Redefining Unusable Weeds to Beneficial Plants: Purslane as a Powerful Source of Omega-3 for the Future

<p>With global consumer demand shifting towards the consumption of healthier foods, it is crucial to discover new sources of edible plants with high nutritional value and low cost. Unique weeds such as purslane have the potential to be used as an untapped source of unconventional food with diverse nutrients and beneficial bioactive properties. Inflammation can cause oxidative stress related diseases including cardiovascular disorders, aging and cancer. One key nutrient of purslane is omega-3 with potential of inhibitory properties against inflammatory and estrogenic mediators. Purslane is known to be a rich source of a-linolenic acid, 18:3 ω-3, an essential fatty acid, carotenes, antioxidants and minerals. However, the precise mechanism of action of its individual components in disease prevention is unknown. This review provides a summary on the role of purslane bioactives, particularly omega-3 fatty acids as one of purslane’s main constituents with potential of anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic properties. The discovery of new sources of plants rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be a useful strategy in utilizing natural alternative sources of foods that can enhance human health and wellbeing.</p>

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The role of l-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids in prevent meiotic damages to bovine oocytes matured in vitro with follicular fluid from womem with different stages of endometriosis

Fertility and Sterility ◽

10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.1108 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 110 (4) ◽

pp. e396-e397

Author(s):

V.S. Giorgi ◽

R.A. ferriani ◽

P. Navarro

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Bovine Oocytes

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Jumping on the Omega-3 Bandwagon: Distinguishing the Role of Long-Chain and Short-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition ◽

10.1080/10408398.2010.509553 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 52 (9) ◽

pp. 795-803 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Giovanni M. Turchini ◽

Peter D. Nichols ◽

Colin Barrow ◽

Andrew J. Sinclair

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Short Chain ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Long Chain

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Immunometabolic role of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in obesity-induced inflammation

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews ◽

10.1002/dmrr.2414 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 431-445 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Michael R. Flock ◽

Connie J. Rogers ◽

K. Sandeep Prabhu ◽

Penny M. Kris-Etherton

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Long Chain

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Fish consumption, contaminants and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: many more benefits than risks

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/s1519-69842010000300026 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 665-670 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

FA. Scorza ◽

RM. Cysneiros ◽

RM. Arida ◽

VC. Terra ◽

HR. Machado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fish Consumption ◽

Sudden Unexpected Death ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Unexpected Death ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Fish And Shellfish

People with epilepsy have an increased risk of dying prematurely and the most common epilepsy-related category of death is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is mainly a problem for patients with chronic uncontrolled epilepsy. The ultimate goal of research in SUDEP is to develop new methods to prevent it and actions other than medical and surgical therapies that could be very useful. Nutritional aspects, i.e., omega-3 fatty acids deficiency, could have an interesting role in this scenario. Some animal and clinical studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids could be useful in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and hence SUDEP. It has been ascertained that the only foods that provide large amounts of omega-3 are seafood (fish and shellfish); however, some fish are contaminated with methylmercury, which may counteract the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Our update review summarises the knowledge of the role of fish consumption on epilepsy research.

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The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesco Pecora ◽

Federica Persico ◽

Alberto Argentiero ◽

Cosimo Neglia ◽

Susanna Esposito

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Optimal Function ◽

The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diets

Journal of the American College of Nutrition ◽

10.1080/07315724.2015.1080111 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 34 (sup1) ◽

pp. 42-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

C. Gomez-Candela ◽

M. C. Roldan Puchalt ◽

S. Palma Milla ◽

B. Lopez Plaza ◽

L. Bermejo

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3

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Abstract 168: Impact of Continuing Medical Education on the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.9.suppl_2.168 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Amy Larkin ◽

Michael LaCouture ◽

George Boutsalis ◽

Harold Bays

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Medical Education ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Online Education ◽

Continuing Medical Education ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Introduction: The less prominent role of triglycerides in determining cardiovascular risk keeps these lipids from being top-of-mind for practicing clinicians, yet epidemiologic data affirm that hypertriglyceridemia contributes to atherosclerotic disease development and progression. We sought to determine if online continuing medical education (CME) could improve the clinical knowledge and competence of primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists regarding hypertriglyceridemia and the use of omega-3 fatty acids in its treatment. Methods: The effects of two educational interventions about advances in hypertriglyceridemia treatment (activity 1) and educating patients about omega-3 fatty acid products (activity 2) were analyzed to determine efficacy of online education presented in the form of online video-based roundtable discussions. The activities launched online in May and June, 2015 respectively, and data were collected through July, 2015. The effects of education were assessed using knowledge- and case-based matched pre-assessment/post-assessments. The effect sizes were calculated with Cohen’s d (> 0.8 is large, 0.8-0.4 is medium, and < 0.4 is small). Results: In total, 842 PCPs and 75 cardiologists who completed all pre/post assessment questions in any of the two activities during the study period were included in analyses. Significant overall improvements were seen for PCPs (activity 1: n = 452, P <.05, effect d= 0.68; activity 2: n = 390, P <.05, effect d= 0.96) and cardiologists (activity 1: n = 35, P <.05, effect d= 0.77; activity 2: n = 40, P <.05, effect d= 0.9). Compared with baseline, specific areas of improvements include: • 22% more PCPs and 31% more cardiologists identified weight loss as a nonpharmacological intervention that can effectively lower triglyceride levels for overweight/obese patients with hypertriglyceridemia, (both P < .05) • 35% more PCPs and 32% more cardiologists identified the appropriate dosing of prescription omega-3 fatty acids (both P <.05) • 23% more PCPs ( P < .05) and 20% more cardiologists ( P =.068 ) recognized that reducing the risk for pancreatitis is a primary medical objective in patients with severe elevations in triglyceride levels Areas identified as needing additional education include: • 57% of all physicians remain unaware that omega-3 fatty acids reduce apolipoprotein C3 • 61% of PCPs and 60% of cardiologists did not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the differences between prescription omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 supplements Conclusion: This study demonstrates the success of a targeted educational intervention with two educational components on improving knowledge, competence, and clinical decision-making of PCPs and cardiologists regarding hypertriglyceridemia treatment and the role of omega-3 fatty acid products in its treatment.

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