Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Mitigated 2,4,6- Trinitrobenzenesulfonic (TNBS) Acid Solution Induced Colitis By Downregulating NF-κB Related Transcription

BackgroundTitanium dioxide (TiO2) with nanofractions is increasingly applied in food products as a food additive, which makes consumers under the health risks of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) oral exposure. The recent ban of food additive TiO2 (E171) use in France aggravated public controversy on safety of orally ingesting TiO2-NPs. This work aimed to determine biological effects of TiO2-NPs (38.3 ± 9.3) oral consumption (100 mg/kg bw, 10 days) on TNBS-induced colitis mice and healthy mice, and the additional vitamin E administration was also conducted to explore the possible mechanism of TiO2-NPs on colitis development.ResultsOral consumption of TiO2-NPs exacerbated oxidative stress status in colitis mice by decreasing the colonic glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (T-GSH) levels, however, TiO2-NPs administration repaired the dysbacteriosis of colitis mice, and downregulated the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signal pathway and inflammatory factor (IL-1β and TNF-α) transcription levels in colon tissue, which finally decreased the TNF-α expression level and participated in the mitigation of colitis symptoms. Moreover, further vitamin E intervention after TiO2-NPs consumption could relieve the oxidative stress status (mainly by scavenging reactive oxygen species, ROS) and the inflammatory factor over-transcription in colonic epithelium of colitis mice, but the effect of TiO2-NPs on dysbacteriosis repair would not be further changed by Vitamin E. At last, TiO2-NPs induced oxidative stress status and increased NF-κB signal transcription level in colonic epithelium, which increased daily disease activity index (DAI) score and caused mild mucosal inflammatory cell infiltrate in healthy mice. ConclusionOur present work showed that oral TiO2-NPs administration indeed induced oxidative stress and made an adverse effect on the development of colitis, but TiO2-NPs could also downregulate the NF-κB signal transduction level by repairing gut dysbacteriosis, which made a predominant role in alleviating colitis. On the other hand, it should also be noticed that TiO2-NPs oral ingestion caused potential colonic inflammation risks in healthy mice.

A pilot, exploratory study to demonstrate the efficacy of a novel adjuvant herbal liquid supplement for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Aging of skin has both intrinsic and extrinsic causative factors. Impact of oral consumption of a novel multi-component herbal skin water supplement (HSWS) by Diabliss was investigated in a pilot exploratory study.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A 90-day open label clinical study among 40 healthy male and female subjects aged 35-50 years, presenting with signs of aging including wrinkles and pigmentation related skin concerns. The study assessments included dermatological, instrumental and imaging evaluation to investigate the impact of the Diabliss HSWS in providing improvements in various signs of aging.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The Diabliss HSWS was able to show significant improvement in skin elasticity parameters by Cutometer® with improvements that ranged between 23-54% for the six elasticity parameters, skin hydration improvements as measured by Corneometer® in forehead (30%) and cheek (34%), wrinkles reduction reductions by Antera® in forehead (25%) and crows feet area (20%), texture improvements in forehead (25%) and crows feet area (20%), reduction L* value on the localized pigmentation/ spot of 6%. The subject assessments also reported improvement in the skin and general health. There were no product related AE/SAE and the product was found to be safe and well tolerated.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In conclusion, this water based oral nutraceutical is a novel delivery system for a skin rejuvenation adjuvant therapy which is cosmetically and systemically acceptable and tolerable for patients.</p>

Effect of Oral Consumption of Action Bitters on Renal Indices of Apparently Healthy Subjects in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Action bitters has been seen not to have nephro-toxic effects on the kidney. However, this study evaluated the effects of sachet packaged action bitters on the kidney of apparently healthy subjects. Blood sample was collected from 20 subjects. Basal blood sample and the blood samples collected after 2 hours of intake of action bitters by subjects were analyzed. The parameters analyzed include sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine using the colorimetric method of analysis and results subjected further to statistical analysis using the GraphPad Prism Version 8.02.Basal results of the renal indices obtained showed the values to be; 144.16 ± 8.89 mmol/L, 3.81 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.70 ± 5.66 mg/dL and 1.05 ± 0.38 mg/dL for sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine respectively while the results obtained from the subjects two(2) hours after the intake of action bitters were; 128.18 ± 11.05 mmol/L, 2.93 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.34 ± 4.74 mg/dL and 1.51 ± 0.75 mg/dL for sodium. potassium, urea and creatinine values respectively. The comparison of the basal and treated sample showed significant differences in the values of sodium, potassium and creatinine (P=0.05) while the urea value was not significantly different. The mean value for sodium and potassium in the treated subjects were significantly decreased when compared to the value gotten at the basal state where the action bitter has not been consumed by the subject whereas the creatinine value was significantly increased in the sample of the treated subjects compared to the value of the basal sample. This implies that exposure to a higher dose of action bitters might be detrimental to renal function in the body hence, the dose of bitters and its consumption by humans should be monitored in order to protect against any adverse effect, and subsequent malfunctioning of the kidney.

Artemisia annua hot-water extracts show potent activity in vitro against Covid-19 variants including delta

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFor millennia in Southeast Asia, Artemisia annua L. was used to treat “fever”. This medicinal plant is effective against numerous infectious microbial and viral diseases and is used by many global communities as a source of artemisinin derivatives that are first-line drugs to treat malaria.Aim of the StudyThe SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) global pandemic has killed millions and evolved numerous variants, with delta being the most transmissible to date and causing break-through infections of vaccinated individuals. We further queried the efficacy of A. annua cultivars against new variants.Materials and MethodsUsing Vero E6 cells, we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of dried-leaf hot-water A. annua extracts of four cultivars, A3, BUR, MED, and SAM, to determine their efficacy against five fully infectious variants of the virus: alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1), delta (B.1.617.2), and kappa (B.1.617.1).ResultsIn addition to being effective against the original wild type WA1, A. annua cultivars A3, BUR, MED and SAM were also potent against all five variants. IC50 and IC90 values based on measured artemisinin content ranged from 0.3-8.4 μM and 1.4-25.0 μM, respectively. The IC50 and IC90 values based on dried leaf weight (DW) used to make the tea infusions ranged from 11.0-67.7 μg DW and 59.5-160.6 μg DW, respectively. Cell toxicity was insignificant at a leaf dry weight of ≤50 μg in the extract of any cultivar.ConclusionsResults suggest that oral consumption of A. annua hot-water extracts (tea infusions), could provide a cost-effective therapy to help stave off the rapid global spread of these variants, buying time for broader implementation of vaccines.

Lactobacillus and Its Probiotic Role in the Digestive and Nutritional Processes of Pigs: A Review

The activity of a probiotic is dependent on the strain’s ability to confer health benefits to the host through oral consumption of viable cells. The main objective of this study was to carry out a review about the importance of Lactobacillus and its probiotic role in the digestive and nutritional processes of pigs. The study focused on seven strains of Lactobacillus and their varied uses in feeding different categories of pigs. We obtained a clear conceptualization of Lactobacillus’ effect on the immune system, its genome and how it is used in probiotic drinks. Based on the results, we can conclude that the use of Lactobacillus improves swine health and nutrition, making it a viable alternative to replace the indiscriminate use of antibiotics as growth promoters. Keywords: probiotics, antibiotics, digestive process, endogenous species, pig categories. RESUMEN La habilidad de un probiótico está en dependencia de la capacidad de la cepa de conferir beneficios de salud al hospedador mediante el consuno oral de células viables. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal realizar una aproximación conceptual de varios autores acerca de la importancia de los Lactobacillus y su papel probiótico en el proceso digestivo y nutricional en cerdos. Para ello, se hizo necesario realizar una profusa búsqueda, selección y procesamiento de las más prominentes fuentes bibliográficas, que tratan sobre este tema. El estudio se llevó a cabo sobre 7 cepas de Lactobacillus y sus diferentes formas de uso en la alimentación de las diferentes categorías porcinas; obteniéndose entre los principales resultados una clara conceptualización de la acción de los Lactobacillus en el sistema inmunológico, genoma y el modo de utilización en bebidas probióticas. A modo de conclusión, se puede mencionar que la totalidad de los autores citados concuerdan que la utilización de Lactobacillus mejora fundamentalmente la sanidad y nutrición porcina, convirtiéndose en la alternativa más viable para remplazar el uso indiscriminado de los antibióticos como promotores de crecimiento. Palabras claves: probióticos, antibióticos, proceso digestivo, especies endógenas, categorías porcinas.

A CASE REPORT ON AMOXICILLIN INDUCED STEVENS- JOHNSON SYNDROME

Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membrane that is usually a reaction to medication. It usually starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters. Other symptoms include Fever, sore mouth and throat, Fatigue, burning eyes, extensive skin and mucous membrane lesions (i.e., mouth, nose, esophagus, anus, and genitalia), epidermis detachment, and acute skin blisters. In 95% of case reports, drugs were identified to be an important cause for the development of SJS. The below is a case report of A 37-year-old male patient hospitalized with rashes over the body and fever, after oral consumption of Amoxicillin drug for cough and sore throat through OTC prescription. The patient has taken three doses of Amoxicillin and due to lack of awareness on Adverse drug reactions, the patient ignored the rashes that were developed after the first dose. This case study discusses the possibility of serious hypersensitivity reactions with Amoxicillin that rarely occur and can be extremely harmful and life threatening, brief knowledge on Stevens-Johnson syndrome and also some of the preventive measures to control the adverse reactions due to drugs.

Camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora (L.); Ethnobotany and pharmacological updates

This review paper highlights the recent updates of the fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and camphor oil is used as a medicine for controlling many human diseases, relief of pain, inflammation and irritation in the body and skin. It can also be very effective in treating and preventing some serious, life threatening diseases. Recently medicinal plants (sweet worm wood; Artemisia annua) containing camphor essential oil has been tested against corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (Covid-19). Commercially, camphor is very important with many biological properties and is used as a topical ointment since camphor is a very toxic substance and oral consumption of camphor should be avoided.

Acute effects of the food preservative propionic acid on glucose metabolism in humans

IntroductionPropionic acid (PA) is a common food preservative generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration; however, exogenous PA has effects on glucose metabolism that are not fully understood. Our preclinical studies demonstrated exogenous PA increases glucagon, norepinephrine, and endogenous glucose production (EGP).Research design and methodsWe performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 28 healthy men and women to determine the effect of PA (1500 mg calcium propionate) on these factors. Subjects had two study visits, each preceded by a 1 week, PA-free diet. During each visit, glucose, insulin, glucagon, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and EGP were assessed for 2 hours after oral administration of PA/placebo under resting conditions (protocol 1) and during either a euglycemic (~85–90 mg/dL) or hypoglycemic (~65–70 mg/dL) hyperinsulinemic clamp (protocol 2).ResultsPA, as compared with placebo, significantly increased: (1) glucagon and norepinephrine during protocol 1; (2) glucagon, norepinephrine, and epinephrine under euglycemic conditions in protocol 2; and (3) norepinephrine, epinephrine, and EGP under hypoglycemic conditions in protocol 2.ConclusionOral consumption of PA leads to inappropriate activation of the insulin counterregulatory hormonal network. This inappropriate stimulation highlights PA as a potential metabolic disruptor.

A Review of the Literature Relating to Collagen Hydrolysate and Its Potential Clinical Applications

The increasing commercial necessity to valorise commodities such as gelatine has led to significant developments in its processing and the outcome of these refinements has resulted in new applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, food and nutraceuticals. This in turn has led to the investigation of alternative sources of compounds with collagen-like properties, other than the conventionally used raw materials from mammalian species. Moreover, the current desire to seek natural, rather than synthetic compounds-especially regarding oral consumption and/or topical application-combined with the ability of gelatine derived products to form gels with varying degrees of flexibility and hydroplasticity has also accelerated research into previously unexplored applications. In the food sector, these include:- use of gelatine derivatives as an encapsulating agent (including the development of micro-beads as carriers of active compounds) foaming agents, emulsifiers, biodegradable films, colloid stabilizers and as nutraceuticals. The latter sector has especially benefitted from developments in enzymatic hydrolysis processes, where specific and highly characterised bioactive peptides often containing the amino acid hydroxyproline are end-products which have been identified to be orally bioavailable and metabolised and hence likely to deliver potential clinical benefits. This review examines manufacturing processes employed to typically produce hydrolysed collagen, evaluates studies examining bioavailability, metabolism and likely health benefits as well as potential clinical applications as a nutraceutical.

Role of Snigdha Virechana with Chinchalavan Taila in the Management of Malavastambha: A Case Report

Background: Malavastambha (Constipation) is defined as the infrequent and difficult passage of stool. The main features of Constipation are infrequent or hard stool, abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling of unsatisfactory bowel evacuation. Contemporary laxatives, which are generally used in Constipation, become habitual after some duration and only symptomatic relief. Moreover, these medicines never alter the pathogenesis of the disease. So, it is a need of hour to search effective, safe & alternative formulations in Ayurveda, which can completely break the pathogenesis of Constipation. As per Ayurveda, Vata Dosha is the main factor involved in this condition. Therefore, the prime treatment principle recommended by Ancient Acharyas is to pacify Vata by using Vatahara herbs medicated with Snigdha Dravya, Amla, and Lavana Varga. The Chincha Lavana Taila is one such combination that possesses the above principle & so; it can be effective in Malavastambha. Aim: This case study is primarily carried out to study the role of oral administration of Chincha Lavana Taila in Malavashtambha Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of oral consumption of Chincha Lavana Taila in Malavastambha. Methods: A single case study. A 50 years old male patient approached Panchakarma O.P.D. with Malavsthambha for one year; he was advised to intake 15ml Chincha Lavana Taila orally at bedtime lukewarm water for consecutive 15 days. Observation and Results: The patient got 100% relief in his all chief & associated complaints and had regular and satisfactory bowel habits after 15 days. Conclusion: Chincha Lavana Taila is one of the best effective oral medicine for Constipation.