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1.
The effect of purple-black barberry (Berberis integerrima) on blood pressure in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.
Emamat, H, Zahedmehr, A, Asadian, S, Nasrollahzadeh, J
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2022;:115097
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Berberis integerrima commonly known as "barberry" belongs to the Berberidaceae family and has been used as a medicinal plant in Iranian traditional medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of barberry consumption on blood pressure (BP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-four medicated hypertensive patients were selected and randomly allocated to barberry and placebo groups. The barberry group received 10 g/day dried purple-black barberry powder, once daily, for 2-months. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP was assessed through 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring before and after 2-month treatment. The estimation of sodium and potassium intake was done through measurement of sodium and potassium in 24-h urinary samples. Plasma and urinary nitrite, and nitrate (NOx) levels, as well as plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, were also determined. RESULTS Seventy-eight participants with an average age of 54.12 ± 10.32 years and BMI of 27.93 ± 2.22 kg/m2 completed the study. There was no significant difference in body weight, physical activity, and the 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion between the two groups before and after the study. After adjusting for baseline values and changes in sodium intake, systolic, and mean arterial BP decreased significantly in the barberry group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.008, respectively). Plasma NOx levels and ACE activity were not different between the two groups, but urinary NOx was increased significantly in the barberry group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS In patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, daily consumption of purple-black barberry can be effective in improving systolic BP control.
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2.
Effect of Mori ramulus on the postprandial blood glucose levels and inflammatory responses of healthy subjects subjected to an oral high-fat/sucrose challenge: A double-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial.
Park, SY, Kwon, O, Kim, JY
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. 2022;:112552
Abstract
Blood glucose is inadequately controlled in diabetes mellitus, causing various inflammation-related complications. This study aimed to investigate responses to an oral sucrose/lipid challenge in the context of glucose metabolism after consumption of Mori ramulus (MR) extract. In this study on healthy subjects, the optimal dose and safety of MR were confirmed in a preliminary pilot trial (n = 24), meanwhile, blood glucose, insulin, and inflammatory marker levels were detected via an oral sucrose/lipid tolerance test in the main trial (n = 36). In the main study, the blood glucose response was significantly decreased after 240 min in the MR group. Compared to the placebo group, the treatment group exhibited plasma insulin levels that were significantly increased at 120 min and decreased at 240 min. In conclusion, a single MR extract dose protects against inflammation induced by high-fat/sugar to maintain normal insulin secretion and thus helps to maintain postprandial blood glucose levels via an inflammatory mechanism.
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3.
Effect of Standardized Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. Leaves Extract on Body Weight and Body Fat Reduction in Overweight or Obese Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
Han, HS, Chung, KS, Shin, YK, Yu, JS, Kang, SH, Lee, SH, Lee, KT
Nutrients. 2022;(1)
Abstract
Obesity is a major health problem that is caused by body fat accumulation and that can lead to metabolic diseases. Owing to several side effects of the currently used antiobesity drugs, natural plants have risen as safe and potential candidates to alleviate obesity. We have previously reported the antiobesity effect of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. leaves extract (WHS) and its underlying mechanisms. As an extension of our preclinical studies, this study aimed to investigate the effect of WHS on body weight and body fat reduction in overweight or obese humans. A total of 93 healthy overweight or obese males and females, aged 19-65 years, with body mass indexes (BMIs) ≥ 25 and <32 kg/m2, were recruited and received either an oral administration of 600 mg of WHS, or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Daily supplementation with WHS decreased body weights, body fat masses, and BMIs compared with the placebo-treated group. The hip circumferences, visceral fat areas, abdominal fat areas, and visceral-to-subcutaneous ratios decreased after WHS supplementation. No significant side effects were observed during or after the 12 weeks of WHS intake. In conclusion, WHS, which has beneficial effects on body weight and body fat reduction, could be a promising antiobesity supplement that does not produce any side effects.
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4.
Comparison of Isotonic Seawater Nasal Spray Containing Chamomile Liquid Extract and Other Isotonic Seawater Nasal Washing Solutions for Allergic Rhinitis.
Atar, Y, Karaketir, S, Aydogdu, I, Sari, H, Bircan, HS, Uyar, Y, Ekincioglu, E, Karaketir, SG, Atac, E, Berkiten, G
The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology. 2022;(4):427-434
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to demonstrate the effect of an isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract on symptoms and nasal mucociliary clearance in patients with allergic rhinitis by comparing it with other isotonic seawater nasal washing solutions. METHODS The study included 123 patients. Based on Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines, mometasone furoate intranasal spray treatment was started for all patients in the group diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. In addition to this treatment, isotonic seawater spray with chamomile liquid extract was added to Group A, isotonic seawater spray to Group B, and isotonic seawater nasal irrigation to Group C. The fourth group (Group D) was given only nasal steroid spray without nasal washing treatment. Before and after treatment in all patients, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 was performed, and nasal mucociliary clearance times were measured by the saccharin test. RESULTS The differences in duration of nasal mucociliary clearance and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 values were taken before and after treatment. In Group A, B, C, and D the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 differences were statistically significant (P ≤.001; P ≤ .001; P ≤ .001, and P = .048, respectively). Only Group A and Group B experienced a significant difference in nasal mucociliary clearance times (P ≤ .001; P = .010, respectively). When the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 score and nasal mucociliary clearance time differences before and after treatment were compared between all groups, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score difference was higher in Group A than in Groups B, C, and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .003; P ≤ .001, respectively). The nasal mucociliary clearance time difference was higher in Group A than in Groups C and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION Isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract is seen as a good alternative treatment option for allergic rhinitis patients.
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5.
Green Tea Extract Increases Soluble RAGE and Improves Renal Function in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy.
Barocio-Pantoja, M, Quezada-Fernández, P, Cardona-Müller, D, Jiménez-Cázarez, MB, Larios-Cárdenas, M, González-Radillo, OI, García-Sánchez, A, Carmona-Huerta, J, Chávez-Guzmán, AN, Díaz-Preciado, PA, et al
Journal of medicinal food. 2021;(12):1264-1270
Abstract
One of the proposed mechanisms for the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the increase of end products of advanced glycosylation (AGEs), which bind to its receptor (RAGE), favoring nephron cellular damage. An isoform of this receptor is soluble RAGE (sRAGE), which can antagonize AGE-altered intracellular signaling. It has known that green tea extract (GTE) increases the expression of sRAGE, but it is unknown whether this could improve kidney function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of GTE on the concentrations of sRAGE, renal function, and metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and DN. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 39 patients who received GTE (400 mg every 12 h) or placebo for 3 months. sRAGE levels, renal function, and metabolic parameters were determined before and after the intervention. In the GTE group, there were statistically significant increase on sRAGE (320.55 ± 157.63 pg/mL vs. 357.59 ± 144.99 pg/mL; P = .04) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 66.44 ± 15.17 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 71.70 ± 19.33 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .04), and a statistically significant decrease in fasting serum glucose (7.62 ± 3.00 mmol/L vs. 5.86 ± 1.36 mmol/L; P ≤ .01) and triacylglycerols (1.91 ± 0.76 mmol/L vs. 1.58 ± 0.69; P = .02). Administration of GTE increases the serum concentration of sRAGE and the GFR and decreases the concentration of fasting serum glucose and triacylglycerols. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT03622762.
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6.
An Investigation into the Effects of a Curcumin Extract (Curcugen®) on Osteoarthritis Pain of the Knee: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Lopresti, AL, Smith, SJ, Jackson-Michel, S, Fairchild, T
Nutrients. 2021;(1)
Abstract
Curcumin, a phytochemical from the spice turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 101 adults with knee osteoarthritis received either 500 mg twice daily of a standardised curcumin extract (Curcugen®) or placebo. Outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), knee pain ratings, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score for Osteoarthritic Knees (JOA), PROMIS-29, and performance-based testing comprising the 40-m fast-paced walk test, 6-min walk test, timed up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test. Compared to the placebo, curcumin significantly reduced the KOOS knee pain score (p = 0.009) and numeric knee pain ratings (p = 0.001). Curcumin was also associated with greater improvements (p ≤ 0.05) than the placebo on the timed up-and-go test, 6-min walk test, and the JOA total score; but not the 30-s chair stand test or 40-m fast-paced walk test. Pain-relieving medication was reduced in 37% of participants on curcumin compared to 13% on placebo. The findings support the potential efficacy of curcumin for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee but studies of longer duration, varying treatment doses, differing curcumin extracts, and the use of other objective outcome measures will be helpful to expand on these findings.
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7.
A 6-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate the effect of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) and concurrent training on erectile function and testosterone levels in androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM).
Leitão, AE, Vieira, MCS, Pelegrini, A, da Silva, EL, Guimarães, ACA
Maturitas. 2021;:78-85
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM) largely manifests as sexual symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of ADAM. AIM: To ascertain the effect of concurrent training and supplementation with Eurycoma longifolia on erectile function and testosterone levels in men with ADAM, and the association of erectile function with levels of total testosterone. METHODS 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled four-arm clinical. 45 men (47.38 ± 5.03 years) were randomized into 4 groups (G1: control + placebo; G2: control + Eurycoma longifolia; G3: concurrent training + placebo; G4: concurrent training + Eurycoma longifolia). 22 received a 200 mg supplement of Eurycoma longifolia and 23 underwent the intervention with concurrent training, 3 times a week for 60 min at progressive intensity. OUTCOMES International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Aging Male Scale (AMS) and total testosterone. RESULTS Erectile function demonstrated improvements in both interventions; however, the most significant results were obtained by men allocated to concurrent training + Eurycoma longifolia. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A 200 mg supplement of Eurycoma longifolia and the practice of concurrent training for 6 months significantly improved the erectile function of men with ADAM. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The study's design stands out as a strength, in addition to the six-month intervention. The main limitation is the study not having groups that used only Eurycoma longifolia and only concurrent training. CONCLUSION The combination of Eurycoma longifolia and concurrent training improved erectile function and increased total testosterone levels in men with ADAM.
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8.
Complementary effects of pine bark extract supplementation on inattention, impulsivity, and antioxidative status in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.
Hsu, CD, Hsieh, LH, Chen, YL, Lin, IC, Chen, YR, Chen, CC, Shirakawa, H, Yang, SC
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(6):3226-3235
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the complementary effects of polyphenolic compounds from pine bark extract (PE) as a strong antioxidative substrate on the symptoms of inattention and impulsivity in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study that included two experimental units (4 weeks with PE supplementation and 4 weeks with placebo supplementation) separated by a 2-week washout period. ADHD participants were supplemented with 25 mg or 50 mg PE. We recruited 20 participants (17 boys and 3 girls) with a mean age of 10.0 ± 2.1 years. PE supplementation caused a significant reduction in the inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity items of SNAP-IV. During the period of PE supplementation, the item of commissions in the Continuous Performance Test III (CPT III) significantly decreased, which was used to evaluate the symptoms of inattention and impulsivity. In addition, the erythrocytic reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio significantly increased, and the plasma TBARs level significantly decreased after 4 weeks of PE supplementation. However, there was no significant correlation between CPT III (commission) and antioxidative status indictors. PE supplementation may have potential effects of ameliorating inattention and impulsivity, and elevating the antioxidative status in children with ADHD.
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9.
Sex May Modulate the Effects of Combined Polyphenol Extract and L-citrulline Supplementation on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Adults with Prehypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Vors, C, Rancourt-Bouchard, M, Couillard, C, Gigleux, I, Couture, P, Lamarche, B
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
Increased blood pressure (BP), vascular dysfunction and inflammation are involved in the etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although several dietary components such as polyphenols and L-citrulline may help to control BP, their combined impact on ambulatory BP in individuals at risk of CVD remains unknown. The objective of this research was to investigate the short-term impact of supplementation with a combination of polyphenol extract and L-citrulline on ambulatory BP, endothelial function and inflammation. In a randomized double-blind parallel trial, 73 men and women with prehypertension were supplemented with a placebo (cellulose, n = 34, Plac) or 548 mg/day of polyphenols and 2 g/day of L-citrulline (n = 35, Suppl) for 6 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was the difference between groups in 24-h ambulatory diastolic BP (DBP) at week six. Secondary outcomes were a difference between groups at week six in ambulatory systolic BP (SBP), casual BP, serum lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and skin advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Potential interaction of treatment with sex was examined. Suppl had no impact on mean ambulatory SBP and DBP (p > 0.10 vs. placebo). Daytime and 24-h SBP were reduced with Suppl in women (p ≤ 0.01), but not in men (p ≥ 0.27). A non-significant reduction in AGEs was observed after Suppl compared to Plac among all participants (p = 0.07) and there was no difference in the concentrations of blood lipids (p > 0.20) or CRP (p = 0.36) between treatments at week six. Therefore, supplementation with polyphenol extract and L-citrulline for 6 weeks has no impact on ambulatory BP, blood lipids and CRP in adults with prehypertension. However, the polyphenol extract/L-citrulline supplement may reduce ambulatory SBP in women, but not in men. These preliminary results need further research efforts towards further documenting this sex-dependent BP response to supplementation with polyphenols and L-citrulline.
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10.
Oral Pycnogenol® Intake Benefits the Skin in Urban Chinese Outdoor Workers: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Crossover Intervention Study.
Zhao, H, Wu, J, Wang, N, Grether-Beck, S, Krutmann, J, Wei, L
Skin pharmacology and physiology. 2021;(3):135-145
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral supplementation with a standardized extract from the bark of the French pine (Pycnogenol®) has been reported to benefit the skin. It might thus represent an easy-to-use strategy to improve the skin health of individuals who are exposed to considerable environmental stress in large urban areas. OBJECTIVE We investigated if oral intake of Pycnogenol® can benefit the skin of Han Chinese working outdoors in Beijing, China. METHODS In a monocentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover study, the effects of Pycnogenol® intake (2 × 50 mg/day for a total of 12 weeks) on a variety of skin physiological parameters was studied in Chinese subjects (n = 76), from spring to autumn, who were working outdoors in Beijing, China. RESULTS During the intervention period, study subjects were constantly exposed to increased levels of particulate matter (PM)2.5 as well as seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. Despite this environmental stress, Pycnogenol® intake prevented (i) a decrease in the skin hydration, (ii) transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and (iii) skin darkening during the dry autumn season. In addition, Pycnogenol® intake improved (iv) viscoelastic skin properties such as gross elasticity and elastic recovery irrespective of the season. These beneficial effects were not observed if the same subjects were supplemented with placebo. CONCLUSION Oral intake of Pycnogenol® benefits the skin in Han Chinese, who are working outdoors under considerable environmental stress.