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The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2025 | Viewed by 2153

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Robert M. Hackman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Interests: botanical extracts; vascular function; inflammation; skin aging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of nutritional and botanical supplements for the enhancement of human health and performance has moved in the past 20 years from “alternative” health care to becoming an integrative part of a comprehensive self-care paradigm. Consumers seek lower-cost, safer alternatives to conventional medicines and pharmaceutical approaches. Often guided by traditional medicine practices and established nutrition science principles, innovative new discoveries have driven demand for dietary supplements to all-time highs. Nonetheless, more evidence from independent, high-quality research is needed to validate and extend reports already in the literature.

Fortified foods have been is use for decades with major public health benefits, such as the addition of iodine to salt and folic acid to grains. While these are intended to mitigate the risk of nutrient deficiencies, the enhancement of human health and performance goes beyond guidelines to prevent shortages and focuses more on nutrients and botanicals that can help optimize physiological and biochemical functioning.

Recognizing that supplements and fortified foods are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, evidence for their use to complement a holistic approach to human health and performance has grown remarkably. The paradigm of precision nutrition further extends models of human performance, recognizing that many metabolic and gut microbiome factors are personalized to an individual. Accordingly, research studies and their applications must address at least these three topics:  How much, how often, and in whom?

This Special Issue includes innovative research that will help address the challenges and opportunities facing nutrition researchers, health care professionals, and consumers today and in the future. We welcome both original research and reviews on this important topic.

Dr. Robert M. Hackman
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • foods
  • dietary supplements
  • botanical supplements
  • metabolic disease
  • public health

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 3709 KiB  
Article
Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba Protects Dopaminergic Neurons Against 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium/1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine Neurotoxicity in Models of Parkinson’s Disease
by Hanbyeol Lee, In Gyoung Ju, Jin Hee Kim, Yujin Choi, Seungmin Lee, Hi-Joon Park and Myung Sook Oh
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101672 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 184
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor symptoms caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. While the pathophysiology of PD is still not fully understood, it is recognized that oxidative stress plays a major role in its progression. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor symptoms caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. While the pathophysiology of PD is still not fully understood, it is recognized that oxidative stress plays a major role in its progression. Previous studies have shown that the aerial parts of Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura (AIK) possess medicinal properties, including antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate whether AIK can alleviate neuronal loss and motor symptoms in a PD model and to explore its therapeutic mechanisms. Methods: For the in vitro study, PC12 cells were treated with AIK and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). For the in vivo study, C57BL/6J mice were orally administered AIK for 12 days; they received intraperitoneal injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 5 consecutive days, starting on the 8th day of AIK administration. Results: AIK treatment to PC12 cells in the presence of MPP+ enhanced the phosphorylation of the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling pathway, which is a crucial regulator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation. Additionally, AIK treatment increased cell survival and induced an antioxidant response involving heme oxygenase-1, via increasing the level of Nrf2 in the nucleus. In an MPTP-induced mouse model of PD, AIK administration activated Nrf2 in dopaminergic neurons and prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, which in turn alleviated motor dysfunction. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings suggest that AIK is a potential botanical candidate for PD treatment by protecting dopaminergic neurons through antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance)
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19 pages, 3635 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of a Standardized Water Extract from the Stem of Ipomoea batatas L. Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity
by Chae-Won Lee, Ye Seul Yoon, Young-Seo Yoon, Kyung-Sook Chung, Mi-ju Kim, Geonha Park, Minsik Choi, Young-Pyo Jang and Kyung-Tae Lee
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101643 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a major health concern that can lead to various chronic diseases. Little is known about the anti-obesity effect of a standardized hot water extract from the stems of Ipomoea batatas (WIB). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a major health concern that can lead to various chronic diseases. Little is known about the anti-obesity effect of a standardized hot water extract from the stems of Ipomoea batatas (WIB). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of WIB as a natural alternative to conventional anti-obesity treatments by assessing its effects on body weight, fat accumulation, and key metabolic biomarkers in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were then treated orally with either orlistat (positive control) or WIB. Changes in body weight, food intake, and fat weight were measured, along with blood lipid profiles and adipokines. Western blot analyses were conducted to determine protein levels in each tissue. H&E staining in white adipose tissue and liver, and the gut microbiota composition were analyzed. Results: WIB treatment significantly reduced body weight and fat mass compared to the HFD group and demonstrated comparable effects to orlistat. WIB improved blood lipid profiles and adipokine levels. H&E staining revealed reduced fat accumulation in the white adipose tissue and liver. Also in those tissues, WIB restored expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. In brown adipose tissue, WIB enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and upregulated thermogenic-related proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX-IV). Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that WIB normalized β-diversity and reversed HFD-induced phyla imbalances (notably in Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria). Conclusions: By reducing adiposity under the conditions tested in a murine model, improving metabolic markers, and favorably modulating gut microbiota, WIB demonstrates potential in mitigating obesity-related risks. These findings suggest that WIB may serve as a promising natural substance for the management of obesity. Further studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and explore the potential underlying mechanisms in overweight or obese humans as a health supplement to help manage or prevent obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance)
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25 pages, 2712 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of Traditional Fermented Soybean Sauce (Kanjang) on Memory Function, Body Water, and Glucose Metabolism: Roles of Gut Microbiota and Neuroinflammation
by Yu Yue, Hee-Jong Yang, Chen Li, Myeong-Seon Ryu, Ji-Won Seo, Do Youn Jeong and Sunmin Park
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1617; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101617 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
Background: Traditional fermented soybean foods, acting as potential synbiotics, may help mitigate cognitive impairment associated with amnesia. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of four kanjang (Korean fermented soy sauce) varieties and their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 70) [...] Read more.
Background: Traditional fermented soybean foods, acting as potential synbiotics, may help mitigate cognitive impairment associated with amnesia. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of four kanjang (Korean fermented soy sauce) varieties and their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 70) were divided into seven groups: normal control, scopolamine control, positive control (1 mg/kg bw/day of donepezil), and four scopolamine-treated groups receiving different kanjang varieties (0.5% in high-fat diet). Based on their Bacillus content, the kanjang samples were categorized as traditionally made kanjang (TMK) with high Bacillus (SS-HB), TMK with medium Bacillus (SS-MB), TMK with low Bacillus (SS-LB), and factory-made kanjang (SS-FM). Results: Scopolamine administration disrupted energy, glucose, and water metabolism and impaired memory function (p < 0.05). All kanjang treatments improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, enhanced glucose tolerance, and decreased visceral fat. SS-MB, SS-HB, and SS-FM increased skeletal muscle mass. They maintained body water homeostasis by suppressing the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Kanjang treatments improved memory function, with SS-FM showing the least significant effects. The treatments reduced neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that kanjang treatments increased Lactobacillaceae and decreased Lachnospiraceae, with SS-HB and SS-LB specifically elevating Ligilactobacillus. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated enhanced glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and enhanced butanoate metabolism while reducing lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pro-inflammatory signaling. SS-MB and SS-LB increased intestinal goblet cell counts and the serum butyrate concentration. Conclusions: These findings suggest that kanjang consumption, particularly SS-HB and SS-LB varieties, can ameliorate memory impairment in this murine model through multiple mechanisms: metabolic improvements, enhanced neurotrophic signaling, gut microbiota modulation, and reduced neuroinflammation via gut–brain axis activation. Human clinical trials are warranted to determine if these promising neuroprotective effects translate to clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance)
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20 pages, 658 KiB  
Article
Gene–Lifestyle Interactions in Renal Dysfunction: Polygenic Risk Modulation via Plant-Based Diets, Coffee Intake, and Bioactive Compound Interactions
by Meiling Liu, Da-Sol Kim and Sunmin Park
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050916 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their interactions with lifestyle factors and bioactive compounds in large hospital-based cohorts, assessing their impact on renal dysfunction risk. Methods: Participants were categorized into two groups [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their interactions with lifestyle factors and bioactive compounds in large hospital-based cohorts, assessing their impact on renal dysfunction risk. Methods: Participants were categorized into two groups based on eGFR: High-GFR (control; n = 51,084) and Low-GFR (renal dysfunction; n = 7617), using an eGFR threshold of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Genetic variants were identified through a genome-wide association analysis, and their interactions with lifestyle factors were assessed a using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis. Additionally, interactions between polygenic risk scores (PRS) and nutrient intake were examined. Results: Low eGFR was associated with higher urinary protein levels (4.67-fold) and correlated with a Western-style diet and with saturated fat, arginine, and isoleucine intakes but not sodium intake. The genetic model for low eGFR included variants linked to energy production and amino acid metabolism, such as rs1047891_CPS1, rs3770636_LRP2, rs5020545_SHROOM3, rs3812036_SLC34A1, and rs4715517_HCRTR2. A high PRS was associated with a 1.78-fold increased risk of low eGFR after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The PRS from the 6-SNP model interacted with plant-based diets (PBDs) and coffee intake, where individuals with higher PBD and coffee consumption had a lower risk of renal dysfunction. Additionally, CPS1 rs1047891 interacted with vitamin D intake (p = 0.0436), where the risk allele was linked to lower eGFR with low vitamin D intake but not with high intake. Molecular docking showed that vitamin D3 had a lower binding energy to the CPS1 mutant type (−9.9 kcal/mol) than the wild type (−7.5 kcal/mol), supporting a potential gene–nutrient interaction influencing renal function. Conclusions: Middle-aged and elderly individuals with a high genetic risk for renal dysfunction may benefit from a plant-based diet, moderate coffee consumption, and sufficient vitamin D intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance)
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