scholarly journals Cocoa Polyphenols: Can We Consider Cocoa and Chocolate as Potential Functional Food?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Djurdjica Ackar ◽  
Kristina Valek Lendić ◽  
Marina Valek ◽  
Drago Šubarić ◽  
Borislav Miličević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Dark Chocolate ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Short Overview ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Chocolate has been consumed as confection, aphrodisiac, and folk medicine for many years before science proved its potential health benefiting effects. Main compounds of cocoa and chocolate which contribute to human health are polyphenols that act as antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. This paper gives a short overview of scientific literature regarding cocoa polyphenols and influence of cocoa and chocolate on human health. Although research on health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa is quite extensive nowadays and shows potentially beneficial effects of dark chocolate and cocoa, there are still lots of unknowns and some controversies. This is obviously an area that needs more research in order to determine factual influence of chocolate on health.

scholarly journals Impact of Bacillus in fermented soybean foods on human health

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trishala Gopikrishna ◽  
Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽  
Kumar Perumal ◽  
Elavarashi Elangovan
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Fermented Soybean ◽  
Food Pathogens ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Fermented Soybean Foods

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.

scholarly journals Pinus Species as Prospective Reserves of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Use in Functional Food—Current State of Knowledge

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Marcin Dziedziński ◽  
Joanna Kobus-Cisowska ◽  
Barbara Stachowiak
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Few Data

The pine (Pinus L.) is the largest and most heteromorphic plant genus of the pine family (Pinaceae Lindl.), which grows almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The demand for plant-based remedies, supplements and functional food is growing worldwide. Although pine-based products are widely available in many parts of the world, they are almost absent as food ingredients. The literature shows the beneficial effects of pine preparations on human health. Despite the wide geographical distribution of pine trees in the natural environment, there are very few data in the literature on the widespread use of pine in food technology. This study aims to present, characterise and evaluate the content of phytochemicals in pine trees, including shoots, bark and conifer needles, as well as to summarise the available data on their health-promoting and functional properties, and the potential of their use in food and the pharmaceutical industry to support health. Various species of pine tree contain different compositions of bioactive compounds. Regardless of the solvent, method, pine species and plant part used, all pine extracts contain a high number of polyphenols. Pine tree extracts exhibit several described biological activities that may be beneficial to human health. The available examples of the application of pine elements in food are promising. The reuse of residual pine elements is still limited compared to its potential. In this case, it is necessary to conduct more research to find and develop new products and applications of pine residues and by-products.

scholarly journals Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3532
Author(s):  
Rohanizah Abdul Rahim ◽  
Putri Ayu Jayusman ◽  
Norliza Muhammad ◽  
Norazlina Mohamed ◽  
Vuanghao Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Total Phenolic ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Spilanthes Acmella ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two common risk factors of various life-threatening disease pathogenesis. In recent years, medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were extensively studied for their potential role in treating and preventing diseases. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), which has been traditionally used to treat toothache in Malaysia, contains various active metabolites responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic bioactivities. These bioactivities were attributed to bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, and alkamides. The review focused on the summarization of in vitro and in vivo experimental reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of S. acmella, as well as how they contributed to potential health benefits in lowering the risk of diseases that were related to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of S. acmella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transcription factors of the nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were discussed. Besides, the antioxidant potential of S. acmella was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide anion radical scavenging (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. This review revealed that S. acmella might have a potential role as a reservoir of bioactive agents contributing to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health beneficial effects.

scholarly journals Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: an updated review

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Yadav ◽  
Shalini Jain ◽  
Radha Tomar ◽  
G. B. K. S. Prasad ◽  
Hariom Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Medical Treatises ◽  
Oleic And Linoleic Acids

The use of herbal remedies individually or in combination with standard medicines has been used in various medical treatises for the cure of different diseases. Pumpkin is one of the well-known edible plants and has substantial medicinal properties due to the presence of unique natural edible substances. It contains several phyto-constituents belonging to the categories of alkaloids, flavonoids, and palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Various important medicinal properties including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and others have been well documented. The purpose of the present article is to discuss various medicinal and biological potentials of pumpkin that can impart further research developments with this plant for human health benefits.

scholarly journals Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (S2) ◽  
pp. S1-S63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Roberfroid ◽  
Glenn R. Gibson ◽  
Lesley Hoyles ◽  
Anne L. McCartney ◽  
Robert Rastall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

The different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract are inhabited by populations of micro-organisms. By far the most important predominant populations are in the colon where a true symbiosis with the host exists that is a key for well-being and health. For such a microbiota, ‘normobiosis’ characterises a composition of the gut ‘ecosystem’ in which micro-organisms with potential health benefits predominate in number over potentially harmful ones, in contrast to ‘dysbiosis’, in which one or a few potentially harmful micro-organisms are dominant, thus creating a disease-prone situation. The present document has been written by a group of both academic and industry experts (in the ILSI Europe Prebiotic Expert Group and Prebiotic Task Force, respectively). It does not aim to propose a new definition of a prebiotic nor to identify which food products are classified as prebiotic but rather to validate and expand the original idea of the prebiotic concept (that can be translated in ‘prebiotic effects’), defined as: ‘The selective stimulation of growth and/or activity(ies) of one or a limited number of microbial genus(era)/species in the gut microbiota that confer(s) health benefits to the host.’ Thanks to the methodological and fundamental research of microbiologists, immense progress has very recently been made in our understanding of the gut microbiota. A large number of human intervention studies have been performed that have demonstrated that dietary consumption of certain food products can result in statistically significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in line with the prebiotic concept. Thus the prebiotic effect is now a well-established scientific fact. The more data are accumulating, the more it will be recognised that such changes in the microbiota's composition, especially increase in bifidobacteria, can be regarded as a marker of intestinal health. The review is divided in chapters that cover the major areas of nutrition research where a prebiotic effect has tentatively been investigated for potential health benefits. The prebiotic effect has been shown to associate with modulation of biomarkers and activity(ies) of the immune system. Confirming the studies in adults, it has been demonstrated that, in infant nutrition, the prebiotic effect includes a significant change of gut microbiota composition, especially an increase of faecal concentrations of bifidobacteria. This concomitantly improves stool quality (pH, SCFA, frequency and consistency), reduces the risk of gastroenteritis and infections, improves general well-being and reduces the incidence of allergic symptoms such as atopic eczema. Changes in the gut microbiota composition are classically considered as one of the many factors involved in the pathogenesis of either inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The use of particular food products with a prebiotic effect has thus been tested in clinical trials with the objective to improve the clinical activity and well-being of patients with such disorders. Promising beneficial effects have been demonstrated in some preliminary studies, including changes in gut microbiota composition (especially increase in bifidobacteria concentration). Often associated with toxic load and/or miscellaneous risk factors, colon cancer is another pathology for which a possible role of gut microbiota composition has been hypothesised. Numerous experimental studies have reported reduction in incidence of tumours and cancers after feeding specific food products with a prebiotic effect. Some of these studies (including one human trial) have also reported that, in such conditions, gut microbiota composition was modified (especially due to increased concentration of bifidobacteria). Dietary intake of particular food products with a prebiotic effect has been shown, especially in adolescents, but also tentatively in postmenopausal women, to increase Ca absorption as well as bone Ca accretion and bone mineral density. Recent data, both from experimental models and from human studies, support the beneficial effects of particular food products with prebiotic properties on energy homaeostasis, satiety regulation and body weight gain. Together, with data in obese animals and patients, these studies support the hypothesis that gut microbiota composition (especially the number of bifidobacteria) may contribute to modulate metabolic processes associated with syndrome X, especially obesity and diabetes type 2. It is plausible, even though not exclusive, that these effects are linked to the microbiota-induced changes and it is feasible to conclude that their mechanisms fit into the prebiotic effect. However, the role of such changes in these health benefits remains to be definitively proven. As a result of the research activity that followed the publication of the prebiotic concept 15 years ago, it has become clear that products that cause a selective modification in the gut microbiota's composition and/or activity(ies) and thus strengthens normobiosis could either induce beneficial physiological effects in the colon and also in extra-intestinal compartments or contribute towards reducing the risk of dysbiosis and associated intestinal and systemic pathologies.

scholarly journals Potential Health Benefits of Curcumin on Female Reproductive Disorders: A Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3126
Author(s):  
Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal ◽  
Norizam Salamt ◽  
Allia Najmie Muhammad Yusuf ◽  
Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim ◽  
Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Reproductive Disorders ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ovarian Diseases ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Curcumin is one of the main polyphenolic compounds in the turmeric rhizome. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-arthritis, anti-asthmatic, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential health benefits of curcumin to treat female reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure and endometriosis. Comprehensive information on curcumin was retrieved from electronic databases, which were MEDLINE via EBSCOhost, Scopus and Google Scholar. The available evidence showed that curcumin reduced the high level of androgen in PCOS. Studies in rodents suggest that curcumin resulted in the disappearance of cysts and the appearance of healthy follicles and corpora lutea. Furthermore, animal studies showed curcumin improved the overall function of the ovary in ovarian diseases and reversed the disturbance in oxidative stress parameters. Meanwhile, in vitro and in vivo studies reported the positive effects of curcumin in alleviating endometriosis through anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. Thus, curcumin possesses various effects on PCOS, ovarian diseases and endometriosis. Some studies found considerable therapeutic effects, whereas others found no effect. However, none of the investigations found curcumin to be harmful. Curcumin clinical trials in endometriosis and ovarian illness are still scarce; thus, future studies need to be conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy of curcumin before it could be offered as a complementary therapy agent.

scholarly journals Comparative In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity and Terpenoid Profiling of Pumpkin Fruit Pulps from a Serbian Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata Breeding Collection

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1580
Author(s):  
Milorad Miljić ◽  
Gabriele Rocchetti ◽  
Sanja Krstić ◽  
Aleksandra Mišan ◽  
Milka Brdar-Jokanović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Cucurbita Moschata ◽  
Cucurbita Maxima ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Marker Compounds

Pumpkin is considered a healthy and functional food. The consumption of pumpkins and pumpkin-based foods has been shown to confer several beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant capacity and terpenoid content. Consequently, this study aimed to characterize the in vitro antioxidant capacity (using FRAP and ABTS assays), terpenoid profile (using an untargeted lipidomics approach via high-resolution UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry), and carotenoid content (by HPLC-DAD) in pumpkin fruit pulp from accessions differing for species (11 Cucurbita maxima and 9 Cucurbita moschata), cultivar, and origin, belonging to a Serbian breeding collection. These accessions are candidates for inclusion within programs intended to improve pumpkin fruit quality. The results obtained in this work allowed us to highlight the best marker compounds, discriminating both the region of accession collection or breeding (“origin”) and the plant species. Furthermore, our findings have helped to identify the most suitable antioxidant-rich varieties to select for national breeding programs for improving human health. These findings provide valuable information to the overall current understanding of the potential health benefits of pumpkins and the discriminant triterpenoids underlying the C. maxima and C. moschata accessions investigated here, which include those of Serbian and non-Serbian origin.

scholarly journals Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira) e suas propriedades na Medicina Popular

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. P. M. M. Falcão ◽  
T. K. B. Oliveira ◽  
N. P. R. do Ó ◽  
D. A. Sarmento ◽  
N. C. Gadelha
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Schinus Terebinthifolius ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Comprehensive Study

<em><em></em></em><p><span>A <em>Schinus terebinthifolius </em>Raddi popularmente conhecida como “aroeira” é amplamente utilizada na medicina popular, sendo seu uso relacionado, por exemplo, aos variados polifenóis distribuídos desigualmente em suas estruturas, como folhas, cascas, frutos, flores e sementes. Esta planta atua no tratamento de afecções como diarreias, gastrites e dispepsias; tem ação adstringente, tônico, estimulante e anti-neurágico. Utilizada por via oral ou tópica para cura de várias doenças, com efeitos diversos, incluindo ações antimicrobianas, antiinflamatórias e cicatrizantes. Experimentos realizados com a espécie em questão são facilitados, pois além de apresentar um uso amplo na medicina popular brasileira, ela possui fácil extração, secagem, moagem, preparo, conservação e aplicação. A <em>S. terebinthifolius </em>Raddi apresenta-se como uma opção de baixo custo, acessível, todavia sua manipulação se faz muitas vezes sem embasamento científico. Este artigo faz um levantamento amplo dessa planta mostrando seus efeitos benéficos relacionados à medicina popular.</span></p><p align="center"><strong><em>Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Aroeira) and their properties in the People's Medicine</em></strong></p><p><strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The <em>Schinus terebinthifolius </em>Raddi popularly known as "Aroeira" is widely used in folk medicine, being your use related, for example, the various polyphenols unevenly distributed in their structures, such as leaves, bark, fruits, flowers and seeds. This plant operates in the treatment of diseases such as diarrhea, gastritis and dyspepsia; action is astringent, tonic, stimulant and anti-neuralgic. Used orally or topically for curing various diseases, including various effects including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and healing actions. Experiments with the species in question are facilitated, as well as presenting a wide use in Brazilian folk medicine, it has easy extraction, drying, grinding, preparation, storage and application. The <em>S. terebinthifolius </em>Raddi presents itself as a low cost option available, but its handling is done often without scientific basis. This article makes a comprehensive study of this plant showing its beneficial effects related to folk medicine.</p><p> </p><p><span><br /></span></p>

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