WC (OR 12.14, 95% CI 8.79 to 16.76) in men, whereas BRI, WHtR (both OR 14.91, 95% CI 10.39 to 21.4), WHT.5R (OR 14.22, 95% CI 9.96 to 20.29) and AVI (OR 14.03, 95% CI 9.91 to 19.87) in women. In ROC analysis, AVI (AUC: 0.767 for men and 0.749 for women) and WHT.5R (AUC: 0.761 for men and 0.747 for women) showed the highest predictive ability for MetS. CONCLUSIONS: BMI√WC and WHT.5R were significantly positively associated with MetS, and AVI and WHT.5R could be useful screening tools for identifying MetS in both sexes.

Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, with a high incidence and no effective treatment. At present, the targeted therapy of intestinal microbes for NAFLD is highly valued. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), as the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarum, is considered to be a new type of prebiotic substance, which can improve NAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LBP supplementation in modulating gut microbiota for NAFLD patients. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study will be conducted in the physical examination center of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital. A total of 50 patients with NAFLD confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, laboratory tests, and questionnaire surveys will be recruited and randomly assigned into the control group (maltodextrin placebo capsules) and the intervention group (LBP supplementation capsules) for 3 months. Neither patients, nor investigators, nor data collectors will know the contents in each capsule and the randomization list. The primary outcome measure is the level of ALT concentration relief after the intervention. Secondary outcomes include gut microbiota abundance and diversity, intestinal permeability, patient's characteristic demographic data and body composition, adverse effects, and compliance from patients. DISCUSSION: LBPs are potential prebiotics with the property of regulating host gut microbiota. Our previous studies have documented that LBP supplement can improve the liver damage and the gut microflora dysbiosis in NAFLD rats. This treatment would provide a more in-depth understanding of the effect of this LBP supplementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2000034740 . Registered on 17 July 2020.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide combined with aerobic exercise ameliorated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through restoring gut microbiota, intestinal barrier and inhibiting hepatic inflammation.

Gut microbiota and intestinal permeability have been demonstrated to be the key players in the gut-liver cross talk in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), which seem to be a potential prebiotic, and aerobic exercise (AE) have shown protective effects on NAFLD. However, their combined effects on intestinal microecology remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of LBP, AE, and its combination (LBP + AE) on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier, and hepatic inflammation in NAFLD. LBP + AE showed high abundance and diversity of gut microbiota, restored the gut microbiota composition, increased some Bacteroidetes, short chain fatty acids, but decreased Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. Simultaneously, LBP, AE, and LBP + AE could restore the colonic and ileum tight junctions by increasing the expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin. They also downregulated gut-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), hepatic LPS-binding proteins, inflammatory factors, and related indicators of the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway for the liver. Our results implied that LBP could be considered a prebiotic agent, and LBP + AE might be a promising treatment for NAFLD because it could maintain gut microbiota balance, thereby restoring intestinal barrier and exerting hepatic benefits.

Dietary profile and phenolics consumption in university students from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China.

BACKGROUND: Polyphenol intake assessment is a first step for evaluating relationships between polyphenols and health-related outcomes. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is one of the minority areas in China, which is primarily consists of arid, dry desert. OBJECTIVES: This study was to make assessment about phenolics intake by university students from Ningxia of China. METHODS: This study employed data from a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to June 2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China. A total of 413 undergraduate students (143 boys, 270 girls), mean age 20.6 years, participated in the study. Food-frequency consumption and anthropometric measurements were included in the survey. According to phenol-explorer website, the amount of different classes of phenolic compounds were established. Statistics analyses were conducted with IBM SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: Profile of the student subjects showed low weight (19.1%), overweight (6.8%) and obesity (0.5%). The mean value about phenolics intake was 1378 mg/day. The main polyphenols consumed were flavonoids (58.7% of total polyphenols), followed by phenolic acids (38.1%). Vegetables, fruits and cereals products were the most consumed foods, while infusions and sugar products were lower. Fruit was the main food sources of total polyphenols, especially apple (22.95%), orange juice (19.03%) and apple juice (3.93%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on the polyphenol intake of university students in Ningxia of China. The present results will be benefit for further investigation on the role of polyphenol intake against disease occurrence for this adults group.

Profiles and neuroprotective effects of Lycium ruthenicum polyphenols against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (L. ruthenicum Murr.) is one of the perennial shrubs, which is commonly consumed as ethnic medicine and nutraceutical food. Herein, we detected eight polyphenols (including protocatechuic acid, catechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, quercetin, syringic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid) from Lycium ruthenicum. Furthermore, this study researched the potential neuroprotective mechanism of L. ruthenicum Murr. polyphenols (LRP) on PC12 cells under H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. The results showed that pretreatment with LRP significantly mitigates H2 O2 -induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner for PC12 cells. LRP pretreatment also ameliorated the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and restored mitochondrial membrane potential as well as prevented the activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 on PC12 cells under oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. This suggests that LRP will be a promising, safe candidate for delaying the onset and progress of neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lycium ruthenicum Murr. belonging to the Solanaceae family, which is widespread throughout the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. It is one of the well-known perennial shrubs. Moreover, it is well known for containing a considerable amount of polyphenols. It has been reported that Lycium ruthenicum has anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidative activities. Our results suggest that Lycium ruthenicum rich in polyphenols could contribute to delay in the onset and progress of neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. Hence, LRP could be labeled as a neuroprotective food, ingredient or supplement in the formulation of food products for the population under oxidative stress induced related neurological changes.

The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Angelica biserrata - A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Angelica biserrata (R.H. Shan & C.Q. Yuan) C.Q. Yuan & R.H. Shan (Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan) (A.biserrata) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine; its roots known as 'Duhuo' in China. The herb is used for expelling wind, eliminating dampness, and terminating pain. Moreover, it is used for treating the onset of anemofrigid-damp arthralgia, pain of the waist and knee and headache caused by latent wind pathogenic factor or damp-cold pathogenic factor. A.biserrata is slightly warm, bitter and pungent in taste, and it is well distributed in regions such as Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review aims to provide critical summary of the current evidence on A.biserrata. In particular, the progress of studies in the fields of botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity are discussed. Possible directions for future research are also briefly proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on A.biserrata was collected from the internet database PubMed, Elsevier, China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and Europe PMC using a combination of various relevant keywords. Other published books providing an overview of extant literature studies were considered for reference if they are related to the taxonomy, traditional knowledge, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of the plant. RESULTS: A substantial proportion of the isolated and identified compounds of the herb were reported to be coumarins and volatile oils. Biological effects, such as neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, and sedative, were also validated in In vitro and in vivo studies. Therapeutic effects are attributed to the bioactivities of the naturally occurring compounds in this herb. CONCLUSIONS: A.biserrata has been proven as a valuable medicinal sources from traditional herb. Some conventional uses has been evaluated by pharmacological investigation. Although the crude extracts of A.biserrata has been emerged to possess more pharmacological activities, it is now time to isolate and identify more active chemical constituents by Bioactivity-Guided and elucidate their structure-activity relationship. More designed investigations are need to focus on understanding the multi-target network pharmacology, clarity the molecular mechanism of action and efficacy as well as identifying the effective doses of A.biserrata. In addition, A.biserrata is not fully assessed regarding its safety. Further studies are essential to investigate its toxicity on human. It's useful to provide identify its underlying therapeutic remedy and economic value of developing new medicine in the future.

Neuroprotective effects of plant polysaccharides: A review of the mechanisms.

Polysaccharides are an important class of phytochemicals, and many studies have demonstrated their beneficial effects in the context of a number of pathologies including neurological disorders. Numerous studies have indicated that polysaccharides exhibit neuroprotection through a variety of mechanisms. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to consolidate studies for the period 2010-2016, and assessed the protection mechanisms on brain function of polysaccharide-rich extracts from natural sources. Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Reference lists of articles were also reviewed for additional relevant studies. Only articles published in English were included in this review. In total, 21 types of polysaccharides from 16 kinds of plants sources have shown neuroprotective properties. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated the ability of polysaccharide-rich extracts to provide neuroprotective effects through promotion of neurite outgrowth, and NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. This review will give a better understanding of the neurotrophic effects of polysaccharides and the concomitant modulations of signaling pathways. It is useful for designing more effective agents for management of neurological diseases.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cornus officinalis (Cornaceae), known in Chinese as "Shanzhuyu," is a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine. It tastes sour and is astringent and slightly warm in nature. Its fruits have long been used to treat kidney deficiency, high blood pressure, waist and knee pain, dizziness, tinnitus, impotence, spermatorrhea, menorrhagia, and other diseases in China. The main distribution areas are Shanxi and Gansu. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review focused on the ethnopharmacological uses of the herb. We also focus on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies on C. officinalis. The recent analytical methods developed for the quality control of the herb's constituents are also reviewed. Additionally, future trends and prospects in the study of this herb are proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on C. officinalis was gathered by searching the internet (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Scifinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar) and libraries. RESULTS: This review compiled the ethnopharmacological uses, including the classic prescriptions and historical applications. Approximately 300 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from C. officinalis. The major active components of the plant are organic acids and iridoids, among which morroniside and loganin have been extensively investigated. The fruit of the plant has been used in treating many diseases in traditional medicine. Scientific studies indicated the herb's wide range of pharmacological activities, such as hepatic and renal protection, antidiabetes activity, cardioprotection, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, analgesic effects, antiaging activity, antiamnesia, antiosteoporosis, and immunoregulation. The analytical methods developed for the quantitative and qualitative determination of various compounds in the herb were further reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we reviewed various studies conducted on C. officinalis, especially in areas of its ethnopharmacological use, as well as on its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and modern analytical methods used. Some of the herb's ethnomedical indications have been confirmed by the herb's pharmacological effects, such as its hepatic and renal protection and the antidiabetic effects. In particular, the crude extract and its chemical composition have exerted good therapeutic effect in diabetic treatment. C. officinalis entails additional attention on its pharmacological effects and drug development to expand its effective use clinically. Many advanced technologies are used for quality testing, but the detection component is exceedingly scarce for synthetically evaluating the quality of C. officinalis herbs. Thus, further research is necessary to investigate the quality control and toxicology of the plant, to further elucidate its clinical use, and to control herbal quality.

Melanocortin-4 receptor rs17782313 polymorphisms are associated with serum triglycerides in older Chinese women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: MC4R (melanocortin-4 receptor) gene polymorphisms have been associated with serum triglycerides (TG) in Caucasians and Japanese, but no reports are available Chinese. The purpose of this study was to find whether there was an association of rs17782313 polymorphisms at the MC4R gene with serum TG in elderly Chinese. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 2,012 over 40 years participated in a cross-sectional study in which their body mass index (BMI), TG, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and MC4R rs17782313 polymorphisms were determined. RESULTS: For women, carriers of the T/T genotype had significantly lower serum TG than those with C/C genotype (p=0.006). Carriers of the C/C genotype of this polymorphisms exhibited significantly lower fasting HDL-C levels compared with T/T and T/C genotypes (p=0.025), and increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p=0.043), but no change in blood pressure. Higher serum TG in carriers of the C/C genotype of MC4R gene remained stable after adjustment for age, smoking, drinking, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and three or more components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) by multivariable linear regression (p=0.01) in women. The carriers of the C/C genotype of MC4R gene showed significantly greater odds ratio for TG than T/C and T/T genotypes, even when adjusted for age, smoking, drinking, BMI and WC in women. CONCLUSIONS: The rs17782313 C/C genotype is associated with higher TG levels in older Chinese women.