Curcumin effects on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: Curcumin has antioxidant properties and has been proposed as a potential treatment for NAFLD. The aim of current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate previous findings for the effect of curcumin supplementation on glycaemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and anthropometric measurements of NAFLD patients. METHODS: Relevant studies published up to January 2024 were searched systematically using the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, Science Direct, Ovid and Cochrane. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the papers was assessed the using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model and reported as the WMD and 95% CI. Also, subgroup analyses were done to find probable sources of heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: Out of 21010 records initially identified, 21 eligible RCTs were selected for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Overall, 1191 participants of both genders, 600 in the intervention and 591 in the control group with NAFLD were included. There are several limitations in the studies that were included, for instance, the results are weakened substantially by potential bias or failure to account for potential adulteration (with pharmaceuticals) or contamination (with other herbs) of the curcumin supplements that were tested. However, previous studies have reported curcumin to be a safe complementary therapy for several conditions. Our study indicated that curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day was associated with significant change in FBG [WMD: -2.83; 95% CI: -4.61, -1.06), I2 = 51.3%], HOMA-IR [WMD: -0.52; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.20), I2= 82.8%], TG [WMD: -10.31; 95% CI: -20.00, -0.61), I2 = 84.5%], TC [WMD: -11.81; 95% CI: -19.65, -3.96), I2 = 94.6%], LDL [WMD: -8.01; 95% CI: -15.79, -0.24), I2 = 96.1%], weight [WMD: -0.81; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.35), I2= 0.0%] and BMI [WMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.13), I2= 0.0%] in adults with NAFLD. There was no significant change in HbA1C, plasma insulin, QUICKI, HDL, SBP, DBP, CRP, TNF-α and WC after curcumin therapy. Subgroup analysis suggested a significant changes in serum FBG, TG, SBP, WC in RCTs for intervention durations of ≥ 8 weeks, and SBP, TG, LDL, HDL, BMI, WC in RCTs with sample size > 55 participants. CONCLUSION: Curcumin supplementation in doses of 50-3000 mg/day over 8-12 weeks was associated with significant reductions in levels of FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have reported curcumin as a safe complementary therapy for several diseases. We would suggest that should curcumin supplements be used clinically in specific conditions, it should be used with caution. Also, difference in grades of NAFLD may effect the evaluated outcomes, so it is suggested that future studies be conducted with an analyses on subgroups according to their NAFLD grade. Furthermore, because of the failure to conduct independent biochemical assessment of the turmeric/curcumin product used in most studies as well as potential sources of bias, results should be interpreted with caution.

The effects of soymilk plus probiotics supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the effects of soymilk plus probiotics co-administration on cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients. METHODS: One hundred patients with T2DM (aged 40-75 years old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (soymilk + probiotics supplement, soymilk + placebo, conventional milk + placebo, and probiotics supplement) for 6 weeks. Standard protocols were followed for the collection of fasting blood samples, dietary intakes, and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: It was shown that soymilk + probiotics consumption significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01), and insulin (P < 0.003) levels and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.002) levels. Soymilk + placebo administration significantly decreased DBP (p = 0.01), insulin (p = 0.006), and TG (p = 0.001) levels and significantly increased HDL-C (p = 0.03) levels. A significant decrease in insulin (p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.01) levels and an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.04) levels were observed after supplementation with probiotics. Findings from between-group comparisons showed a significant decrease in SBP levels in the probiotics supplement group compared to conventional milk group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Soymilk and probiotics consumption might improve some cardiovascular risk factors in patients with T2DM. However, possible synergic effects while consumption of soymilk plus probiotics supplement didn't show in this study which warranted further research.

A comparison of the effects of cinnamon, ginger, and metformin consumption on metabolic health, anthropometric indices, and sexual hormone levels in women with poly cystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background/objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women that can alter blood glucose, lipid profile and sexual hormonal level. Therefore, the evaluation of potential therapeutic agents in this population is important. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of cinnamon, ginger, and metformin intake on improvement of sex hormones level, metabolic health (lipid profiles, insulin level and fasting blood glucose) and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index (BMI), etc.) in women with PCOS. Methods: A total of 100 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: cinnamon (500 mg of cinnamon, 3 × day), ginger (500 mg of ginger, 3 × day), metformin (500 mg of metformin 3 × day) or placebo. However, 17 participants were excluded for various reasons and consequently, 83 participants were considered for analysis. Sexual hormones, anthropometrics, glycemic and lipid markers were evaluated before and after the 8-week intervention. Results: Weight and BMI decreased significantly in all intervention groups. The consumption of metformin and cinnamon significantly decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in comparison to the placebo and ginger groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease in FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) levels were observed in the ginger compared to the placebo group. While metformin and cinnamon significantly lowered testosterone levels (P < 0.05), none of the groups experienced a significant change in DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in women with PCOS, cinnamon supplementation causes similar reductions in insulin resistance and testosterone level to that of metformin. Ginger supplementation decreased FSH and LH, hormonal effects not seen following metformin consumption. Overall, cinnamon and ginger supplementations may potentially be used as alternative treatment in women with PCOS. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.irct.ir/trial/28548], identifier [IRCT20171227038105N1].

Comparison of nutritional supplements for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

AIMS: Direct and indirect evidence were combined in this systematic-review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and compare the effect of nutritional supplements on glycemic control, and rank the supplements accordingly. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to April 2021. We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of vitamins D, C, and E, magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium, and omega-3 on at least one glycemic marker, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA-B, and insulin, in adults with type 2 diabetes. To estimate effectiveness of supplements, a random-effects NMA in the Bayesian framework was applied. To assess risk of bias, Cochrane Collaboration Tool was used. RESULTS: Analysis of 178 studies indicated that zinc, vitamin D, omega-3, vitamin C, and vitamin E were effective in reducing HbA1c with low certainty. For reduction of FBS, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C, and for HOMA-IR, vitamin D were effective with low certainty. None of the supplements were effective in the reduction of insulin and HOMA-B with low certainty. After excluding poor-quality studies, only vitamin D was significantly effective in reducing all of the markers. Consistently, when the analysis was restricted to studies with a duration of ≥12-weeks, vitamin D reduced HbA1c, FBS, and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation was more effective compared to other supplements in improving HbA1c, FBS, and HOMA-IR, albeit with low certainty of evidence. This result was confirmed by low-risk of bias studies. REGISTRATION: CRD42021240691.

The effect of pro-/synbiotic supplementation on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

There is growing interest in supplementation with pro-/synbiotics for brain and mental health. Animal studies have reported that pro-/synbiotic administration can increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key regulator of neuronal function. Nevertheless, the results obtained from human studies are inconsistent and conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the impact of pro-/synbiotic supplementation on BDNF levels. Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched up to July 10, 2022 to find eligible RCTs. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed for BDNF using a random-effects model. In the present study, 10 RCTs with 12 treatment arms consisting of 652 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with pro-/synbiotics significantly increased BDNF concentrations in comparison with the placebo (WMD: 0.20 ng mL-1, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.34, I2 = 86.6%). Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that the target population, ethnicity and the mean age of participants, the number and type of probiotic strains, administration form, and the dose and duration of pro-/synbiotic supplementation were the potential sources of heterogeneity between RCTs. In conclusion, pro-/synbiotic administration can be considered as a BDNF enhancer and a possible brain booster.

Antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) sauce on patients with hypertension: A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Systemic arterial hypertension is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases. Spirulina is microalgae with nutritious ingredients and has potential attenuating effects on chronic diseases including hypertension. Spirulina can be added to food products in order to develop functional foods. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 8-week consumption of a salad dressing containing 2 g of spirulina platensis powder versus a placebo dressing on patients with hypertension. In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 48 patients with hypertension were enrolled to receive daily either spirulina-fortified dressing or placebo for 2 months. A total of 41 patients completed this study. We observed that the consumption of spirulina dressing significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (p = .02), diastolic blood pressure (p = .03), serum triglyceride (p = .01), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, compared to nonsignificant changes in the placebo group. Significant changes in TAC and hs-CRP levels were observed in none of the groups. According to our findings, spirulina-fortified dressing as a functional food can be used a supportive treatment for patients with hypertension along with standard antihypertensive drugs. However, further investigations are required for a more comprehensive conclusion.

Effect of Artemisia extract on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Animal and human studies have indicated anti-diabetic effect of Asteraceae. The present study aimed to systematically review and analyse randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of Artemisia extract on glycemic status in patients with impaired glycemic control. METHODS: Web of Science, Cochrane library, EMBASE and PubMed databases were searched from the earliest possible date up to 7th October 2020. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis showed that supplementation with Artemisia extract decreased homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.734, 95% CI: -1.236 to -0.232, P = .019) in comparison to placebo. However, reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (-0.595, 95% CI: -1.566 to 0.376, P = .164), insulin (-0.322, 95% CI: -1.047 to 0.404, P = .286) and glycated haemoglobin (-0.106, 95% CI: -0.840 to 0.629, P = .678) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with Artemisia extract may reduce HOMA-IR, but beneficial effects on other markers such as FBG requires further investigations.

Adverse effects of conjugated linoleic acids supplementation on circulating lipoprotein (a) levels in overweight and obese individuals: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA) may have beneficial effects on the prevention of atherosclerosis, but their net effects on circulating levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] are unclear. The present study aimed to systematically review and analyze the Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of CLA on circulating Lp (a) concentrations. A literature search of SCOPUS, PubMed-Medline, ISI, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases was conducted for the relevant RCTs investigating the effects of CLA supplementation on circulating Lp (a) levels, which had been published up to 20 August 2020. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were reported as the summary statistics. Statistical analysis were done with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V2 software (Biostat, NJ). Totally, six studies with 13 treatment arms including 752 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a significant increase in circulating Lp (a) levels after CLA supplementation (WMD: 16.68 mg/L, 95% CI: 5.43-27.93; P=0.004) with no evidence of heterogeneity across the studies. In the subgroup analysis, a more significant elevation of Lp (a) levels was observed in the trials lasting for six months or more (WMD: 21.61 mg/L, 95% CI: 9.85-33.37, P<0.001) as well as in those with a supplementation dosage of ≥3.5 g/d (WMD: 26.13 mg/L, 95% CI: 7.02-45.24, P=0.007). These findings were sensitive to one study. It can be concluded that CLA supplementation with a dose of ≥3.5 g/d over a six-month period might significantly increase the circulating Lp (a) concentrations.

Prudent and traditional dietary patterns are positively and negatively associated with bone mineral density in Iranian adults, respectively.

To assess the association of dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD), 340 healthy Iranian adults (mean age 41.5 ± 7.7 y; 79.1% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and three major dietary patterns were identified using principal component factor analysis. Mean values for lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs in participants were 0.96 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0.12 g/cm2, respectively. After controlling for age, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, sunlight exposure, gender, education, employment status, supplement intake, and smoking in the analysis of covariance models, multivariable adjusted means of femoral neck BMD of participants in the highest tertile of the prudent pattern score (rich in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, tomatoes, yellow vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, olives, nuts, fish, low-fat dairy products, and Doogh) were significantly higher than those in the lowest tertile (mean difference and 95% CI: 0.043 [0.003; 0.083] g/cm2, P = 0.032). In contrast, multivariable adjusted means of lumbar spine BMD of participants in the highest tertile of the traditional pattern score (high in Abgoosht, vegetable oils, salt, legumes, pickles, cruciferous vegetables, refined grains, potatoes, and organ meats) were significantly lower than those in the lowest tertile (mean difference and 95% CI: -0.057 [-0.098; -0.015] g/cm2, P = 0.003). The Western pattern was not associated with BMD. In conclusion, the prudent and traditional dietary patterns are positively and negatively associated with BMD in Iranian adults, respectively.

The effect of fenugreek seed supplementation on serum irisin levels, blood pressure, and liver and kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A parallel randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the effects of fenugreek seed (FS) on serum irisin levels, blood pressure, and liver and kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: In an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial, T2DM patients (n = 50) were assigned to the intervention (5 g FS powder, 3 times a day) or control group. Both groups received anti-diabetic drugs and nutritional consults. Serum samples were collected and blood pressure was measured at baseline and end of the trial. Data on dietary intake and physical activity was determined using the questionnaires. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, FS consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (p = 0.024), as well as a significant change in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.02) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p = 0.001). Within-group analysis showed a significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.014), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.001), and irisin (p = 0.001) in the FS group, and a significant increase in creatinine (Cr) (p = 0.001) and decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.001) in the control group. FS consumption did not have any significant effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). CONCLUSION: FS intake has some beneficial effects on FPG, SBP, and some liver and kidney function tests in patients with T2DM. Further studies are required to investigate the effect of FS on irisin levels. Trial registration number http://www.irct.ir, code: IRCT20190618043924N1.

Sesame oil and vitamin E co-administration may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a clustering of metabolic abnormalities that are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the effects of sesame oil enriched with vitamin E (vit E), sesame oil alone and sunflower oil on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), malondialdehyde (MDA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), and blood pressure (BP) in patients with MetS. SUBJECTS: Overall, 75 individuals with MetS (aged 30-70 years) participated in this randomized, single-blind controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to: (1) Group A (n = 25): sesame oil (30 ml/day) enriched with vit E (400 mg/day), (2) Group B (n = 25): sesame oil (30 ml/day), (3) Group C (n = 25): sunflower oil (30 ml/day). Anthropometric data, dietary intake, blood pressure, and biochemical markers, including fasting serum lipids, FBG, serum insulin, MDA, and hs-CRP were measured at baseline and at week 8. RESULTS: In individuals in the sesame oil enriched with vit E group (Group A), there were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), FBG, HOMA-IR, MDA, hs-CRP, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) systolic and diastolic BP (for all the comparison p < 0.02). Similarly, in Group B (taking sesame oil alone), TC, TG, FBG, HOMA-IR, MDA, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly improved (for all the comparison p < 0.025), while there were no significant changes in serum HDL (baseline = 35.9 ± 7.2 mg/dL vs. 36.4 ± 6.2 mg/dL, p = 0.432) and hs-CRP (baseline = 4.38 ± 1.34 mg/dL vs. week 8 = 3.96 ± 1.7 mg/dL, p = 0.057) in second group. No significant changes in any of the studied clinical and anthropometric data were found in Group C (on sunflower oil). CONCLUSION: Sesame oil (±vit E) was shown to beneficially affect several cardiometabolic indices (including lipids, FBG, BP, HOMA-IR, and MDA) in patients with MetS.

Comparing isolated soy protein with flaxseed oil vs isolated soy protein with corn oil and wheat flour with corn oil consumption on muscle catabolism, liver function, blood lipid, and sugar in burn patients: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding whether increasing isolated soy protein (ISP) with or without flaxseed oil (FO), as functional foods, would lead to reduce muscle catabolism and cachexia in burn patients. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients were assessed for eligibility in this randomized controlled trial. Of these, seventy-three eligible patients (total burn surface area 20-50%) were randomly assigned to three groups, labeled as Control (wheat flour [WF] + corn oil [CO]), ISP + FO, and ISP + CO, to receive these nutrients for three weeks. Weight, body mass index (BMI), serum hepatic enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP]), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 24-h urinary urea nitrogen excretion (UUN), serum creatinine, 24-h urinary creatinine (UUC) excretion, fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol were measured. RESULTS: Using analysis of covariance models in the intention-to-treat population (n = 73), we found that at three weeks, patients in the ISP groups had lost significantly less in weight and BMI compared to those in the control group (all P < 0.01). Nitrogen retention and serum creatinine (primary outcomes) increased significantly in the ISP groups compared with the control group. Even after controlling for potential covariates in ANCOVA models, changes in these indices were still statistically significant (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005 for nitrogen balance and serum creatinine, respectively). However, no such significant differences were found between the ISP groups. On the other hand, 24-h UUN, and UUC excretion, serum hepatic enzymes, FBS, TG, and cholesterol were not significant between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ISP and FO compared to WF and CO reduced muscle catabolism and increased body weight in burn patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2014051817740N1 . Registered on 27 June 2014.

Comparison of the effects of flaxseed oil and sunflower seed oil consumption on serum glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and lipid peroxidation in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) increases the risk of type II diabetes and morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed oil (FO), as a functional food, is one of the major vegetal sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of consumption of FO and sunflower seed oil (SO) on lipid peroxidation and other symptoms of MetSyn. METHODS: This randomized controlled interventional trial was conducted on 60 volunteers aged 30 to 60 years who were diagnosed with MetSyn in Shiraz, Iran. The participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to SO (n = 30, receiving 25 mL/d SO) and FO (n = 30, receiving 25 ml/d FO) groups using block randomization. The diets were identical for all the participants. Blood pressure (BP), serum lipid, fasting blood sugar, and malondialdehyde were measured at baseline and at the end of week 7. RESULT: The results showed no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding blood lipid levels and fasting blood sugar at the end of the study. However, significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (5.6% in FO and 10.8% in SO), and triglyceride levels were seen within each group after treatment with FO and SO (P < .05). Nonetheless, between-group changes were significant (<0.05) for systolic BP (mean [±standard deviation {SD}] changes were -14.0 ± 22.41 in the FO group [P = .004] and 0.92 ± 8.70 in the SO group [P = .594]) and diastolic BP (mean [±SD] changes were -4.26 ± 7.44 in the FO group [P = .007] and 1.30 ± 6.91 in the SO group [P = .344]), but marginally significant (P = .053) for malondialdehyde level (mean [±SD] changes were -1.29 ± 1.48 in the FO group [P < .001] and -0.52 ± 1.34 in the SO group [P = .52]). A significant decrease in weight was also found in both groups. However, waist circumference decreased significantly only in the FO group at the end of the study (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that dietary FO could be effective in amelioration of some symptoms of MetSyn and decrease BP and lipid peroxidation.

The effect of isolated soy protein adjunctive with flaxseed oil on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, acute phase proteins, and wound healing of burn patients; a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to determine the effect of isolated soy protein (ISP) and flaxseed oil (FO) on inflammatory and oxidative stress indices, acute phase proteins, and wound healing of burn patients. METHODS: One hundred eighty-eight patients were assessed for eligibility in this randomized controlled trial. Of these, seventy-three eligible patients (total burn surface area 20-50%) were randomly assigned to 3 isocaloric groups, labeled as control (wheat flour+corn oil (CO)), ISP+FO, and ISP+CO, to receive these nutrients for 3 weeks. We used intention to treat analysis to overcome bias. Because of the large perturbation in water compartments, patients received nutrients from 4th to 25th day of admission. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ferritin, albumin, and transferrin were measured. The wound area was evaluated by stereological test. RESULTS: During the 3-week intervention, hs-CRP (-19.4±5.6, -11.7±4.7µg/ml) and ferritin (-83.8±20.5, -80.1±19.6ng/ml) levels changes significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.05). MDA level (-0.05±0.21µmol/l) significantly decreased in group A (P<0/05) but was not significant in groups B and control (P>0.05). Albumin level (0.59±0.14, 0.30±0.12g/dl) significantly increased in group A compared to the control group (P<0.05), but no significant relationship was found between other groups (P>0.05). Transferrin level (4.9±3.6, 2.9±5.1g/dl) significantly increased in ISP groups compared to the control (P<0.05). SOD improved in all groups with no significant difference between them (P>0.05). The stereology examination showed significant improvement in wound healing in the ISP groups on days 22 and 25 compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Nutritional supplements with ISP may attenuate post-burn oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to improved wound healing in burn patients. Flaxseed oil may not exert a beneficial effect over the ISP.

A review of the benefits of Satureja species on metabolic syndrome and their possible mechanisms of action.

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs that may have the potential to improve one or multiple complications of metabolic syndrome. All of them have their own limitations in efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, we reviewed species of Satureja as widespread medicinal herbs and potentially good remedies for metabolic syndrome. We reviewed literature found in PubMed and the ISI Web of Knowledge with the key word Satureja in the title. The influence of any species of Satureja on any disease or syndrome, enzymatic, metabolic, or physiological pathways, in human, animals, or in vitro conditions related to any characteristics of metabolic syndrome were considered. The main outcomes of treatment with Satureja species were categorized, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed in this article.