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Nutrients
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Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease
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Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2024) | Viewed by 7532

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Cong Lu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
2. Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: phytochemical; natural products; function food; depression; dietary interventions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, chronic disease prevention is particularly important, especially the role of dietary intervention has received extensive attention. Recent research has shown that phytochemical intake plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Several food ingredients possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biological activities and are the functional factors for regulating body function. Therefore, it is particularly important to seek dietary interventions that can alleviate depression symptoms from the perspective of food and nutrition, thus preventing depression in advance. However, the precise biological target(s) and the actual mode(s) of action are still unexplored, and the traditionally recognized health effects have also been challenged by population-based studies. In this context, a Special Issue regarding the progress in terms of deciphering modes of action as well as population-based evidence of the health effects of natural products would be very interesting and of great significance to readers. We aim to provide new insights towards the role of natural products in maintaining and promoting human health, especially in the prevention of chronic disease, and focus on the selection of evidence-based reviews and original laboratory research with high-quality advanced knowledge. Additionally, research that explores and derives guidance from the intake levels of phytochemicals and natural products is also a focus of this Special Issue. Other suggestions from experts in the field are especially welcome. I encourage authors to submit their original research on this attractive topic.

Dr. Cong Lu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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.

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Keywords

  • phytochemicals
  • natural products
  • mode of action
  • depression
  • cognitive deficits

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1898 KiB  
Article
Research on the Anti-Fatigue Effects and Mechanisms of Arecoline in Sleep-Deprived Mice
by Danyang Wang, Yuan Sun, Jiameng Liu, Jing Sun, Bei Fan, Cong Lu and Fengzhong Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162783 - 21 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2350
Abstract
The betel nut is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. Arecoline is an active ingredient from the areca nut. It has many pharmacological effects and can affect the central nervous system. In this [...] Read more.
The betel nut is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. Arecoline is an active ingredient from the areca nut. It has many pharmacological effects and can affect the central nervous system. In this study, we found that arecoline can relieve fatigue behavior. Objective: This research aims to estimate the anti-fatigue effects of arecoline and explore its underlying mechanisms using a murine model of central fatigue precipitated by sleep deprivation (SD). Methods: Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: a control group, an SD-induced fatigue model group, a group that received Rhodiola Rosea capsules (2.5 mg/kg), and three arecoline groups, which were administered at low, medium, and high doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively). Following 28 days of continuous administrations, the effects of arecoline on mouse fatigue-related behaviors were assessed by behavioral tests, including grip strength, rotarod performance, and weight-bearing swimming endurance. The release levels of the related biochemical markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Western blotting was employed to quantify the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), sequestosome-1 (p62), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results: Arecoline administration notably enhanced grip strength, delayed the onset of fatigue as evidenced by extended latencies in rotarod tests, and increased the duration of weight-bearing swimming in mice. In the elevated plus maze, arecoline obviously decreased both the number of entries and the total distance traveled in the open arms. Arecoline markedly decreased the contents of creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the serum, while it elevated the levels of total testosterone, lactate dehydrogenase, and immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, it significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase in the gastrocnemius muscle, reduced malondialdehyde levels, augmented hippocampal SOD and CAT activity, and elevated glycogen stores in both liver and muscle tissues. Neurotransmitter levels showed significant increases, cytokine levels were markedly reduced, and the expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1, p62, and HO-1 in brain tissues were significantly upregulated. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that arecoline has anti-fatigue activity, and the specific mechanisms are associated with elevating glucose and lipid metabolism levels, relieving oxidative stress damage, inhibiting neuroinflammatory response, and regulating neurotransmitter levels and the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. The research provides a new direction for arecoline’s potential in preventing and improving fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease)
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12 pages, 4965 KiB  
Article
Heat-Processed Soybean Germ Extract and Lactobacillus gasseri NK109 Supplementation Reduce LPS-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Colitis in Mice
by Soo-Won Yun, Dong-Yun Lee, Hee-Seo Park and Dong-Hyun Kim
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162736 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1246
Abstract
Soybean alleviates cognitive impairment. In our preparatory experiment, we found that dry-heat (90 °C for 30 min)-processed soybean embryo ethanol extract (hSE) most potently suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in BV2 cells among dry-heat-, steaming-, and oil exclusion-processed soybean embryo [...] Read more.
Soybean alleviates cognitive impairment. In our preparatory experiment, we found that dry-heat (90 °C for 30 min)-processed soybean embryo ethanol extract (hSE) most potently suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in BV2 cells among dry-heat-, steaming-, and oil exclusion-processed soybean embryo ethanol extracts (SEs). Heat processing increased the absorbable soyasaponin Bb content of SE. Therefore, we investigated whether hSE and its supplement could mitigate LPS-impaired cognitive function in mice. Among dry-heat-, steaming-, and oil exclusion-processed SEs, hSE mitigated LPS-impaired cognitive function more than parental SE. hSE potently upregulated LPS-suppressed brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, while LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expression in the hippocampus and colon were downregulated. Lactobacillus gasseri NK109 additively increased the cognitive function-enhancing activity of hSE in mice with LPS-induced cognitive impairment as follows: the hSE and NK109 mix potently increased cognitive function and hippocampal BDNF expression and BDNF-positive neuron cell numbers and decreased TNF-α expression and NF-κB-positive cell numbers in the hippocampus and colon. These findings suggest that hSE and its supplement may decrease colitis and neuroinflammation by suppressing NF-κB activation and inducing BDNF expression, resulting in the attenuation of cognitive impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease)
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12 pages, 2350 KiB  
Article
Antidepressant Effect of Heracleum moellendorffii Extract on Behavioral Changes in Astrocyte Ablation Mouse Model of Depression by Modulating Neuroinflammation through the Inhibition of Lipocalin-2
by Soonsang Hong, Yunna Kim, YongJu Kwon and Seung-Hun Cho
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132049 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1550
Abstract
Astrocyte dysfunction and inflammation play a pivotal role in depression. In this study, we evaluated the antidepressant properties of Heracleum moellendorffii root extract (HME), which is traditionally used for inflammation-related diseases, in a mouse model with astrocyte depletion that resembles the prefrontal cortex [...] Read more.
Astrocyte dysfunction and inflammation play a pivotal role in depression. In this study, we evaluated the antidepressant properties of Heracleum moellendorffii root extract (HME), which is traditionally used for inflammation-related diseases, in a mouse model with astrocyte depletion that resembles the prefrontal cortex pathology of depressive patients. Mice were divided into four groups, with 10 mice per group. To induce astrocyte ablation in the mice’s prefrontal cortex (PFC), we used astrocytic toxin L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (L-AAA) and administered HME orally at 200 and 500 mg/kg for 22 days. We utilized the tail suspension test (TST) to assess depression-like behaviors and the open field test (OFT) to evaluate anxiety-like activities. Additionally, astrocytic and inflammatory markers in the PFC were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and ELISA. The results showed that infusion of L-AAA significantly decreased the expression of astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which was accompanied by increased depression and anxiety-like behaviors. However, HME significantly reversed these effects by dose-dependently enhancing GFAP expression and modulating inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and particularly lipocalin-2, a master proinflammatory mediator. These results imply that HME contributes to the alleviation of depression and anxiety-like behaviors by promoting astrocyte recovery and reducing neuroinflammation, especially through lipocalin-2 inhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease)
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Other

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16 pages, 1062 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Nutritional Supplementation in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
by Amanda Claudia Schuldesz, Raluca Tudor, Prashant Sunil Nandarge, Ahmed Elagez, Amalia Cornea, Radu Ion, Felix Bratosin, Mihaela Prodan and Mihaela Simu
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2723; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162723 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating neurological condition for which current treatments often focus on managing symptoms without curing the underlying disease. Recent studies have suggested that dietary supplements could potentially modify disease progression and enhance quality of life. This systematic review [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating neurological condition for which current treatments often focus on managing symptoms without curing the underlying disease. Recent studies have suggested that dietary supplements could potentially modify disease progression and enhance quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a dietary supplement in patients with MS, with a specific focus on its impact on disease progression, symptom management, and overall quality of life. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing an exhaustive search across the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 23 February 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials. Nine clinical trials involving 318 participants were analyzed, with dosages ranging from 600 mg to 1200 mg of EGCG daily, although most studies had only a 4-month follow-up period. Results indicated that EGCG supplementation, particularly when combined with coconut oil, led to significant improvements in metabolic health markers and functional abilities such as gait speed and balance. One trial observed significant improvements in the Berg balance scale score from an average of 49 to 52 after four months of treatment with 800 mg of EGCG daily. Additionally, interleukin-6 levels significantly decreased, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Measures of quality of life such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale showed significant improvements after EGCG supplementation. However, primary outcomes like disease progression measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of lesion activities showed minimal or no significant changes across most studies. EGCG supplementation appears to provide certain symptomatic and functional benefits in MS patients, particularly in terms of metabolic health and physical functionality. However, it does not significantly impact the primary disease progression markers such as EDSS scores and MRI lesions. These findings underscore the potential of EGCG as a supportive treatment in MS management, though its role in altering disease progression remains unclear. Future research should focus on long-term effects and optimal dosing to further elucidate its therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Phytochemical Intake on Chronic Disease)
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