Nutrition and health最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the relationship between dietary factors and hair health: A systematic review.","authors":"Nuno Gomes, Nuno Silva, Beatriz Teixeira","doi":"10.1177/02601060251367206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251367206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundSpecific foods and nutrients have a significant importance in maintaining healthy hair, which is a crucial aspect of an individual's identity and self-esteem.AimTo identify, through a literature review, the association between the consumption of specific foods and/or nutrients and the health of the hair.MethodsThis review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO platform (registration number: CRD42024527250). The databases Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus were consulted between March and June 2024. The following inclusion criteria were considered: individuals aged ≥3 years old; the consumption/intake of specific foods/nutrients; and articles written in English and Portuguese. The search expression combined terms related to 'diet', 'nutrition' and 'hair health' (<i>n</i> = 1287 articles), where language filters and duplicate removal were applied.ResultsThe analysis of 17 studies involved 61332 participants, predominantly women (97%). Vitamin D stood out as the most studied nutrient (five studies), while alopecia and hair loss were the most studied hair health parameters (eight and five studies, respectively). Higher levels of vitamin D and iron were inversely related to alopecia. Conversely, a higher intake of alcoholic and sugary beverages was found to be positively correlated with hair loss.ConclusionDiet and nutrition play a crucial role in hair health, particularly vitamin D and iron supplementation, while limiting alcohol and soft drinks may be beneficial. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251367206"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144963099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Could <i>Carica papaya</i> leaf extract impact chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia? A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Anca Mîrșu-Păun","doi":"10.1177/02601060251367802","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251367802","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) impacts a significant number of patients undergoing oncological treatment. <b>Aim:</b> This study explored the usefulness of <i>Carica papaya</i> leaf extract (CPLE) in the context of CIT, including side effect and optimal treatment dosage and duration. <b>Methods:</b> Systematic literature reviews were conducted on (a) studies of patients with solid tumors and CIT who received CPLE, and (b) animal studies focused on CPLE for CIT. Risk of bias was assessed and meta-analyses were conducted. <b>Results:</b> In the meta-analysis of studies on oncological patients with CIT (total <i>N</i> = 410, intervention <i>N</i> = 205), the overall effect size for CPLE administration was 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96-3.44, <i>P</i> < 0.001. In the meta-analysis on animal models (total <i>N</i> = 84, intervention <i>N</i> = 42), two effect sizes were computed for two platelet measurements at different time intervals: 5.74, 95% CI: 0.32 = 11.16, <i>P</i> < 0.001 and 7.13, 95% CI: 4.23-10.02, <i>P</i> < 0.001, respectively. CPLE dosage varied between 580 and 3300 mg, with a mean of 1500 mg per day. No studies reported major side effects of CPLE administration. <b>Conclusion:</b> Despite heterogeneity and risk of bias concerns, the research literature available so far of both animal models and human participants suggests that CPLE might be an effective strategy for dealing with CIT. However, more rigorous research is still needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251367802"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144963091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary factors in <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection control: A review of in vitro and in vivo data, including case-controls.","authors":"Liliya Yordanova Boyanova, Rumyana Donkova Markovska, Raina Tsvetanova Gergova, Lyudmila Boyanova","doi":"10.1177/02601060251366000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251366000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Helicobacter pylori</i> poses a major threat to human health, primarily due to its tumorigenic potential and ability to cause tissue damage. Because of its strong association with gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, <i>H. pylori</i> is classified as a class I carcinogen. Its eradication has become a challenge due to increasing antibiotic resistance rates. This implies the need to investigate nutritional factors for their anti-<i>H. pylori</i> effects. This study aimed to encompass data regarding anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-adhesive, anti-ulcer, anti-urease and anti-cancer properties of seven non-antibiotic agents against <i>H. pylori</i>. We assessed articles in English using Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar, focusing mostly on recent publications. There are data pointing to the strong anti-adhesive action of cranberry, green tea and <i>Arthrospira</i> (<i>Spirulina</i>) spp. The anti-ulcer effect of green tea, <i>Nigella sativa</i> and microalgae was demonstrated in rat models. Cranberry, microalgae, honey and curcumin inhibit the urease activity of <i>H. pylori.</i> Propolis, green tea and curcumin interfere with the nuclear factor kappa B signalling pathway, while the last two as well as <i>Arthrospira</i> spp. inhibit cyclooxygenase-2. There are in vivo clinical trials indicating that cranberry, <i>Nigella sativa</i>, broccoli and curcumin can improve the success of eradication regimens, while honey showed a preventive effect. Additional trials are needed to determine the precise dose regimens and whether the natural or encapsulated product is more effective. Potential side effects and drug-drug interactions should be taken into account.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251366000"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144963051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Muhammad Iqhrammullah, Juan Fransiscus Wira, Samuel Partogi Nababan, Eunice Rima Christy Oey, Seba Talat Al-Gunaid, Andhika Citra Buana, Naufal Gusti, Muhammad Habiburrahman, Radi Muharris Mulyana","doi":"10.1177/02601060251366001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251366001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels affect bone remodeling, contributing to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). <b>Aim:</b> This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with knee OA. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic search was conducted in Europe PMC, Google Scholar, Scopus, Scilit, and Web of Science for studies published until 8 August 2024 that reported the prevalence and contributing factors of hypovitaminosis D in knee OA patients. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effect meta-analysis with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation estimated the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. <b>Results:</b> Out of 1695 records identified, 26 studies (<i>n</i> = 4248 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 56.72% (95% CI: 46.93-66.25). No significant difference was observed across publication periods of 2015-2019 (<i>p</i> = 0.465) and 2020-2024 (<i>p</i> = 0.407). Patients with an average body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m² had a higher prevalence (65.62%, 95% CI: 49.23-80.32) compared to those with BMI <28 kg/m² (37.63%, 95% CI: 24.72-51.48). The prevalence was significantly higher in European countries (65.92%, 95% CI: 47.17-82.43) than in the USA (<i>p</i> = 0.046). In Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, prevalences were 60.96% (95% CI: 42.32-78.08) and 63.11% (95% CI: 43.8-80.47), respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> Over half of knee OA patients had vitamin D deficiency, with higher prevalence in Europe and among individuals with obesity. Targeted screening for 25(OH)D levels in knee OA patients is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251366001"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144963083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of dietary supplement intake and its correlation factors among infants and preschool children in Taiwan.","authors":"Ing-Chau Chang, Yu-Chu Hsieh, Chin-En Yen","doi":"10.1177/02601060251369569","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251369569","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundNutrition and health during infancy and early childhood are widely recognized as critical foundations for optimal development. In response, many parents choose to provide dietary supplements to their children in an effort to support growth and prevent illness.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use among infants and preschool children, and to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to supplement use.MethodsA random sample of 716 parents with infants and preschool-aged children enrolled in childcare institutions in Taichung City, Taiwan, was selected for participation. Parents who provided informed consent were asked to complete a structured questionnaire regarding dietary supplement consumption. The results revealed that 80% of infants and toddlers had consumed dietary supplements-specifically, 74% of infants and 84% of preschool-aged children.ResultsAmong children who consumed dietary supplements, over 70% were reported to be in generally good health, while the remainder had conditions such as allergies. The primary reasons for supplement use included enhancing immune function and reducing the frequency of common colds. Parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward dietary supplements were found to be at moderate to moderately high levels.ConclusionChildren whose parents used dietary supplements were more likely to consume them as well. The three most commonly used supplements among infants and preschoolers were probiotics, calcium powder or tablets, and goat milk tablets.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251369569"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144963107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing nutrition education resources through the development and refinement of a checklist using the suitability assessment of materials (SAM).","authors":"Oliver Sage, Flora Wang, Chiara DiAngelo, Sandra Marsden, Claudia Faustini, Shannan Grant, Tamara R Cohen","doi":"10.1177/02601060251365357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251365357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundEvidence-based nutrition education resources are one way to help registered dietitians (RDs) translate scientific knowledge to consumers.AimTo develop a checklist based on suitability assessment of materials (SAM) and to assess its use to refine nutrition education resources.MethodsRDs were recruited online to assess two nutrition education resources using SAM. Three rounds of surveying and two rounds of resource refinements occurred. A \"checklist\" was created to refine the resources between rounds. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were performed to explore differences in SAM-scores between rounds.ResultsRDs participated in the first (<i>n</i> = 45), second (<i>n</i> = 37), and third (<i>n</i> = 27) surveys. SAM-scores significantly improved in both resources by the third round. The refined checklist included more explicit instructions and provided examples to help guide resource changes.ConclusionsUsing the checklist improved SAM scores. Future work should include end-users to help with checklist validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251365357"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144874360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of cybersecurity awareness on bioinformatics applications.","authors":"Miznah Hizam AlShammary","doi":"10.1177/02601060251366005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251366005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Bioinformatics applications, which involve sensitive genomic data and require large-scale computational storage, are increasingly susceptible to cybersecurity risks, including data breaches, unauthorized access, and threats to data integrity. Given the critical nature of these systems, understanding the role of cybersecurity awareness among professionals utilizing them is essential. Aim: This study investigates the influence of cybersecurity awareness on the utilization of bioinformatics applications among healthcare and IT professionals. It specifically aims to assess levels of cybersecurity knowledge, examine cybersecurity-related behavior, and identify risks associated with insufficient cybersecurity awareness in this domain. <b>Methods:</b> Participants were 457 healthcare and IT professionals-including physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, software engineers, and data analysts-recruited from hospitals, research institutions, and technology companies across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online survey over a four-week period in April-May 2024. The impact of cybersecurity awareness was evaluated using the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q), which assesses knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to cybersecurity in the context of bioinformatics applications. <b>Results:</b> Findings revealed significant gender differences in password management (males: mean = 3.66, females: mean = 2.94, <i>p</i> < 0.0001). IT professionals showed higher awareness in password management (mean = 4.34, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and incident reporting (mean = 4.36, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) compared to healthcare professionals. Participants aged 45-54 had the highest awareness in information handling (mean = 2.84, <i>p</i> = 0.0029). Correlation analyses indicated stronger relationships between knowledge and behavior in IT professionals (mobile device use: <i>r</i> = 0.314, <i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusion:</b> The findings underscore the need to bridge the awareness-behavior gap through tailored cybersecurity training. Enhancing professional competence in this area is critical to mitigating risks within bioinformatics systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251366005"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144847979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indigenous milk promoted the immunomodulatory effect via altering inflammatory markers and metabolites.","authors":"Savita Devi, Rajeev Kapila, Suman Kapila","doi":"10.1177/02601060251364228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251364228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> In the present study, breed wise (Indigenous, crossbred and exotic cows) difference for the development of tolerogenic immune system was investigated since it is not studied earlier <i>in vivo</i>. <b>Aim:</b> The present study is designed to find the milk with tolerogenic properties along with best physiological effects as an alternative to mother's milk for human neonates. <b>Methods:</b> Haematological analysis, gut permeability testing by <i>in vivo</i> permeability testing, cardiac status, gene and protein level expression of inflammatory markers by ELISA was studied. <b>Results:</b> A decrease in packed cell volume in Karan Swiss (KS), phagocytic activity in Sahiwal (SW), Gir (GIR) and Holstein Friesian (HF) and an increase in splenocyte proliferation in Tharparkar (TP) and HF group was found. Gut integrity was increased in SW, GIR, KS and HF group in 1 h study. A significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increase in serum HDL-cholesterol after milk treatment, but reduction in atherogenic index in Tharparkar (TP), GIR and HF group were observed. A significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increase in gut Defensin-1 in GIR and Karan Fries (KF), ZO-1 in GIR and Claudin-1 in KS was found. A tolerogenic immune response for inflammatory markers, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, IgG and IgA in SW group was also observed and hence, the SW milk appeared to promote a tolerogenic immune profile. <b>Conclusions:</b> Among different breeds, Sahiwal milk exhibited tolerogenic effect, analysed in terms of improvement in cardiac, metabolic and immunological health that may act as an alternative to the mother's milk in neonates, however, further human clinical studies are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251364228"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144794979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benefit of <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharide supplementation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A pre-post study.","authors":"Yanna Fan, Yan Pu, Xiaojuan Xu, Jianjun Yang","doi":"10.1177/02601060251357979","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251357979","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of lipids in the liver tissue. <b>Aim:</b> This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of oral <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharide (LBP) capsules in patients with NAFLD. <b>Methods:</b> A pre-post-intervention clinical trial involving 13 participants, aged 28-50 years, was conducted at a community health center. Participants underwent abdominal ultrasound and laboratory tests, including alanine aminotransferase level measurements. During the 12-week intervention period, participants received a daily oral LBP supplement capsule (300 mg). We collected blood and stool samples at baseline and postintervention, which were for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis. <b>Results:</b> Postintervention, significant reductions (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were observed in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), ALB, TP, and D-BIL levels. There were 125 upregulated and 65 downregulated metabolites. LBP supplementation increased Gemmiger abundance. Microbiota diversity, analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing, showed altered phylum distribution in fecal samples, with PICRUSt2 indicating effects on linoleic acid metabolism. Changes in negative correlations between specific lipid metabolites, such as Her2Cer(d14:0_22:6), and enzyme activities like GGT, were also noted. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharide intervention may enhance GGT, ALB, TP, and D-BIL levels, demonstrating beneficial effects on critical biochemical parameters in NAFLD patients. Correlation analysis showed LBP alters the relationship between specific lipid metabolites and enzyme activity, notably between GGT and Her2Cer(d14:0_22:6), laying groundwork for further research on LBP's impact on NAFLD. <b>Trial registration:</b> Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000034740, and Institutional Ethics Committee of Ningxia Medical University, 2019-329.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251357979"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual impact of Ashwagandha: Significant cortisol reduction but no effects on perceived stress - A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Ahmad Abdualrazag Albalawi","doi":"10.1177/02601060251363647","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060251363647","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe global medicine market is projected to reach US$417 billion by 2033, reflecting rising demand for natural healthcare alternatives. Ashwagandha (<i>Withania somnifera</i>) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for stress management, but evidence supporting its efficacy remains inconsistent.AimThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Ashwagandha's impact on cortisol levels (a biological stress marker) and perceived stress via Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores across randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodPRISMA guidelines were followed. Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched for studies from January 2012 to February 2024, yielding seven studies on cortisol and six on perceived stress (<i>n</i> = 488 participants). Inclusion criteria were RCTs longer than or equal to two weeks, oral doses ≥250 mg/day, and reporting cortisol and PSS outcomes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in cortisol levels (-1.16 µg/dL, 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.69, <i>P</i> < 0.001). No significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -1.188 to 0.47; <i>P</i> = 0.40). Heterogeneity was moderate (<i>I</i>² = 50.9%). However, no statistically significant impact was observed on perceived stress (SMD = -0.355, 95% CI: -1.188 to 0.47; <i>P</i>-value = 0.40). The heterogeneity among studies was moderate (<i>I</i>² = 50.9%). Risk of bias was generally moderate; most studies reported adequate randomization, but some lacked allocation concealment. No publication bias was detected.ConclusionFindings support Ashwagandha's role in lowering cortisol, but gaps remain regarding long-term safety, dosing, and effectiveness across diverse populations. The disconnect between cortisol and PSS outcomes highlights the need for longer treatment duration and broader demographic inclusion. Longitudinal research is recommended to validate Ashwagandha as a holistic stress management tool.</p>","PeriodicalId":19352,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and health","volume":" ","pages":"2601060251363647"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144760622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}