scholarly journals Bowel movement improvement by Mulukhiyah (Corchorus olitorius)-containing food (AOTSUBU®) consumption: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel- group comparison trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Hodai Nagahara ◽  
Meisen Nagahara ◽  
Nobuo Ohmi ◽  
Yuta Takahashi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Takara
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Stool Frequency ◽  
Japanese Adult ◽  
Test Food ◽  
Stool Volume

Background: Mulukhiya (Corchorus olitorius) richly contains dietary fiber and is suggested to improve bowel movement.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of mulukhiya-derived dietary fiber (MDF) on the intestinal environment in healthy Japanese adult subjects.Methods: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study enrolled 22 healthy Japanese adult subjects who typically defecate three to five times per week and do not consume enough dietary fiber. All subjects were randomly allocated into the MDF group (4 men and 7 women; 45.1 ± 11.4 years) or the placebo group (3 men and 8 women; 41.6 ± 9.5 years) by using a computerized random number generator. Each subject was administered with assigned 30 tablets (active [77-mg dietary fiber] or placebo) daily for two weeks. We asked the subjects to record their defecation condition in a bowel movement diary from 1 week before the start of test food consumption to the day before two weeks after the start of the test-food consumption (three weeks in total). Then, we evaluated the items in the bowel movement diary such as the occupancy rate of enteric, organic acids in feces, and subjective symptoms related to constipation.Results: At one and two weeks after the start of the test-food consumption, the MDF group exhibited a significant increase in stool days, stool frequency, and stool volume compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). Regarding the occupancy rate of enteric bacteria, Prevotella (P = 0.025) and Clostridium cluster IV (P = 0.045) were significantly increased in the MDF group compared with those in the placebo group at 2 weeks after the start of the test-food consumption. As for organic acids in feces, n-butyric acid was significantly higher in the MDF group than in the placebo group at 2 weeks after the start of the test-food consumption (P = 0.037). Furthermore, no safety concerns were noted.Conclusions: The consumption of MDF-containing food for 2 weeks resulted in the increase of stool frequency, stool volume, useful enteric bacteria, and organic acids in feces in healthy Japanese adult subjects.Clinical trial registration number: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000035613.Keywords: Mulukhiya, enterobacterial flora, dietary fiber, stool frequency, organic acid levels 

scholarly journals Effects of 4-week continuous ingestion of champignon extract on bowel movements and intestinal putrefaction products: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group comparative trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 280
Author(s):  
Jun Nishihira ◽  
Mie Nishimura ◽  
Aiko Tanaka ◽  
Hiroyo Kagami-katsuyma ◽  
Akihiro Yamaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Comparative Trial ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bowel Movements ◽  
Double Blinded ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Stool Volume

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the putrefaction products in the feces of subjects from a previous study (age range 50–79 years) which assessed the improvement of breath, body, and fecal odor after ingesting champignon extract.Methods: The study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and parallel-group comparative trial. Subjects were divided into four groups, including the placebo (n=20), champignon extract at 50 mg/day (n=20), champignon extract at 500 mg/day (n=20), and champignon extract at 1000 mg/day (n=20) for 4 weeks.Results: The results revealed significant reduction in ammonia and p-cresol levels (both of which are intestinal putrefaction products) among subjects who ingested 50, 500, and 1000 mg of champignon extract per day compared with subjects in the placebo group. Additionally, a significant difference was observed in indole levels in the group that consumed 500 mg/day of the extract compared to the placebo group.Conclusions: The re-analysis of bowel movement in each test group revealed that the extract improved the number of days with bowel movement, number of bowel movements, and stool volume, which suggests the intestinal environment was improved.Clinical trial registration: UMIN000014256Keywords: ammonia, champignon, fecal odor, p-cresol, putrefaction

scholarly journals Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NK-1 on stool frequency and volume in healthy individuals with infrequent bowel movements: a randomized, placebo, placebo controlled, double-blind study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 462
Author(s):  
Ryuji Takeda ◽  
Norio Kanesugi ◽  
Michiyo Kanesugi ◽  
Syukuko Ebihara ◽  
Shigeru Imai
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Stool Frequency ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Test Food ◽  
Gastrointestinal Discomfort ◽  
Bowel Movements

Background: Constipation and other symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal swelling, are common among healthy individuals and have a significant impact on quality of life. Despite the known contribution of gut microbiomes to this pathology, little is known regarding which groups of microorganisms play a key role. Yeasts have been used for fermenting foods since ancient times. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a type of yeast used for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes in the genetic and medical fields because it is unicellular with a simple biological structure. Yeast also helps improve the intestinal environment. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of foods containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae on bowel movement and to validate the safety of its long-term usage. Stool frequency and consistency were also assessed.Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. The test food contained S. cerevisiae NK-1 powder (1 × 1010 cells), whereas the placebo did not contain it. The food was made into sticks and provided to healthy individuals with infrequent bowel movements (3–5 movements a week), three times a day for 12 weeks. Then we investigated the changes in stool frequency, volume, and other adverse events. Results: The number of days with bowel movement significantly increased in the test group compared with the placebo group after 8–12 weeks of consuming the test food (p < 0.05). Based on the blood test results, there were no adverse events associated with the consumption of the test food observed.Conclusions: Consumption of the test food regulated intestinal function by promoting defecation in healthy individuals prone to constipation. Thus, S. cerevisiae NK-1 helps facilitate smoother defecation.Keywords: Saccharomyces cerevisiae NK-1, bowel movement, stool frequency volume, gastrointestinal discomfort

Alcohol-free beverages for functional purposes

2021 ◽  
pp. 438-441
Author(s):  
L.A. Efimov ◽  
K.R. Khasanova ◽  
A.A. Nazmieva ◽  
T.Yu. Gumerov
Keyword(s):  
Organic Acids ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Mineral Waters ◽  
Metabolic Processes ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
Functional Ingredients ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Improve Health

Functional drinks are intended for systematic consumption as part of food rations; they preserve and improve health, as well as reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Functional drinks contain ingredients that have the ability to have a positive effect on physiological functions and metabolic processes in the human body. The functional ingredients of alcohol-free beverages are: vitamins, macro- and microelements, dietary fiber, organic acids, phenolic and other compounds. Functional drinks include non-alcoholic energy drinks, fortified juices and sports drinks, therapeutic and therapeutic-table mineral waters.

scholarly journals Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 Modulated Bowel Movement and Gut Microbiota Associated with Dopamine and Serotonin Pathways in Stressed Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoxia Liu ◽  
Hui-Xian Chong ◽  
Fiona Yi-Li Chung ◽  
Yin Li ◽  
Min-Tze Liong
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Tryptophan Hydroxylase ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Brain Neurotransmitters ◽  
Defecation Frequency ◽  
Bacterial Groups ◽  
The Brain

We have previously reported that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 for 12 weeks reduced stress and anxiety in stressed adults as compared to the placebo group, in association with changes along the brain neurotransmitters pathways of serotonin and dopamine-norepinephrine. We now aim to evaluate the effects of DR7 on gut functions, gut microbiota compositional changes, and determine the correlations between microbiota changes and the pathways of brain neurotransmitters. The administration of DR7 prevented an increase of defecation frequency over 12 weeks as compared to the placebo (p = 0.044), modulating the increase of stress-induced bowel movement. Over 12 weeks, alpha diversity of gut microbiota was higher in DR7 than the placebo group across class (p = 0.005) and order (p = 0.018) levels, while beta diversity differed between groups at class and order levels (p < 0.001). Differences in specific bacterial groups were identified, showing consistency at different taxonomic levels that survived multiplicity correction, along the phyla of Bacteroides and Firmicutes and along the classes of Deltaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, and Bacteroidales which were reduced in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with gene expression of dopamine beta hydrolase (DBH, dopamine pathway; p < 0.001), while Bacteroidia and Bacteroidales showed correlation with tryptophan hydroxylase-II (TPH2, serotonin pathway; p = 0.001). A correlation was observed between DBH and Firmicutes (p = 0.002), Clostridia (p < 0.001), Clostridiales (p = 0.001), Blautia (p < 0.001), and Romboutsia (p < 0.001), which were increased in abundance in the placebo group. Blautia was also associated with TDO (p = 0.001), whereas Romboutsia had an opposing correlation with TPH2 (p < 0.001). Deltaproteobacteria and Desulfovibrionales which were decreased in abundance in the placebo group showed opposing correlation with DBH (p = 0.001), whereas Bilophila was associated with TPH2 (p = 0.001). Our present data showed that physiological changes induced by L. plantarum DR7 could be associated with changes in specific taxa of the gut microbiota along the serotonin and dopamine pathways.

scholarly journals Effects of the consumption of proanthocyanidins derived from acacia bark on blood pressure in healthy Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 310
Author(s):  
Asami Baba ◽  
Tomohiro Hoshino ◽  
Sosuke Ogawa ◽  
Tsuyoshi Takara
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Bark Extract ◽  
Comparison Study ◽  
Japanese Adult ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Japanese Adults

Objective: The aim of this study is to verify the effects of consuming proanthocyanidins derived from acacia bark on improving blood pressure and blood circulation in healthy Japanese adult subjects. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-comparison study involving 66 healthy Japanese adults. Subjects were allocated into either acacia or placebo group (n = 33 each) using a random number generator. Subjects consumed six tablets/day of either acacia bark extract tablets or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the measured value of sitting systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks, whereas the secondary outcomes were sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures, superoxide dismutase activity in blood, and blood flow.Results: The number of subjects analyzed as full analysis set was 33 (20 men and 13 women) in the Acacia group and 31 (23 men and 8 women) in the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the measured values and changes from baseline at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the sitting systolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the Acacia group. Furthermore, “the ratio of the number of subjects whose sitting systolic blood pressure <130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≤89 mmHg at 12 weeks” of the Acacia group was significantly higher than that of the placebo group. No adverse event was observed. Conclusions: Proanthocyanidins derived from acacia bark showed a hypotensive effect. Trial registration: UMIN-CTR: UMIN000039416. Foundation: Acacia-No-Ki Co., Ltd. Keywords: Acacia bark extract, Proanthocyanidins, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effectiveness of dequalinium chloride vaginal tablets in aerobic vaginitis: A placebo-controlled study

2021 ◽  
pp. 50-56
Author(s):  
Sibel Ejder Tekgunduz ◽  
Ferit Saracoglu
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Drug Group ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Vaginal Infections ◽  
Aerobic Vaginitis ◽  
Treatment Regimes ◽  
Vaginal Tablet ◽  
Dequalinium Chloride

Background: Aerobic vaginitis is a disturbance of vaginal homeostasis caused by the colonization of enteric bacteria. They are not clinically well-defined and do not have standard treatment regimes. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of dequalinium chloride topical vaginal administration in aerobic vaginitis in a placebo-controlled manner. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a placebo-controlled manner to demonstrate the effectiveness of vaginal 10 mg dequalinium chloride. A total of 30 patients with different vaginal infections were included in the study. The patients included in the study were divided between the drug group and the placebo group and were treated with one vaginal tablet daily for 6 days. The total symptom score, which consists of the assessment of discharge, itching, and burning sensation, and the lactobacillus grade evaluated microscopically, was determined. Results: It was found that the effectiveness of dequalinium chloride was very high compared to placebo (92% vs. 0%). The reproduction frequency in the first visit was statistically significantly lower in the drug group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: It was found that dequalinium chloride is effective for the treatment of aerobic vaginitis. However, studies containing a larger sample group, including the long-term effects (efficacy and side effects) of the drug, should be conducted to prove our conclusion.

scholarly journals Improvement of defecation in healthy individuals with infrequent bowel movements through the ingestion of dried Mozuku powder: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Masaki Matayoshi ◽  
Junjiro Teruya ◽  
Mina Yasumoto-Hirose ◽  
Ryuji Teruya ◽  
Naoki Miura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Intestinal Function ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Parallel Group Study ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Bowel Movements

Background: Okinawa mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranu) is a type of edible seaweed of the family Chordariaceae that typically contains the polysaccharide fucoidan as a functional ingredient. In Okinawa, raw mozuku is eaten as vinegared mozuku together with vinegar or as tempura (deep-fried in batter). Polysaccharides such as fucoidan are generally known to regulate intestinal function, which is why we have used Okinawa mozuku to investigate this intestinal regulatory effect.Methods: The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study. Dried Okinawa mozuku powder at a dose of 2.4 g/day (1.0 g/day of fucoidan) and a placebo not containing any dried Okinawa mozuku powder were each made into capsules and given to healthy men and women with infrequent weekly bowel movements (2–4 movements a week) to ingest for eight weeks. We then investigated changes in the defecation situation, blood tests, and adverse events. Results: In the group that ingested the capsules containing dried Okinawa mozuku powder, the number of days with a bowel movement significantly increased compared with the placebo group after four weeks of ingestion (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after eight weeks of ingestion, the same increasing trend was seen compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0964). The volume of stool also increased significantly in the dried Okinawa mozuku powder group after eight weeks compared with the placebo group. In terms of blood tests and adverse events, no adverse events occurred that were the result of the test food.Conclusions: Ingestion of Okinawa mozuku was found to have a regulatory effect on intestinal function by promoting defecation in healthy individuals with a tendency for constipation. This demonstrated that Okinawa mozuku is a functional food capable of making defecation smoother and increasing the volume of stool.Key Words: Okinawa mozuku, Cladosiphon okamuranus, fucoidan, dry powder, bowel movement, constipation

scholarly journals Environmental Metabolomics of the Tomato Plant Surface Provides Insights on Salmonella enterica Colonization

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 3131-3142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghyun Han ◽  
Shirley A. Micallef
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Plant Surface ◽  
Sugar Alcohols ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surface Compounds ◽  
Plant Organ ◽  
Environmental Metabolomics

ABSTRACTFoodborne illness-causing enteric bacteria are able to colonize plant surfaces without causing infection. We lack an understanding of how epiphytic persistence of enteric bacteria occurs on plants, possibly as an adaptive transit strategy to maximize chances of reentering herbivorous hosts. We used tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars that have exhibited differential susceptibilities toSalmonella entericacolonization to investigate the influence of plant surface compounds and exudates on enteric bacterial populations. Tomato fruit, shoot, and root exudates collected at different developmental stages supported growth ofS. entericato various degrees in a cultivar- and plant organ-dependent manner.S. entericagrowth in fruit exudates of various cultivars correlated with epiphytic growth data (R2= 0.504;P= 0.006), providing evidence that plant surface compounds drive bacterial colonization success. Chemical profiling of tomato surface compounds with gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) provided valuable information about the metabolic environment on fruit, shoot, and root surfaces. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the data revealed quantitative differences in phytocompounds among cultivars and changes over a developmental course and by plant organ (P< 0.002). Sugars, sugar alcohols, and organic acids were associated with increasedS. entericagrowth, while fatty acids, including palmitic and oleic acids, were negatively correlated. We demonstrate that the plant surface metabolite landscape has a significant impact onS. entericagrowth and colonization efficiency. This environmental metabolomics approach provides an avenue to understand interactions between human pathogens and plants that could lead to strategies to identify or breed crop cultivars for microbiologically safer produce.IMPORTANCEIn recent years, fresh produce has emerged as a leading food vehicle for enteric pathogens.Salmonella-contaminated tomatoes represent a recurrent human pathogen-plant commodity pair. We demonstrate thatSalmonellacan utilize tomato surface compounds and exudates for growth. Surface metabolite profiling revealed that the types and amounts of compounds released to the plant surface differ by cultivar, plant developmental stage, and plant organ. Differences in exudate profiles explain some of the variability inSalmonellacolonization susceptibility seen among tomato cultivars. Certain medium- and long-chain fatty acids were associated with restrictedSalmonellagrowth, while sugars, sugar alcohols, and organic acids correlated with largerSalmonellapopulations. These findings uncover the possibility of selecting crop varieties based on characteristics that impair foodborne pathogen growth for enhanced safety of fresh produce.

scholarly journals Organic Acids, Antioxidants, and Dietary Fiber of Mexican Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Residues cv. Tupy

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quinatzin Zafra-Rojas ◽  
Nelly Cruz-Cansino ◽  
Alma Delgadillo-Ramírez ◽  
Ernesto Alanís-García ◽  
Javier Añorve-Morga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Acids ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Functional Properties ◽  
Fiber Content ◽  
Commercial Product ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Commercial Sample ◽  
Total Dietary Fiber

Blackberry fruit processing generates residues comprised of peel, seeds, and pulp that are abundant in flavonoids, colorants, and organic acids. The objective of this study was to determine the organic acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber content of blackberry residues and compare antioxidants and dietary fiber content of a prune-based commercial product. The ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methodologies were used for antioxidant capacity. The blackberry residues exhibited a high amount of malic acid (5706.37 mg/100 g db), phenols (4016.43 mg GAE/100 g db), and anthocyanins content (364.53 mg/100 g db) compared with the commercial product. These compounds contributed to the antioxidant capacity (by ABTS) of both products but were 20 times higher in blackberry residues. The fruit residues were able to reduce iron (by FRAP) 4.4 times compared to the prune-based product. Total dietary fiber (44.26%) and functional properties as water retention capacity (2.94 g/g), swelling capacity (5.00 mL/g), and fat absorption capacity (1.98 mL/g) of blackberry residues were significantly higher than those of the commercial sample. The results demonstrated that, due to its antioxidant compounds and functional properties, the blackberry residue can be considered a source of components with potential benefit to human health.

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