Betaine supplementation fails to improve body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies evaluating the effects of betaine supplementation on body composition offer contradictory findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of betaine supplementation on body composition indices (body mass (BM), BMI, body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM)), and dietary intakes. Studies examining the effects of betaine supplementation on body composition and dietary intakes published up to August 2021 were identified through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, SCOPUS and Ovid databases. Betaine supplementation failed to significantly affect BM ((weighted mean difference (WMD): -0·40 kg, 95 % CI -1·46, 0·64), P = 0·447), BMI ((WMD: -0·05 kg/m2, 95 % CI -0·36, 0·25), P = 0·719), BFP ((WMD: 0·26 %, 95 % CI -0·82, 1·36), P = 0·663), FM ((WMD: -0·57 kg, 95 % CI -2·14, 0·99), P = 0·473) and FFM ((WMD: 0·61 kg, 95 % CI -1·27, 2·49), P = 0·527). Subgroup analyses based on participant's age (< 40 and > 40 years), sex, BMI, trial duration (< 8 and ≥ 8 weeks), betaine supplementation dosage (< 4 and ≥ 4 g) and health status (healthy or unhealthy) demonstrated similar results. Other than a potential negligible increase in protein intake (WMD: 3·56 g, 95 % CI 0·24, 6·88, P = 0·035), no changes in dietary intakes were observed following betaine supplementation compared with control. The present systematic review and meta-analysis does not show any beneficial effects of betaine supplementation on body composition indices (BM, BMI, FM and FFM).

Effects of betaine supplementation on cardiovascular markers: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Controversy regarding the effects of betaine supplementation on cardiovascular markers has persisted for decades. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effects of betaine supplementation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. Studies examining betaine supplementation on CVD markers published up to February 2021 were identified through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SCOPUS. Betaine supplementation had a significant effect on concentrations of betaine (MD: 82.14 µmol/L, 95% CI: 67.09 to 97.20), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: 14.12 mg/dl, 95% CI%: 9.23 to 19.02), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD: 10.26 mg/dl, 95% CI: 6.14 to 14.38)], homocysteine (WMD: -1.30 micromol/L, 95% CI: -1.61 to -0.98), dimethylglycine (DMG) (MD: 21.33 micromol/L, 95% CI: 13.87 to 28.80), and methionine (MD: 2.06 micromol/L, 95% CI: 0.23 to 3.88). Moreover, our analysis indicated that betaine supplementation did not affect serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), C-reactive protein (CRP), liver enzymes [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], and blood pressure. Our subgroup analysis suggested that a maximum dose of 4 g/d might have homocysteine-lowering effects without any adverse effect on lipid profiles reported with doses of ≥4 g/d. In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis supports the advantage of a lower dose of betaine supplementation (<4 g/d) on homocysteine concentrations without the lipid-augmenting effect observed with a higher dosage.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes of Asthmatic Children with Vitamin D Insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: The extensive impacts of vitamin D on the immune system has gathered the attention of scholars in last years. In this regard, studies about vitamin D and incidence of asthma have showed various results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplements on clinical outcomes in asthmatic children with vitamin D insufficiency. MATERIALS & METHODS: This before-after interventional study was conducted on all asthmatic children who attended the Be'sat Hospital, Iran. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, asthma severity and pulmonary function tests before and after therapeutic prescription of vitamin D were evaluated. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean age of the samples was 10.69±9.78 years and 39 subjects (57.4%) were male. The primary mean level of serum 25(OH)D (18.21±8.22, ng/mL) has significantly (p<0.05) increased after treatment (35.45±9.35, ng/mL). Also, asthma severity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC indicators were significantly (p<0.05) increased after treatment. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that therapeutic prescription of vitamin D is very effective in improving the clinical status of asthmatic children.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Its Main Compounds.

Berberis vulgaris is a well-known herb in Iran that is widely used as a medicinal plant and a food additive. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Barberry and its main compounds. This narrative review was conducted by searching keywords such as B. vulgaris, Barberry, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, medicinal herbs, plants, and extract, separately or combined in various databases, such as Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, just English language articles, which reported effective whole plants or herbal compounds, were included. 21 articles were reviewed in this study. In the in vivo models (mice, rats, and human cells) and in the in vitro models (some organ cells such as the spleen, kidney, blood, and brain), B. vulgaris and its main components showed anti-inflammatory effects in both models. The main mechanisms were the shift of cell immune response to Th2, T reg induction, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF, and IFN-γ), and stimulation of IL-4 and IL-10. The induction of apoptosis in APCs and other effector cells was another important mechanism.

Medicinal Plants in the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer.

The standard treatment for cancer is generally based on using cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, the use of traditional treatments has received attention in recent years. The aim of the present work was to provide an overview of medicinal plants effective on colon cancer with special emphasis on bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action. Various literature databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, were used and English language articles were considered. Based on literature search, 172 experimental studies and 71 clinical cases on 190 plants were included. The results indicate that grape, soybean, green tea, garlic, olive, and pomegranate are the most effective plants against colon cancer. In these studies, fruits, seeds, leaves, and plant roots were used for in vitro and in vivo models. Various anticolon cancer mechanisms of these medicinal plants include induction of superoxide dismutase, reduction of DNA oxidation, induction of apoptosis by inducing a cell cycle arrest in S phase, reducing the expression of PI3K, P-Akt protein, and MMP as well; reduction of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins, and decrease of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and cyclin E. Plant compounds also increase both the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p53, p21, and p27, and the BAD, Bax, caspase 3, caspase 7, caspase 8, and caspase 9 proteins levels. In fact, purification of herbal compounds and demonstration of their efficacy in appropriate in vivo models, as well as clinical studies, may lead to alternative and effective ways of controlling and treating colon cancer.

An update and systematic review on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

OBJECTIVES: Primary dysmenorrhea is a painful uterine contraction caused by endometrial laceration. Drug therapies and complementary medicine have been used to treat dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate and offer an updated perspective on the treatments for dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The present study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The required information was collected based on searches for the following keywords: treatment, primary dysmenorrhea, medicinal plants, chemical drugs, and herbs. Searches were performed on databases Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Iran medex, and SID by March 2018 to find literature in the English and Persian languages on this subject without a time limit. RESULTS: This review included 17 papers, 10 of which on complementary medicine, three on drug therapies, and four on acupuncture and acupressure. The largest and smallest samples had 303 and 24 patients, respectively. Length of treatment ranged from one to six months and the measures most commonly used in the studies were the visual analogue scale and clinical efficacy. Reported complications included gastrointestinal events, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver and kidney disorders. CONCLUSION: Medicinal plants, drugs, and acupressure seem to suppress pain by reducing the level of prostaglandins, mediating nitric oxide, increasing beta-endorphin levels, blocking the calcium channel, and enhancing circulatory flow through the uterine pathway. Further trials are required to confirm the benefits of the procedures described and ensure the absence of complications.

The effect of celery (Apium graveolens L.) on fertility: A systematic review.

Background Fertility and infertility problems are among the complex issues in medicine. The use of herbal products in the treatment of fertility has been considered as an alternative to synthetic drugs. Celery containing known compounds can have an impact on the fertility rate. The aim of this study was to do a systematic review on conducted studies in conjunction with the celery and reproduction. Methods Required papers were searched from databases like Science direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Springer. Keywords used in this study were "Apium graveolens L.", "fertility", "reproductive system", "sperm", "testis", "delivery", "sexual hormone", "LH", "FSH", "testosterone", "semen", "male", and "female". Out of 238 collected articles (published in the period 1995 to 2015), 222 were excluded due to non-relevance and lack of access to the original article. Results The notable points were the different results seen by different researchers during different treatment periods or at different doses. Of the 16 studies reviewed in this study, 13 studies have mentioned the positive effect of celery on fertility, while three studies reported the inhibitory effects of this plant. Conclusions Celery can have protective effects against substances such as sodium valproate, propylene glycol, and diethyl phthalate causing damages to the testicular structure and spermatogenesis. In this regard, the doses used and the treatment time while using the plant must be accurately investigated. Since there are compounds such as apigenin, the celery can induce inhibitory effects on fertility in case of chronic use or high concentration.

A Review of the Antioxidant Activity of Celery ( Apium graveolens L).

Plants are an important source of natural active products that are different, based on mechanism and biological properties. Celery ( Apium graveolens L) is a plant from the apiaceae family and phenolic and antioxidant compounds of this plant have been studied by several scientists. The aim of this study was to review systematically the antioxidant activity of celery. Required articles were searched from databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Springer. Keywords used in this study were Apium graveolens L, celery, antioxidant, free radical, leaf, and seed. Out of 980 collected articles (published in the period 1997-2015), 9 studies finally met the inclusion criteria and were considered. Celery, because of compounds such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, tannin, saponin, and kaempferol, has powerful antioxidant characteristics, to remove free radicals. It is clear that celery, with different compounds and diverse concentration can have varied healing effects. It is suggested that the next studies concentrate on other therapeutic and industrial attributes of celery.

Effective Medicinal Plant in Cancer Treatment, Part 2: Review Study.

Cancer is the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. With due attention to rapid progress in the phytochemical study of plants, they are becoming popular because of their anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effective medicinal plants in the treatment of cancer and study their mechanism of action. In order to gather information the keywords "traditional medicine," "plant compounds," "medicinal plant," "medicinal herb," "toxicity," "anticancer effect," "cell line," and "treatment" were searched in international databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus and national databases such as Magiran, Sid, and Iranmedex, and a total of 228 articles were collected. In this phase, 49 nonrelevant articles were excluded. Enhancement P53 protein expression, reducing the expression of proteins P27, P21, NFκB expression and induction of apoptosis, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and reduction of the level of acid phosphatase and lipid peroxidation are the most effective mechanisms of herbal plants that can inhibit cell cycle and proliferation. Common treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause some complications. According to results of this study, herbal extracts have antioxidant compounds that can induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation by the investigated mechanisms.

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Leaf on Anxiety in Mice.

In today's stressful world, psychopathy (especially anxiety) is receiving increased importance. Most of the drugs used to treat this disease have several side effects. Medicinal plants derived from natural products have fewer side effects and can be used in the treatment of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on anxiety in mice. In this experimental study, 50 male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. To evaluate anxiety, the Elevated Plus Maze test was performed. The control group received normal saline, the positive control group received diazepam (1 mg/kg) as intraperitoneal injection, and the experimental groups received doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of rosemary extract. The data were analyzed using SPSS 15 and ANOVA statistical tests. The results show that rosemary extract dose-dependently increases the mice spending time and the entries number of mice in plus maze open arms (indicating less stress). This effect at a dose of 400 mg/kg was similar to diazepam, which, in comparison to the control group, was statistically significant (P < .01), while the evaluation of locomotor activity in treated groups, compared with the control groups, showed no significant difference (P > .05). On the other hand, the rosemary extract, similar to the standard drug diazepam, showed an anti-anxiety effect. This effect is probably due to the presence of flavonoids in this plant and their antioxidant property.

The role of medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and plenty of medical plants are used in traditional medicines to treat diabetes. These plants have no side effects and many existing medicines are derived from the plants. The purpose of this systematic review is to study diabetes and to summarize the available treatments for this disease, focusing especially on herbal medicine. METHODS: Required papers about diabetes and effective plants were searched from the databases, including Science direct, PubMed, Wiley, Scopus, and Springer. Keywords in this study are "medicinal plants", "diabetes", "symptom", "herbal", and "treatment". Out of the 490 collected articles (published in the period between 1995 and 2015), 450 were excluded due to non-relevance or lack of access to the original article. RESULTS: Diabetes is mainly due to oxidative stress and an increase in reactive oxygen species that can have major effects. Many plants contain different natural antioxidants, in particular tannins, flavonoids, C and E vitamins that have the ability to maintain ß-cells performance and decrease glucose levels in the blood. CONCLUSION: According to published results, it can be said that medical plants are more affordable and have less side effects compared synthetic drugs, and are more effective in treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (Nigella sativa).

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering plant from Ranunculaceae family, native to southwest Asia. This plant has many food and medicinal uses. The use of its seeds and oil is common for treatment of many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory diseases, diabetes and digestive diseases. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive review on the scientific reports that have been published about N. sativa. The facts and statistics presented in this review article were gathered from the journals accessible in creditable databases such as Science Direct, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, EMBASE, SID and IranMedex. The keywords searched in Persian and English books on medicinal plants and traditional medicine, as well as the above reputable databases were "Black seed", "Nigella sativa", "therapeutic effect", and "medicinal plant". The results showed that N. sativa has many biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and wound healing activities. It also has effects on reproductive, digestive, immune and central nervous systems, such as anticonvulsant and analgesic activities. In summary, it can be used as a valuable plant for production of new drugs for treatment of many diseases.

A Systematic Review of Iran's Medicinal Plants With Anticancer Effects.

Increase in cases of various cancers has encouraged the researchers to discover novel, more effective drugs from plant sources. This study is a review of medicinal plants in Iran with already investigated anticancer effects on various cell lines. Thirty-six medicinal plants alongside their products with anticancer effects as well as the most important plant compounds responsible for the plants' anticancer effect were introduced. Phenolic and alkaloid compounds were demonstrated to have anticancer effects on various cancers in most studies. The plants and their active compounds exerted anticancer effects by removing free radicals and antioxidant effects, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. The investigated plants in Iran contain the compounds that are able to contribute effectively to fighting cancer cells. Therefore, the extract and active compounds of the medicinal plants introduced in this review article could open a way to conduct clinical trials on cancer and greatly help researchers and pharmacists develop new anticancer drugs.

The Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill on Leukocytes and Hematological Tests in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have a long history in treating blood disorders, which is one of the most common problems in today's advanced world. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a medicinal plant with a high content of polyphenols and has antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel on some hematological indices in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (five rats in each group). The first group (control) did not receive any dose; the second group (sham) received 1 mL normal saline (extraction solvent); and the experimental groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively received 1 mL hydro alcoholic extract of fennel in four doses of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight every 48 hours for 30 days by gavage. One day after the last gavage following induction of anesthesia and taking blood from the heart of rats, measurement of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and tests of bleeding and coagulation time (CT) were performed. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test using SPSS15 software. RESULTS: Fennel increased mean RBC (7.54 ± 0.53 × 106) and WBC (5.89 ± 0.78 × 103) values, especially at a dose of 250 mg/mL and CT (2.45 ± 0.20) at a dose of 500mg/mL compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fennel increased red and white blood cells probably due to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of fennel and reduced negative effects of free radicals on blood cells.

The Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Apium graveolens Leaf on the Number of Sexual Cells and Testicular Structure in Rat.

BACKGROUND: Use of medicinal plants with high antioxidant properties could be effective to increase fertility and improvement of disorders such as hormonal imbalance, impotency, oligospermia and immotile sperm. Celery (Apium graveolens) is rich in antioxidant agents. The leaf and stems of celery contain phenols, furanocoumarin and luteolin. Apigenin is one of the main flavonoids of celery leaf. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of celery on histological properties of testis and number of sexual cells in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each. Control, did not receive any medication; sham, received normal saline; and two groups received celery extract orally in dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg/BW once every two days for 60 days. At the end, animals were anesthetized, and caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After fixation of testis, tissue sections were prepared and studied microscopically to evaluate morphometric (lumen diameter, number of primary spermatocyte and sertoli cell) and histological changes. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test using SPSS15 software. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the number of sperms, sertoli cells, and primary spermatocyte (P < 0.05) in groups receiving extract; however, structural changes were not observed in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that celery increases spermatogenesis in male rats, but has no destructive effects on testicular tissue.