Nutritional Profile and Potential Health Benefits of Super Foods: A Review

The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, provide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of superfoods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. This review sheds light on the nutritional composition as well as the possible intervention in the prevention of various chronic ailments of some significant superfoods. This manuscript could help consumers to use superfoods as part of their diet more often and very effectively.

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Nutritional Quality of Plant-Based Cheese Available in Spanish Supermarkets: How Do They Compare to Dairy Cheese?

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13093291 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 3291

Author(s):

Ujué Fresán ◽

Holly Rippin

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Nutritional Content ◽

Healthy Foods ◽

Nutritional Profile ◽

Cashew Nut ◽

Different Types ◽

Cheese Products

Plant-based cheese is one of the most increasingly consumed dairy alternatives. Evidence is lacking on their nutritional quality. We aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of the plant-based cheese options available in Spanish supermarkets, and how they compare with dairy cheese. An audit of plant-based cheese alternatives has been conducted in seven of the most common supermarkets. For each product, the nutritional content per 100 g and ingredients were collected. Data on generic dairy cheese were retrieved from the BEDCA website. Descriptive statistics (median, minimum and maximum) were used to characterize the plant-based cheese products, for both all the products and grouped by main ingredients (i.e., coconut oil, cashew nuts and tofu). Mann–Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between dairy and different types of plant-based cheese. The coconut oil-based products (the large majority of plant-based cheese products, n = 34) could not be considered as healthy foods. Their major ingredients were refined coconut oil and starches and were high in saturated fats and salt. The other smaller groups, cashew nut- (n = 4) and tofu-based (n = 2), showed a healthier nutritional profile. Replacing dairy cheese with these groups could be nutritionally beneficial. Future investigations should address the health effects of substituting dairy cheese with these products.

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Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Some Species of the Genus Galium L. Galium Verum and Mollugo

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.1515/sjecr-2017-0057 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jovana Bradic ◽

Anica Petkovic ◽

Marina Tomovic

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Iridoid Glycosides ◽

Future Research ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Pharmacological Effects ◽

Potential Health ◽

The Past ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use

Abstract Galium verum L. and Galium mollugo L. are perennial herbaceous plants, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds, such as iridoid glycosides, phenolic compounds, anthraquinones and triterpenes, as well as small amounts of tannins, saponins, essential oils have been isolated from Galium species so far. Plants belonging to this genus have a long history of use in a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases and conditions. Th e main application of G. verum is as diuretic, choleretic and as the treatment for gout and epilepsy. On the other hand, G. mollugo has been used to treat hysteria, epilepsy, as vulnerary. Over the past decades, numerous papers have been published referring to the chemical constituents presented in G. verum and G. mollugo extracts. Additionally, chemical composition and pharmacological effects of G. verum have been investigated, however data related to the effects of G. mollugo is limited. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of G. verum and G. mollugo. Finally, we proposed directions for future research in this field, which can improve our understanding of the potential health benefits of Galium species.

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Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors

Pharmaceuticals ◽

10.3390/ph14121213 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 1213

Author(s):

Robertas Strumila ◽

Bénédicte Nobile ◽

Laura Korsakova ◽

Aiste Lengvenyte ◽

Emilie Olie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Brain Plasticity ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Suicidal Behaviors ◽

Positive Effects ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Health Treatments ◽

History Of Use

The available interventions for people who are at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. Recently, research on new mental health treatments has started to consider psychedelic compounds, particularly psilocybin, a molecule with a few thousand years of history of use in human societies. The possible effects of psilocybin on suicidal ideation and behaviors have not been specifically studied yet; however, the current knowledge on the suicidal process and the available data on es/ketamine suggest that psylocibin could be used to modulate the thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. Here, we summarize the available evidence on the possible mechanisms underlying psilocybin positive effects on suicide risk. Major pathways related to suicidal behaviors that might be modulated by psylocibin include serotonin receptors. Specifically, psylocibin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting the inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and leading to a rapid increase in brain plasticity and inflammation suppression and increases in cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy. We also present preliminary epidemiological data and provide a rationale for studying psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. This review presents a framework to understand the basis for psilocybin use in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors and calls for clinical studies.

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Degradacja próchnicy czarnoziemów ornych na przykładzie Ponidzia

Prace i Studia Geograficzne ◽

10.48128/pisg/2021-66.3-02 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 (3) ◽

pp. 27-33

Author(s):

Katarzyna Ostaszewska ◽

Bogumił Wicik ◽

Andrzej Harasimiuk

Keyword(s):

Chemical Properties ◽

Archaeological Sites ◽

Mineral Fertilization ◽

Carbon And Nitrogen ◽

Different Types ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Use ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

The Impact ◽

And Chemical Properties

The paper presents the results of research on the degradation of chernozems in part of the Proszowice lobe (near Pińczów). The currently progressing process of degradation of chernozems is showed in the decline of their physical and chemical properties (among others increased predisposition to soaking, changes in the content of organic carbon and nitrogen). The results were analyzed in the context of changes in the technology of farming. For the analysis, samples from areas with different types of use and different history of use (including archaeological sites) were collected. A significant decline of soil properties was found. They were expressed by destruction of the soil structure of humus horizon. It starts increase in the susceptibility of the soil clumping, soaking and erosion. The humus contents in researched samples are low (as content for Chernozem), but there is no different in this parameter determined half century ago. Currently, low values of the C/N coefficient indicate the impact of mineral fertilization (increasing the nitrogen content) and are part of the anthropogenic degradation of the analyzed Chernozems.

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTIC OF TEA IN THE MARKETS OF TURKESTAN IN THE XIX-XX CENTURIES

Journal of look to the past ◽

10.26739/2181-9599-2019-16-09 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 55-60

Author(s):

Maxfuza Mamatova ◽

Keyword(s):

General Characteristic ◽

General Description ◽

Different Types ◽

History Of

This article deals with the general description of tea in the markets of Turkestan,provides an overview of the history of our country in the XIX-XX centuries, which based on archival materials and sources. This article tells about the types and varieties of tea consumed by our people, about the different types of tea that replace tea, where they were brought from, the meanings of their historical names and the consumption that was loved by our people.

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Zum Einsatz von Definitionen in Pädagogik und Erziehungswissenschaft

VIERTELJAHRSSCHRIFT FÜR WISSENSCHAFTLICHE PÄDAGOGIK ◽

10.30965/25890581-09501014 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 95 (2) ◽

pp. 145-161

Author(s):

Thomas Mikhail

Keyword(s):

Historical Research ◽

Educational Science ◽

Different Types ◽

History Of ◽

Academic Genre

Abstract On the Use of Definitions in Pedagogy and Educational Science. A Historical Journey with Systematic Intent In the academic genre of pedagogy and educational science, definitions were used from the very beginning. The question is if it is possible to differentiate between types of definitions within the history of these sciences. To answer this question the paper revives two different types of traditional definitions in order to generate a typology of definition usage. The typology can be used as a heuristic instrument for further systematic and historical research.

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

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13111711 ◽

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.

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Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041416 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1416

Author(s):

Liisa Andersen ◽

Sus Sola Corazon ◽

Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Natural Killer Cell Activity ◽

Public Health Practice ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Cell Activity ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Potential Health ◽

Positive Effects

Given the drastic changes in our lifestyles and ecosystems worldwide, the potential health effects of natural environments have grown into a highly pervasive topic. Recent scientific findings suggest beneficial effects from nature exposure on human immune responses. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of literature published on immunomodulatory effects of nature exposure by inhalation of natural substances. A systematic database search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed. The quality and potential bias of included studies (n = 33) were assessed by applying the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) tool for human studies and the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) and SYRCLE (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) tools for animal studies. The synthesis of reviewed studies points to positive effects of nature exposure on immunological health parameters; such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic effects or increased NK (natural killer) cell activity. Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, infiltration of leukocytes and release of cytotoxic mediators are outcomes that may serve as a baseline for further studies. However, partially weak study designs evoked uncertainties about outcome reproducibility and key questions remain open concerning effect sizes, duration of exposure and contributions of specific vegetation or ecosystem types.

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The Botanical, Chemical and Ethnobotanical Diversity of Southern African Lamiaceae

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26123712 ◽

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.

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Nanomedicine Reformulation of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26010175 ◽

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.

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