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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Flavonoid Myricetin as Potent Anticancer Agent: A Possibility towards Development of Potential Anticancer Nutraceuticals

Good nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The beneficial effects of nutrition have been found to counteract nutritional disturbances with the expanded use of nutraceuticals to treat and manage cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other developmental defects over the last decade. Flavonoids are found abundantly in plant-derived foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa, and wine. Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. Flavonoids can act as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-microbial(antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-diarrheal agents. Flavonoids are also reported to upregulate apoptotic activity in several cancers such as hepatic, pancreatic, breast, esophageal, and colon. Myricetin is a flavonol which is naturally present in fruits and vegetables and has shown possible nutraceutical value. Myricetin has been portrayed as a potent nutraceutical that may protect against cancer. The focus of the present review is to present an updated account of studies demonstrating the anticancer potential of myricetin and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying its anticancer activity would eventually help in its development as a novel anticancer nutraceutical having minimal side effects.

Nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents for colon cancer: a review

Colon cancer is a world-wide health problem and the second-most dangerous type of cancer,affecting both men and women.The modern diet and lifestyles,with high meat consumption and excessive alcohol use,along with limited physical activity has led to an increasing mortality rate for colon cancer worldwide.As a result,there is a need to develop novel and environmentally benign drug therapies for colon cancer.Currently,nutraceuticals play an increasingly important role in the treatment of various chronic diseases such as colon cancer,diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.Nutraceuticals are derived from various natural sources such as medicinal plants,marine organisms,vegetables and fruits.Nutraceuticals have shown the potential to reduce the risk of colon cancer and slow its progression.These dietary substances target different molecular aspects of colon cancer development.Accordingly,this review briefly discusses the medicinal importance of nutraceuticals and their ability to reduce the risk of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Taurine: a promising nutraceutic in the prevention of retinal degeneration

Taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it is synthesized by most mammals.However,dietary intake of taurine may be necessary to achieve the physiological levels required for the development,maintenance,and function of certain tissues.Taurine may be especially important for the retina.The concentration of taurine in the retina is higher than that in any other tissue in the body and taurine deficiency causes retinal oxidative stress,apoptosis,and degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells.Low plasma taurine levels may also underlie retinal degeneration in humans and therefore,taurine administration could exert retinal neuroprotective effects.Taurine has antioxidant,anti-apoptotic,immunomodulatory,and calcium homeostasis-regulatory properties.This review summarizes the role of taurine in retinal health and disease,where it appears that taurine may be a promising nutraceutical.

The safety,efficacy and pharmaceutical quality of male enhancement nutraceuticals bought online:Truth versus claim

Objective:Nutraceutical products are widely used for their claimed therapeutic benefits.However,falsified or adulterated nutraceuticals present a major health threat to consumers.This study investigates the pharmaceutical quality,safety and anti-inflammatory effects of six male enhancement nutraceuticals that claim to be 100%natural.Methods:Three batches of six male enhancement products were tested to detect the presence and levels of adulterants via high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The pharmaceutical quality of the selected nutraceuticals was tested with near infrared spectroscopy(NIR)and Se De M.The cytotoxic effects of these products on HepG2 cells were determined through cell proliferation(XTT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)cytotoxicity assays.Lastly,the in vitro inflammatory effects of these products were investigated using murine J774 macrophages through cytokine release analysis.Results:HPLC analysis detected the presence of sildenafil citrate,a vasodilator,and the active ingredient in Viagra and Revatio,in all batches of the products we analyzed.Amount of sildenafil citrate ranged from 0.45 mg to 51.85 mg among different batches.NIR assessment showed inter-and intra-batch heterogeneity in product composition.Results of the XTT and LDH assays showed significant cytotoxic effects of the analyzed products.XTT analysis revealed that the viability of HepG2 treated with tested products varied from 27.57%to 41.43%.Interestingly,the male enhancement products also showed anti-inflammatory effects.Conclusion:Despite their labeling as 100%natural,all products tested in this study contained levels of sildenafil citrate,which was not reported on the packaging.There was a lack of pharmaceutical uniformity among products of the same batch and across different batches.Additionally,the products we tested had cytotoxic effects.These study findings highlight the adulteration,poor quality and hazard of these nutraceuticals.Therefore,strict regulation of these products and standardization of the definition of nutraceuticals are urgently needed.Further,these falsely advertised products should be withdrawn from the market due to potential adverse effects on the health of their consumers.

Commentary: Discussing the antidepressant potential of silymarin

The therapeutic potential of diet,dietary supplements,herbal remedies,and nutraceuticals for treatment of depression and anxiety is being increasingly explored.In this commentary,we discuss the recent findings on the antidepressant potential of silymarin(SILY)in mice and present an alternative approach.We highlight the extensive research on another phytochemical,curcumin,for the treatment of depression and anxiety.Finally,we suggest a future application,which investigates the potential synergistic effects of combined treatment with SILY and curcumin for depression.

Biochanin-A attenuates high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats by improving antioxidant status and lipid metabolic markers

Objective:To determine how biochanin-A(BCA)affects high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced pathological changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetic rats were orally administered BCA(10 mg/kg body weight)for 30 days to investigate its effects on lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidney.In addition,the mRNA expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver was examined.Results:BCA attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase,fatty acid synthase,carnitine palmitoyl transferase,and acetyl-CoA carboxylase.Additionally,BCA reduced high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation,improving superoxide dismutase,catalase,and glutathione peroxidase levels,and upregulating mRNA expressions of these enzymes.Conclusions:BCA may be a promising nutraceutical for the treatment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

Dendrobium species regulate energy homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases: a review

Brain energy homeostasis is a vital physiological function in maintaining a balanced internal metabolic environment.The impairment of energy homeostasis is recognized as a key pathophysiological basis for brain metabolic disorders and related neurodegenerative diseases.Dendrobium species(‘Shihu’in Chinese)such as D.officinale,D.huoshanense,D.nobile,D.chrysanthum,D.loddigesii,D.moniliforme,D.gratiosissimum,D.candidum and D.caulis are widely used as traditional Chinese medicines/nutraceuticals to control and treat neurodegenerative disorders.These dietary herbs and their derived compounds possess a variety of biological properties,such as suppression of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation,regulation of energy homeostasis mainly through improving brain mitochondria function,insulin signaling and lipid metabolism.Furthermore,they reduce neurotoxicity,alleviate brain injury and neuropathy,and prevent neurodegenerative conditions including stroke,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and Huntington’s disease in humans and/or rodents.Moreover,the nutraceuticals from Dendrobium species promote gut health and aid digestion,which appear to be associated with beneficial effects on brain energy homeostasis.Based on the above-mentioned health benefits associated with Dendrobium species,this work reviews their nutraceutical role in neurodegenerative disorders and further suggests the need to elucidate mechanisms of the underlying molecular actions.

Role of flaxseed(Linum usitatissimum L.)in disease prevention and treatment

Seeds of flax or linseed(Linum usitatissimum L.)are important nutraceutical foods with antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,estrogenic,laxative,and antibacterial properties.Flaxseed oil and seeds are the richest vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids.Consumption of flaxseeds helps in prevention and control of cardiovascular disease,neurodegenerative disorders,obesity,diabetes mellitus,polycystic ovary syndrome,gout,liver and kidney dysfunction,oxidative stress-related diseases,post-menopausal symptoms,osteoporosis,irritable bowel syndrome,dry eye disease,cystic fibrosis,diarrhea,and cancer,particularly of the mammary and prostate gland cancer.Of late,flaxseed is gaining more importance not only because of its industrial values but also due to its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties.The literature review was performed using PubMed,Scopus,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and Web of Science from 1995 onwards.Data was also obtained from websites/books/book chapters.

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.

Natural and modified food hydrocolloids as gluten replacement in baked foods:Functional benefits

Gluten,the protein responsible for the superior viscoelastic properties of refined wheat flour dough over glutenfree cereals,causes celiac disease in people susceptible to gluten-allergy.Moreover,the sustainability of using wheat flour in baked foods is threatened by its high cost,especially in countries that depend on imported wheat for their bakery industry.Research has shown that hydrocolloids serve as gluten replacements in baked foods,in response to these challenges.Food hydrocolloids are a class of high-molecular weight polysaccharides and proteins,which serve as functional ingredients in the food industry that modify the foods’rheological and textural properties.They function as stabilizers,viscosity modifiers,gelling agents,water binders,fibres,and inhibitors of ice crystal in foods.Further,food hydrocolloids have also been reported to possess health-promoting properties,such as lowering of postprandial blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations,colon cancer prevention,and modulation of intestinal transit and satiety.They are obtained from plants,animals or microorganisms,and can be used in their natural or modified forms.The aim of this paper is to review the functional benefits of natural and modified hydrocolloids as gluten replacements in baked foods,emphasizing their physicochemical,nutraceutical,and sensorial importance.The application effects of food hydrocolloids as gluten substitutes in gluten-free baked products’quality were discussed.Also,some practical approaches to improve the quality of gluten-free baked products,in response to an increasing consumers’demand and the rising cost of refined wheat flour were highlighted.

Navigating the Nomenclature of a Purported “Dietary Supplement”: A Cautionary Tale for Consumers and Practitioners Regarding Tianeptine or “Gas Station Heroin”

Dietary supplement sales have surpassed $30 billion per year with their use becoming and remaining extremely popular amongst the general public. There are numerous bioactive components, both nutritive and non-nutritive, in dietary supplements with considerable efficacy in promoting health. However, there are many ways disallowed ingredients may enter the supplement pipeline with potentially toxic effects. Dietary supplements can be regulated (either pre- or post-market) as a drug, dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, new dietary ingredient (NDI), generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food ingredient, a food additive, or a food. A pharmaceutical drug (medication) is used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease and is regulated by the FDA pre-market only and allowed by medical prescription, whereas the other labeling designations are largely regulated post-market. One such molecule with a labeling problem is tianeptine, which has global use as an efficacious, prescribed drug, while at the same time being considered a non-drug and potentially dangerous adulterant often referred to as gas station heroin. In this paper, we critically evaluate the use and labeling of this compound and attempt to clarify the conundrum surrounding its legal or illegal use. Tianeptine is effective and efficacious as an antidepressant in those responding poorly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and exhibits many medicinal characteristics of tricyclic antidepressants with fewer opioid-like side effects. As a result, sixty-six countries permit use of tianeptine as a prescription drug. At higher doses, tianeptine has recently been shown to exhibit significant potential for abuse and dependency along with toxicity. As such, the US does not recognize tianeptine as an FDA-approved drug or as a dietary supplement, nutraceutical, new dietary ingredient (NDI), GRAS ingredient, or a food. Instead, tianeptine is a synthetic adulterant of a dietary supplement and considered technically an unapproved food additive. In conclusion, tianeptine, although viewed as a safe dietary supplement by many, is illegal in the US despite benefits to many but toxicity to others that make it vital that consumers and healthcare providers learn to critically evaluate and navigate the often confusing nomenclature of a purported dietary supplement to convey to the public whether it is efficacious, safe, and legal.

Patient Quality-of-Life, Providers with Incentive Payments, Real-World Evidence, and Reducing Healthcare Costs through New Innovations

Background: Value-Based Care is a program that was created by Professor Michael E. PORTER and Elizabeth O. TEISBERG which has been modified for implementation over the last seventeen years. This new program is paid by Commercial Health Insurers (Insurance Companies) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Medicare). This program incorporates the patients, doctors, Life Sciences Companies, Insurance Companies, Holistic practice, traditional Chinese medicine, etc. with alternative traditional treatments and therapies for Real-World Evidence based and value-based treatment customized to patients’ needs and the patients benefit. Methods: The program was proposed to achieve value for patients and an improved healthcare system which is especially needed to provide treatment for patients in Serious or Life-threatening conditions or diseases. The program will accurately measure the outcomes of patients and provide a wider choice of treatments that matter to patients, also to measure the cost that successful alternative treatments provide which may lower the cost to Medicare and Insurance Companies. Conclusion: The proposed and now implemented program is to achieve value for patients. Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical (Golden Sunrise) provides a New Medical Innovation and treatment alternative to patients suffering from Serious or Life-threatening illnesses. By using Golden Sunrise Innovation and with the incorporation of Value-based Care patients will become the drivers or it could be said the patient Ambassadors of their own health. By incorporating Golden Sunrise Innovation, the doctors will have more diversity of treatments available for their patients. Payment should reflect value not volume, and the New Medical Innovation Golden Sunrise offers will help in reducing the costs to Insurance Companies accelerating the adoption of Value-Based Care.