scholarly journals Health aspects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) microalga food supplement

2013 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Sotiroudis ◽  
Georgios Sotiroudis
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Sulfated Polysaccharides ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Filamentous Cyanobacterium ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
History Of Use

Spirulina, now named Arthrospira, is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that has a long history of use as a safe food lacking toxicity. It is commercially produced in large outdoor ponds under controlled conditions. The aim of this review article is to summarize available recent information concerning human clinical potential and applications of Spirulina, as well as clinical data related to the safety and side effects of Spirulina. Potential health benefits of Spirulina are mainly due to its chemical composition, which includes proteins (the highest protein content of any natural food, 55%-70%), carbohydrates, essential amino acids, minerals (especially iron), essential fatty acids, vitamins, and pigments. In this respect, three major bioactive components of Spirulina, the protein phycocyanin (a biliprotein pigment), sulfated polysaccharides and gamma linolenic acid seem to play significant role in imparting improved human body functions. Furthermore, new experimental evidence supports the immunomodulation and antiviral effects of Spirulina supplementation. According to the Dietary Supplements Information Expert Committee of United States Pharmacopeial Convention the available clinical evidence does not indicate a serious risk to health or other public health concerns for Spirulina. However, a few cases of severe side-effects have been reported.

scholarly journals Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Immunostimulatory Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharides Extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 1912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligen Chen ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Hui Yang ◽  
Han Li ◽  
Wei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucuronic Acid ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Ascophyllum Nodosum ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Sulfated Polysaccharides ◽  
Extraction Temperature ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Extraction Solvent ◽  
Fast Flow

Polysaccharides from Ascophyllum nodosum (AnPS) were extracted and purified via an optimized protocol. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 4.3 h, extraction temperature of 84 °C and ratio (v/w, mL/g) of extraction solvent (water) to raw material of 27. The resulting yield was 9.15 ± 0.23% of crude AnPS. Two fractions, named AnP1-1 and AnP2-1 with molecular weights of 165.92 KDa and 370.68 KDa, were separated from the crude AnPS by chromatography in DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephacryl S-300, respectively. AnP1-1 was composed of mannose, ribose, glucuronic acid, glucose and fucose, and AnP2-1 was composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, galactose and fucose. AnPS, AnP1-1 and AnP2-1 exhibited high scavenging activities against ABTS radical and superoxide radical, and showed protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative injury in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the immunostimulatory activities of AnP1-1 and AnP2-1 were evaluated by Caco-2 cells, the results showed both AnP1-1 and AnP2-1 could significantly promote the production of immune reactive molecules such as interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Therefore, the results suggest that AnPS and its two fractions may be explored as a potential functional food supplement.

scholarly journals Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals from Microalgae: Main Product Classes and Biotechnological Production

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1626
Author(s):  
Regina Kratzer ◽  
Michael Murkovic
Keyword(s):  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Biotechnological Production ◽  
Microalgal Biomass ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Fishmeal Replacement ◽  
Economic Production ◽  
Energy Inputs ◽  
Food Dyes

Microalgal products are an emerging class of food, feed, and nutraceuticals. They include dewatered or dried biomass, isolated pigments, and extracted fat. The oil, protein, and antioxidant-rich microalgal biomass is used as a feed and food supplement formulated as pastes, powders, tablets, capsules, or flakes designed for daily use. Pigments such as astaxanthin (red), lutein (yellow), chlorophyll (green), or phycocyanin (bright blue) are natural food dyes used as isolated pigments or pigment-rich biomass. Algal fat extracted from certain marine microalgae represents a vegetarian source of n-3-fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA)). Gaining an overview of the production of microalgal products is a time-consuming task. Here, requirements and options of microalgae cultivation are summarized in a concise manner, including light and nutrient requirements, growth conditions, and cultivation systems. The rentability of microalgal products remains the major obstacle in industrial application. Key challenges are the high costs of commercial-scale cultivation, harvesting (and dewatering), and product quality assurance (toxin analysis). High-value food ingredients are commonly regarded as profitable despite significant capital expenditures and energy inputs. Improvements in capital and operational costs shall enable economic production of low-value food products going down to fishmeal replacement in the future economy.

scholarly journals Lepidium meyenii (Maca) – multidirectional health effects – review

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Kasprzak ◽  
Barbara Jodlowska-Jedrych ◽  
Katarzyna Borowska ◽  
Agnieszka Wojtowicz
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Lepidium Meyenii ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Action Mechanisms ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca, is a Peruvian plant that grows high in the Andes, in areas over 4,000 meters above sea level. Its composition contains almost all of the essential amino acids and twenty of the essential fatty acids needed by man, as well as many vitamins, minerals and several sterols and glucosinolates. The specific and unique unsaturated acids and amides found only in this plant are the macaenes and macamides. Most valuable ingredients are contained within the hypocotyls. Maca comes in three forms, based on its root colour, yellow, red and black. Although used individually, consumption recommendations are usually for a mix of all three. Since Inca times, it has been considered as super food. Although now mostly used in the form of a supplement, ongoing research does not exclude future applications of Maca as medicine. It is attributed to have an effect on male fertility (adding energy and vitality), and in regulating hormone secretion. In animal studies, Maca has been shown to have antioxidant, neuroprotective effects and antiviral activity. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to alleviate the effects of depression. In addition, there are reports that Maca reduces the development of cancer and osteoporosis, improves memory, facilitates concentration and alleviates the symptoms of menopause. The obtained results, however, require further analysis to confirm its effect. Currently, there is little information on toxicity, so there is a need for specialized research in this area, and on-going research concerns the most effective variety and form of preparation of Maca for administration to achieve best effects. The potential of Maca as medicine exists. The increasing pan-continental popularity of Maca has created the need for a better understanding of its action mechanisms.

scholarly journals Abnormalities in Glucose Blood Level during Antipsychotic Treatment in Schizophrenia Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (T3) ◽  
pp. 340-344
Author(s):  
Faisal Idrus ◽  
Theodorus Singara ◽  
Dwiwahyu Sunarto ◽  
Saidah Syamsuddin ◽  
Sonny T. Lisal
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Blood Sugar Level ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Antipsychotic Therapy ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Sugar Levels ◽  
Risperidone Group ◽  
Haloperidol Group

Background: Schizophrenia is one of the mental disorder with many problematic issues, in both psychologically and socially. This disease requires provision of long-term antipsychotic therapy, hence could rise other potential health problems. Antipsychotic treatment can cause serious glucometabolic side-effects, including type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemic emergency. Recent attention has also been focused on antipsychotic-induced hyperglycemic emergencies experienced by new users of typical and atypical antipsychotic. Patients treated with atypical APDs have ~10 times higher risk in developing hyperglycaemic emergencies. In our pre-eliminary study, hyperglycemia condition in new patients occurs in four  in seven patients who received typical and atypical antipsychotics. This condition is often overlooked and is not routinely evaluated. Moreover, it can develop into diabetes and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we would like to determine the acute effects of metabolic (hyperglycemia) in patients treated with antipsychotic (Risperidone and Haloperidol) Measurement of blood sugar levels was performed in groups treated with haloperidol (N = 15) and treated with risperidone (N = 15). Plasma samples were taken at the beginning of treatment, in week IV, and in week VIII. The measurement of glucose levels was performed after meal and in early morning before breakfast (fasting blood glucose level 8 hours). Results: The blood sugar level after meals was significantly higher in the Risperidone group compared to the Haloperidol group  (p <0.001) after IV and VIII weeks. Meanwhile, the fasting blood sugar level was significantly higher in the Risperidone group compared to the Haloperidol group after VIII weeks of treatment ( p <0.001). Conclusions: Both antipsychotics can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Treatment with Risperidone significantly increased the blood sugar levels compared to treatment with haloperidol. Measurement of blood sugar level is needed to monitor the metabolic effect of antipsychotic, especially in patients treated with Risperidone. It is necessary to have dietary regulation and physical activities to prevent undesired metabolic side effects.

scholarly journals Energy drink - the prevalence of consumption and awareness regarding its associated potential health problems among commercial bus drivers in Ho, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuella Yayra Saku ◽  
Peter Nuro-Ameyaw ◽  
Priscilla Cecilia Amenya ◽  
Fidelis Mawunyo Kpodo ◽  
Paul Esua Amoafo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Bus Drivers ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Energy Drink Consumption

Abstract Background Consumption of energy drinks has become an escalating global public health problem. The work schedule and irregular sleeping habits of commercial bus drivers make them highly susceptible to getting fatigued, hence most of them consume energy drinks as a fatigue management strategy. However, consumption of energy drinks produces numerous psychomotor side effects that if consumed among drivers puts the traveling public in danger of road accidents. This study sought to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and awareness of associated potential health problems among commercial long-distance bus drivers operating from the Ho municipality. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 participants who completed a structured questionnaire on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of consumption and reasons for consumption. It also included questions to assess the knowledge of the ingredients and side effects of energy drinks. Results A majority (62.1%) of the drivers had more than 10 years of commercial driving experience. A 75% energy drink consumption prevalence was recorded with driving performance enhancement (78.8%) as the predominant reason for consumption. 7 - 10 bottles per week were consumed by most (32.2%) of the drivers with the most consumed brand being Rush energy drink (54.5%). Also, 72.0% had poor knowledge of the side effects linked with energy drink intake likewise the ingredients in them. Conclusion Energy drinks were consumed by the majority of the drivers at the Ho main bus terminal of which most of the drivers had poor knowledge of the potential health problems linked with the consumption of these drinks. The consumption of energy drinks was observed to be higher among the drivers with lower education levels, higher monthly income and those who worked long hours in a day. The Ghana National Road Safety Commission (GNRC) in collaboration with other private road transport unions in Ghana should organize regular seminars for commercial bus drivers on the potential dangers and effects associated with energy drink consumption.

scholarly journals Nutritional components of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morakot Sroyraya ◽  
Peter J. Hanna ◽  
Tanapan Siangcham ◽  
Ruchanok Tinikul ◽  
Prapaporn Jattujan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Stearic Acid ◽  
Sea Cucumber ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Holothuria Scabra ◽  
Arachidonic Acids

Background: Holothuria scabra is one of the most commercially important species found in the Pacific region. The sea cucumber extracts have been widely reported to have beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional compositions of H. scabra, and compare its important nutritional contents with that of other species.Methods: The sea cucumbers were dissected, sliced into small pieces, and then freeze-dried. The nutritional compositions, including proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, collagen, GABA, Vitamin A, C, and E of the whole body and body wall of H. scabra, were analyzed.Results: H. scabra contained a high quantity of protein (22.50% in whole body and 55.18% in body wall) and very low lipids (1.55% in whole body and 1.02% in body wall). The three most abundant amino acids found in both the whole body and body wall were glycine, glutamic acid, and proline. The main fatty acids found in the whole body were stearic acid and nervonic acid, and in the body wall were arachidonic acid and stearic acid. The whole body and body wall also contained high levels of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and collagen, in addition to moderate amounts of vitamin E and low amounts of GABA and vitamin C.Conclusions: The sea cucumber, H. scabra, contained high quantity of protein and very low lipid. It contained high essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, nervonic and arachidonic acids, and collagen, which also contained GABA, vitamin C, and vitamin E.Keywords: sea cucumber; Holothuria scabra; nutrition components; functional food            

scholarly journals BIOBRAN MGN-3

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Ahmad Ijaz Masood ◽  
RABEETA SHEIKH ◽  
RANA ATIQUE ANWER
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Hair Loss ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Severe Nausea ◽  
Treatment Side Effects ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective: The aim of study was to assess the effect of Biobran in reducing of chemotherapy induced side effects in termsof tiredness, anorexia, vomiting and hair loss and quality of life in terms of weight loss. Setting: Radiotherapy Department, NishtarHospital Multan. Material and Methods: Fifty patients of breast cancer were enrolled randomly in two groups. Group-A patients weregiven 3 gram dose of Biobran MGN-3 per day one week before and one week after chemotherapy. Group-B patient were givenchemotherapy alone. Total six cycles of chemotherapy were given. No multivitamin or food supplements were given during this study.Chemotherapy induced side effects (tiredness, anorexia, and vomiting, hair loss) were assessed by questionnaire to the patients beforestart of each cycle. Weight was checked before each cycle to assess weight gain or loss. White blood cells were checked by completeblood count just before and one week after chemotherapy. Results: Between six months, 50 patients were enrolled in RadiotherapyDepartment, Nishtar Hospital Multan. There was a significant reduction in tiredness and anorexia in group-A patients. 20 (80%) patients ofgroup-A felt increase in their diet and no tiredness without any appetizer or multivitamin. But group-B patients demanded for appetizer dueto severe anorexia after chemotherapy except 3 (12%) patients who didn’t use any appetizer or food supplement. In group-A, 15 (60%)patients didn’t need any anti-emetic as compared to group-B all patient (100%) experienced severe nausea during and afterchemotherapy. Group-A patients experienced less hair fall 7 (28%) patients as compared to other group which is 25 (100%) patients.Conclusions: The study showed that, by helping to optimize the immune system, Biobran MGN-3 can not only help maximize treatmentsuccess, but also minimize treatment side effects and improve quality of life during treatment and in recovery.

Nutritional quality of the fresh and processed grey mullet (Mugilidae) products: a short review including data concerning fish from freshwater

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Ben Khemis ◽  
Neila Hamza ◽  
Saloua Sadok
Keyword(s):  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Grey Mullets ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

This short review compiles the data concerning the quality of flesh, processed roe and smoked fillets of grey mullets (Mugilidae), including when available the data concerning the fish from freshwater and in particular those from Tunisian reservoirs. The biochemical and mineral composition of the fish, the nutritional benefits and the potential health risks related to the consumption of fish products are discussed with regard to human health, taking into consideration the nutritional recommendations and normative toxicological limits defined by leading health authorities. Flesh proximal compositions of fish from freshwater are relatively scarce, but the few available lipid data are within the very large proximal range (from less than 1% to more than 11%) reported for grey mullets in general. Most of the studies reveal the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids with a substantial proportion ω3 type not only for fish from marine environment but also for those from freshwater. Flesh constitutes a source of essential amino acids and mineral nutrients too. The mullets are generally reported to be safe for human consumption except the fish from heavily contaminated zones. Globally, it should be regarded as an interesting contribution to a healthy diet. The mullets are also greatly appreciated for the production of salted and dried roe as well as smoked fillets, which allow increasing their economic value while preserving products health beneficial attributes. Data concerning processing mullet's roe from freshwater are missing, but it may be supposed that these roes have acceptable texture, taste and flavour as they are highly sought by connoisseurs. It is recommended to perform studies on the qualities of freshwater mullet's roe and to look for labelling the origin for both the roes and the smoked fillets of mullet from Tunisian reservoirs dedicated to the production of drinking water as it would guarantee that the fish come from unpolluted environments.

scholarly journals Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Is a Potential Food Supplement with the Capacity to Outperform Chlorella and Spirulina

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 6736
Author(s):  
Randa Darwish ◽  
Mohamed A. Gedi ◽  
Patchaniya Akepach ◽  
Hirut Assaye ◽  
Abdelrahman S. Zaky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Alpha Linolenic Acid ◽  
Total Carotenoids ◽  
Total Fatty Acids

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a green microalgae used as a model organism associated with biotechnological applications, yet its nutritional value has not been assessed. This study investigates the nutritional capacity of C. reinhardtii as an additional value for this species beyond its known potential in biofuels and bio-products production. The composition of key nutrients in C. reinhardtii was compared with Chlorella and Spirulina, the species widely regarded as a superfood. The results revealed that the protein content of C. reinhardtii (46.9%) was comparable with that of Chlorella (45.3) and Spirulina (50.4%) on a dry weight basis. C. reinhardtii contained all the essential amino acids with good scores based on FAO/WHO values (0.9–1.9) as in Chlorella and Spirulina. Unsaturated fatty acids predominated the total fatty acids profile of C. reinhardtii were ~74 of which ~48% are n-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content in C. reinhardtii (42.4%) was significantly higher than that of Chlorella (23.4) and Spirulina (0.12%). For minerals, Spirulina was rich in iron (3.73 mg/g DW) followed by Chlorella (1.34 mg/g DW) and C. reinhardtii (0.96 mg/g DW). C. reinhardtii, unlike the other two species, consisted of selenium (10 µg/g DW), and had a remarkably lower heavy metal load. Moreover, C. reinhardtii contained relatively high concentrations of chlorophyll (a + b) and total carotenoids (28.6 mg/g DW and 6.9 mg/g DW, respectively) compared with Chlorella (12.0 mg/g DW and 1.8 mg/g DW, respectively) and Spirulina (8.6 mg/g DW and 0.8 mg/g DW, respectively). This study confirms that, based on its nutrient credentials, C. reinhardtii has great potential as a new superfood or ingredient for a food supplement.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of a Natural Food Supplement as New Possible Therapeutic Approach in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Noce ◽  
Alessio Bocedi ◽  
Margherita Campo ◽  
Giulia Marrone ◽  
Manuela Di Lauro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Glutathione Transferase ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Inflammatory Status

The identification of natural bioactive compounds, able to counteract the abnormal increase of oxidative stress and inflammatory status in chronic degenerative non-communicable diseases is useful for the clinical management of these conditions. We tested an oral food supplement (OFS), chemically characterized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo activity. Vitamin C, analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD), was 0.19 mg/g in rosehip dry extract and 15.74 mg/capsule in the OFS. The identification of polyphenols was performed by HPLC-DAD; the total antioxidant capacity was assessed by Folin–Ciocalteu test. Total polyphenols were 14.73 mg/g gallic acid equivalents (GAE) for rosehip extract and 1.93 mg/g GAE for OFS. A total of 21 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and 10 healthy volunteers were recruited. The evaluation of routine laboratory and inflammatory parameters, erythrocyte glutathione transferase (e-GST), human oxidized serum albumin (HSAox), and assessment of body composition were performed at two different times, at baseline and after 5 weeks of OFS assumption. In the study, we highlighted a significant decrease of traditional inflammatory biomarkers (such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet to lymphocyte ratio) and other laboratory parameters like e-GST, azotaemia, and albuminuria after OFS treatment in CKD patients. Moreover, we demonstrated a lipid profile improvement in CKD patients after OFS supplementation.

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