Dietary supplementation of deoxyribonucleic acid derived from chum salmon milt improves liver function in healthy Japanese individuals: a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial.

A placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study was conducted to investigate the effect of continuous intake of salmon milt (SM) DNA for 12 weeks on the improvement of liver function in 50 healthy Japanese participants aged 30 to 70 years with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of 25-87 U L-1 in men, 22-66 U L-1 in women, of BMI 22.1-29.4 kg m-2. Comparative analysis of hepatic functions and several other parameters, including anthropometric parameters in placebo and SM DNA administered groups, revealed no significant differences in serum ALT level. SM DNA significantly improved the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio, body weight, and BMI in the main group. In addition to these parameters, in the BMI < 25 kg m-2 subgroup, the leptin level was significantly reduced. No adverse reactions or abnormal changes, symptoms, or findings in the clinical examination after intake of the test food containing SM DNA were observed. Furthermore, no significant difference in uric acid levels between SM DNA and placebo groups indicated the safety of using SM DNA as a food supplement. These results demonstrated the potential fatty liver improvement and anti-obesity action of continuous intake of SM DNA for 12 weeks without any significant adverse effects.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of chum salmon milt deoxyribonucleic acid for improvement of hepatic functions: a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, and parallel-group, pilot clinical trial.

The increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a critical public health concern. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) milt (salmon milt DNA; SM DNA), a by-product obtained during industrial processing of the pharmaceutical raw material protamine, ameliorates hepatosteatosis in animals. This randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study evaluated the effects of SM DNA on hepatic function in healthy Japanese participants with slightly decreased liver function and high alanine aminotransferase level and body mass index. Fifty participants were included in the study. The participants were divided into the placebo (n = 24) and SM DNA (n = 26) groups and administered equal doses of placebo (dextrin) and SM DNA (530 mg day-1), respectively. No significant alleviating effects of SM DNA were observed on the primary (hepatic functions and liver-to-spleen ratio), and secondary (NAFLD fibrosis score, serum protein levels, blood glucose, blood lipids, inflammatory markers, adipokines, cytokines, fatigue scoring, and skin conditions) endpoints. Subsequently, a sex-based subgroup analysis revealed a significant improvement in the primary and secondary outcomes in males ingesting SM DNA compared with those in males who were administered placebo. However, no such effect was observed in females. Overall, this clinical study demonstrated the anti-obesity potential of SM DNA and suggested that SM DNA can benefit hepatic function in males.

The effect of 24-week continuous intake of quercetin-rich onion on age-related cognitive decline in healthy elderly people: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative clinical trial.

Quercetin, a type of flavonoid, is believed to reduce age-related cognitive decline. To elucidate its potential function, we carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative clinical trial involving 24-week continuous intake of quercetin-rich onion compared to quercetin-free onion as a placebo. Seventy healthy Japanese individuals (aged 60 to 79 years old) were enrolled in this study. We examined the effect of quercetin-rich onion (the active test food) on cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Assessment for Dementia iPad version, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version. The Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly improved in the active test food group (daily quercetin intake, 50 mg as aglycone equivalent) compared to the placebo food group after 24 weeks. On the Cognitive Assessment for Dementia iPad version for emotional function evaluation, we found that the scores of the active test food group were significantly improved, suggesting that quercetin prevents cognitive decline by improving depressive symptoms and elevating motivation. On the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version, we found significant effects on reducing the burden on study partners. Taking all the data together, we concluded that 24-week continuous intake of quercetin-rich onion reduces age-related cognitive decline, possibly by improving emotional conditions. Clinical trial register and their clinical registration number: This study was registered with UMIN (approval number UMIN000036276, 5 April 2019).

Effect of one-week administration of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory peptides from chum salmon milt on postprandial blood glucose level: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover, pilot clinical trial.

Salmon milt peptide (SMP), an unused fish processing byproduct, exhibits strong inhibitory activity against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and a suppressive effect on postprandial hyperglycaemia in Sprague-Dawley rats. Herein, we conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study of healthy Japanese subjects to investigate the effect of glucose loading on postprandial blood glucose levels after one week of administering continuous or single dose of 500 mg of SMP. The primary and secondary outcomes of reduced blood glucose and insulin levels were not met in the 14 subjects included in the analysis. This may be due to the ineffectiveness of SMP in insulin resistance due to its DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Therefore, we conducted a SMP subgroup analysis based on the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); the group with normal HOMA-IR (<1.6) had a significantly lower area under the curve and blood glucose at 60 min after glucose loading than the group with HOMA-IR ≥1.6. These results suggest that SMP is effective in subjects without insulin resistance. There were no adverse events associated with the test food, and SMP was considered safe. This report is the first to investigate the effect of a food ingredient with DPP-IV inhibitory activity in a clinical trial.

Effects of feeding condition on the myocardial and hepatic accumulation of radioiodine-labeled BMIPP in mice.

OBJECTIVE: 123I-15-(p-iodophenyl)-3(R,S)-methylpentadecanoic acid ([123I]BMIPP), a fatty acid analog, is widely used for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Feeding condition is one of the important factors in the myocardial fatty acid uptake, which may also affect myocardial accumulation of [123I]BMIPP and image quality of [123I]BMIPP scintigraphy. However, the relationship between the myocardial accumulation of [123I]BMIPP and the feeding condition is not entirely clear. Therefore, we determined the myocardial accumulation of [125I]BMIPP in mice at various metabolic statuses induced by fasting in comparison with the hepatic accumulation. METHODS: Fed or fasted (6-, 12-, and 24-h fasted) mice were intravenously injected with [125I]BMIPP (35.2-75.0 kBq, 4 nmol). Radioactivities in the heart and liver were measured at 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after the injection (n = 5-15/time point for each group), and then, the heart-to-liver (H/L) ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The myocardial accumulation level of [125I]BMIPP in the fed group was almost the same as that in the 6-h-fasted group at each time point, although it was decreased by 12- and 24-h fasting. The H/L ratios of [125I]BMIPP accumulation level were significantly decreased by fasting (1.92 ± 0.22, 1.45 ± 0.13, 1.12 ± 0.13, and 0.91 ± 0.15 at 10 min, and 3.30 ± 0.62, 2.09 ± 0.35, 1.79 ± 0.34, and 1.27 ± 0.06 at 30 min after the injection, respectively, for the fed group and the 6-, 12-, and 24-h-fasted groups; p < 0.0001), largely owing to the increase in the hepatic accumulation level in the fasting groups. CONCLUSION: Although short-period (6 h) fasting did not affect the myocardial accumulation level of [125I]BMIPP, the hepatic accumulation level was increased. The present results indicate that the fed condition may provide higher-contrast images in myocardial [123I]BMIPP scintigraphy.

Daily Ingestion of Eggplant Powder Improves Blood Pressure and Psychological State in Stressed Individuals: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a globally popular vegetable and its significant health effect has not been reported in randomized controlled trials. Recently, we reported that eggplant was rich in choline esters, including acetylcholine (ACh), and had an antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Here, we evaluated the effects of a continuous intake of eggplant powder on blood pressure (BP), stress, and psychological state (PS) in 100 stressed participants with normal-high BP or grade 1 hypertension in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study. The participants were randomly assigned to the eggplant or placebo group. Participants in the eggplant group ingested capsules containing eggplant powder (1.2 g/day; 2.3 mg of ACh/day) for 12 weeks, whereas participants in the placebo group ingested placebo capsules. The primary outcome assessed was hospital BP. Secondary outcomes were stress and PS. Eggplant powder intake significantly decreased the hospital diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at week 8 overall and in the normal-high BP group, and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP at week 12 overall and in the grade 1 hypertension group, compared to those of the placebo group. It also improved negative PSs at week 8 or 12 in the normal-high BP group. This is the first evidence of the BP- and PS-improving effects of eggplant intake in humans. The functional substance responsible for the effects was estimated to be eggplant-derived choline ester, namely ACh.

Effect of 12-Week Daily Intake of the High-Lycopene Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), A Variety Named "PR-7", on Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that confers various positive biological effects such as improved lipid metabolism. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study to investigate the effects of regular and continuous intake of a new high-lycopene tomato, a variety named PR-7, for 12 weeks, based on 74 healthy Japanese subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥120 to <160 mg/dL. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the high-lycopene tomato or placebo (lycopene-free tomato) group. Each subject in the high-lycopene group ingested 50 g of semidried PR-7 (lycopene, 22.0-27.8 mg/day) each day for 12 weeks, while subjects in the placebo group ingested placebo semidried tomato. Medical interviews were conducted, vital signs were monitored, body composition was determined, and blood and saliva samples were taken at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome assessed was LDL-C. The intake of high-lycopene tomato increased lycopene levels in this group compared to levels in the placebo group (p < 0.001). In addition, high-lycopene tomato intake improved LDL-C (p = 0.027). The intake of high-lycopene tomato, PR-7, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe.

Effect of Daily Ingestion of Quercetin-Rich Onion Powder for 12 Weeks on Visceral Fat: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.

Quercetin, which is frequently found in vegetables such as onion, is widely found to have biological activities such as visceral fat reduction. Therefore, we performed this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group study and analysed the effects of daily intake of quercetin-rich onion on visceral fat for 12 weeks. Seventy healthy Japanese subjects whose body mass index (BMI) was ≥23 and <30 were recruited and randomly assigned to either the quercetin-rich onion group or placebo group. The subjects ingested 9 g of onion powder per day for 12 weeks. We conducted medical interviews, hematological and biological tests; measured body composition and vital signs; and analysed the Food Frequency Questionnaire weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Abdominal fat area was measured using computed tomography scanning at weeks 0 and 12. No significant differences in visceral fat area (VFA) were observed between the two groups. However, in subjects whose high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower, VFA was significantly lower in the quercetin-rich onion group. In addition, alanine aminotransferase was significantly lower in the quercetin-rich onion group than in the placebo group. Thus, the results suggest that quercetin-rich onion may be beneficial for preventing obesity and improving liver function.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Daily Ingestion of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cv. "Yabukita" and "Sunrouge" on Eyestrain and Blood Pressure in Healthy Adults.

The green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivar “Sunrouge” contains anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. To determine whether ingesting green tea containing anthocyanins improves visual function and blood pressure (BP) in healthy adults, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 120 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 60 years and with a systolic BP (SBP) value of ≤125 and <155 and a diastolic BP (DBP) value <95, or a DBP of ≤75 mmHg and <95 mmHg and a SBP <155 mmHg, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. For 12 weeks, the placebo group received barley extract without catechin; another group received “Sunrouge” extract containing 11.2 mg anthocyanin and 323.6 mg epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG); and a third group received “Yabukita” extract containing 322.2 mg EGCG. Home BP, accommodation ability, visual analog scale questionnaires for eyestrain, and metabolic-associated markers were analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the intake period. The ingestion of “Sunrouge” tea significantly improved accommodation ability and eyestrain in subjects younger than 45 years and in subjects who operated visual display terminals every day. It also elevated BP. “Yabukita” tea ingestion significantly increased serum adiponectin levels. No adverse effects were observed. We conclude that long-term intake of “Sunrouge” tea containing anthocyanins and flavonols might improve visual function.

Quercetin metabolism by fecal microbiota from healthy elderly human subjects.

Quercetin is a polyphenol found in food that has numerous health benefits. This study investigated the relationship between quercetin metabolism, gut microbiota composition, and dietary intake in elderly Japanese subjects. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake during the week prior to stool sample collection. Fecal suspensions from 56 subjects were anaerobically incubated with quercetin and fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Inter-individual variations in quercetin concentration and fecal microbiota composition at family level suggested differences in microbial quercetin metabolism. The abundance of Sutterellaceae (r = -0.292) and Oscillospiraceae (r = -0.334) was negatively correlated whereas that of Fusobacteriaceae (r = 0.361) and Enterobacteriaceae (r = 0.321) was positively correlated with quercetin concentration. Niacin (r = -0.313), vitamin B6 (r = -0.297), vitamin B12 (r = -0.266), vitamin D (r = -0.301), and ratio of animal protein to total protein (r = -0.27) were also negatively correlated with quercetin concentration. Bacterial abundance was positively or negatively related to intake of food components. This is the first report describing the relationship between fecal quercetin metabolism, human microbiota, and dietary intake in the elderly.

Effects of 4-week continuous ingestion of champignon extract on halitosis and body and fecal odor.

This was placebo-controlled double-blind parallel-group comparative clinical trial targeting 80 men and women aged 50-79 years with halitosis and body and fecal odor. We investigated whether daily champignon extract ingestion for 4 weeks improved these conditions. Subjects were divided into four groups: a placebo group and 50, 500, and 1000 mg/day ingestion groups. No severe adverse events or side effects were noted during the study period. Compared with the placebo group, all champignon extract ingestion groups showed improvement or tendency toward improvement in halitosis and body and fecal odor. Furthermore, our results suggested that the effectiveness of champignon extract in alleviating odors is dose-dependent, i.e., it increases with the dosage.

Enhancement of the Th1-phenotype immune system by the intake of Oyster mushroom (Tamogitake) extract in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Pleurotus cornucopiae (Oyster mushroom, Tamogitake) has long been eaten as a functional food for enhancement of the immune system, but its effectiveness has not been well confirmed in humans. To this end, we set up a double-blind placebo-controlled human clinical trial to investigate the potential of Oyster mushrooms with respect to the up-regulation of the immune system. The subjects ingested Oyster mushroom extract for 8 weeks. We measured the serum cytokine levels involved in regulation of the immune system, including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We found that intake of Oyster mushroom extract elevated IFN-γ (P = 0.013) and IL-12, whereas serum levels of IL-10 and IL-13 and other cytokines were minimally changed. We also measured natural killer (NK) cell activity, the levels of which tended to increase, but not significantly. Taken together, these facts suggest that Oyster mushrooms have the potential to enhance the immune system, through Th1 phenotype potentiation as the macrophage-IL-12 - IFN-γ pathway. This results in activation of the cell-mediated immune system as exemplified by up-regulation of NK cell activity. Oyster mushroom extract may be beneficial for the prevention of various diseases, including infectious diseases and cancer, due to its stimulation of the immune system.

Improvement of Triglyceride Levels through the Intake of Enriched-ß-Conglycinin Soybean (Nanahomare) Revealed in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Soybean is recognized as a beneficial food with various functional components, such as ß-conglycinin, which improves lipid metabolism. We evaluated the effects of the ß-conglycinin-rich soybean Nanahomare on triglyceride (TG) levels. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we divided 134 adult subjects into test and placebo groups that consumed processed food containing enriched-ß-conglycinin soybean or low-ß-conglycinin soybean. Hematological tests and body composition measurements were performed at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12 of the study period. TG levels significantly decreased in the test group compared with the placebo group at weeks 4 (change from baseline to week 4, placebo: 0.27 ± 44.13 mg/dL, test: -20.31 ± 43.74 mg/dL, p = 0.035) and 12 (change from baseline to week 12, placebo: -0.14 ± 65.83 mg/dL, test: -21.30 ± 46.21 mg/dL, p = 0.041). In addition, among subjects whose baseline TG levels were ≥100 mg/dL, the levels significantly improved in the test group at weeks 4 (p = 0.010) and 12 (p = 0.030), whereas the levels were not different between the test and placebo groups among those whose baseline levels were <100 mg/dL. These results suggest that the ingestion of enriched-ß-conglycinin soybean improves serum TG levels.

The effects of herring-roe lyophilized powder on lipid metabolism.

Herring-roe, which contains large amounts of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, has anti-dyslipidemia effects. Here, we evaluated the effects of herring-roe on lipid metabolism in 33 adult subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We divided the subjects into a test group that ingested herring-roe lyophilized powder (herring-roe powder) and a placebo group that ingested non-herring-roe powder, with each member of each group ingesting 15 g daily for 8 weeks. Hematological tests and body composition measurements were performed before and after 4, 6, and 8 weeks of the study period. Although no significant differences in low density lipoprotein were observed, high density lipoprotein was found to be increased in subjects who ingested herring-roe powder. In addition, the level of free fatty acid was significantly improved in the herring-roe powder group. These results suggest that ingestion of herring-roe could influence lipid metabolism.

Effects of yogurt containing Lactobacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO on immune function and stress markers.

Lactobacillus plantarum HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO strain) was isolated from well-pickled vegetables in Hokkaido, Japan. We report a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of L. plantarum HOKKAIDO on immune function and stress markers in 171 adult subjects. Subjects were divided into three groups: the L. plantarum HOKKAIDO yogurt group, the placebo-1 group who ingested yogurt without the HOKKAIDO strain, and the placebo-2 group who ingested a yogurt-like dessert without the HOKKAIDO strain. Hematological tests and body composition measurements were performed before and after 4 and 8 weeks of blinded ingestion. Although no significant differences in natural killer cell activity were observed, it was found that neutrophil ratio significantly decreased and lymphocytes tended to increase in the HOKKAIDO strain yogurt group compared with the yogurt-like dessert group. In addition, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a stress marker, tended to improve in the HOKKAIDO strain yogurt group compared with the yogurt-like dessert group. These results suggest that the ingestion of HOKKAIDO strain yogurt tends to improve immune activity and decrease stress markers.

Effects of white rice containing enriched gamma-aminobutyric acid on blood pressure.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter with beneficial effects including antihypertension and antistress properties. In this study, we examined the effects of GABA-enriched white rice (GABA rice) on blood pressure (BP) in 39 mildly hypertensive adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were divided into a test group (n = 22) who consumed rice with 11.2 mg GABA/100 g of rice and a placebo group (n = 17) who consumed rice with 2.7 mg GABA/100 g of rice. For 8 weeks, the participants took 150 g of either the GABA rice or the placebo rice. Hematological examinations were performed on both groups at 0, 4, and 8 weeks after the start of rice consumption. Home BP was self-measured two times daily, morning and evening, from 1 weeks before to 2 weeks after the intervention. Although the hospital BP and evening BP measurements of the participants showed no significant change, consumption of the GABA rice improved the morning BP compared with the placebo rice after the 1(st) week and during the 6(th) and 8(th) weeks. These results showed the possibility that the GABA rice improves morning hypertension.

Effects of the extract from roasted chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root containing inulin-type fructans on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and fecal properties.

The extract from roasted chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; jú jù) root (chicory root extract), which contains inulin-type fructans, has favorable effects including antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic effects and the improvement of bowel movement. In this study, we examined the effects of chicory root extract on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and fecal properties in 47 healthy adult participants in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were divided into a test group that drank chicory root extract and a placebo group that drank nonchicory root extract (ingesting 300 mL daily for 4 weeks). We performed hematological examinations and body composition measurements, and administered a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire for fecal properties at the baseline (Week 0) and after the intervention (Week 4) for the two groups. Although no significant differences in fasting plasma glucose or insulin were observed, hemoglobin A1c was found to decrease by ingesting chicory root extract. No intergroup differences in the levels of lipid metabolism parameters were observed. However, the level of adiponectin was significantly improved in the chicory root extract group when the baseline and postintervention values were compared. In addition, chicory root extract tends to improve the VAS score for fecal properties. These results suggest that chicory root extract could delay or prevent the early onset of diabetes mellitus and improve bowel movements.

Radiolabeled BMIPP for imaging hepatic fatty acid metabolism: evaluation of hepatic distribution and metabolism in mice at various metabolic statuses induced by fasting in comparison with palmitic acid.

Abnormalities in hepatic fatty acid metabolism are involved in various diseases. In order to clarify the use of 123I-15-(p-iodophenyl)-3(R,S)-methylpentadecanoic acid ([123I]BMIPP) for imaging hepatic fatty acid metabolism, we determined the hepatic distribution/metabolism of [125I]BMIPP in mice at various metabolic statuses induced by fasting, and compared the results with those of [1-(14)C]palmitic acid ([1-(14)C]PA). Fed or fasted (6, 12, and 24 hour-fasted) mice were intravenously injected with [125I]BMIPP or [1-(14)C]PA. Hepatic radioactivity was measured at 1 to 120 minutes after the injection (n  =  5 to 15/time points), and radioactive lipid metabolites were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (n  =  3/time points). The areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated. In mice given [125I]BMIPP, the hepatic radioactivity was increased with the fasting time (AUC: 35.1, 45.5, 57.6, and 59.0 [% injected dose (ID)/g/kg]▪min for fed, 6, 12, and 24 hour-fasted). Similar characteristic changes were observed in mice given [1-(14)C]PA (100.6, 101.0, 116.5, and 121.5 [%ID/g/kg]▪min). Metabolite analysis showed that the triglyceride-fraction was increased by fasting in both groups (5.7, 12.8, 32.0, and 37.9 [%ID/g/kg]▪min for [125I]BMIPP groups; 20.6, 39.2, 66.0, and 67.9 [%ID/g/kg]▪min for [1-(14)C]PA groups). Thus, [125I]BMIPP demonstrated the changes in hepatic fatty acid metabolism induced by fasting, indicating the potential of [123I]BMIPP for imaging hepatic fatty acid metabolism.

Effects of dietary fiber with Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 on bowel movement and fecal properties of healthy volunteers with a tendency for constipation.

To elucidate the effects of Lilac LAB (Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 and okara [soy pulp] powder) on bowel movements/fecal properties, we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with healthy Japanese volunteers with a tendency for constipation (n = 297). The subjects ingested 2 g/d placebo (okara powder) or test food (Lilac LAB, 1 × 10(8) CFU) once a day for 2 weeks. In the test group of functionally constipated subjects, the changes in the average scores of self-reported fecal size, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and defecation frequency were significantly improved compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05), and fecal color and odor tended to improve (p = 0.07). In the test food group of all subjects and among the non-functionally constipated subjects, the fecal size tended to improve compared to the placebo group (p = 0.06, p = 0.07, respectively). Lilac LAB was effective in improving bowel movements and fecal properties in functionally constipated persons.

Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder.

The pumpkin seed oil obtained from Cucurbita pepo has been shown to be useful for the treatment of nocturia in patients with urinal disorders in several western countries. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the pumpkin seed oil from Cucurbita maxima on urinary dysfunction in human overactive bladder (OAB). Forty-five subjects were enrolled in this study. An extract of pumpkin seed oil from C. maxima (10 g of oil/day) was orally administrated for 12 weeks. After 6 and 12 weeks, urinary function was evaluated using Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Pumpkin seed oil from C. maxima significantly reduced the degree of OABSS in the subjects. The results from our study suggest that pumpkin seed oil extracts from C. maxima as well as from C. pepo are effective for urinary disorders such as OAB in humans.