1.
Effects of the Treatment with Flavonoids on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Humans: A Systematic Review Focusing on Mechanisms of Action.
Gouveia, HJCB, Urquiza-Martínez, MV, Manhães-de-Castro, R, Costa-de-Santana, BJR, Villarreal, JP, Mercado-Camargo, R, Torner, L, de Souza Aquino, J, Toscano, AE, Guzmán-Quevedo, O
International journal of molecular sciences. 2022;23(15)
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Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterised by at least three of the five risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, elevated fasting glucose, blood pressure and triglycerides and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). There is a strong link between metabolic syndrome and the development of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that increasing consumption of flavonoid-rich foods can be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds that possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-mutagenic, and enzymatic properties. This systematic review of 29 randomised controlled trials evaluated the beneficial effects of long-term flavonoid supplementation in reducing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. This review included a variety of flavonoid supplements, such as anthocyanin, hesperidin, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (egcg), genistein, theaflavin, catechin, and eriocitrin. Additionally, this research investigated the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of flavonoid supplementation. Results showed that flavonoid supplementation for at least three weeks improved metabolic parameters and inflammatory markers, with hesperidin showing the greatest improvements in metabolic parameters. Healthcare professionals can use these findings to understand the potential benefits of long-term flavonoid supplementation in improving metabolic parameters. However, more robust studies are needed to determine the therapeutic dosages of different flavonoids.
Abstract
Diets high in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, have been used to mitigate metabolic syndrome (MetS). Polyphenols are a large group of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, classified into two main classes: non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are distributed in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and cocoa. Studies have already demonstrated the benefits of flavonoids on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as cancer cells. The present review summarizes the results of clinical studies that evaluated the effects of flavonoids on the components of the MetS and associated complications when offered as supplements over the long term. The results show that flavonoids can significantly modulate several metabolic parameters, such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Only theaflavin and catechin were unable to affect metabolic parameters. Moreover, only body weight and body mass index were unaltered. Thus, the evidence presented in this systematic review offers bases in support of a flavonoid supplementation, held for at least 3 weeks, as a strategy to improve several metabolic parameters and, consequently, reduce the risk of diseases associated with MetS. This fact becomes stronger due to the rare side effects reported with flavonoids.
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Chemopreventive and anticancer activity of flavonoids and its possibility for clinical use by combining with conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Kikuchi, H, Yuan, B, Hu, X, Okazaki, M
American journal of cancer research. 2019;9(8):1517-1535
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Novel therapies for cancer treatment using herbs and edible components of plants are continuously being studied as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapies: antitumor drugs and radiation. Resistance to drugs, and tumour recurrence rates suggest that new therapies are needed. This 2019 review discusses the possible strategy of combining flavonoids, nutraceuticals and conventional chemotherapeutic agents to minimise adverse effects, and improve quality of life of patients undergoing traditional treatments. Flavonoids, such as EGCG, Quercetin, Luteolin, Glabridin and Naringin demonstrate several clinically interesting mechanisms: anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties, apoptosis and autophagy promoting activities, and immunomodulatory effects. On the downside there are questions over the low bioavailability of flavonoids from foods. The widely accepted consensus is that combination treatments which embrace novel therapies alongside traditional treatment are clinically safe. The interest in flavonoids is principally for improving chemotherapy sensitivity and minimizing the adverse side effects of these treatments. The molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoids multiple pharmacological effects make them a potential adjunctive agent for cancer chemoprevention although more clinical trials are needed.
Abstract
Cancer is a diverse class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth with the potential to invade and spread to other parts of the body, and continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional cancer treatment modalities include antitumor drugs, surgical resection, locally targeted therapies such as radiation therapy. Along with improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of various cancers, generation and the use of smart targeted anti-cancer drugs have been challenged. The need for novel therapeutic strategies remains paramount given the sustained development of drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Development of new strategies aimed at improving chemotherapy sensitivity and minimizing the adverse side effects is thus essential for obtaining satisfied therapeutic outcomes for patients and enhancing their quality of life. Emerging evidence has reported that many cancer patients use either herbs employed in complementary therapies or dietary agents that influence cellular signaling worldwide. Numerous components of edible plants, collectively termed phytochemicals that have beneficial effects for health, are being reported increasingly in the scientific literature. Of those, flavonoids have attracted much attention by virtue of its wide variety of biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying its multiple pharmacological effects, especially focusing on cancer chemoprevention. We further discuss possible strategies to develop anticancer therapy by combining flavonoids nutraceuticals and conventional chemotherapeutic agents. We also highlight numerous pharmacokinetic challenges such as bioavailability, drug-drug interactions, which are still fundamental questions concerning its future clinical application.
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Spices and Atherosclerosis.
Tsui, PF, Lin, CS, Ho, LJ, Lai, JH
Nutrients. 2018;10(11)
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Atherosclerosis, characterised by the accumulation of fat and inflammation in blood vessels, is the main feature of CVD. Common spices such as pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, cinnamon and chilli may have effects on the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. In this review, the authors focused on the potential protective effects of spices, in atherosclerosis and CVD. Most studies to date have been carried out either in cell culture or in animals. These have revealed various potential mechanisms by which spices exert their beneficial effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-atherogenic, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. There are some human studies evaluating the effects of spices on high blood pressure. Although saffron, turmeric, and chilli pepper had no effect on blood pressure, cinnamon demonstrated significant blood pressure lowering effects in patients with diabetes. Garlic has been shown to have the potential to reduce blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure. These studies provide information on the beneficial roles of spices in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. The types of spices consumed vary across cultures, and currently there are no available population studies showing that consumption of spices is associated with reduction of CVD nor any recommendations for the amounts of spices to be consumed. The authors conclude that the consumption of spices should be encouraged across countries to promote good health.
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Atherosclerosis, characterized by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation in the vessel wall, is the main feature of cardiovascular disease. Although the amounts of fruits and vegetables present in the diets vary by country, diets, worldwide, contain large amounts of spices; this may have positive or negative effects on the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. In this review, we focused on the potential protective effects of specific nutrients from spices, such as pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, cinnamon and chili, in atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms, epidemiological analysis, and clinical studies focusing on a variety of spices are covered in this review. Based on the integrated information, we aimed to raise specific recommendations for people with different dietary styles for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through dietary habit adjustments.
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Could gestational diabetes mellitus be managed through dietary bioactive compounds? Current knowledge and future perspectives.
Santangelo, C, Zicari, A, Mandosi, E, Scazzocchio, B, Mari, E, Morano, S, Masella, R
The British journal of nutrition. 2016;115(7):1129-44
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Women with GDM are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) later in life. Moreover, uncontrolled GDM is linked with a detrimental intra-uterine environment, which leads to foetal complications and an increased risk for the child of developing obesity and metabolic disorders. The aim of the review is to examine the current knowledge and issues about the impact of dietary polyphenols on the mechanisms and/or factors regulating glucose homeostasis, inflammation and adipose tissue function in metabolic alterations linked with GDM. Moreover, this study also reviews the role of Omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy. The study is a descriptive review based on several studies. Literature data is mainly derived from in vitro and animal models. In vitro and animal studies show that almost all subclasses of flavonoids, stilbene RSV and some olive oil phenolic compounds, interact and modulate several molecular pathways regulating insulin. Obesity worsens GDM with increased risk of developing metabolic disorders in both mother and offspring later in life. The adoption of healthy lifestyle, with adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, has positive effects on the prevention and management of diabetes.
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious problem growing worldwide that needs to be addressed with urgency in consideration of the resulting severe complications for both mother and fetus. Growing evidence indicates that a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil and fish has beneficial effects in both the prevention and management of several human diseases and metabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss the latest data concerning the effects of dietary bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and PUFA on the molecular mechanisms regulating glucose homoeostasis. Several studies, mostly based on in vitro and animal models, indicate that dietary polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, positively modulate the insulin signalling pathway by attenuating hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, reducing inflammatory adipokines, and modifying microRNA (miRNA) profiles. Very few data about the influence of dietary exposure on GDM outcomes are available, although this approach deserves careful consideration. Further investigation, which includes exploring the 'omics' world, is needed to better understand the complex interaction between dietary compounds and GDM.