Evidence for Rosa damascena efficacy in mental disorders in preclinical animal studies and clinical trials: A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to identify animal preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials that looked at the effects of R. damascena in any form on different mental diseases. Up to September 2021, the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane trials, as well as SID and MagIran, were searched. This study included 10 animal studies. Except for one research, the rest of the studies confirmed the positive effects of the plant in treatment of mental disorders. A total of 38 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Individuals who have encountered various sorts of mental problems, such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and depressive disorder, were studied. R. damascena essential oil (EO), essence, extract, and dried plant were used in aromatherapy and oral administration. A decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, induction of neurotransmitters, induction of nerve growth factors by neurogenesis and synaptogenesis mechanisms, a decrease in prolactin and an increase in noradrenaline, estradiol, and progesterone secretion are some of the mechanisms of action. In general, R. damascena is an effective herb for the treatment of mental disorders. However, further research timing and duration of intervention are needed to extrapolate the findings.

Therapeutic targets of natural products for the management of cardiovascular symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019.

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first occurred in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread all over the world with cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary symptoms. Therefore, recognizing and treating the cardiovascular sign and symptoms that caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be effective in reducing patient mortality. To control the COVID-19-related cardiovascular symptoms, natural products are considered one of the promising choices as complementary medicine. Scientists are struggling to discover new antiviral agents specific to this virus. In this review, the natural products for management of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID-19 are categorized into three groups: (a) natural products with an impact on angiotensin II type 1 receptor; (b) natural products that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity; and (c) natural products that mimic adenosine activity. All these natural products should undergo clinical investigations to test their efficacy, safety, and toxicity in the treatment of cardiovascular symptoms of COVID-19. This article summarizes agents with potential efficacy against COVID-19-related cardiovascular symptoms.

Therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Since in cell therapy, there are always concerns about immune rejection, genetic disability, and malignancies, special attention has been paid to extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present study, we assessed and compared the therapeutic effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSC) and hADSC-EVs from adipose tissue on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). After induction of EAE in C57Bl/6 mice, they were treated with hADSCs, hADSC-EVs, or vehicle intravenously. The clinical score of all mice was recorded every other day. Mice were killed at Day 30 and splenocytes were isolated for proliferation assay and determination of the frequency of Treg cells by flow cytometry. Leukocyte infiltration by hematoxylin and eosin, percentages of demyelination areas by luxol fast blue, and mean fluorescence intensity of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) and myelin basic protein (MBP) by immunohistochemistry were assessed in the spinal cord. Our results showed that the maximum mean clinical score and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced proliferation of splenocytes in hADSC- and hADSC-EV-treated mice were significantly lower than the control mice (p < .05). We also demonstrated that the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells was significantly higher in the spleen of hADSC-treated mice than EAE control mice (p = .023). The inflammation score and the percentages of demyelination areas in hADSC- and hADSC-EV-treated groups significantly declined compared with the untreated control group (p < .05). We also showed that there was no significant difference in MFI of MBP and OLIG2 in the spinal cord of studied groups. Overall, we suggest that intravenous administration of hADSC-EVs attenuates the induced EAE through diminishing proliferative potency of T cells, mean clinical score, leukocyte infiltration, and demyelination in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis.

Effect of resveratrol on metabolic syndrome components: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We summarized 16 controlled studies and evaluated the correlation of resveratrol supplementation with metabolic parameters such as the body weight, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (sbp), HDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels. This meta-analysis was carried out to determine the association between the resveratrol intake with metabolic parameters in metabolic syndrome patients. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 2018 using relevant keywords. All articles were independently reviewed by two authors using predetermined selection criteria. We have selected the studies that investigated the effects of resveratrol on metabolic parameters. Of 16 studies, 10 were performed on human subjects, and in 6 studies animal models were used. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval were determined using Der Simonian and Laird random-effects modeling, when there was a significant heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plot and Egger's test were conducted to examine the risk of publication bias. Pooled effect sizes in human studies indicated a significant impact of resveratrol supplementation on glucose level [-1.73 (-2.99, -0.47); p = 0.007)] and WC [-1.73 (-2.79, -0.67); p = 0.001] compared with the control group. Also combining the results of studies on rat samples (n = 6), indicated significant effect of resveratrol on decreasing weight [-22.95 (-44.74, -1.17); p = 0.04], TGs [-6.76 (-11.10, -2.42); p = 0.001], sbp [-7.30 (-12.48, -2.13); p = 0.006], and it can influence significantly on increasing HDL level (4.75 (1.87, 7.63); p = 0.001). However, resveratrol was not significantly effective on total cholesterol in both samples. The results of subgroup analysis of human studies showed that resveratrol has significant effect on metabolic parameters (glucose level and WC) at the dosage of > 500 mg and with long-term interventions ≥ 10 weeks. Administration of resveratrol can meaningfully reduce the BW, WC, TGs, and glucose level, also it can increase HDL, but not total cholesterol.

Weight Loss Associated With Consumption of Apples: A Review.

Apples are known as a major source of polyphenols, dietary fiber, carotenoids, and other nutrients. There are many documents and studies that show fruit polyphenols likely promote anti-obesity effects and exert their beneficial effects via scavenging free radicals, regulating gene expression, and altering signal transduction in target cells and tissues, especially fat tissues.The goal of this review is to presenti the major components of apple and the evidence that indicates its potential to diminution weight gain risk from in vitro, animal, and epidemiological and clinical studies. This review summarizes data about the apple and apple products that been have reported to reduce weight gain by various mechanisms, including antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cell signaling pathways. An extensive search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify human, animal, and cell culture studies on the association between weight loss and apple consumption, published from inception up to journey 15, 2017. The feeding of apples rats (7-10 mg/kg/d) in different forms in 8 experiments have shown that this caused weight loss during 3 to 28 weeks. In agreement with this, the obtained results from 5 experiments on humans have revealed that consumption of the whole apple or apple juice (240-720 mg/d) in 4-12 weeks by fat people can cause weight loss. Experiments on animals and humans have shown that the consumption of apples in different forms can cause weight loss in overweight ones. However, the main questions are which kind of apple, which part of it, how much, and how long overweight persons should consume them to reduce their body fat and body mass index (BMI). Then, it is necessary to do a meta-analysis to show how these factors affect the body fat percentage and whether this weight-lowering effect is statistically significant or not.

Functional Food and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment: A Review.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now the leading cause of death globally and is a growing health concern. Lifestyle factors, including nutrition, play an important role in the etiology and treatment of CVD. Functional foods based on their basic nutritional functions can decrease the risk of many chronic diseases and have some physiological benefits. They contain physiologically active components either from plant or animal sources, marketed with the claim of their ability to reduce heart disease risk, focusing primarily on established risk factors, which are hyperlipidemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity/overweight, elevated lipoprotein A level, small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and elevated inflammatory marker levels. Functional foods are suspected to exert their cardioprotective effects mainly through blood lipid profile level and improve hypertension control, endothelial function, platelet aggregation, and antioxidant actions. Clinical and epidemiological observations indicate that vegetable and fruit fiber, nuts and seeds, sea foods, coffee, tea, and dark chocolate have cardioprotective potential in humans, as well whole-grain products containing intact grain kernels rich in fiber and trace nutrients. They are nutritionally more important because they contain phytoprotective substances that might work synergistically to reduce cardiovascular risk. This review will focus on the reciprocal interaction between functional foods and the potential link to cardiovascular health and the possible mechanisms of action.

Potential Cardioprotective Effects of Sumac Capsule in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: A Triple-Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Alternative medicine and herbal drugs have been taken into account for managing cardiovascular risk factors. Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is rich in biologically active ingredients known to improve cardiovascular health. We investigated the effect of sumac on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), body mass index (BMI), and serum concentrations of lipids and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in participants with hyperlipidemia in a triple-blind randomized placebo- controlled crossover trial. METHODS: Thirty adults with dyslipidemia (mild to moderate elevation of plasma total cholesterol and/or triglycerides [TG; total cholesterol ≥ 6.0 mmol/L or TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L and TG ≤ 5.0 mmol/L]) were assigned randomly to a sumac or a placebo group. Participants in the sumac group received sumac capsules (500 mg/twice daily) for the first 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks' washout period; the patients were then switched to a 4-week interval and received placebo for 4 weeks in the second period. The placebo group received these treatments in reverse order. FMD, BMI, SBP, DBP, lipids, and FBS were measured at baseline and after each period. RESULTS: Differences between placebo group and sumac group (placebo-sumac) were significantly decreased for BMI (0.21 ± 0.075 kg/m2), SBP (1.87 ± 0.83 mm Hg), DBP (1.32 ± 0.46 mm Hg), and total cholesterol (14.42 ± 4.95 mmol/L) and significantly increased for FMD (-0.23% ± 0.065%). Plasma level of TG did not change significantly across the treatment. CONCLUSION: Sumac consumption may decrease cardiovascular risk factors in persons with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.

Opium Addiction and Ischemic Stroke in Isfahan, Iran: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of opium addiction (OA) on cerebrovascular disease is controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify this relationship in Iranian patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: In a case-control study, 672 patients with ischemic stroke and 293 controls without a previous history of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular diseases were compared. OA as well as other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia, tobacco smoking (TS) were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: OA percentage, TS, TS amount (pack/year), HTN and DM history were significantly higher in the case group compared to controls (p < 0.05). After regression analysis between risk factors, a significant difference remained between 2 groups with regards to HTN (OR 4.21, 95% CI 3.05-5.81, p < 0.001), TS (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.51-3.59, p < 0.001), and OA (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.16-4.85, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Our study showed OA is a risk factor for stroke. However, a follow-up study with a larger cohort is required to confirm the results.

A review of plant-based compounds and medicinal plants effective on atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important cardiovascular diseases that involve vessels through the development of fatty streaks and plaques. Plant-based compounds can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis through affecting the involved factors. The main purpose of this review article is to investigate and introduce medicinal plants and their potential activities regarding antioxidant properties, effective on lipids level and development of plaque, atherosclerosis, and progression of atherosclerosis as well as the development of cardiovascular disease and ischemia. To search for the relevant articles indexed in Information Sciences Institute, PubMed, Scientific Information Database, IranMedex, and Scopus between 1980 and 2013, with further emphasis on those indexed from 2004 to 2015, we used these search terms: atherosclerosis, antioxidant, cholesterol, inflammation, and the medicinal plants below. Then, the articles with inclusion criteria were used in the final analysis of the findings. Plant-based active compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, can be effective on atherosclerosis predisposing factors and hence in preventing this disease and associated harmful complications, especially through reducing cholesterol, preventing increase in free radicals, and ultimately decreasing vascular plaque and vascular resistance. Hence, medicinal plants can contribute to treating atherosclerosis and preventing its progression through reducing cholesterolemia, free radicals, inflammation, vascular resistance, and certain enzymes. They, alone or in combination with hypocholesterolemic drugs, can therefore be useful for patients with hyperlipidemia and its complications.

Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem. Although many aspects of NAFLD pathogenesis have been understood, there is a paucity of effective treatments to be used as the second line when lifestyle modification is insufficient. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol from turmeric, has been shown to be effective against development of hepatic steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis, yet these beneficial effects have not been explored in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of curcumin on hepatic fat content as well as biochemical and anthropometric features of patients with NAFLD. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, patients with ultrasonographic evidence of NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive an amorphous dispersion curcumin formulation (500 mg/day equivalent to 70-mg curcumin) or matched placebo for a period of 8 weeks. Liver fat content (assessed through ultrasonography), glycemic and lipid profile, transaminase levels, and anthropometric indices were evaluated at baseline and at the end of follow-up period. The clinical trial protocol was registered under the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ID: IRCT2014110511763N18. Compared with placebo, curcumin was associated with a significant reduction in liver fat content (78.9% improvement in the curcumin vs 27.5% improvement in the placebo group). There were also significant reductions in body mass index and serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin compared with the placebo group. Curcumin was safe and well tolerated during the course of trial. Findings of the present proof-of-concept trial suggested improvement of different features of NAFLD after a short-term supplementation with curcumin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Vaccinium myrtillus fruit in experimentally induced diabetes (antidiabetic effect of Vaccinium myrtillus fruit).

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) is a useful plant with antidiabetic properties in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bilberry against DM. Diabetes was induced using intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg kg(-1) body weight (BW)). Bilberry powder (2 g d(-1)) and glibenclamide (positive control; 0.6 mg kg(-1) BW) were administered for 4 weeks following alloxan injection. Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined at baseline and at 2nd and 4th week of the study. RESULTS: Bilberry supplementation resulted in a significant reduction of glucose compared with the diabetic control as well as glibenclamide treatment. Bilberry elevated insulin, reduced TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TG levels, and prevented HDL-C decline. Serum insulin, TC and LDL-C levels were not affected by glibenclamide, and CRP did not significantly change with either bilberry or glibenclamide. Histological examinations revealed a significant elevation of islet size in the bilberry and glibenclamide-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with bilberry fruits may protect against impaired glucose and lipid metabolism in DM.

Clinical evaluation of blood pressure lowering, endothelial function improving, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate juice in hypertensive subjects.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) contains different types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols and has been reported to promote cardiovascular health through several mechanisms. The present study aimed to examine the effects of 2-week intake of fresh PJ on blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), serum lipid profile and concentrations of inflammatory and endothelial function biomarkers. Twenty-one hypertensive patients (aged 30-67 years) were recruited into the trial and assigned to receive either PJ (150 ml/day in a single occasion between lunch and dinner; n = 11) or the same amount of water (n = 10) for a period of 2 weeks. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressures together with FMD and serum concentrations of lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins A and B, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at baseline and at the end of trial. PJ consumption was associated with significant reductions in SBP (p = 0.002) and DBP (p = 0.038) but not FMD (p > 0.05). Serum levels of VCAM-1 (p = 0.008) were significantly reduced by PJ while those of E-selectin were elevated (p = 0.039). However, no significant effect was observed from PJ on serum levels of ICAM-1, hs-CRP, lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins and IL-6 in any of the study groups (p > 0.05). Consumption of PJ for 2 weeks has effective hypotensive effects, and may improve endothelial function by decreasing serum concentrations of VCAM-1. These findings suggest PJ as a beneficial cardioprotective supplement for hypertensive subjects.

Clinical Effects of Portulaca Oleracea Seeds on Dyslipidemia in Obese Adolescents: a Triple-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is a major public health concern worldwide while the current epidemic may be secondary to over consumption of high-fat, energy-rich foods. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) has been traditionally used in medicine for several antioxidant and anti-atherogenic activities. In this study the anti-dyslipidemic effects of P.oleracea was evaluated in obese adolescents. METHODS: In this triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial which was done from July 2011 to June 2012, obese adolescent patients whom were referred to the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute (Iran) were randomly allocated to the two arms of cases and controls. The cases group was asked to take one capsule containing powdered P. oleracea seeds (500 milligrams) two times a day for one month, and the controls group were asked to take identical but placebo (lactose) capsules in the same way. Biochemical parameters including 12-hours fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before the initiation and after the completion of the study protocol. FINDINGS: Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG showed statistically significant changes over time (one month) in the P. oleracea group (p < 0.05). However, between-group analysis using general linear model (multivariate) test revealed that the differences in the mentioned parameters between two study groups were statistically significant just for LDL-C and TG, while others did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: P. oleracea L. may have positive effects on serum lipids profile which may be attributed to its polyphenolic and antioxidant compounds. This herbal drug seems to be well-tolerated in adolescent population as well. Further studies are recommended.

Population-based metabolic syndrome risk score and its determinants: The Isfahan Healthy Heart Program.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetSy), an important predisposing factor for the most of noncommunicable diseases, has become a global pandemic. Given different definitions used for the MetSy, recently using a score termed "continuous MetSy risk score (CMetSyS)" is recommended. The aim of this study was to provide a CMetSyS in a population-based sample of Iranian adults and to assess its determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the data of the baseline survey of a community trial entitled "the Isfahan health heart program." The MetSy was defined according to the Revised National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel. All probable predictive models and their predictive performance were provided using leave-one-out cross-validated logistic regression and the receiver operation characteristic curve methods. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess factors associated with the CMetSyS. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 8313 persons (49.9% male, mean age 38.54 ± 15.86 years). The MetSy was documented in 1539 persons (21.86%). Triglycerides and waist circumference were the best predictive components, and fasting plasma glucose had the lowest area under curve (AUC). The AUC for our best model was 95.36 (94.83-95.83%). The best predictive cutoff for this risk score was -1.151 with 89% sensitivity and 87.93% specificity. CONCLUSION: We provided four population-based leave-one-out cross-validated risk score models, with moderate to perfect predictive performance to identify the MetSy in Iranian adults. The CMetSyS had significant associations with high sensitive C-reactive protein, body mass index, leisure time, and workplace physical activity as well as age and gender.

The potential preventive effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on cardiovascular risk factors through modulation of gut microbiota: A review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant contributor to global morbidity and death, underscoring the importance of their prevention and treatment. The association between the development and progression of CVD and several risk factors has been extensively studied. Among these risk factors, the gut microbiota has garnered considerable attention of the scientific community during the last two decades. In particular, dysbiosis is directly associated with many risk factors of CVD in the host, such as diabetes. Prior research has demonstrated a robust correlation between dysbiosis and the development of CVD. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are considered important regulators of microbiota imbalances as they increase the colonization of beneficial bacteria and thereby alter the gut microbiota. Although these beneficial effects of biotics are now widely recognized, new evidence has demonstrated that target therapy of the microbiota affects many other organs, including the heart, through a process commonly referred to as the gut-heart axis. In this review, we will discuss the potential benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease by modulating gut microbiota.

Investigation of the lipid-modifying and antiinflammatory effects of Cornus mas L. supplementation on dyslipidemic children and adolescents.

Cornus mas L. (CM) fruits are rich in anthocyanins and possess both antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. The current study was conducted to investigate whether supplementation with CM could ameliorate lipid profile and vascular inflammation in dyslipidemic children and adolescents. In this randomized clinical trial, 40 dyslipidemic children and adolescents ages 9 to 16 years were assigned to receive 50 g of CM twice a day after lunch and dinner (n = 20, case group) or to continue their normal diet (n = 20, control group). The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apo A-I, apo B, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anthropometric indices were determined at baseline and then after weeks 3 and 6 of the trial. After week 6 of the trial, the TC, TG, LDL-C, apo B, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 levels in the CM group were significantly lower and the HDL-C and apo A-I levels higher than at baseline. After week 6 of the trial, none of these parameters in the control group, except for ICAM-1, was significantly altered from baseline. However, between-group comparison showed a significant difference only for apo A-I (p = 0.016) and a borderline significant difference for ICAM-1 (p = 0.076). No significant difference in body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, or C-reactive protein was observed between the studied groups. The present findings revealed a trend toward amelioration of lipid profile and vascular inflammation following addition of CM to the daily diet of dyslipidemic children and adolescents but this needs to be verified by larger scale trials.

Antihyperlipidemic effects of Sesamum indicum L. in rabbits fed a high-fat diet.

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of sesame in a high-fat fed rabbit model. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each for 60 days as follows: normal diet, hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol), hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) + sesame seed (10%), and hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) + sesame oil (5%). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, apoA and apoB, SGOT, SGPT, glucose and insulin were measured at the end of supplementation period in all studied groups. Hypercholesterolemic feeding resulted in a significant elevation of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, SGOT and SGPT as compared to the normocholesterolemic diet group (P < 0.05). Supplementation with sesame seed did not cause any significant alteration in lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins, hepatic transaminases, glucose and insulin as compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group (P > 0.05). In contrast, rabbits supplemented with sesame oil were found to have lower circulating concentrations of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, SGOT and SGPT (P < 0.05), whilst concentrations of TG, apoA, apoB, insulin and glucose remained unaltered compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group (P > 0.05). Supplementation with sesame oil, but not sesame seed, can ameliorate serum levels of lipids and hepatic enzymes in rabbits under a high-fat diet.

Chemical analysis and biological activities of Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis essential oils.

CONTEXT: Safe and effective antioxidants are regarded as a cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of several types of disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-glycation properties of branchlet and fruit oils of Cupressus sempervirens L. var. horizontalis (Mill.) Gord. (Cupressaceae). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essential oils were extracted from the branchlets and fruits of C. sempervirens var. horizontalis using the steam distillation method. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was employed for the compositional analysis of essential oils. In order to evaluate antioxidant activities of oils at different concentrations (180, 220 and 260 µg mL(-1)), linoleic acid peroxidation test and peroxyl radical mediated hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC) assay were used. Linoleic acid peroxidation was monitored for 4 h and determined during each hour of incubation. Antiglycation effects of oils at 200, 400 and 600 µg mL(-1) were assessed using hemoglobin and insulin glycation assays. RESULTS: Overall, 10 volatile components were identified, amounting for 88.2 and 93.2% of branchlet and fruit oils, respectively. α-Pinene and δ-3-carene were major components of both branchlet (46.2 and 22.7%) and fruit (59.2 and 14.9%) oils. Hemoglobin glycation was inhibited by both branchlet (44.8, 62.6 and 54.0% at 200, 400 and 600 µg mL(-1), respectively) and fruit (41.0, 62.8 and 48.5%) oils. As for the insulin glycation, inhibitory rates were 66.1, 69.2 and 73.8% for branchlet oil, and 80.0, 76.9 and 81.5% for fruit oil (at 200, 400 and 600 µg mL(-1), respectively). RBC hemolysis was also inhibited by both branchlet (49.9, 38.5 and 15.0% at 180, 220 and 260 µg mL(-1), respectively) and fruit (45.9, 38.6 and 25.0%) oil. Finally, the oils mitigated linoleic acid peroxidation which was peaked after 4 h for both branchlet (39.5, 35.6 and 53.4% at 180, 220 and 260 µg mL(-1), respectively) and fruit (47.5, 58.6 and 59.8%) oil. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that essential oils obtained from the branchlets and fruits of C. sempervirens var. horizontalis possess antioxidant and, in particular, antiglycation properties. These activities may find implication in the prevention of diabetic and cardiovascular complications. However, further investigations are required to justify the traditional medical applications of the plant.

Effect of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Consumption on Lipid Profile With Focus on Triglycerides and High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C): An Updated Systematic Review.

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for heart disease. The soluble fiber in oat (Avena sativa L.), beta-glucan has been shown to significantly lower serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels but not triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) according to previous studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. However, the effect of oat consumption on the TG and HDL-C is controversial and has not been expanded enough. We did this review study to find out about the effect of oat on lipid profile especially TG and HDL-C more specifically and meticulously with their details. After searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar we included 17 studies in our review. Our results similar to other reviews showed that oat reduced the TC, VLDL, and LDL-C more significantly than TG. Of 17 included studies 6 studies reported reduction of TG level, and only 1 study reported HDL-C improvement followed by oat consumption. A more detailed review of studies that reported positive effects of oat/ beta-glucan consumption on TG showed that in healthy people with normal lipid profile oat intake might reduce TG effectively and also in overweight people/those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome if a higher amount of oat or/and longer duration applied. Consuming oat in conjunction with calorie-reducing diets or using it with DHA can cause a significant TG reduction. It may be concluded that, in addition to lowering TC and LDL-C, a considerable improvement in TG or HDL-C can be accomplished by adjusting factors such as oat consumption dose or consumption duration or utilizing oat in conjunction with a proper diet program. To conclude, more research on this topic is required.

Is Consumption of Pomegranate Supplementation Effective on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Including MDA, ox-LDL, POX 1, GPX, TAC, and TBRAS? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Punica granatum (Family Lythraceae) comprises considerable content of phenolic components and it proves the antioxidant activity of pomegranate. Some clinical trial investigations display that consumption of pomegranate is able to boost the antioxidant status. This systematic review assessed the efficacy of pomegranate extract to reduce oxidative stress. Pomegranate was used in some studies as capsules (between 250 mg and 250 g) and some in liquid form (between 10 and 500 ml), and the follow-up duration varied from 3 weeks to 12 months. Standardized mean difference and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as the effect size of pomegranate supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers. Based on the results, pomegranate decreased but it was not statistically significant and the same result was obtained for ox-LDL and POX 1. In addition, the results showed that pomegranate consumption can significantly increase GPX and TAC. Result of combination of on TBRAS showed significantly effect of pomegranate use on reduction of TBRAS. Since this study has evaluated mostly Eastern countries' studies it could be concluded that pomegranate supplements are effective in modifying oxidative stress in Eastern countries. The evidence to support this study is low, therefore, needs the future studies to confirm the results.