Effect of Black Garlic Consumption on Endothelial Function and Lipid Profile: A Before-and-After Study in Hypercholesterolemic and Non-Hypercholesterolemic Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Black garlic is obtained from raw garlic (Allium sativum L.), by a fermentation process, under humidity and heat treatment, showing a high concentration of organosulfur compounds, which have been related to benefits in the prevention or delay of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The objective of the research was to evaluate whether long-term consumption of black garlic improves endothelial function and lipid profile in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Single center, controlled clinical trial with two branches: Hypercholesterolemia vs. Healthy condition. Sixty-two subjects of both sexes were distributed in two groups, the hypercholesterolemia group (n = 31) (total cholesterol (TC) range 200-300 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol range 135-175 mg/dL) and the healthy group (n = 31). The intervention consisted of the ingestion of 4 cloves of black garlic (12 g) daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS: significant increases in Apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 occurred in both groups: Hypercholesterolemia (Δ 11.8 mg/dL p < 0.001) vs Healthy (Δ 11.1 mg/dL p < 0.001). Besides, significant reductions for endothelial adhesion molecules monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (Δ -121.5 pg/mL p = 0.007 vs. Δ -56.3 pg/mL p = 0.015), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (Δ -39.3 ng/mL p < 0.001 vs. Δ 63.5 ng/mL p < 0.001), and vascular cyto-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (Δ -144.4 ng/mL p < 0.001 vs. Δ -83.4 ng/mL p = 0.061) were observed, for hypercholesterolemic and healthy subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that black garlic consumption could improve some parameters related to endothelial function and lipid profile, which may have a favorable impact on the risk of CVDs, although more long-term studies are necessary to confirm.

Antioxidant Activity in Extracts from Zingiberaceae Family: Cardamom, Turmeric, and Ginger.

An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is even more remarkable in elder populations, to whom these become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one's diet that can prevent oxidative stress. Previous studies and clinical data suggest that some plant-based products can slow and reduce the cellular degradation associated with aging and age-related diseases. Many plants from one family present several applications that range from the food to the pharmaceutical industry due to their characteristic flavor and scents. The Zingiberaceae family, which includes cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiemetic activities and properties that help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These products are abundant sources of chemical substances, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids. The main bioactive compounds found in this family (cardamom, turmeric, and ginger) are 1,8-cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, ß-turmerone, and α-zingiberene. The present review gathers evidence surrounding the effects of dietary intake of extracts of the Zingiberaceae family and their underlying mechanisms of action. These extracts could be an adjuvant treatment for oxidative-stress-related pathologies. However, the bioavailability of these compounds needs to be optimized, and further research is needed to determine appropriate concentrations and their antioxidant effects in the body.

Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases.

Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus erythematosus are some of common inflammatory diseases. These affections are highly disabling and share signals such as inflammatory sequences and immune dysregulation. The use of foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) could improve the quality of life of these patients. Ginger is a plant widely used and known by its bioactive compounds. There is enough evidence to prove that ginger possesses multiple biological activities, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the bioactive compounds of ginger and their role in the inflammatory process and its signaling pathways. We can conclude that the compounds 6-shoagol, zingerone, and 8-shoagol display promising results in human and animal models, reducing some of the main symptoms of some inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. For lupus, 6-gingerol demonstrated a protective attenuating neutrophil extracellular trap release in response to phosphodiesterase inhibition. Ginger decreases NF-kß in psoriasis, and its short-term administration may be an alternative coadjuvant treatment. Ginger may exert a function of supplementation and protection against cancer. Furthermore, when receiving chemotherapy, ginger may reduce some symptoms of treatment (e.g., nausea).

Effects of a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in the Plasma of a Healthy Population: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial.

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines.

Deficiencia de vitamina D en preadolescentes sanas que viven en Colombia / Vitamin D deficiency in healthy preadolescents living in Colombia

La vitamina D es esencial para el funcionamiento del organismo. Su deficiencia puede estar asociada tanto a patologías óseas, como a otras afecciones sistémicas. La prevalencia de la hipovitaminosis está aumentando, en todas las edades, incluidos niños y adolescentes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los niveles sanguíneos de vitamina D en niñas colombianas, analizando también la dieta, la actividad física y la exposición solar. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 52 niñas sanas prepúberes de Pasto (Colombia), entre 7 y 10 años. Se analizaron los niveles de albúmina, calcio, fósforo, magnesio, calcitriol (1,25 dihidroxicolecalciferol) y calcidiol (25 hidroxicolecalciferol). Se realizaron encuestas sobre hábitos alimentarios, actividad física y exposición solar. El 51,1% de las niñas evaluadas presentó insuficiencia de 25-OH-VITD y el 40% presentó deficiencia (< 20 ng/mL). Ninguna niña se encontraba en desnutrición u obesidad, el 10% se encontraba en riesgo de bajo peso (IMC ≤ -1DE y > -2DE), el 4 % presentaba sobrepeso (≥ +1DE y < +2DE), y el 34 % se encontraban en riesgo de talla baja (T/E: -1 y -2 DE). La ingesta media de calorías/día fue inferior a las recomendadas. Se observó una ingesta deficiente de vitamina D, calcio y magnesio (p > 0,05), así como de fibra (p > 0,05). Se pone de manifiesto una deficiencia de vitamina D en las niñas evaluadas a pesar de tener una actividad física y una exposición solar adecuadas. Además, se observan ingestas deficientes de fibra, calcio, magnesio y vitamina D. Habría por tanto que asegurar la ingesta e incluso suplementar para evitar problemas de salud en la edad adulta(AU)

Vitamin D is essential for the body to function. Its deficiency can be associated with bone pathologies as well as other systemic conditions. The prevalence of hypovitaminosisis increasing, in all ages, including children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood levels of vitamin D in Colombian girls, also analyzing diet, physical activity and sun exposure. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 52 healthy prepubertal girls from Pasto (Colombia), between 7 and 10 yearsold. The levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcitriol (1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol) and calcidiol (25 hydroxycholecalciferol) were analyzed. Surveys were conducted one a ting habits, physicalactivity and sun exposure. 51.1% of the girls evaluated presented 25-OH-VITD insufficiency and 40% presented deficiency (<20 ng / mL). None of the girls were under nourished or obese, 10% were at risk of low weight (BMI ≤ -1SD and> -2SD), 4% were overweight (≥ + 1DE and <+ 2DE), and 34% were they were at risk of short stature (T / E: -1 and -2 SD). The average calorie intake / day was lower than recommended. A deficient intake of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium (p> 0.05), as well as fiber (p> 0.05) was observed. A vitamin D deficiency is evident in the girls evaluated despite adequate physical activity and sun exposure. In addition, deficient intakes of fiber, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are observed. Therefore, it would be necessary to ensure the intake and even supplement to avoid health problems in adulthood(AU)

Variations on cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome after consume of a citrus-based juice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inflammation and oxidative stress plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome often occurs with these two variables. The aim of the study is to estimate variations on cardiovascular risk factors in Metabolic Syndrome patients after consume of a citrus-based juice compared with control groups. METHODS: The study comprised 20 healthy subjects and 33 patients with Metabolic Syndrome. 18 patients consume daily 300 mL of a citrus-based juice during 6 month and 15 patients consume 300 mL of a placebo beverage. The control group consumes a citrus-based juice. Before, at fourth month and at sixth month after treatment the following parameters were determined: lipid profile, oxidized LDL, C-Reactive Protein and Homocysteine. The study was carried out in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, and the Ethical Committee of the San Antonio Catholic University and approved the protocol (6 November 2006, register number: 1424). RESULTS: After six months of citrus-based juice consuming, there is significant differences at 95% confidence in oxidized LDL, C-Reactive Protein, and Homocysteine in Metabolic Syndrome patients who consume citrus-based juice. We have not found significant differences in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consume of citrus-based juice improve lipid profile and inflammation markers in Metabolic Syndrome patients.