Search Results (100)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions are the leading causes of death globally, largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors. With growing interest in dietary strategies for NCDs prevention and management, functional foods like watercress (Nasturtium officinale) have attracted attention for their rich phytochemical content and potential health benefits. This narrative review synthesizes 88 sources published between 2019 and March 2025, exploring the effects of watercress bioactive compounds on major NCDs. Watercress is abundant in glucosinolates, isothiocyanates (especially phenethyl isothiocyanate), flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. Preclinical and clinical studies show that watercress supplementation may improve lipid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. It also appears to enhance insulin function and reduce blood glucose levels. In cancer models, watercress extracts exhibit antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and chemoprotective properties, with selective toxicity towards cancer cells and protective effects on normal cells. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of watercress as a dietary adjunct in NCDs prevention and management, supporting the need for further clinical research. Full article

The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing traditional sources like soybean meal while maintaining productive performance and reducing costs. This study evaluated the total replacement of soybean meal with DDGS in the diet of confined Holstein cattle, focusing on weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, animal health, meat quality, and economic viability. The 24 animals received diets with 80% concentrate, containing either DDGS or soybean meal, and no significant differences were observed in terms of body weight (p = 0.92), feed intake (p = 0.98), or feed efficiency (p = 0.97) between the two treatments. The average daily gain was 1.25 and 1.28 kg for cattle in the DDGS and soybean meal groups, respectively (p = 0.92). Regarding metabolic and digestive parameters, no relevant changes were found in blood levels, except for higher serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) levels in animals fed DDGS. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.03) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.05) was lower in the DDGS group, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher (p = 0.02). Rumen fluid analysis revealed an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (p = 0.01), such as acetic and butyric acids (p = 0.01), in the DDG-fed animals. In terms of meat quality, animals fed DDGS produced meat with lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.05) and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (p = 0.02), especially oleic acid (p = 0.05). This resulted in a healthier lipid profile, with a higher UFA/SFA ratio (p = 0.01). In terms of economic viability, DDGS-based diets were 10.5% cheaper, reducing the cost of production per animal by 7.67%. Profitability increased by 110% with DDGS compared to soybean meal, despite the high transportation costs. Therefore, replacing soybean meal with DDGS is an efficient and economical alternative for feeding confined cattle, maintaining zootechnical performance, increasing meat lipid content and improving fatty acid profile, and promoting higher profitability. This alternative is particularly advantageous in regions with easy access to the product. Full article

Medicinal plants are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them potentially suitable for use as chemotherapeutic agents and as additives in aquafeed. Our research evaluated the effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) extract supplemented in sunflower-based diets on the growth, carcass composition, blood indices, mineral content, liver antioxidant enzyme profile, and immune response in Cirrhinus mrigala (8.26 ± 0.07 g/fish). The juveniles were fed one of seven different diets—T₀ (no extract), T₁ (0.5%), T₂ (1%), T₃ (1.5%), T₄ (2%), T₅ (2.5%), and T₆ (3%)—twice daily, at a feeding rate of 5% of their live body weight. They were stocked in V-shaped steel tanks for 90 days, with 15 juveniles per tank and three replicates per dietary treatment. The results of this research revealed that 1–2% purslane extract substantially enhanced growth indices in fish (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 1–2% dietary purslane extract in the diet significantly lowered fat content and improved protein content (p < 0.05) compared to the diets with 0% and 3% purslane extract inclusion. The outcomes also indicated that the hematology and mineral content in the bodies of juveniles were significantly improved (p < 0.05) at all levels of purslane supplementation, relative to the control groups with 0% and 3% inclusion levels. Moreover, the administration of purslane extract markedly increased the liver antioxidant profile, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in malondialdehyde levels when fish were fed diets having 1% and 1.5% extract. The findings of this study also revealed improvements in immunological markers, characterized by increased lysozyme activity and elevated total globulin levels. The current research suggests that supplementing C. mrigala diets with 1% purslane extract optimally enhances growth and immunity. Full article

Adequate hydration is crucial to an athlete’s health and performance. There is some evidence that the different compositions of various mineral water types may improve exercise performance and affect different biomarkers. The aim was to investigate the consumption of mineral water from the “Topla voda” spring in terms of its safety profile and its effect on body composition and functional and biochemical parameters in professional athletes. During the preparation phase of their mesocycle, 14 male professional handball players underwent a complete sports medical screening exam with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), blood gas analysis, and oxidative stress marker dynamics taken at four points during the CPET. The athletes were then randomized into two equal groups; the first group consumed mineral water, and the second group consumed tap water. After four weeks, the biochemical analysis and CPET were repeated. Routine analyses showed that the “mineral water” group had increased their mean corpuscular hemoglobin (ANCOVA = 0.050) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (ANCOVA = 0.001) and had a greater metabolic equivalent of task (MET) value at the end of the test (ANCOVA = 0.049), with no significant changes in the other measured parameters. Consuming “mineral water” appears to be safe, with some potential positive effects compared with tap water, mostly in terms of hemoglobin parameters and exercise tolerance. Full article

This review explores the potential of Chlorella vulgaris (CLV) as an alternative supplement in animal feed. CLV is rich in essential nutrients including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. The nutritional composition of CLV can vary depending on factors such as cultivation methods, nutrient availability, light intensity, temperature, water pH, strain, and processing techniques. The rigid cell wall of the microalga limits nutrient accessibility, particularly in monogastric animals. However, processing techniques such as enzymatic treatments can disrupt the cell wall, enhancing nutrient bioavailability and improving its utility as a feed ingredient. Research across livestock species has demonstrated the positive effects of CLV supplementation. For instance, CLV has improved milk production and composition in ruminants, modulated rumen microbiota, enhanced lamb growth, and elevated blood immunoglobulin levels. Moreover, the impact of CLV on ruminal fermentation is dose-dependent, with higher inclusion rates exhibiting more pronounced effects, and it may also play a role in mitigating methane emissions. In poultry, CLV supplementation leads to better growth, feed conversion ratios, immune responses, and meat and egg quality. Similarly, studies on pigs suggest that CLV can benefit immune response and fatty acid profiles, while in rabbits, CLV has been found to reduce oxidative stress and improve immune responses. Additionally, CLV has shown promise in aquaculture, improving feed utilization, immunity, and disease resistance in various fish species. While CLV shows considerable potential, the variability in animal responses and the need for optimized inclusion levels necessitate further species-specific research to elucidate the long-term implications of its inclusion in animal diets. Full article

This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)—without organic supplementation; Zinc (n = 7)—zinc supplementation (zinc amino acid chelate) and Selenium (n = 7)—selenium supplementation (selenium amino acid complex). The basal diet contained inorganic minerals. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 28. Serum selenium concentration was higher in the Selenium group, and zinc level in milk was higher in the Zinc group. On day 28, supplementations resulted in higher lymphocyte counts, and lower serum creatine kinase, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and iron. In milk, lower somatic cell count was also observed when cows were zinc or selenium supplemented compared to the control. Lower serum cholinesterase activity and higher heavy chain immunoglobulin concentration were observed on days 14 and 28. Selenium supplementation resulted in a higher immunoglobulin A concentration on days 14 and 28, and lower ceruloplasmin concentration on day 28 compared to Control, as well as a lower haptoglobin concentration on day 28. The Selenium group also had lower milk fat content compared to the Control. Supplementations changed the milk fatty acid profile, producing a higher unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. There was no effect on lactation persistence. It is concluded that mineral supplementation with selenium and zinc benefits immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Conversely, milk quality was affected both positively and negatively. Full article

Postmenopausal women face increased risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases due to estrogen decline. This study investigated the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on bone microstructure and cardiovascular risk factors in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Results showed that both exercise regimens improved blood lipid profiles and vascular structure, reducing systolic blood pressure (−11.81% and −10.89%) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) levels (−52.14% and −52.05%). However, moderate-intensity exercise was more effective in enhancing bone mineral density (+82.38% and +45.02%) and microstructure recovery. No significant correlation was found between ucOCN and cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as lipid parameters, systolic blood pressure, and vascular wall thickness. This study suggests that both exercise intensities can mitigate cardiovascular risks in OVX mice, which is independent of OCN. MICT is superior for promoting osteoporosis recovery. Full article

Worldwide, there are reports indicating that sheep raised in insular systems spontaneously consume seaweed. In the southern hemisphere, there exists Durvillaea antarctica, a brown seaweed that possesses minerals and fatty acids that could improve some aspects of sheep production and meat quality, respectively. However, the consumption of this algae in lambs has been scarcely studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Durvillaea antarctica meal on the growth performance, blood profile, and meat quality of fattening lambs. Thirty Araucana Creole lambs were housed and allocated to three pens. One pen served as a control, while the remaining two were supplemented with diets containing 5% and 10% Durvillaea antarctica meal. After 9 weeks, the animals were slaughtered. The dietary treatments did not significantly affect body weight and blood biochemical parameters. However, changes were observed in meat quality traits, including increased redness and reduced luminosity in the loin for the high inclusion treatment, in addition to slight alterations in pH and lower lipid oxidation in lambs’ meat fed Durvillaea antarctica. Furthermore, the meat from lambs supplemented with Durvillaea antarctica exhibited increased levels of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, along with higher monounsaturated fatty acid content and a reduced omega-3/omega-6 ratio. This study shows that Durvillaea antarctica can be used to feed lambs without impairing growth or production parameters, which has been little studied. It is possible that this brown seaweed could be considered a natural additive to improve the quality and nutritional value of lamb meat. The effect of this seaweed on other ruminant models could be addressed in future studies. Full article

This study explores milk composition and blood markers in cows across lactation stages. Holstein cows were divided into four groups: beginning of lactation (BL; n = 21), peak of lactation (PL; n = 21), middle of lactation (ML; n = 21), and end of lactation (EL; n = 20). Blood (1 × 15 mL) and milk samples (1 × 100 mL) were collected for biomarker analysis. Blood chemistry profiles were determined using a clinical chemistry analyser, and milk lactose, fat, and protein levels (%) were determined using an infrared absorbance analyser. Minerals (Ca, P, and Mg) in milk were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralizing the samples. Glucose was higher in the EL group than in the BL group (p < 0.01), whereas D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB) was higher in the BL group than in the PL and ML groups (p < 0.001). Cholesterol was higher in the PL, ML, and EL groups than in the BL group (p < 0.001). Gamma-glutamyl transferase was increased in the PL group compared to the BL group. Phosphorus levels were lower in the PL than in the BL group, whereas protein levels were higher in the EL than in the PL group. Spearman and partial correlation analysis showed several significant associations between the observed variables. Using canonical correlation analysis were identified three significant correlations (r_c1 = 0.853; r_c2 = 0.823; r_c3 = 0.739). The main canonical correlation identified blood TG and milk urea as the strongest variables. According to the canonical loading, the biomarkers TG, Mg, urea, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase (U1) are the primary variables associated with milk parameters (V1), specifically with milk urea, milk Mg and P, protein, and lactose. Full article

Menopause negatively impacts women’s health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an olive leaf extract (OLE) improves postmenopausal symptoms, body composition, handgrip strength and blood lipid profile in postmenopausal women. In a randomized, double-blinded parallel study design, 60 healthy postmenopausal women aged 47–70 years received either OLE (250 mg/day) or placebo supplementation for 12 weeks. Postmenopausal symptoms were assessed with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQoL), the Hot Flash Interference scale (HFI), and body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) with a DXA scan; the lipid profile was measured in the blood serum. After six and twelve weeks of OLE supplementation, the overall MENQoL score significantly improved (estimated mean difference [95% CI]: −0.2 [−0.4−0.2], p = 0.027) compared to the placebo. A significant improvement (+0.017 [0.003, 0.030], p = 0.019) was recorded in the BMD in the right arm in the OLE group compared to the placebo. The intervention did not affect other body composition outcomes. TG concentrations and the TG/HDL-C ratio were significantly decreased (−0.1 [−0.2, 0.0], p = 0.010; −0.1 [−0.2, −0.0], p = 0.029, respectively) in the OLE group compared to the placebo. Twelve weeks of daily OLE supplementation improved postmenopausal symptoms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed effects. Full article

This study explored the effects of spinach flour (SF) enrichment on pasta, focusing on chemical, nutritional and sensory properties, cooking performance, and microbiological stability. SF was added at 12.5% (PSP12) and 25% (PSP25). The enriched pasta had a lower pH than the control (CP), due to spinach-derived organic acids, with PSP25 showing the highest fiber content. Enrichment increased B vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. PSP25 had a shorter cooking time, higher water absorption, and greater cooking loss. Enriched pasta showed lower starch hydrolysis index and predicted glycemic index, suggesting potential benefits for managing postprandial blood sugar levels. SF significantly altered the free amino acid (FAA) profile, with PSP25 showing the highest concentration of total FAAs. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that spinach-enriched pasta retained higher levels of phenols and flavonoids, after cooking also, compared to CP. Sensory analysis indicated that while PSP12 had higher overall acceptability, PSP25 exhibited stronger herbaceous flavors, which could affect consumer preference. Microbiologically, all samples were stable for 110 days. The findings suggest that SF enrichment enhances the nutritional value, antioxidant potential, and sensory qualities of pasta, with potential for commercial applications, although consumer acceptance could be influenced by its non-traditional taste and texture. Full article

Background: This study aimed to verify whether adding a combination of additives (blend) to the diet of dairy calves after weaning can improve animal performance and health and influence the profile of ruminal short-chain fatty acids and intestinal microbiota. Methods: We used 35 Holstein calves, males, with an average age of 70 days and an average body weight of 68 kg. The treatments used were negative control (T-0: without additive), positive control (T-Control: flavomycin + monensin), T-500 (500 g blend/ton), T-1000 (1000 g blend/ton), and T-1500 (1500 g blend/ton). The additives were classified as zootechnical (probiotics, prebiotics, and essential oils of cinnamon and oregano) and nutritional additive (minerals). Results: Weight gain and daily weight gain were higher for calves in the T-Control, T-500, and T-1000 groups. The concentration of heavy-chain immunoglobulins was higher in the blood of calves in the T-Control and T-500 groups when compared to the other groups. In the T-1500 groups, higher levels of reactive oxygen species were observed, while, in the T-0 and T-1500 groups, higher levels of TBARS and glutathione S-transferase activity were detected. The 15 abundant microorganisms in the calves’ feces, regardless of treatment, were Treponema suis, Treponema saccharophilum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Pseudoflavonifractor sp., Roseburia faecis, Rikenellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae_f, Clostridium sp., Roseburia intestinalis, Aeromonadales_o, Prevotella copri, Treponema succinifaciens, Eubacterium sp., Treponema porcium, and Succinivibrio sp. The T-1000 group showed greater alpha diversity for the intestinal microbiota than T-Control, T-0, and T-500. The additive combination (T-1000) increased the bacterial activity in the ruminal fluid, and the animals of T-1000 had a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids compared to T-0 and T-1500; this difference is because, in these calves, the production of acetic, butyric, and propionic acid increased. Conclusions: The combination of additives had positive effects on animal health, ruminal volatile fatty acid production, and intestinal microbiota, resulting in animals with more significant weight gain and feed efficiency. Full article

This study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm in Queensland, Australia to evaluate the effects of feeding a lactic acid bacteria-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) during gestation on the metabolic profile of periparturient dairy cows and its effects on milk production and body weight. A total of 150 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly selected based on parity (2.3) and days in milk (130 DIM) and divided into two groups of 75 cows each (control and DFM). The control cows were assigned to a basal diet consisting of a silage-based partial mixed ration (PMR), concentrate fed in the dairy twice a day, and ad libitum pasture. The DFM group received the same basal diet supplemented with three strains of Lactobacillus top-dressed in the feed. The DFM supplementation continued during both the dry period and the subsequent lactation. A subset of 82 cows (40 control and 42 DFM) were monitored during the calving season (March to July 2022) to assess the metabolic profile and postpartum performance. Blood samples were collected during the periparturient period (−4 to −2 w prepartum, around calving, and at weeks 1, 3, and 6 postpartum) to measure the levels of metabolites, enzymes, and minerals. Overall, the serum glucose, NEFA, and chloride levels were higher, while protein and urea were lower in cows supplemented with the DFM (p < 0.005). The pre-calving levels of glucose were higher and the total bilirubin, urea, and BHB were lower in cows supplemented with DFM than in the control (p < 0.05). The post-calving levels of glucose and Mg were also higher in the DFM cows than in the control cows (p < 0.05). Average milk production at 110 DIM was significantly higher in the DFM cows compared to control cows (p = 0.03). Although the total milk production over 305 days was numerically greater in the DFM cows, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3), whereas the milk protein percentage was higher in the control cows (p = 0.03). The body weight of the DFM cows was greater during the periparturient period (p = 0.001) than that of the control cows. In the DFM cows, glucose levels had a positive correlation (r = 0.16) with milk yield, at 110 DIM, while serum total protein had a positive correlation with body weight (r = 0.32) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding Lactobacillus-based DFM during gestation can positively influence the metabolic profile of periparturient cows, which, in turn, may affect the milk production and body weight of postpartum dairy cows. Full article

The Asian region of earth has a rich agriculture system that provides extensive opportunities to boost pharmaceutical and nutritional research to address the use of food crops for health benefits and potential clinical applications. The traditionally cropped green leaf vegetable indigenously known as Bathu and botanically known as Chenopodium album (C. album) is traditionally used as a sedative, blood purifier, hepatoprotectant, diuretic, and antiscorbutic laxative. In this study, we investigated the anti-infection potential, anti-diabetic potential, and mineral composition of indigenously cultivated C. album plant extracts. Methanol and n-hexane solvents were used to extract phytochemicals at different extraction conditions. The maximum yield of 12.72 ± 0.36 g/100 g extract was obtained in methanol with 200 rpm shaking, 200 mL solvent, and an 8 h extraction period. Under the same conditions, n-hexane gave 2.09 ± 0.29 g/100 g extract. Good alpha-amylase inhibition efficiency was shown by the n-hexane extracts, while the methanol extracts showed good urease inhibition potential. The H6 extract had the lowest IC₅₀ (8.16 ± 0.2 ug/mL) as compared to the standard acarbose (9.27 ± 0.6 ug/mL). Similarly, the M6 extract revealed a significant urease inhibitory potential, i.e., IC₅₀ of 18.77 ± 0.6 ug/mL, which was close to the standard thiourea (IC₅₀: 19.09 ± 0.7 ug/mL). Regarding the antibacterial study, the M6 extract showed 16.55 ± 0.57 mm ZOI against E. coli and 15.54 ± 0.55 mm in the case of S. aureus, as compared to the standard ciprofloxacin, which showed 26.08 ± 0.73 mm, and penicillin, which showed 21.12 ± 0.81 mm ZOI. Mineral profiling was investigated by ICP-OES, which showed significant amounts of Mg and Fe in all extracts. Our findings tend to show that systematic harvesting and utilization of this vegetable crop could be recommended as an alternative nutritional therapy in the management of internal infections and diabetes. Full article

The consumption of almonds has been associated with several health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular and intestinal health. In this comprehensive review, we compile and deliberate studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and gut health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, which contribute to their health-promoting properties. Regular intake of almonds has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and enhancing HDL functionality. Additionally, almonds aid in glycemic control, blood pressure reduction, and chronic inflammation amelioration, which are critical for cardiovascular health. The antioxidant properties of almonds, primarily due to their high vitamin E content, help in reducing oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, almonds positively influence body composition by reducing body fat percentage and central adiposity and enhancing satiety, thus aiding in weight management. Herein, we also contemplate the emerging concept of the gut–heart axis, where almond consumption appears to modulate the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate. These effects collectively contribute to the anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective benefits of almonds. By encompassing these diverse aspects, we eventually provide a systematic and updated perspective on the multifaceted benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and gut microbiome, corroborating their broader consideration in dietary guidelines and public health recommendations for CVD risk reduction. Full article