1.
A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study to Examine the Effects of Maritime Pine Extract on Exercise Performance and Postexercise Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Muscle Soreness, and Damage.
Aldret, RL, Bellar, D
Journal of dietary supplements. 2020;(3):309-320
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine whether 14 days of supplementation with maritime pine extract leading up to and following an exercise test would increase performance and reduce biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twenty apparently healthy young male participants ingested either 800 mg pine bark extract or placebo for 14 days prior to the first exercise trial and for 2 days postexercise. On the exercise day, participants submitted a pre-exercise blood sample then completed a VO2 peak test until volitional failure. A postexercise blood sample was collected 1 hour after completion of exercise. Participants returned at 24 and 48 hours after the exercise testing for measures of muscle pain in the lower body using an algometer. Participants then had a 7-day washout period before beginning to cross over to the alternate treatment. Analysis via ordinal regression demonstrated a significant difference in oxidative stress in the maritime pine extract group compared to placebo (ChiSq = 2.63; p = 0.045). Maritime pine extract was effective at affording protection from oxidative stress postexercise. Further work should be undertaken to evaluate the findings with other exercise modes or in participants with known metabolic syndrome.
2.
Possible mechanisms of postprandial physiological alterations following flavan 3-ol ingestion.
Osakabe, N, Terao, J
Nutrition reviews. 2018;(3):174-186
Abstract
Foods rich in flavan 3-ols are known to prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing metabolic syndrome risks, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. However, the mechanisms involved in this reduction are unclear, particularly because of the poor bioavailability of flavan 3-ols. Recent metabolome analyses of feces produced after repeated ingestion of foods rich in flavan 3-ols may provide insight into the chronic physiological changes associated with the intake of flavan 3-ols. Substantial postprandial changes have been reported after flavan 3-ol ingestion, including hemodynamic and metabolic changes as well as autonomic and central nervous alterations. Taken together, the evidence suggests that flavan 3-ols have both postprandial and chronic effects, which could involve different or common mechanisms. In general, the accumulation of acute functional changes induces chronic physiological alteration. Therefore, this review highlights the postprandial action of flavan 3-ols in order to address the yet unknown mechanism(s) for their physiological function.
3.
Daily Consumption of Chocolate Rich in Flavonoids Decreases Cellular Genotoxicity and Improves Biochemical Parameters of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism.
Leyva-Soto, A, Chavez-Santoscoy, RA, Lara-Jacobo, LR, Chavez-Santoscoy, AV, Gonzalez-Cobian, LN
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2018;(9)
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes has increased largely worldwide. In the present work, we evaluated the genoprotective effect of the consumption of flavonoids-rich chocolate on 84 young volunteers. Biochemical indicators related to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome were also determined. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was performed in the Autonomous University of Baja California. The treatments comprised the daily consumption of either 2 g of dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa, or 2 g of milk chocolate, for 6 months. The total amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined in both types of chocolate. Anthropometrical and Biochemical parameters were recorded prior to and after the study. The evaluation of the genotoxicity in buccal epithelial cells was performed throughout the duration of the study. Flavonoids from cocoa in dark chocolate significantly prevented DNA damage, and improved the nucleus integrity of cells. This effect could be related to the antioxidant capacity of the dark chocolate that decreased cellular stress. Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level in blood) and anthropometrical parameters (waist circumference) were improved after six months of daily intake of 2 g of dark chocolate with a 70% of cocoa.