Nutraceuticals

Background: Oxidative stress is a key contributor to many chronic diseases. Natural biocompounds with antioxidant activity are of growing therapeutic interest. Brassica macrocarpa, a plant from the Brassicaceae family, has shown in vitro safety and antioxidant potential due to its rich content of glucosinolates and phenolics. However, in vivo, its effects remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo safety and biological effects of Brassica macrocarpa leaf extract in zebrafish embryos and to assess its potential to counteract copper sulphate (CuSO₄)-induced oxidative stress. Methods: Zebrafish embryos were exposed to Brassica macrocarpa extract at concentrations from 125 to 2000 µg/mL. Embryonic mortality and malformations were monitored daily to determine sub-lethal concentrations (125–500 µg/mL) for further behavioural and biochemical analysis. Antioxidant properties were tested in a CuSO₄-induced oxidative stress model. Results: No teratogenic effects were observed over 96 h. Larvae showed normal swimming and no behavioural changes. Pre-treatment with the extract significantly reduced CuSO₄-induced ROS and NO production, modulated antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activity, and lowered lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, slightly affecting DNA damage. Conclusions: Brassica macrocarpa extract in vivo appears safe at sub-lethal doses and shows promising antioxidant effects, suggesting its potential role in managing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Curcumin is widely used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its poor oral bioavailability has driven the development of advanced formulations such as CAVACURMIN^®, a γ-cyclodextrin-based curcumin complex with enhanced absorption. Given recent regulatory scrutiny of high-bioavailability curcumin products, we evaluated the subacute oral safety of CAVACURMIN^® in Wistar rats. Animals received 2000 mg/kg/day (low dose) or 3500 mg/kg/day (high dose) for 28 days, with controls receiving vehicle or γ-cyclodextrin alone. No mortality or systemic toxicity occurred, except for one incidental death unrelated to treatment. Transient post-dosing signs (salivation, bedding displacement) were attributed to local sensory or irritant effects. Clinical chemistry showed modest, non-adverse variations—including decreased urea (up to −25% in males) and increased albumin (up to +9% in females)—that were not associated with pathological or clinical abnormalities. All other parameters, including body weight, food intake, haematology, organ weights (except for a small, non-adverse liver-weight increase in high-dose females), and gross pathology, were comparable to controls. These findings demonstrate that CAVACURMIN^® was well tolerated at doses up to 3500 mg/kg/day and provide a basis for subsequent OECD 408-compliant 90-day toxicity studies.

Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the central nervous system, leading to progressive dysfunction and damage. These diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and some cerebral organic acidurias, often result in debilitating symptoms impacting motor control, cognitive function, and sensory processing. Research into their complex etiologies, including the role of energy and redox homeostasis, is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Despite the current lack of effective treatments for many neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, nutraceuticals are garnering significant interest. These food-derived compounds offer benefits beyond basic nutrition, primarily due to their ability to modulate intracellular processes that are known to be disrupted in these diseases. This study reviews the neuroprotective potential of several nutraceuticals, specifically creatine, acetyl-L-carnitine, melatonin, and resveratrol, as promising adjuvants to therapeutic interventions in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.