{"title":"<b>Nbeg, a Neglected Functional Fruit from Sedra (<i>Ziziphus lotus</i> L.</b>)<b>: A Mini Review</b>.","authors":"Chemes ElHouda Messaad, Hani Belhadj","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0193","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Ziziphus lotus</i> L., or \"Sedra\" in North Africa, is a wild jujube from the Rhamnaceae family. Its fruit, \"Nbeg,\" is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, liver disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. This mini review highlights the main nutritional and medicinal properties of Nbeg and its potential application in human health and nutrition. Current scientific articles have recommended the use of <i>Z. lotus</i>-derived compounds to generate novel treatments due to their diverse biological functions (anti-ulcer, wound healing, litholytic, and antispasmodic effects). <i>Z. lotus</i> appears to be a good source for antioxidant compounds (phenolics and flavonoids, which are a diverse group of natural compounds belonging to the polyphenol family) and nutritional molecules (carbohydrates, amino acids, triacylglycerol, proteins, sterols, fibers, vitamins, lipids, and minerals), which made it a viable option for human nutrition and health promotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"340-353"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142950266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriela M Chiocchetti, Adrián Domene, Helena Orozco, Dinoraz Vélez, Vicenta Devesa
{"title":"Dietary Compounds in the Prevention of Arsenic Induced Intestinal Toxicity <i>In Vitro</i>.","authors":"Gabriela M Chiocchetti, Adrián Domene, Helena Orozco, Dinoraz Vélez, Vicenta Devesa","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0029","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent studies show that inorganic arsenic (As) exerts a toxic effect on the intestinal epithelium, causing a significant increase in its permeability. This disruption of the epithelial barrier may favor the entry of contaminants or toxins into the systemic circulation, thus causing toxicity not only at the intestinal level but possibly also at the systemic level. The present study conducts an <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of the protective effect of various dietary supplements and plant extracts against the intestinal toxicity of inorganic As. Some of these compounds were found to exert a protective effect. A significant decrease was observed in intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (10-31%), as well as a lower secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (25-41%) in the intestinal monolayers treated with the supplements and extracts, compared with those exposed only to As(III). The most effective supplements (glutathione/cysteine/vitamin C and lipoic acid) also normalized the distribution of tight junction protein zonula occludens-1, with partial restoration of the paracellular permeability and cell regeneration capacity of the intestinal epithelial cells. The results obtained show that dietary supplements and plant extracts can reduce the intestinal barrier disruption caused by inorganic As, and this may have a positive impact at both local and systemic levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"392-401"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142978848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suh Young Jeong, Alison Freed, Dolly Zhen, Penelope Hogarth, Susan J Hayflick
{"title":"A Short-Term Murine Toxicity Study of 4'-Phosphopantetheine, a Rational Therapeutic for the Dietary Management of Inborn Errors of Coenzyme A Metabolism.","authors":"Suh Young Jeong, Alison Freed, Dolly Zhen, Penelope Hogarth, Susan J Hayflick","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0157","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vitamin B<sub>5</sub>, or pantothenate, forms the molecular \"backbone\" of coenzyme A (CoA), which is essential for more than a hundred biochemical reactions in humans. Genetic defects that disrupt the CoA pathway cause severe degenerative disorders that may be amenable to treatment with compounds that can bypass the metabolic block. The pantothenate metabolite, 4'-phosphopantetheine (4'PPT), can serve as an alternative substrate for cellular CoA synthesis and may therefore be an essential nutrient in managing disorders where pantothenate cannot meet all metabolic requirements. 4'PPT is present in foods in low quantities, but the safety of the compound administered at higher doses than available in a normal diet has never been evaluated. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term high-dose oral 4'PPT in wild-type mice. Three doses of up to 250 mg/kg body weight were administered orally each day for 15 days. Daily body weights and cage-side general health and neurotoxicity screens were obtained. These were followed by terminal necropsy and histological analysis of major organs and tissues, including liver, kidney, heart, brain, stomach, muscle, spleen, and testis/ovary. No significant adverse effects were found in any of the analyses. We conclude that even at high doses, 4'PPT, like pantothenate, causes no observed adverse effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"385-391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142950267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gourab Chatterjee, Asit Kumar Saha, Shamama Khurshid, Achintya Saha
{"title":"A Comprehensive Review of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Therapeutic Efficacies of Black Cumin (<i>Nigella sativa</i> L.) Seed Oil and Its Thymoquinone.","authors":"Gourab Chatterjee, Asit Kumar Saha, Shamama Khurshid, Achintya Saha","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Black cumin (<i>Nigella sativa</i> L.) (family Ranunculaceae) is a largely utilized therapeutic herb worldwide. This comprehensive review discusses the pharmacological benefits of black cumin seed oil, focusing on its bioactive component thymoquinone (TQ). The review is structured as follows: First, we examine the antimicrobial properties of black cumin oil, followed by an analysis of its antioxidant capabilities. Finally, we explore its therapeutic potential, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and COVID-19. Phytochemicals from <i>N. sativa</i> have exhibited potential for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, anorexia, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, intrinsic hemorrhage, amenorrhea, paralysis, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, fever, influenza, eczema, asthma, cough, bronchitis, and headache. The broader spectrum of application for <i>N. sativa</i> and its essential bioactives have certainly enhanced the commercial value of this seed oil. TQ, a major constituent of black cumin seed oil, has numerous beneficial properties. Researchers have extensively studied black cumin seed oil and its major component, TQ. These studies have revealed a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, TQ has shown neuroprotective, spasmolytic, bronchodilatory, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, gastroprotective, and antioxidant activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"325-339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142978797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Therapeutic Role of Saffron and Its Components Mediated Through Nrf2 in Diabetes and Related Pathologies.","authors":"Mahboobeh Sabeti Akbar-Abad, Tahereh Farkhondeh, Mahdi Majidpour, Fariborz Samini, Michael Aschner, Effat Alemzadeh, Saeed Samarghandian","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0135","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Today, diabetes is considered a growing global epidemic. In the diabetic environment, a large amount of reactive oxygen species are produced. This type of active oxygen causes severe damage to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. Therefore, finding a solution to deal with and reduce this type of reactive oxygen is very important. One of the most effective ways to deal with oxidative damage and inflammation is the modulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. One of the useful natural substances that can be used for treatment in the signaling system is saffron. In this article, research evaluating the medicinal effects of saffron and its compounds and their mechanisms of action, especially the Nrf2 signaling pathway, have been investigated and studied. The results show that saffron and its components have the potential to treat diabetes due to their unique properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"309-324"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143764177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neuroprotective Effects of <i>Lilium Lancifolium</i> Thunberg Extract Against Corticosterone-Induced Dysfunctions in PC12 Cells.","authors":"Jisu Lee, Jiwon Choi, Hea-Yeon Yun, Hyunsoo Jang, Minseo Cho, Jung-Heun Ha, Yoonhwa Jeong","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0241","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic stress in the central nervous system can lead to neurological dysfunction characterized by spontaneous neuronal cell death. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of an aqueous extract of <i>Lilium lancifolium</i> Thunberg (ELL) against corticosterone (CORT)-induced pathophysiology in PC12 cells. To assess the neuroprotective effects of ELL, PC12 cells were pretreated with 50 <i>µ</i>g/mL of ELL before being exposed to CORT. ELL significantly prevented CORT-induced neuronal cell death by attenuating pro-apoptotic protein expression, lactate dehydrogenase release, and reactive oxygen species generation, while maintaining intact adenosine triphosphate levels. Furthermore, ELL significantly mitigated CORT-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses by attenuating the elevation of unfolded protein responses, intracellular calcium levels, opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, ELL exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting apoptosis through the mitigation of CORT-induced ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that ELL may prevent neuronal damage associated with chronic stress-induced neurotoxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"366-376"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143573280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"β-Escin and Chokeberry Fruit Extract Supplementation in Smokers as Potential anti-Inflammatory Protection-a Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study.","authors":"Malwina Sołtysiak, Katarzyna Koziak, Małgorzata Dutkiewicz, Oliwia Zegrocka-Stendel, Paulina Misiukiewicz-Stępień, Rafał Krenke, Magdalena Paplińska-Goryca","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0180","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.0180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the well-recognized risks associated with cigarette smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke remains one of the most serious public health threats worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of β-escin combined with chokeberry fruit extract as anti-inflammatory intervention for tobacco smokers. In addition, mechanisms of the observed effects were investigated. Nine smoking volunteers received 10 mg of water soluble β-escin combined with 5 mg of chokeberry fruit juice concentrate daily for 7 days. The effects of β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract on neutrophil number, IL-6 and IL-8 concentration in induced sputum, antioxidant capacity in induced sputum and saliva as well as on alehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in PBMC <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> were evaluated. Simultaneously, IL-6, IL-8 and neutrophil number in day 0 and 7 was analyzed in sputum from control subject without β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract intervention. Short, 7-day treatment led to a considerable decrease in neutrophil and increase in macrophage concentration in smokers' sputum as well as significant rise in antioxidant capacity of induced sputum and saliva. The observed reduction in IL-6 and IL-8 concentration did not reach statistical significance. β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract induced a strong upregulation of ALDH activity in PBMC <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. This pilot proof-of-concept study suggests that by increasing ALDH activity and antioxidant capacity, β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract may effectively lower the inflammation associated with tobacco smoking and contribute to toxicity reduction in the airways exposed to cigarette smoke.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"402-406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142126008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"<i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG Combined with Metformin Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Liver Inflammation in Mice by Maintaining the Intestinal Barrier and Regulating Treg/Th1 Cells.","authors":"Yin Zhu, Yizhi Pan, Xiaozhi Wang, Li Wei, Lujian Zhu, Yu Guo, HaoRan Jin, Yingying Gu, Yaqin Wang, Yongping Chen, Lanman Xu","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0184","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disturbances of the intestinal barrier enabling bacterial translocation exacerbate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). <i>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (LGG) has been shown to exert beneficial effects in gut dysbiosis and chronic liver disease. The current study assessed the combined effects of LGG and metformin, which play roles in anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes, in alcohol-induced liver disease mice. A diet comprising 5% alcohol for 4 weeks was employed to develop an alcohol-induced liver injury model. Mice were orally administered LGG, metformin, or their combination on alternate days. Tight junction (TJ) proteins, gut microbiome composition, inflammatory cytokines, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 signals were assessed. When compared with treatment with LGG or metformin alone, combined LGG and metformin treatment substantially lowered the symptoms of inflammation, steatosis, and elevated liver enzymes caused by alcohol administration. Combination treatment significantly improved intestinal microecology, evidenced by the recovery of intestinal flora, TJ proteins, and intestinal villi. Combination treatment reduced hepatic inflammation by blocking p38 and JNK phosphorylation. The combination of LGG and metformin corrected immune-response dysregulation and improved ALD by enhancing the intestinal microbiome, restoring mucosal barrier integrity, modulating immune function, and decreasing liver injury. These results provide information for the development of intestinal microbiota-based preventive and therapeutic agents against ALD.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"354-365"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143033358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haeun Kim, Taeuk Kim, Boeun Oh, Dong-Woo Lee, Jae-Kwan Hwang
{"title":"Standardized <i>Curcuma xanthorrhiza</i> Extract and Its Major Compound, Xanthorrhizol, Mitigate Cancer-Associated Muscle Atrophy in CT26-Bearing Mice by Inhibiting Catabolic Signaling Pathways.","authors":"Haeun Kim, Taeuk Kim, Boeun Oh, Dong-Woo Lee, Jae-Kwan Hwang","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0092","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer cachexia, defined by the gradual depletion of muscle and fat mass, is a complex multifactorial syndrome affecting up to 80% of cancer patients. This study investigated the effects of <i>Curcuma xanthorrhiza</i> extract (CXE) and xanthorrhizol (XAN) in ameliorating cancer-induced muscle atrophy in BALB/c mice. Treatment with CXE and XAN reversed muscle mass loss, grip strength decline, and decrease in myofiber size induced by cancer. In gastrocnemius muscle tissue, CXE and XAN downregulated the expression of nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-κB), reducing the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines. They also suppressed catabolic factors, including myostatin and ubiquitin-proteasome E3 ligases, and the nuclear translocation of forkhead box O3a. Furthermore, CXE and XAN promoted skeletal muscle anabolism by stimulating myogenesis and activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. This activation subsequently upregulated the mammalian target of rapamycin and its downstream molecules. Overall, CXE and XAN effectively mitigated skeletal muscle catabolism induced by cancer cachexia and may serve as an intervention for inhibiting muscle atrophy in affected cancer patients if efficacy can be confirmed in human trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"377-384"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143457910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dong-Uk Jo, Yongeun Kim, Heejin Ko, Sujung Hong, Wonchul Lim, Tae-Gyu Lim
{"title":"<i>Chrysanthemum Zawadskii</i> Var. and <i>Platycodon Grandifloras</i> Extract Mixture Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immune Deficiency: <i>In Vivo</i> Evidence.","authors":"Dong-Uk Jo, Yongeun Kim, Heejin Ko, Sujung Hong, Wonchul Lim, Tae-Gyu Lim","doi":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0245","DOIUrl":"10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) cause airflow limitations and impaired respiratory function, primarily due to pulmonary inflammation and immune dysfunction. <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> var. <i>latilobum</i> Kitamur and <i>Platycodon grandifloras</i> (CP) are traditional herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects of a combined extract of CP <i>in vivo</i>. CP was prepared by mixing equal volumes of <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> extract (CE) and <i>Platycodon grandifloras</i> extract (PE) at the same concentration. The anti-inflammatory effects of CP were evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in BALB/c mice. The immune-enhancing effects were assessed using a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppression model. Protein and mRNA expressions of inflammatory and immune markers were analyzed through Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. CP significantly reduced LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation by decreasing interleukin (IL)-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in lung tissues. In the CYP-induced model, CP treatment restored spleen and thymus weights, reversed reductions in immune cell counts, and increased TNF-α and IL-2 mRNA expression in the spleen. In conclusion, CP inhibits pulmonary inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators and enhances immune function by increasing immune-related indicators. This suggests that CP may have potential therapeutic applications for treating respiratory inflammation and related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":16440,"journal":{"name":"Journal of medicinal food","volume":" ","pages":"256-265"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142931991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}