RESUMEN
Pygeum africanum bark has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the prostate and reduces the production of leukotrienes and other 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolites. It has been suggested that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Data from clinical trials have shown that P. africanum improves the symptoms and objective measures of BPH. This in vitro study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of a proprietary Pygeum bark standardized extract (Prunera®) on cytokine release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were obtained from four donors, and a bead-based assay (ProcartaPlex™ panel) was used for the detection and quantitation of cytokines. Pygeum africanum bark standardized extract (PABE) induced a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) of IL-6 in three donors. Other effects were as follows: IL-2 was lowered in all donors in the absence of a clear dose-response relationship; IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 levels were decreased in most donors; IL-22 levels seemed to be suppressed only for donor 4 at lower and medium concentrations; and IL-27 and TNF-α levels decreased at all PABE concentrations in all donors. The anti-inflammatory effect of PABE, particularly the reduction in IL-6 as a marker of inflammation, supports the potential use of this natural compound in the management of BPH and other conditions in which pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios , Citocinas , Leucocitos Mononucleares , Lipopolisacáridos , Corteza de la Planta , Extractos Vegetales , Humanos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/efectos de los fármacos , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Citocinas/metabolismo , Corteza de la Planta/química , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Prunus africana/química , Masculino , Células CultivadasRESUMEN
Skin photoaging is primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation and can lead to the degradation of skin extracellular matrix components, resulting in hyperpigmentation and skin elasticity loss. In this area, polyphenols have become of great interest because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties. Here, we evaluated the effects of the pomegranate natural extract Pomanox® on skin health-related parameters in normal and UV-induced photoaging conditions in human fibroblast Hs68 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of Pomanox® on tyrosinase activity were assessed. In normal conditions, Pomanox® significantly modulated collagen and hyaluronic acid metabolisms. In UV-exposed cells, both preventive and regenerative treatments with Pomanox® positively modulated hyaluronic acid metabolism and decreased ROS levels. However, only the preventive treatment modulated collagen metabolism. Finally, Pomanox® showed a marked inhibitory capacity of tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 394.7 µg/mL). The modulation of skin health-related parameters exhibited by Pomanox® open a wide range of potential applications of this product.
Asunto(s)
Granada (Fruta) , Envejecimiento de la Piel , Humanos , Colágeno/metabolismo , Colágeno/farmacología , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Ácido Hialurónico/farmacología , Monofenol Monooxigenasa , Piel/metabolismo , Piel/efectos de la radiación , Rayos Ultravioleta , Extractos Vegetales/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Hydroxytyrosol (HT) and punicalagin (PC) exert cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effects. This study evaluated the effect of an oral supplement containing HT and PC (SAx) on dyslipidemia in an adult population. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial was conducted over a 20-week period. SAx significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) (from 200.67 ± 51.38 to 155.33 ± 42.44 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while no such effects were observed in these subjects after the placebo. SAx also significantly decreased the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in subjects with high plasma levels of LDL-C (≥160 mg/dL) (from 179.13 ± 16.18 to 162.93 ± 27.05 mg/dL; p < 0.01), while no such positive effect was observed with the placebo. In addition, the placebo significantly reduced the plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the total population (from 64.49 ± 12.65 to 62.55 ± 11.57 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while SAx significantly increased the plasma levels of HDL-C in subjects with low plasma levels of HDL-C (<50 mg/dL) (from 44.25 ± 3.99 to 48.00 ± 7.27 mg/dL; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplement containing HT and PC exerted antiatherosclerotic and cardio-protective effects by considerably improving dyslipidemia in an adult population, without co-adjuvant treatment or adverse effects.
Asunto(s)
Dislipidemias , Adulto , HDL-Colesterol , LDL-Colesterol , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Dislipidemias/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Taninos Hidrolizables , Alcohol Feniletílico/análogos & derivados , TriglicéridosRESUMEN
The current study investigated the efficacy of extract of Bacopa monnieri (BM; CDRI 08®) in reducing levels of inattention and hyperactivity in young children. BM has demonstrated improvements in cognitive outcomes in adults, yet little research is available on its effects in younger populations. A 14-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with placebo run-in and run-out phases, investigated the effects of BM on behavioural, cognitive, mood, and sleep effects in male children aged 6 to 14 years against placebo. One-hundred and twelve participants were recruited into the trial, with 93 datasets available for analysis. No significant behavioural differences were noted between treatment groups. Cognitive outcomes indicated decreased error-making in children taking CDRI 08® (p = .04) and increased speed of reaction time in those taking placebo (p = .04) at study end. Improvements in cognitive flexibility (p = .01), executive functioning (p = .04), interpersonal problems (p = .02), and sleep routine (p = .04) were noted in those consuming CDRI 08® over placebo. CDRI 08® did not improve behavioural outcomes, but may have cognitive, mood and sleep benefits in children aged 6 to 14 years. Further study is required to support the findings presented here.
Asunto(s)
Bacopa , Adolescente , Adulto , Afecto , Niño , Preescolar , Cognición , Método Doble Ciego , Humanos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
: Background: Prebiotics used as a dietary supplement, stimulate health-related gut microbiota (e.g., bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, etc.). This study evaluated potential prebiotic effects of an artichoke aqueous dry extract (AADE) using in vitro gut model based on the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). METHODS: Short-term colonic fermentations (48 h) of AADE, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and a blank were performed. Microbial metabolites were assessed at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of colonic incubation via measuring pH, gas pressure, lactate, ammonium, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Community composition was assessed via targeted qPCRs. RESULTS: After 24 and 48 h of incubation, bifidobacteria levels increased 25-fold with AADE (p < 0.05) and >100-fold with FOS (p < 0.05) compared to blank. Lactobacillus spp. levels only tended to increase with AADE, whereas they increased 10-fold with FOS. At 6 h, pH decreased with AADE and FOS and remained stable until 48 h; however, gas pressure increased significantly till the end of study. Acetate, propionate, and total SCFA production increased significantly with both at all time-points. Lactate levels initially increased but branched SCFA and ammonium levels remained low till 48 h. CONCLUSION: AADE displayed prebiotic potential by exerting bifidogenic effects that stimulated production of health-related microbial metabolites, which is potentially due to inulin in AADE.
Asunto(s)
Cynara scolymus/química , Inflorescencia/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Prebióticos/análisis , Bifidobacterium/efectos de los fármacos , Colon/metabolismo , Colon/microbiología , Suplementos Dietéticos , Ecosistema , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/metabolismo , Fermentación , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Inulina , Lactobacillus/efectos de los fármacos , Oligosacáridos/farmacología , Propionatos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Abscisic acid (ABA) can improve glucose homeostasis and reduce inflammation in mammals by activating lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 (LANCL2). This study examined the effects of two fig fruit extracts (FFEs), each administered at two different ABA doses, on glycemic index (GI) and insulinemic index (II) to a standard glucose drink. In a randomized, double-blind crossover study, 10 healthy adults consumed 4 test beverages containing FFE with postprandial glucose and insulin assessed at regular intervals over 2 h to determine GI and II responses. Test beverages containing 200 mg FFE-50× and 1200 mg FFE-10× significantly reduced GI values by -25% (P = 0.001) and -24% (P = 0.002), respectively. Two lower doses of FFE also reduced GI values compared with the reference drink (by approximately -14%), but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Addition of FFE to the glucose solution significantly reduced II values at all dosages and displayed a clear dose-response reduction: FFE-50× at 100 mg and 200 mg (-14% (P < 0.05) and -24% (P = 0.01), respectively) and FFE-10× at 600 mg and 1200 mg (-16% (P < 0.05) and -24% (P = 0.01), respectively). FFE supplementation is a promising nutritional intervention for the management of acute postprandial glucose and insulin homeostasis, and it is a possible adjunctive treatment for glycemic management of chronic metabolic disorders such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Asunto(s)
Ácido Abscísico/farmacología , Glucemia/efectos de los fármacos , Ficus/química , Insulina/sangre , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Periodo Posprandial , Ácido Abscísico/química , Adulto , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Frutas/química , Humanos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/química , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Clinical diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the use of prescription medications for its treatment have increased in recent years. Current treatments may involve the administration of amphetamine-type substances, a treatment path many parents are apprehensive to take. Therefore, alternative pharmacological treatments are required. Few nutritional or pharmacological alternatives that reduce ADHD associated symptoms (hyperactivity and inattention) have been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Bacopa monnieri is a perennial creeping herb. CDRI 08 is a special extract of Bacopa monnieri which has been subjected to hundreds of scientific studies and has been shown in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve memory, attention, and mood. It is hypothesised that chronic administration of CDRI 08 will improve attention, concentration and behaviour in children with high levels of hyperactivity and/or inattention. This paper reports the protocol for the first 16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups trial examining the efficacy and safety of CDRI 08 in male children aged 6-14 years with high levels of inattention and hyperactivity. The primary outcome variable will be the level of hyperactivity and inattention measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Secondary outcome variables include cognition, mood, sleep, and EEG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12612000827831.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad/tratamiento farmacológico , Bacopa/química , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Adolescente , Niño , Método Doble Ciego , Humanos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/químicaRESUMEN
Little research exists in humans concerning the anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, and adaptogenic actions the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri (BM) possesses in addition to its documented cognitive-enhancing effects. Preclinical work has identified a number of acute anxiolytic, nootropic, and adaptogenic effects of BM that may also co-occur in humans. The current double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study assessed the acute effects of a specific extract of BM (KeenMind® - CDRI 08) in normal healthy participants during completion of a multitasking framework (MTF). Seventeen healthy volunteers completed the MTF, at baseline, then 1 h and 2 h after consuming a placebo, 320 mg BM and 640 mg of BM. Treatments were separated by a 7-day washout with order determined by Latin Square. Outcome measures included cognitive outcomes from the MTF, with mood and salivary cortisol measured before and after each completion of the MTF. Change from baseline scores indicated positive cognitive effects, notably at both 1 h post and 2 h post BM consumption on the Letter Search and Stroop tasks, suggesting an earlier nootropic effect of BM than previously investigated. There were also some positive mood effects and reduction in cortisol levels, pointing to a physiological mechanism for stress reduction associated with BM consumption. It was concluded that acute BM supplementation produced some adaptogenic and nootropic effects that need to be replicated in a larger sample and in isolation from stressful cognitive tests in order to quantify the magnitude of these effects. The study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000834853).
Asunto(s)
Afecto/efectos de los fármacos , Bacopa/química , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Nootrópicos/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Ansiolíticos/administración & dosificación , Ansiolíticos/farmacología , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Humanos , Hidrocortisona/química , Masculino , Medicina Ayurvédica , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas , Nootrópicos/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Saliva/química , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Bacopa monniera (EBm), an Indian aquatic herb, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for indications related to memory and inflammation. More recently specific extracts of EBm have emerged that have been subjected to rigorous in vitro, animal and now human clinical trials. In this paper we discuss some of these studies with special reference to mechanisms and efficacy of a special extract of Bacopa (CDRI08). Studies using this extract indicate that CDRI08 has several modes of action on the human brain. Promising indications for use in humans include improving cognition in the elderly and in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
Asunto(s)
Bacopa , Nootrópicos/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Australia , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , UniversidadesRESUMEN
Standardized extracts of the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri (BM) (Brahmi) have been recently shown to have cognitive enhancing effects in chronic administration studies. Pre-clinical work has also identified a number of acute anxiolytic, nootropic, and cardiovascular effects of BM. There has, however, been little research on the acute effects of BM on cognitive function. The current study aimed to assess the acute effects of a specific extract of BM (KeenMind®-CDRI 08) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in normal healthy participants who completed a cognitively demanding series of tests. Twenty-four healthy volunteers completed six repetitions of the Cognitive Demand Battery (CDB) after consuming a placebo, 320 mg BM or 640 mg of BM in a cross-over design and provided cardiovascular and mood assessments before and after treatment. Change from baseline scores indicated that the 320 mg dose of BM improved performance at the first, second, and fourth repetition post-dosing on the CDB, and the treatments had no effect upon cardiovascular activity or in attenuating task-induced ratings of stress and fatigue. It was concluded that assessment of an earlier pharmacological window and use of less memory-specific cognitive tests together with more temporally sensitive measures of brain activity may improve our understanding of the acute neurocognitive properties of BM.
Asunto(s)
Bacopa/química , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Nootrópicos/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Adolescente , Adulto , Presión Sanguínea , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Voluntarios Sanos , Humanos , Masculino , Medicina Ayurvédica , Persona de Mediana Edad , Escala Visual Analógica , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIMS OF THE STUDY: Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) is consumed both as a sports supplement by strength and endurance athletes, and as a natural stimulant to enhance sexual drive. However, whether or not the postulated benefits of maca consumption are of scientific merit is not yet known. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the effect of 14 days maca supplementation on endurance performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight participants each completed a 40 km cycling time trial before and after 14 days supplementation with both maca extract (ME) and placebo, in a randomised cross-over design. Subjects also completed a sexual desire inventory during each visit. RESULTS: ME administration significantly improved 40 km cycling time performance compared to the baseline test (P=0.01), but not compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (P>0.05). ME administration significantly improved the self-rated sexual desire score compared to the baseline test (P=0.01), and compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: 14 days ME supplementation improved 40 km cycling time trial performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. These promising results encourage long-term clinical studies involving more volunteers, to further evaluate the efficacy of ME in athletes and normal individuals and also to explore its possible mechanisms of action.
Asunto(s)
Atletas , Suplementos Dietéticos , Ejercicio Físico , Lepidium , Conducta Sexual , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Proyectos PilotoRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of daily stress perception on cognitive performance and morning basal salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels in healthy children aged 9-12. Participants were classified by whether they had low daily perceived stress (LPS, n = 27) or a high daily perceived stress (HPS, n = 26) using the Children Daily Stress Inventory (CDSI). Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were measured at awakening and 30 minutes later. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research assessment system. The HPS group exhibited significantly poorer scores on speed of memory (p < .05) and continuity of attention (p < .05) relative to the LPS group. The HPS group also showed significantly lower morning cortisol levels at awakening and at +30 minutes measures in comparison with the LPS group (p < .05), and mean morning cortisol levels were negatively correlated with speed of memory (p < .05) in the 53 participants. No significant differences were observed between both groups in alpha-amylase levels. These findings suggest that daily perceived stress in children may impoverish cognitive performance via its modulating effects on the HPA axis activity.
Asunto(s)
Nivel de Alerta/fisiología , Atención/fisiología , Ritmo Circadiano/fisiología , Hidrocortisona/sangre , Memoria/fisiología , Estrés Psicológico/sangre , alfa-Amilasas/sangre , Logro , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Inventario de Personalidad , Valores de Referencia , Saliva/químicaRESUMEN
Huperzine A (HupA), extracted from a club moss (Huperzia serrata), is a sesquiterpene alkaloid and a powerful and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). It has been used in China for centuries for the treatment of swelling, fever and blood disorders. It has demonstrated both memory enhancement in animal and clinical trials and neuroprotective effects. Recently it has undergone double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), with significant improvements both to cognitive function and the quality of life. Most of the clinical trials are from China, but HupA and derivatives are attracting considerable interest in the West, where AD is a major and growing concern. Furthermore, both animal and human safety evaluations have demonstrated that HupA is devoid of unexpected toxicity. Other interesting aspects of HupA pharmacological profile relate to its neuroprotective properties: it has been shown in animal studies that HupA can be used as a protective agent against organophosphate (OP) intoxication and that it reduces glutamate-induced cell death.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer/tratamiento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Nootrópicos/uso terapéutico , Sesquiterpenos/uso terapéutico , Alcaloides/química , Alcaloides/farmacología , Alcaloides/uso terapéutico , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/psicología , Animales , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/química , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Nootrópicos/química , Nootrópicos/farmacología , Fitoterapia/métodos , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Psicofarmacología , Sesquiterpenos/química , Sesquiterpenos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
RATIONALE: Accumulating evidence from neuropsychological and neuroimaging research suggests that facial expressions are processed by at least partially separable neurocognitive systems. Recent evidence implies that the processing of different facial expressions may also be dissociable pharmacologically by GABAergic and noradrenergic compounds, although no study has directly compared the two types of drugs. OBJECTIVE: The present study therefore directly compared the effects of a benzodiazepine with those of a beta-adrenergic blocker on the ability to recognise emotional expressions. METHODS: A double-blind, independent group design was used with 45 volunteers to compare the effects of diazepam (15 mg) and metoprolol (50 mg) with matched placebo. Participants were presented with morphed facial expression stimuli and asked to identify which of the six basic emotions (sadness, happiness, anger, disgust, fear and surprise) were portrayed. Control measures of mood, pulse rate and word recall were also taken. RESULTS: Diazepam selectively impaired participants' ability to recognise expressions of both anger and fear but not other emotional expressions. Errors were mainly mistaking fear for surprise and disgust for anger. Metoprolol did not significantly affect facial expression recognition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are interpreted as providing further support for the suggestion that there are dissociable systems responsible for processing emotional expressions. The results may have implications for understanding why 'paradoxical' aggression is sometimes elicited by benzodiazepines and for extending our psychological understanding of the anxiolytic effects of these drugs.