Matching traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine-based research:Advanced nutraceutical development for proactive gastric cancer prevention

Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western medical practices,emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention.Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques,this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development.Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways,particularly the NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,and Wnt/β-catenin pathways,we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas,extracts,and isolated compounds.These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation,underscoring their potential in preventive strategies.The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework.This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.

Emerging natural hemp seed proteins and their functions for nutraceutical applications

With changing dietary habits and increasing awareness of the nutraceutical role of dietary foods,the demand for natural plant proteins and interest in non-traditional protein sources in the food industry are increasing.Industrial hemp,belonging to the plant family Cannabaceae,is cultivated for its fibre and edible seeds.Due to its nutritional value,it has also been used in the food industry and medicine.In particular,hemp seed proteins have drawn considerable attention in both scientific and industrial fields because of their excellent nutraceutical values,superior digestibility,low allergenicity and diverse techno-functional properties.In this review,we provide a summary of the current research progress on the extraction and purification processes,physiochemical properties,nutraceutical functions,and applications of hemp seed proteins.Perspectives in the application of advanced technologies for hemp seed bioactive peptide mining are also discussed.This review provides up-to-date insights into the nutraceutical values,health benefits,and future applications of this emerging plant source protein.

A nutraceutical combination improves insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome

AIM:To test the efficacy of a proprietary nutraceutical combination in reducing insulin resistance associated with the metabolic syndrome(MetS).METHODS:Sixty-four patients with MetS followed at a tertiary outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or a proprietary nutraceutical combination(AP)consisting of berberine,policosanol and red yeast rice,in a prospective,double-blind,placebo-controlled study.Evaluations were performed at baseline and after 18 wk of treatment.The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMAIR)index was the primary outcome measure.Secondary endpoints included lipid panel,blood glucose and insulin fasting,after a standard mixed meal and after an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),ow-mediated dilation(FMD),and waist circumference.RESULTS:Fifty nine patients completed the study,2 withdrew because of adverse effects.After 18 wk there was a signif icant reduction in the HOMA-IR index in the AP group compared with placebo(ΔHOMA respectively-0.6 ± 1.2 vs 0.4 ± 1.9;P < 0.05).Total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol also significantly decreased in the treatment arm compared with placebo(Δlow density lipoprotein cholesterol-0.82 ± 0.68 vs-0.13 ± 0.55 mmol/L;P < 0.001),while triglycerides,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the OGTT were not affected.In addition,there were significant reductions in blood glucose and insulin after the standard mixed meal,as well as an increase in FMD(ΔFMD 1.9 ± 4.2 vs 0 ± 1.9 %;P < 0.05)and a significant reduction in arterial systolic blood pressure in the AP arm.CONCLUSION:This short-term study shows that AP has relevant beneficial effects on insulin resistance and many other components of MetS.

Role of nutraceuticals during the transition period of dairy cows: a review

The transition period of dairy cattle is characterized by a number of metabolic, endocrine, physiologic, and immune adaptations, including the occurrence of negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, liver dysfunction, overt systemic inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. The degree and length of time during which these systems remain out of balance could render cows more susceptible to disease, poor reproductive outcomes, and less efficient for milk production and quality. Studies on both monogastrics and ruminants have reported the health benefits of nutraceuticals(e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, dietary lipids, functional peptides, phytoextracts) beyond nutritional value, interacting at different levels of the animal's physiology. From a physiological standpoint, it seems unrealistic to disregard any systemic inflammatory processes. However, an alternate approach is to modulate the inflammatory process per se and to resolve the systemic response as quickly as possible.To this aim, a growing body of literature underscores the efficacy of nutraceuticals(active compounds) during the critical phase of the transition period. Supplementation of essential fatty acids throughout a 2-month period(i.e. a month before and a month after calving) successfully attenuates the inflammatory status with a quicker resolution of phenomenon. In this context, the inflammatory and immune response scenario has been recognized to be targeted by the beneficial effect of methyl donors, such as methionine and choline, directly and indirectly modulating such response with the increase of antioxidants GSH and taurine. Indirectly by the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal tract, yeast and yeast-based products showed to modulate the immune response, mitigating negative effects associated with parturition stress and consequent disorders.The use of phytoproducts has garnered high interest because of their wide range of actions on multiple tissue targets encompassing a series of antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immune-stimulating, rumen fermentation, and microbial modulation effects. In this review, we provide perspectives on investigations of regulating the immune responses and metabolism using several nutraceuticals in the periparturient cow.

Probiotical Cell Fragments (PCFs) as “Novel Nutraceutical Ingredients”

Probiotical cell fragments (PCFs) are structural components of the probiotic cell lysate(s) and exhibit similar beneficial effects on the host as live probiotic bacteria. With cell fragment technology (CFT?), the structural fragments are isolated and purified from live probiotic cells. While observed to be strain-dependent as in the case of live probiotics, orally administered PCFs demonstrated a broad spectrum of immune modulation functions;anti-allergy;anti-inflammation;anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties;anti-mutagenic;and radioprotective and detoxification abilities in humans and animals. The PCFs mechanisms of action include events of motifs of cell wall peptidoglycans, DNA motifs, nucleotide containing components, lipoteichoic acids (LPAs), surface layer (S-layer) proteins, and cytoplasmic proteins. Different immunological in vivo-in vitro tests have shown that PCFs, essentially, have the ability to stimulate the macrophages, and induce cytokines such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), and natural killer (NK) cells. PCFs may be used as ingredients for foods and beverages or as nutritional supplements with long term stability and shelf-life up to 5 years. PCFs may also be used as health restorative ingredients in cosmetic products. The outcome of probiotics CFT? stands as an advantage to the food and pharmaceutical industries, regarding the formulation of novel products with unadulterated sensory characteristics of origin. Hence, PCFs are being characterized here as “novel nutraceutical ingredients” for health maintenance in both humans and animals.

Recently highlighted nutraceuticals for preventive management of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of articular cartilage with limited treatment options. This reality encourages clinicians to suggest preventive measures to delay and contain the outbreak of the pathological conditions. Articular cartilage and synovium suffering from OA are characterised by an inflammatory state and by significant oxidative stress,responsible for pain,swelling and loss of mobility in the advanced stages. This review will focus on the ability of olive oil to exert positive effects on the entire joint to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release and increase lubricin synthesis,olive leaf extract,since it maintains lubrication by stimulating high molecular weight hyaluronan synthesis in synovial cells,curcumin,which delays the start of pathological cartilage breakdown,sanguinarine,which downregulates catabolic proteases,vitamin D for its capacity to influence the oxidative and proinflammatory environment,and carnosic acid as an inducer of heme oxygenase-1,which helps preserve cartilage degeneration. These molecules,considered as natural dietary supplements,appear like a cuttingedge answer to this tough health problem,playing a major role in controlling homeostatic balance loss and slowing down the pathology progression. Natural or food-derived molecules that are able to exert potential therapeutic effects are known as "nutraceutical",resulting from the combination of the words "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical". These compounds have gained popularity due to their easy availability,which represents a huge advantage for food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition,the chronic nature of OA implies the use of pharmacological compounds with proven longterm safety,especially because current treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesicsimprove pain relief but have no effect on degenerative progression and can also cause serious side effects.

A critical review on the health promoting effects of mushrooms nutraceuticals

Extensive elucidations focusing on the efficient health promoting properties and high nutritional values of mushrooms have been expanded dynamically from the past few decades.Due to its high quality of proteins,polysaccharides,unsaturated fatty acids,mineral substances,triterpenes sterols and secondary metabolites,mushrooms have always been appreciated for their vital role in protecting and curing various health problems,such as immunodeficiency,cancer,inflammation,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,hypercholesterolemia and obesity.Moreover,investigations in recent years have revealed the correlations between the health-promoting benefits and gut microbiota regulating effects induced by the mushrooms intake.Researches on the immense role in the nutritional and health benefits displayed by mushrooms have become an emergent task to study.The present article overviewed and compiled the latest information correlated to the health benefits and underlying functional mechanisms of mushroom nutraceuticals,and concluded that the supplementation of mushrooms as a dietary composition could become a natural adjuvant for the prevention and treatment of several health diseases.

Potential role of nutraceutical compounds in inflammatory bowel disease

Conventional therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) involve combinations of pharmacologic agents such as aminosalicylates, azathioprine, and corticosteroids. Recently, the therapeutic scenario has been heavily increased by the introduction of agents including monoclonal antibodies targeted to specific proinflammatory cytokines, to adhesion molecules, and the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell activation. However, the use of these drugs is accompanied by a certain number of side effects, with some of them being quite severe, rising concerns about the safety profile. Furthermore, the cost of these emerging therapeutic strategies is significant, considering the increasing incidence and the chronic trend of IBD. Nutraceuticals is a broad term used to describe any product derived from food sources claiming extra health benefits beyond the intrinsic nutritional value found in foods. The beneficial effects of nutraceutical compounds in human health have been emerging in the last decades. Although few clinical trials have been performed in IBD patients, nutraceuticals, such as herbal products or vitamins, are generally accepted as safer alternative/supplementation to conventional therapy. In vitro and IBD-animal models studies have shown their involvement in several biological processes, including antioxidant defenses, cell proliferation, gene expression, which could account for a role in the maintenance of the mucosal barrier integrity, the control of the inflammatory pathways and the modulation of the immune response. These data suggest a wide spectrum of positive effects exerted by nutraceuticals, with a high potential for a therapeutic use in humans. In the present review, the beneficial effects of the most investigated nutraceutical compounds in the setting of human IBD are discussed.

The Need for a Legal Distinction of Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical and botanical terms are often used by the lay press or for marketing purposes to describe health beneficial food, food supplements or herbs. However, there is no common definition of nutraceuticals or botanicals and moreover a lack of regulation that classifies this category. Concerning their health value, it is unclear if they belong to drugs or food. Currently, they fall into a legal limbo between both. This regulatory lack can lead to misuse of claims indicating a health benefit or the misleading of the consumer. This review will focus on current definitions of nutraceutical, botanical, functional food and food supplements with special emphasis on the differences between the US and European legislation. Some special considerations will be given for Germany, one of the main markets for food supplements in Europe.

Nutraceutical Effect of Cuetlas （Arsenura armida C.） Edible Insects as Local Food at Ixcaquixtla, Mexico

Insect＇s nutrient composition may provide a good source of macro- and micro-nutrients with nutraceutical functions that could help people from semirural areas, such as Ixcaquixtla, located southeast of the Puebla State, Mexico. The aim of this study was to assess macro- and micro-nutrients in Cuetlas （Arsenura armada C.） larvae and inform local people about the nutraceutical benefits that those insects could provide. Cuetlas larvae samples were collected from Jonote tree on August, 2014 to analyze minerals and macro-nutrient of raw larvae according to AOAC （1995） techniques. Results showed that Cuetlas larvae contained 56.93% proteins, 14.76% lipids, 2.95% minerals, 2.13% fiber and 23.23% soluble carbohydrates. Cuetlas larvae have a good amount of proteins, essential macromolecules for human life as well as essential fatty acids that are important sources of fuel for brain cells and in particular for cardiac and skeletal muscle, minerals, not determined individually, which are important for metabolism processes, fiber for digestive processes and soluble carbohydrates as energy source.

Nutraceutical Properties of Meat from Grazing Podolian Young Bulls

The effect of rearing system (pasture with supplementation 15% crude protein OUT15 vs indoorIND) on meat nutritional and nutraceutical properties was evaluated in twenty Podolian young bulls. Meat quality characteristics were measured on three different muscles (Longissimus dorsi, LD, Semimembranosus, SM, Semitendinosus, ST), vacuum-packaged and chilled stored at 2℃ - 4℃ for 15 days. No differences were found on chemical composition in meat from animals reared with different rearing system. Pasture with supplementation produced an improvement in fatty acid composition with a higher polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage, particularly, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and very long chain ω3 PUFA, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Meat from young bulls reared at pasture with supplementation showed in all examined muscles the highest α-tocopherol content compared with meat from IND group. On the other hand, malondialdehyde content was not affected by the feeding treatment.

Dietary Fibers and Nutraceuticals for Primary Cardiovascular Prevention in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Review

The roles of dietary fibers and nutraceuticals for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease from childhood are reviewed. Nutrition as an epigenetic modifier and the roles of endothelium, risk factors, epidemiological evidence and Mediterranean diet are critically analysed. Overfeeding in childhood can lead to the development of obesity and/or atherosclerosis in adult life. In particular, a high intake of nutrients affects the in utero programming with the adverse consequences of insulin resistance an endothelial dysfunction that lead to early atherosclerosis. Dietary fibers have important health benefits in childhood and research suggests that they may prevent obesity and lower blood cholesterol levels with a favourable impact on the risk of future cardiovascular disease incidence. However, it is for further studies to assess whether also in Southern European Countries, practicing Mediterranean diet as a normal habit, dietary fibers may contribute to modify the relatively low proportion of hyperlipemia observed in our population.

Nutraceutical properties of honey and pollen produced in a natural park

Honey bees and bee products are optimal monitors of the environmental quality;experimental beehives were placed in strategic places of Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga Park. Pollen and honey, produced in this protected area, were analyzed in order to demonstrate their good quality respect to those commercials. Physico-chemical parameters (water content, hydroxymethylfurfural), total flavonoid and phenolic contents and residue analysis (heavy metals, pesticides, tetracycline, sulfathiazole) were carried and evidenced their high quality. Moreover, melissopalynological analysis allowed us to establish a floristic census within the different places of the park. Data show that bee products are good quality, contain high levels of phenolics and flavonoids and show absence of pesticides and low concentration level of heavy metals and antibiotics. Due to this the human impact, even in protected areas, cannot be neglected;similarly environmental contamination by wild livestock was seen in different monitored sites.

Nutraceutical Supplementation Based on Colostrum as Osteoporosis Treatment: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Naturally based treatments for osteoporosis are currently limited. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain whether bovine colostrum supplementation can improve bone health in humans. Methods: In total 63 individuals volunteered in a 4-month supplementation project. They were stratified into three groups: 1) healthy post-menopausal women (n = 24); 2) individuals with osteopenia (n = 25); 3) people with osteoporosis (n = 14). Participants of each group were randomly assigned into two experimental sub-groups: a) the bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation (200 mL/day;5 days/week); b) the placebo sub-group. Before and after the 4-month supplementation, blood samples were obtained and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was performed on three different anatomical sites: lumbar spine (LS), left femur neck (FN), and left forearm (Arm). Bone health markers (bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide (CTX-I), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)) as well as immunological markers (interleukin 6 (IL6) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)), were assessed in blood serum with enzyme immunoassays, at baseline and 4-months after BC supplementation. Results: No significant changes were found in bone densitometry factors (p > 0.05), for all studied blood parameters and their calculated effect sizes. Conclusions: It is concluded that, as studied herein, BC does not seem to affect human bone health. This pilot study though warrant the need for further research into the efficacy of BC in patients with osteoporosis.

Nutraceutical Treatment in Knee Osteoarthritis—Arthritis-Presentation of a Dietary Plan by Means of Additional Nutraceuticals in Lieu of the Detrimental Side Effects of Current Conventional Medicine

Arthritis (AR) is a disease that affects the joints and of which there are, remarkably, over 100 different types. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common subgroup of OA. KOA is a pathological degeneration of joints, connective tissue and the sub-chondral bone of the knee. The origin of the disease is not fully understood but the etiology includes risk factors such as age, gender, physiological trauma and BMI. It is a complex pathological state of cause, effect, and manifestation where the exact mechanisms responsible are not visible. Inflammatory mediators are involved in the progression of KOA and this cascade of reactions to the inflicted area is unfortunately chronic. Pain is a key feature, and it ranges from mild to severe. Patients are likely to use analgesics that are more potent than “over the counter” (OCT) drugs at some stage. As the condition develops over time the need increases and prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids are used. NSAIDs can help reduce the pain as well as enhance the joints range of movements again. However not in an optimal way, nor do they have the ability to alter any of the mechanisms behind the disease. Inevitably, the side effects from the medicine will have a negative impact on the patient;even more so the longer they are used. Currently, alternative medicine and nutraceuticals can be controversial. Several countries and organizations consistently deny any beneficial outcome from these in the context of KOA-treatment. Official statements are made about the lack of evidence and consequently official non-recommendations are commonplace. This review will show viable complementary alternative medicine (CAM) that has been studied over decades with unequivocal positive results on KOA. These options exhibit minimal side effects and a high safety-margin. Included are up-to date clinical studies with current evidence of beneficial effects. This review presents key strategies for the arthritis patients. A dietary plan not to deviate from and the use of specific nutrients and herbs. The analysis of nutrachemicals include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen type 1, undenatured collagen type II and hyaluronic acid. Therapeutic dosages of nutraceuticals as well as a specified diet designed to curb and to some extent reverse KOA. Traditional Chinese medicine consisting of T. wilfordii, A. bidentate, bromelain, Boswellia and Curcuma longa. To a certain extent these nutraceuticals have an ability that is absent in current pharmacological treatments. The ability to reverse and sometimes rebuild tissues and cells affected by KOA. All nutraceuticals in the review is evaluated with the standard methods WOMAC and VAS in order to measure degrees of pain, stiffness and functionalities of the knee.

Urticaria Successfully Treated with Mindfulness and Nutraceutical Supplements

The study is to describe a patient with urticarial lesions which was successfully treated with mindfulness and nutraceuticals.A 20-year-old female patient with an unmarked past medical history presented with diffuse pruritic urticarial lesions associated with breathless and severe fatigue,lasting for 5 months.The lesions covered all body,except palms and plants.Hospitalized for three days,she received dexamethasone,promethazine,and subcutaneous adrenalin and discharged with fexofenadine,prednisone,and ranitidine.Mindfulness and relaxation practice were instructed and some nutraceuticals.After two months,she returned asymptomatic,without any new episodes of urticaria or fatigue.Most of the chronic urticaria patients are treated with antihistamines and/or steroids.This case illustrates an alternative holistic approach,combining mindfulness and relaxation practices with nutraceuticals.This alternative therapeutical strategy should be explored by back to back comparison to the conventional pharmaceutical approach.

Exploring the Role of Nutraceuticals (Red Yeast Rice) in Secondary Prevention: A New Pathway Can Be Opened

Background: Long-term survival in acute coronary syndrome has increased steadily in the last decades. Follow-up studies developed in this patient clearly reveal that they are at risk of suffering a new event, placing them in a new stage, secondary prevention. Assuming this increased risk, the control target of their cardiovascular risk factors become more ambitious. In this field, control of Cholesterol levels, particularly LDL-C, has arisen as a priority objective in patients with coronary arterial disease. In this sense, management of dyslipidemia guidelines, recently recognises the role of functional food, highlighting among them is the Red Yeast Rice (RYR). The aim of the study is to establish the potential role of functional food, in secondary prevention, while determining its additional capacity to reduce LDL-C in patients that despite optimal classic treatment (maximum tolerated dose of stain plus Ezetimibe) is still out of control objectives. Results and Discussion: 88 patients were included and after 3 months of treatment with RYR, their lipid profiles were compared with the baseline. The variation of T-Col, LDL-C and Trig were statistically significant. A reduction in LDL-C was 10.73 mg/dL, which means a 10.93% of additional reduction over the standard therapy the patients were receiving. Concerning security, no relevant side effects were reported when adding RYR, even in a relevant percentage (35.4%), myalgia disappeared (especially when reducing the titrating dose of the statin). Conclusion: Adding RYR in secondary prevention patients in combination with the usual treatment, seems to be an effective alternative to optimize LDL levels and thus gets closer to the target set in the guidelines, without adding relevant side effects, and even improving tolerance to the statins.

Nutrient and Nutraceutical Potentials of Seaweed Biomass Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii

The study aimed at evaluating the nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the selected seaweed biomass namely Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii. The selected seaweeds were found to be rich in macro and micronutrients. Kappaphycus contained high amount of ash when compared to U. lactuca. It is revealed that the mercury level in U. lactuca was 0.017 ppm and it was not detected in K. alvarezii. The heavy metal concentration in the selected seaweeds was within the tolerable value reported as quality criteria for edible seaweeds. These seaweeds were also found to be rich sources of vitamin antioxidants namely Vitamin C, total carotenoid, beta carotene, total chlorophyll and polyphenol. The phytochemical screening of the selected seaweeds showed that both seaweeds contained carbohydrates, protein, gums and mulicage, phenols, starch and quinones. Alkaloids was absent in Kappaphycus, saponins was moderate in U. actuca when compared to Kappaphycus. Glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids were absent in both the species. The selected seaweeds also possess antibacterial activity. The selected biomass could be recommended for use in dietaries to combat protein energy malnutrition and in particular micronutrient deficiencies.

Curcuma longa normalized cimetidine-induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction: Relevance in nutraceutical therapy

Background:The increasing incidence of chemically induced infertility is both a social threat and a threat to the continuation of life itself.Treatment or management therapy is often expensive.This study investigated the effects of acetone extract of a local plant(Curcuma longa)in a Wistar rat model of cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction.Methods:Thirty‐five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats.After a phytochemical screening of an acetone extract of C.Longa,cimetidine and the extract at three doses,200,400 and 600 mg/kg,were orally co‐administered to the rats for 28 consecutive days.Comparisons were made(at P<0.05)against a control(2 mL/kg distilled water),a standard treatment group(cimetidine+50 mg/kg vitamin C),a toxic group(60 mg/kg cimetidine)and a group receiving extract alone.Results:Cimetidine administration was associated with deleterious alterations to sperm motility,sperm count and sperm viability,as well as derangements in the plasma levels of FSH,LH and testosterone(P<0.05).Both brain and testicular GSH and TBARS levels were significantly altered following cimetidine administration,and distortions were seen in the pituitary and testicular histoarchitecture.These changes were significantly normalized by co‐administration of graded doses of the extract,with an associated improvement of both pituitary and testicular histology.Conclusion:Acetone extract of C.Longa normalized cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction in Wistar rats.This presents the extract as a potential nutraceutical choice against chemically induced reproductive toxicity.