scholarly journals Health Functionality of Blueberries

1997 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy Kalt ◽  
Dominique Dufour
Keyword(s):  
Food Industry ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Blue Color ◽  
Health Market ◽  
Health Products ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Europe Today ◽  
Tract Infections

Blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) have a long history of use in native and folk medicine in North America and Europe. Today the European blueberry (bilberry) is used in a variety of pharmaceutical and food supplement products that are recommended for treating blood vessel disorders and ophthalmological conditions. Anthocyanins, the pigments that impart the blue color to blueberries, are considered the active ingredient in bilberry health products, although other related flavonoids are biomedically useful. Vaccinium flavonoids are antioxidants and are also recognized for their anticarcinogenic properties and usefulness in treating urinary tract infections. The most immediate, and perhaps greatest, opportunity for a health market for North American blueberries may be in promoting blueberries as a healthy food. As researchers continue to explore the biomedical usefulness of blueberries, the blueberry food industry should strive to retain the healthful phytochemical in their products.

scholarly journals The Botanical, Chemical and Ethnobotanical Diversity of Southern African Lamiaceae

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3712
Author(s):  
Ryan D. Rattray ◽  
Ben-Erik Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Taxonomic Diversity ◽  
Volatile Oils ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Flora Of Southern Africa ◽  
Traditional Uses ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries ◽  
History Of Use

The Lamiaceae is undoubtedly an important plant family, having a rich history of use that spans the globe with many species being used in folk medicine and modern industries alike. Their ability to produce aromatic volatile oils has made them valuable sources of materials in the cosmetic, culinary, and pharmaceutical industries. A thorough account of the taxonomic diversity, chemistry and ethnobotany is lacking for southern African Lamiaceae, which feature some of the region’s most notable medicinal and edible plant species. We provide a comprehensive insight into the Lamiaceae flora of southern Africa, comprising 297 species in 42 genera, 105 of which are endemic to the subcontinent. We further explore the medicinal and traditional uses, where all genera with documented uses are covered for the region. A broad review of the chemistry of southern African Lamiaceae is presented, noting that only 101 species (34%) have been investigated chemically (either their volatile oils or phytochemical characterization of secondary metabolites), thus presenting many and varied opportunities for further studies. The main aim of our study was therefore to present an up-to-date account of the botany, chemistry and traditional uses of the family in southern Africa, and to identify obvious knowledge gaps.

scholarly journals Aquaculture Production of the Brown Seaweeds Laminaria digitata and Macrocystis pyrifera: Applications in Food and Pharmaceuticals

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Diane Purcell-Meyerink ◽  
Michael A. Packer ◽  
Thomas T. Wheeler ◽  
Maria Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Macrocystis Pyrifera ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Laminaria Digitata ◽  
Brown Seaweeds ◽  
Commercial Potential ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Seaweeds have a long history of use as food, as flavouring agents, and find use in traditional folk medicine. Seaweed products range from food, feed, and dietary supplements to pharmaceuticals, and from bioenergy intermediates to materials. At present, 98% of the seaweed required by the seaweed industry is provided by five genera and only ten species. The two brown kelp seaweeds Laminaria digitata, a native Irish species, and Macrocystis pyrifera, a native New Zealand species, are not included in these eleven species, although they have been used as dietary supplements and as animal and fish feed. The properties associated with the polysaccharides and proteins from these two species have resulted in increased interest in them, enabling their use as functional foods. Improvements and optimisations in aquaculture methods and bioproduct extractions are essential to realise the commercial potential of these seaweeds. Recent advances in optimising these processes are outlined in this review, as well as potential future applications of L. digitata and, to a greater extent, M. pyrifera which, to date, has been predominately only wild-harvested. These include bio-refinery processing to produce ingredients for nutricosmetics, functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and bioplastics. Areas that currently limit the commercial potential of these two species are highlighted.

scholarly journals Glycemia Lowering Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Hedychium coronarium Leaves in Diabetic Rodent Models

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-Shan Tse ◽  
Po-Lin Liao ◽  
Chi-Hao Tsai ◽  
Ching-Hao Li ◽  
Jiunn-Wang Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Insulin Level ◽  
Diabetic Animal ◽  
Hedychium Coronarium ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Hedychium coronarium has a long history of use worldwide as a food and in folk medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of H. coronarium leaves (HC) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two types of animal models were used in this study: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM (Wistar rats; N = 8) and C57BKSdb/db mice (N = 5). After treatment with HC for 28 days, glucose tolerance improved in both of the diabetic animal models. As significant effects were shown after 14 days of treatment in the STZ-induced T2DM model, we carried out the experiments with it. After 28 days of treatment with HC, the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly improved in the STZ-induced T2DM model. The lesions degree of islet β-cells was decreased after the HC treatment. Although the insulin level increased moderately, the aldosterone level was significantly decreased in the HC-treated groups, suggesting that aldosterone might play an important role in this effect. In summary, HC is a natural product and it is worth exploring its effect on T2DM.

Phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical studies of petasites hybridus (l.) P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. A review /

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 108-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Ożarowski ◽  
Jędrzej Przystanowicz ◽  
Artur Adamczak
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Migraine Treatment ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Botanical Description ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use

Abstract Preparations from rhizomes of Petasites hybridus (L.) Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. (common butterbur) have a long history of use in folk medicine in treatment of several diseases as anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic drugs. Extracts from this species are of interest to researchers in the field of phytopharmacology due to their biologically active compounds, particularly two eremophilane sesquiterpenes (petasin and isopetasin), which are contained not only in rhizomes and roots, but also in leaves. Moreover, P. hybridusa contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which showed hepatotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Hence, special extracts devoid of alkaloids obtained by sub- and super-critic carbon dioxide extraction were used in the preclinical, clinical studies and phytotherapy. Our review aims to provide a literature survey of pharmacological as well as clinical trials of P. hybridus, carried out in 2000-2013. Also several studies of other species used in non-European countries have been included. Besides, the botanical description of Petasites genus and phytochemical characteristic of P. hybridus and toxicological studies of pyrrolizidine alkaloids as well as chemical profile of patented commercial extracts from rhizomes, roots and leaves of this species used in European phytotherapy have been performed. In this review, attention has also been paid to the promising and potential application of special extracts of P. hybridus not only in the prevention of migraine, treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms, asthma and hypertension, but also in prevention and slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases developing with the inflammatory process in the CNS as a new therapeutic strategy. In fact, there is already an evidence of promising properties of P. hybridus extracts and sesquiterpens - decrease in the prostaglandins and leukotrienes release, inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 activity, as well as antagonism of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. In order to explain the new mechanisms of action of P. hybridus extracts in the CNS and their future application in phytotherapy of diseases with neuroinflammatory process, further studies should be performed.

Etiology and clinical features of epididymo-orchitis: A single-center study in Tehran, Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Abolghasemi ◽  
Mohammad Alizadeh ◽  
Ali Hashemi ◽  
Shabnam Tehrani
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Urine Culture ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Urinary Frequency ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tract Infections

Introduction: Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological disease among men. Little is known about the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease in Iran. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical sequelae and risk factors of patients with epididymo-orchitis in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with epididymo-orchitis were prospectively analyzed in order to study the etiology and pattern of the disease. Bacteriological, molecular and serological tests were undertaken to look for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Brucella spp., Mycoplasma spp, and other bacteria. Results: Fifty patients with epididymo-orchitis were evaluated according to their clinical symptoms, duration of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory studies. The mean age of the patients was 53 years. Fever, dysuria, pain in the flanks, urinary frequency and discharges occurred in 58.0%, 50.0%, 50.0%, 28.0% and 6.0%, respectively. Bacterial pathogen was identified in 26% (13/50) of patients by urine culture. Escherichia coli was the etiological agent in 11/13 patients (84.6%). Two out of 50 patients (4.0%) were also positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. Two samples were serologically positive for Brucella spp. High Mean age, fever, urinary frequency, history of the underlying disease and history of urinary tract infections were found to have a significant association with the positive bacteriologic urine culture (P<0.05). Conclusions: The most common clinical manifestations were fever, dysuria, and abdominal pain. E. coli and C. trachomatis were the major causative agents. Use of a set of diagnostic approaches including clinical symptoms, urine culture and more precise techniques such as PCR should be taken into consideration for the definitive diagnosis.

scholarly journals Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1711
Author(s):  
Heba A. Gad ◽  
Autumn Roberts ◽  
Samirah H. Hamzi ◽  
Haidy A. Gad ◽  
Ilham Touiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Jojoba Oil ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Liver Functions ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Pharmaceutical Uses ◽  
Obesity And Cancer

Jojoba is a widely used medicinal plant that is cultivated worldwide. Its seeds and oil have a long history of use in folklore to treat various ailments, such as skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throat, obesity, and cancer; for improvement of liver functions, enhancement of immunity, and promotion of hair growth. Extensive studies on Jojoba oil showed a wide range of pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. In addition, Jojoba oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in cosmetics for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations. Jojoba oil also holds value in the industry as an anti-rodent, insecticides, lubricant, surfactant, and a source for the production of bioenergy. Jojoba oil is considered among the top-ranked oils due to its wax, which constitutes about 98% (mainly wax esters, few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). In addition, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds are also present. The present review represents an updated literature survey about the chemical composition of jojoba oil, its physical properties, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and toxicity.

scholarly journals Respiratory tract infections in children with allergic asthma on allergen immunotherapy during influenza season

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuyun Li ◽  
Dongming Wang ◽  
Lili Zhi ◽  
Yunmei Zhu ◽  
Lan Qiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Allergic Asthma ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Allergen Immunotherapy ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Influenza Season ◽  
The Body ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Stage 1

AbstractTo describle how respiratory tract infections (RTIs) that occurred in children with allergic asthma (AA) on allergen immunotherapy (AIT) during an influenza season. Data including clinical symptoms and treatment history of children (those with AA on AIT and their siblings under 14 years old), who suffered from RTIs during an influenza season (Dec 1st, 2019–Dec 31st, 2019), were collected (by face to face interview and medical records) and analyzed. Children on AIT were divided into 2 groups: stage 1 (dose increasing stage) and stage 2 (dose maintenance stage). Their siblings were enrolled as control. During the study period, 49 children with AA on AIT (33 patients in stage 1 and 16 patients in stage 2) as well as 49 children without AA ( their siblings ) were included. There were no significant differences in occurrences of RTIs among the three groups (p > 0.05). Compared with children in the other two groups, patients with RTIs in stage 2 had less duration of coughing and needed less medicine. Children on AIT with maintenance doses had fewer symptoms and recovered quickly when they were attacked by RTIs, which suggested that AIT with dose maintenance may enhance disease resistance of the body.

scholarly journals Nanomedicine Reformulation of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
David M. Stevens ◽  
Rachael M. Crist ◽  
Stephan T. Stern
Keyword(s):  
Safety Evaluation ◽  
Therapeutic Index ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Tissue Concentrations ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Use ◽  
Novel Applications ◽  
Therapeutic Doses ◽  
Extensive Clinical Experience ◽  
Higher Doses

The chloroquine family of antimalarials has a long history of use, spanning many decades. Despite this extensive clinical experience, novel applications, including use in autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, and cancer, have only recently been identified. While short term use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is safe at traditional therapeutic doses in patients without predisposing conditions, administration of higher doses and for longer durations are associated with toxicity, including retinotoxicity. Additional liabilities of these medications include pharmacokinetic profiles that require extended dosing to achieve therapeutic tissue concentrations. To improve chloroquine therapy, researchers have turned toward nanomedicine reformulation of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to increase exposure of target tissues relative to off-target tissues, thereby improving the therapeutic index. This review highlights these reformulation efforts to date, identifying issues in experimental designs leading to ambiguity regarding the nanoformulation improvements and lack of thorough pharmacokinetics and safety evaluation. Gaps in our current understanding of these formulations, as well as recommendations for future formulation efforts, are presented.

scholarly journals Association between severity of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis and receipt of surgical intervention postnatally among patients seen at a fetal-maternal center

BMC Urology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë G. Baker ◽  
Arthi Hannallah ◽  
Melissa Trabold ◽  
Danielle Estell ◽  
Cherry Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Renal Scarring ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Age At Surgery ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pediatric Urologist ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Hydronephrosis (HN) is the most common abnormality detected on prenatal ultrasound. This study sought to stratify outcomes of patients by severity of prenatal HN with postnatal outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients referred to a tertiary care fetal-maternal clinic with diagnosis of prenatal HN from 2004 to 2019. HN severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Data were analyzed to determine the association between HN severity and surgical intervention. Decision for surgery was based on factors including history of multiple urinary tract infections, evidence of renal scarring, and/or reduced renal function. Surgery-free survival time was represented by the Kaplan–Meier method, and hazard ratios were calculated using the log-rank test. Results 131 kidneys among 101 infants were prenatally diagnosed with hydronephrosis; 35.9% had mild HN, 29.0% had moderate HN, and 35.1% had severe HN. 8.5% of patients with mild HN, 26.3% of patients with moderate HN, and 65.2% of patients with severe HN required surgery. Patients with severe HN were 12.2 (95% CI 6.1–24.4; p < 0.001) times more likely to undergo surgery for HN than patients with mild HN and 2.9 (95% CI 1.5–5.3; p = 0.003) times more likely to undergo surgery than patients with moderate HN. Patients with moderate HN were 4.3 times more likely to require surgery than patients with mild HN (95% CI 1.5–12.9; p = 0.01). Median age at surgery was 11.8 months among patients with mild HN (IQR 11.7–14.1 months), 6.6 months among patients with moderate HN (IQR 4.2–16.4 months), and 5.4 months among patients with severe HN (3.7–12.4 months). Conclusion Among this cohort of referrals from a fetal-maternal clinic, severity of HN correlated with increased likelihood of surgical intervention. Continued assessment of patients with prenatal HN should be evaluated to best determine the role of the pediatric urologist in cases of prenatal HN.

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