California Strawberry Consumption Alters Gut Microbiome in Healthy Participants: A Pilot Study

Abstract Objectives Based on the polyphenol and fiber content of strawberries (SB), it was our hypothesis that daily consumption of California strawberries will lead to changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and concentration of fecal cholesterol and bile acid (BA) microbial metabolites. Methods We performed a randomized, double blind, parallel design intervention study. 28 healthy adults were randomized to either daily consumption of 26 g of SB powder (2 servings of fresh SB) or placebo (PL) powder for 4 wks. Stool samples were collected at baseline (BL), 4 and 6 wks (2 wks no SB/PL). Fecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing of the V4 region; fecal cholesterol, coprostanol, cholestanol, cholic acid (primary BA), chenodeoxycholic acid (primary BA), deoxycholic acid (2ndBA), lithocholic acid (2ndBA) by gas chromatography, serum cholesterol, triglyceride by colorimetric assay and serum pelargonidin glucuronide (PG) by high performance liquid chromatography. Results Serum PG, a SB anthocyanin, was found in all participants in the SB group. Two participants in the PL group showed serum PG and were excluded from the analyses. Daily SB increased the abundance of Christensenellaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae and multiple members of the Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae family, and decreased significantly Alcaligenaceae/Sutterella comparing BL to wk4. Comparing the change from BL to wk4 between the SB and PL group, we found increased abundance of Alcaligenaceae/Sutterella and several members of the Clostridia class including Lachnopsiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and a decrease in Clostridiaceae. Comparing wk 4 to wk 6, we observed a reversal of Clostridiales/Christensenellaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae, and Alcaligenaceae/Sutterella. No effects on alpha and beta diversity were observed. No significant difference in serum and fecal cholesterol, BA and bacterial metabolites was observed between SB and PL groups. Five participants did not form coprostanol. Comparing coprostanol producers to non-producers at baseline showed that most differences were observed in the Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroidaceae families. Conclusions SB consumption altered the gut microbiota, which was partially reversed after 2 wks of customary diet without SB. Funding Sources California Strawberry Commission.

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Effects of Fermented Milk Containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on Constipation in Patients with Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2238

Author(s):

Xiaomei Zhang ◽

Shanbin Chen ◽

Ming Zhang ◽

Fazheng Ren ◽

Yimei Ren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Placebo Group ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fermented Milk ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Double Blind ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Factor Α

Probiotics have been shown to benefit patients with constipation and depression, but whether they specifically alleviate constipation in patients with depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on constipation in patients with depression with specific etiology and gut microbiota and on depressive regimens. Eighty-two patients with constipation were recruited. The subjects consumed 100 mL of a LcS beverage (108 CFU/mL) or placebo every day for 9 weeks. After ingesting beverages for this period, we observed no significant differences in the total patient constipation-symptom (PAC-SYM) scores in the LcS group when compared with the placebo group. However, symptoms/scores in item 7 (rectal tearing or bleeding after a bowel movement) and items 8–12 (stool symptom subscale) were more alleviated in the LcS group than in the placebo group. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores were all significantly decreased, and the degree of depression was significantly improved in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The LcS intervention increased the beneficial Adlercreutzia, Megasphaera and Veillonella levels and decreased the bacterial levels related to mental illness, such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05). In particular, the IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the LcS group than the placebo group after the ingestion period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the daily consumption of LcS for 9 weeks appeared to relieve constipation and improve the potentially depressive symptoms in patients with depression and significantly decrease the IL-6 levels. In addition, the LcS supplementation also appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota related to mental illness.

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Modulation of magnetoencephalography alpha band activity by radiofrequency electromagnetic field depicted in sensor and source space

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-02560-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jasmina Wallace ◽

Lydia Yahia-Cherif ◽

Christophe Gitton ◽

Laurent Hugueville ◽

Jean-Didier Lemaréchal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Spectral Power ◽

Heart Rate Variability Analysis ◽

Alpha Band ◽

Control Parameters ◽

Double Blind ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cortical Regions ◽

Band Activity

AbstractSeveral studies reported changes in spontaneous electroencephalogram alpha band activity related to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, but findings showed both an increase and a decrease of its spectral power or no effect. Here, we studied the alpha band modulation after 900 MHz mobile phone radiofrequency exposure and localized cortical regions involved in these changes, via a magnetoencephalography (MEG) protocol with healthy volunteers in a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced crossover design. MEG was recorded during eyes open and eyes closed resting-state before and after radiofrequency exposure. Potential confounding factors, known to affect alpha band activity, were assessed as control parameters to limit bias. Entire alpha band, lower and upper alpha sub-bands MEG power spectral densities were estimated in sensor and source space. Biochemistry assays for salivary biomarkers of stress (cortisol, chromogranin-A, alpha amylase), heart rate variability analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography for salivary caffeine concentration were realized. Results in sensor and source space showed a significant modulation of MEG alpha band activity after the radiofrequency exposure, with different involved cortical regions in relation to the eyes condition, probably because of different attention level with open or closed eyes. None of the control parameters reported a statistically significant difference between experimental sessions.

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Mycotoxins Consumption and Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in People Subsisting on Sorghum Based Products in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal ◽

10.9734/afsj/2019/v8i429996 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

M. H. Garba

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Age Groups ◽

The Body ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Ecological Zones ◽

Susceptibility To Infection ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The World

Sorghum is a local grain that grows predominantly in the semi-arid, savannah and grassland region of Northern Nigeria and other parts of the world. Sorghum samples were collected from five districts in each of the six agro-ecological zones, while the sorghum based products such as gruel, pap and porridge were also sampled using A quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) followed by measurement of the body weight and the quantity of food consumed by the respondents. The mycotoxin concentrations in both raw sorghum sample and the sorghum based products were determined using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mycotoxin concentrations determined from the two different samples was used to determine the amount of mycotoxins consumed by respondents from different age groups. Subsequently the burden of aflatoxin induced Hepato celluar carcinoma (HCC) in communities (within the zone) that subsist on sorghum and sorghum based products was also determined. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between the concentration of the mycotoxins in the raw and the processed sorghum samples in the area under study. The processing methods employed in the in the preparation of these products could not reduce the toxin level below the PTDI and TDI levels set by the regulatory agencies. Average daily consumption of sorghum based products based on age range was found to be 192.5 g/day, 617.0 g/day, 810.2 g/day and 746.1 g/day for the infants, children, adults and elderly respectively The incidence of HCC and the burden aflatoxin induced HCC in the HbsAg+ and the HbsAg- populations was alarmingly high. Sorghum is a major grain corn in the world agricultural economy and represents an important staple food for the populations of many developing countries. Nevertheless, the nutritional value of sorghum as human food, as well as a feed material for animals, is impaired by its susceptibility to infection by fungi and fungal metabolites and this calls for urgent mitigation strategies to avoid health emergencies particularly in the poverty stricken countries of the sub Saharan Africa where this crop is a common staple.

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Randomized Clinical Trial of Peganum Oil for Knee Osteoarthritis

Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1177/2156587214566867 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 126-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Zohreh Abolhassanzadeh ◽

Elham Aflaki ◽

Gholamhossein Yousefi ◽

Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

High Performance ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Peganum Harmala ◽

Double Blind ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Important Symptom ◽

Traditional Preparation

Osteoarthritis affects about 50% of people aged older than 65 years. Pain is the most important symptom in this disease. Today public interest in the use of complementary medicine, especially traditional herbal medicines has increased. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of traditional preparation of Peganum harmala L oil on patients with knee osteoarthritis. The product has been analyzed and standardized by high-performance liquid chromatography. A double blind controlled randomized clinical trial consisting of 54 patients were performed. Patients rubbed the drug or control (olive oil) on the knee 4 drops 3 times a day for 4 weeks. The patients were asked to fill out the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Visual Analogue Scale questionnaires at week 0 and 4. The adapted results from the questionnaires showed that pain and difficulty in function were significantly decreased in Peganum oil group after 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in stiffness change between 2 groups.

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Effects of Sea Buckthorn Whole Fruit Puree on Plasma Glucose in People with Impaired Glucose Regulation: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Study

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa061_107 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1479-1479

Author(s):

Zhongxia Ren ◽

Huiting Gong ◽

Ai Zhao ◽

Peiyu Wang ◽

Yumei Zhang

Keyword(s):

Plasma Glucose ◽

Intervention Study ◽

Sea Buckthorn ◽

Glucose Regulation ◽

Impaired Glucose Regulation ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Double Blind ◽

Postprandial Plasma Glucose ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Fruit Purée

Abstract Objectives To explore the effect of sea buckthorn whole fruit puree (SBFP) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose response in people with impaired glucose regulation (IGR). Methods A two-stage randomized crossover-control and double-blind intervention study was conducted. The SBFP was produced by the Hippophae rhamnoides L. subsp. Sinensis. Forty-five subjects aged 50–70 years old with IGR (6.1 mmol/L ≤ FPG <7.0 mmol/L and/or 5.6% ≤Hemoglobin A1c ≤ 6.5%) were included and randomly divided into two groups (22 subjects in group AB and 23 in BA, respectively). Subject in group AB consumed SBFP (90 mL/d), washed out and then consumed placebo (90 mL/d) for 35, 28, 35 days, respectively, while the sequence of group BA was reversed. Fasting and postprandial (30, 60 and 120 min after a standard meal) blood samples were collected at the start and the end of every intervention period, and the concentration of plasma glucose was detected by the glucose oxidase method. Using a trapezoidal area formula, the area under the curve of 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose (PG-AUC) was calculated. The effect of the intervention was evaluated by general linear model. Results Six subjects in group AB and One in BA voluntarily withdrew before the first period of intervention and other 38 subjects completed the whole intervention. Consumption of 90 mL SBFP for 35 days (n = 38) resulted in a reduction of 0.13 ± 0.56 mmol/L (P = 0.173) on FPG in subjects with IGR, but the placebo intervention (n = 38) resulted in an increase of 0.12 ± 0.47 mmol/L (P = 0.122), and the difference in intervention was statistically significant (P = 0.045). The PG-AUC increased by 0.22 ± 1.02 h mmol/L (P = 0.184) and 0.07 ± 1.38 h mmol/L (P = 0.755), respectively, while no significant difference was observed (P = 0.871). During the wash-out period, the FPG changed with a decrease of 0.28 ± 0.61 mmol/L in the SBFP group (group AB, P = 0.080) but an increase of 0.16 ± 0.82 mmol/L in the placebo group (group BA, P = 0.373), and the effect was significantly different (P = 0.043). No significant difference was found for PG-AUC. Conclusions Daily consumption of 90 mL SBFP for 35 days played a positive role in reducing the FPG in people with IGR, and it might still be effective within 28 days after discontinued use. Funding Sources The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81773420).

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Efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago Major Gel in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Current Drug Discovery Technologies ◽

10.2174/1570163815666180115093007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 223-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Younes Najafian ◽

Zahra M. Khorasani ◽

Mona N. Najafi ◽

Shokouh S. Hamedi ◽

Marjan Mahjour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Diabetic Foot ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Aloe Vera ◽

Foot Ulcer ◽

Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽

Control Group ◽

Plantago Major ◽

Double Blind ◽

Significant Difference

Background:Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common complications of diabetic patients. Mostly, non-healing DFU leads to infection, gangrene, amputation and even death. High costs and poor healing of the wounds need a new treatment such as alternative medicine. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera/ Plantago major gel (Plantavera gel) in healing of DFUMethods:Forty patients with DFU enrolled in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The patients who were randomly assigned into the intervention group (n = 20), received topical Plantavera gel in addition to the routine cares, whereas the patients in the control group (n = 20), received topical Placebo gel in addition to the routine cares. Intervention was done twice a day for 4 weeks in the both groups. Photography and an evaluation of DFU healing were conducted by a checklist and then were scored at baseline and at the end of each week. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS software.Results:At the end of the study, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of total ulcer score (P<0.001) and Plantavera gel significantly reduced the ulcer surface comparing with the control group (P=0.039). However, there was not a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.263) in terms of the ulcer depth. During this study, no side effect was observed for Plantavera gel in the intervention group.Conclusion:Topical Plantavera gel seems to be an effective, cheap and safe treatment. Of course, further studies are required to confirm the properties of the wound healing of this gel.

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Validating Anti-Infective Activity of Pleurotus Opuntiae via Standardization of Its Bioactive Mycoconstituents through Multimodal Biochemical Approach

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings11040484 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 484

Author(s):

Aprajita Tiwari Pandey ◽

Ishan Pandey ◽

Anurag Kanase ◽

Amita Verma ◽

Beatriz Garcia-Canibano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

High Performance ◽

Colorimetric Assay ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Medication Regimen ◽

Methanol Extracts ◽

Retention Factors ◽

Before And After ◽

Solvent Systems

Mushrooms produce a variety of bioactive compounds that are known to have anti-pathogenic properties with safer and effective therapeutic effects in human disease prognosis. The antibacterial activity of ethanol and methanol extracts of Pleurotus opuntiae were checked against pathogenic microorganisms viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis NCIM 2300, Proteus vulgaris NCIM 5266, Serratia marcescens NCIM 2078, Shigella flexeneri NCIM 5265, Moraxella sp. NCIM 2795, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 by agar well diffusion method at different concentrations of the extracts. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the extracts was determined by INT (Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride) colorimetric assay. Extracts were standardized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) in different solvent systems. The Retention factors (Rf) of different compounds were calculated by high performance TLC (HPTLC) fingerprinting at UV 254, 366, and 540 nm before and after derivatization. The ethanol and methanol extracts of P. opuntiae showed bactericidal activity against all the test pathogens at MIC values of 15.6 to 52.08 mg/mL and 20.81 to 52.08 mg/mL respectively. Whereas the MBC values for ethanol and methanol extract of P. opuntiae against all pathogens were recorded as 26.03 to 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL respectively. Preliminary mycochemical screening of both the extracts revealed high contents of bioactive compounds. Amongst all the solvent systems used in TLC, the best result was given by chloroform + hexane (8:2) which eluted out 5 different compounds (spots). HPTLC results revealed spots with different Rf values for all the 24 compounds present. Thus, it can be inferred from the present investigation that the mycoconstituents could be an alternative medication regimen and could play a role in new drug discoveries against different infections. Further, the antimicrobial components of these mushrooms can be transformed to bioengineered antimicrobial coatings for surfaces, drug and other hybrid systems for public health implications in combating persistent infections.

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Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Prebiotic Enriched Infant Formula—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041276 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1276

Author(s):

Franka Neumer ◽

Orenci Urraca ◽

Joaquin Alonso ◽

Jesús Palencia ◽

Vicente Varea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infant Formula ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fecal Microbiota ◽

First Year ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Term Infants ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Prebiotic Oligosaccharides ◽

First Year Of Life

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an infant formula supplemented with a mixture of prebiotic short and long chain inulin-type oligosaccharides on health outcomes, safety and tolerance, as well as on fecal microbiota composition during the first year of life. In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, n = 160 healthy term infants under 4 months of age were randomized to receive either an infant formula enriched with 0.8 g/dL of Orafti®Synergy1 or an unsupplemented control formula until the age of 12 months. Growth, fever (>38 °C) and infections were regularly followed up by a pediatrician. Digestive symptoms, stool consistency as well as crying and sleeping patterns were recorded during one week each study month. Fecal microbiota and immunological biomarkers were determined from a subgroup of infants after 2, 6 and 12 months of life. The intention to treat (ITT) population consisted of n = 149 infants. Both formulae were well tolerated. Mean duration of infections was significantly lower in the prebiotic fed infants (p < 0.05). The prebiotic group showed higher Bifidobacterium counts at month 6 (p = 0.006), and higher proportions of Bifidobacterium in relation to total bacteria at month 2 and 6 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.013, respectively). Stools of infants receiving the prebiotic formula were softer (p < 0.05). Orafti®Synergy1 tended to beneficially impact total daily amount of crying (p = 0.0594). Supplementation with inulin-type prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first year of life beneficially modulates the infant gut microbiota towards higher Bifidobacterium levels at the first 6 months of life, and is associated with reduced duration of infections.

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Safety evaluation of an antimalarial herbal product from Andrographis paniculata (AS201-01) in healthy volunteers

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0381 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Aty Widyawaruyanti ◽

Arijanto Jonosewojo ◽

Hilkatul Ilmi ◽

Lidya Tumewu ◽

Ario Imandiri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Glucose ◽

Healthy Volunteers ◽

Day Treatment ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Andrographis Paniculata ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Human ◽

Double Blind ◽

Random Blood Glucose ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objectives Andrographis paniculata tablets (AS201-01) have previously been shown to have potent bioactivity as an antimalarial and to produce no unwanted side effects in animal models. Here, we present the phase 1 clinical trial conducted to evaluate the safety of AS201-01 tablets in healthy volunteers. Methods The study was a randomized, double-blind controlled cross-over, a placebo-controlled design consisting of a 4-day treatment of AS201-01 tablets. A total of 30 healthy human volunteers (16 males and 14 females) were divided into two groups, and each group was given 4 tablets, twice daily for 4 days. Group 1 received AS201-01, while group 2 received placebo tablets. Volunteers were given a physical examination before the treatment. The effects of AS201-01 on random blood glucose, biochemical, and hematological as well as urine profiles were investigated. Results There were no changes in observed parameters as a result of AS201-01 being administered. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the test and control group regarding hematology profile, biochemical profile, and random blood glucose. Increased appetite and better sleep, which categorized as grade 1 adverse event was reported after treatment with AS201-01 tablet Conclusions The outcome supports our previous observation that the AS201-01 tablet, given twice a day for 4 days, is safe and nontoxic.

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The plant secondary compound swainsonine reshapes gut microbiota in plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae)

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ◽

10.1007/s00253-021-11478-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shien Ren ◽

Chao Fan ◽

Liangzhi Zhang ◽

Xianjiang Tang ◽

Haibo Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Artificial Diet ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Term Treatment ◽

Short Term Treatment ◽

Ochotona Curzoniae ◽

Rdna Sequencing ◽

Long Term Treatment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Herbivorous Mammals

Abstract Plants produce various plant secondary compounds (PSCs) to deter the foraging of herbivorous mammals. However, little is known about whether PSCs can reshape gut microbiota and promote gut homeostasis of hosts. Using 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate the effects of PSCs on the gut microbiota of small herbivorous mammals, we studied plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) fed diets containing swainsonine (SW) extracted from Oxytropis ochrocephala. Our results showed that both long- and short-term treatment of a single artificial diet in the laboratory significantly reduced alpha diversity and significantly affected beta diversity, core bacteria abundance, and bacterial functions in pikas. After SW was added to the artificial diet, the alpha diversity significantly increased in the long-term treatment, and core bacteria (e.g., Akkermansiaceae) with altered relative abundances in the two treatments showed no significant difference compared with pikas in the wild. The complexity of the co-occurrence network structure was reduced in the artificial diet, but it increased after SW was added in both treatments. Further, the abundances of bacteria related to altered alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism in the artificial diet were restored in response to SW. SW further decreased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in both treatments. Our results suggest that PSCs play a key role in regulating gut microbiota community and intestinal homeostasis, thereby maintaining host health. Key points • Swainsonine improves the intestinal bacterial diversity of plateau pikas. • Swainsonine promotes the recovery of core bacterial abundances in the gut of plateau pikas. • Swainsonine promotes the restoration of intestinal bacterial functions of plateau pikas.

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