Search Results (150)

Plant supplements are frequently used by diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in the management of their disease. Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of plant supplement use in DM patients from Romania and to evaluate patients’ practices, profiles, and beliefs regarding plant supplements and the impact of their use on glycemic control. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Romanian diabetic patients. Results: Out of 329 validated responses, 44.07% reported supplement use. Momordica charantia L. (35.17%) was the most used. Female patients were statistically significantly more prevalent in the plant supplement user group. Plant supplement use was associated with statistically significantly lower HbA1c (7.11% vs. 7.66%, p < 0.01) and basal glycemia (127.75 mg/dL vs. 136.08 mg/dL, p < 0.01) over the previous three months. Diabetic polyneuropathy was statistically significantly less prevalent among patients who used plant supplements (31.03% vs. 42.39%, p = 0.035). The greatest proportion of responders reported that they started to use plant supplements for improving blood glycemia (88.97%), followed by the purpose of preventing DM complications (27.59%). A significant improvement in health status was reported by 53.79% of patients using herbal supplements. Conclusions: Plant supplement use was common and associated with improved glycemic parameters and lower complication prevalence. Full article

The efficiency and quality of meadows is affected by, among others, the botanical composition of the sward and the frequency of cutting. The research was conducted in 2023–2024 on the experiment established in 2014 on arable land, where 3-species mixtures of grasses and legumes were sown. During the next three years, the sward was fertilized and cut 3-times per year, and then, for five years, was mown twice a year, without fertilization. On the sward formed at that time, in 2023, an experiment was established to evaluate how management intensity (2- or 3-cuts and rate of fertilizer) and silicon application (Si or 0Si) affect botanical composition, yield, and nutrient content in perennial meadow swards under variable precipitation over two years. Species richness rose in the sward in the second year, especially under 3-cut management (from 15 to 21 species). The share of species sown earlier in the mixtures Dactylis glomerata, Festulolium braunii, and Medicago x varia was very high at both management intensities (66–87% DM). Yield and the content of crude protein and nutrients were higher in the 3-cut system in the second and third regrowths. Silicon supplementation increased plant diversity and yield resilience during drought, with more intensive management supporting sustainable forage production. Moreover, the sward contained more nutrients with 3-cuttings in the second and third regrowths. These findings indicate that intensive meadow management and silicon application enhance productivity, forage value, and biodiversity, providing valuable insights for sustainable meadow management strategies. Full article

Objective: Eating habits established during adolescence play a crucial role in shaping both current and future health status. However, adolescents today appear to be increasingly adopting poorer dietary and lifestyle habits. This study aims to investigate eating behaviors and supplement use among adolescent students who participated in the EduALI nutrition education project. Methods: The project included first-year students from six sports-oriented scientific high schools in Florence. The students participated in six nutrition sessions, completing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess physical activity performance, a questionnaire on dietary supplement use, and, to assess eating habits a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), as well as the Medi-Lite questionnaire to specifically assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). The data from the FFQ were compared with national dietary guidelines. Results: The study sample consisted of 83 students (69.9% male; average age: 13.8 ± 0.4 y). The results showed that 61.4% of participants had used supplements in the past year, most commonly mineral salts (56.6%) and vitamins (54.2%), followed by botanical products (22%), sports drinks (16%), proteins/amino acids (8%), and creatine (2%). Alarmingly, 27.7% used supplements without medical supervision. Students involved in individual sports had higher supplement consumption than those in team sports, especially creatine use. Eating habits revealed poor adherence to both the MD and Italian dietary guidelines, with deficiencies in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, and legumes, and excessive intake of cheese, meat, especially red and processed meats. Conclusions: A high prevalence of supplement use among adolescents was observed, along with poor adherence to dietary guidelines and MD. These findings underscore the need for targeted, school- and sport-based interventions to enhance adolescents’ nutritional awareness and responsible supplement use. Full article

According to current taxonomic consensus, the genus Fragaria L. (family Rosaceae) comprises nine recognized species: Fragaria × ananassa (Duchartre ex Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier, Fragaria bucharica Losinsk., Fragaria viridis subsp. campestris (Steven) Pael., Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill., Fragaria moschata Duchesne ex Weston, Fragaria orientalis Losinsk., Fragaria vesca L., Fragaria virginiana Mill., and Fragaria viridis Duchartre. Within the flora of Kazakhstan, two species are of particular significance: F. vesca L. and F. viridis Weston. The genus Fragaria L. is notable for its high content of diverse classes of biologically active compounds, which exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological and physiological activities. This review focuses on two Fragaria species native to the flora of Kazakhstan: F. vesca L. and F. viridis Weston. It summarizes recent advances in their botanical characterization, phytochemical profiling, extraction methodologies, and biological activities. Available evidence indicates that the phytochemical composition of extracts obtained from these species is modulated by a range of environmental and biological factors. These include habitat conditions, climate variability, chemotypic diversity, and the specific extraction protocols applied. Particular emphasis is placed on modern extraction techniques and the identification of low-molecular-weight metabolites. These include anthocyanins, volatile organic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute significantly to the observed biological effects. The review findings support the relevance of continued research into the potential application of these species as sources for the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic agents. In addition, they highlight their promise for use in the formulation of biologically active compounds intended for food supplements and cosmetic products. Full article

Hercaleum sphondylium L., commonly known as hogweed, is a plant species that has been employed as an ingredient in food supplements aimed at enhancing reproductive organ functionality, restoring hormonal equilibrium, and producing an aphrodisiac effect. Importantly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has designated it as a “substance of possible concern for human health” when found in food and food supplements, as detailed in the EFSA compendium of botanicals. Given the potential health consequences associated with the ingestion of furocoumarin-containing plants, the primary objective of this study was to develop a straightforward and rapid method for screening various furocoumarins (bergapten, isobergapten, isopimpinellin, imperatorin, and xanthotoxin) that are found in hogweed plant products and hogweed-derived food supplements. A novel ultrafast micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method was established, achieving analysis durations of less than 3 min for the complete separation of the analytes. This method is additionally characterized by its simplicity, allowing for the analysis of samples following a rapid extraction procedure and dilution, without necessitating extra cleanup steps. The investigation of ten food supplements indicated that seven products contained no detectable levels of furocoumarins, one product presented levels close to the harmless threshold, and two products exhibited concentrations significantly exceeding this threshold. The results of this study illustrate the potential of micellar electrokinetic chromatography as a feasible alternative technique for the analysis of furocoumarins in herbal products and food supplements. Full article

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree”, has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional profile and broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the plant’s botanical characteristics, taxonomy, cultivation practices, and biochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates-which underlie its diverse therapeutic effects. The paper compiles and analyzes evidence from over 200 peer-reviewed studies, documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects, among others. For instance, leaf extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in both animal models and clinical trials, while seed-derived isothiocyanates have shown significant antibacterial and anticancer activity. In addition, clinical and in vivo data support M. oleifera’s role in fertility regulation, cardiovascular protection, and neurodegenerative disease mitigation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review highlights its growing use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmeceutical products, reflecting its commercial and industrial relevance. By consolidating findings across disciplines, this review underscores the multifaceted value of M. oleifera as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource. Full article

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of water extracts from Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) and Cornus officinalis Siebold and Zucc. fruits (COF) water extracts on depression-like behavior and metabolic dysfunction in estrogen-deficient rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS). Network pharmacology analysis identified three bioactive compounds in ginger and four in COF, with 11 overlapping targets linked to both depression and metabolic pathways, primarily involving NR3C1, HTR2A, MAOA, and SLC6A4 genes associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation and neurotransmitter modulation. Ovariectomized rats received 200 mg/kg/day of ginger or COF extracts for 7 weeks, with a 4-week CMS protocol initiated at week 3. Both extracts significantly improved depression-like behaviors, memory performance, glucose tolerance, lipid profiles, and bone mineral density, normalized HPA axis markers (corticosterone and ACTH), and increased hippocampal serotonin and dopamine levels. Ginger demonstrated greater efficacy in improving memory and metabolic outcomes compared to COF. Molecular docking further validated these findings, revealing strong and stable interactions between key phytochemicals—such as hydroxygenkwanin and telocinobufagin—and target proteins MAOA, HTR2A, and NR3C1, supporting their mechanistic role in stress and mood regulation. These results support supplementing ginger and COF extracts as promising botanical interventions for estrogen-deficiency-related mood and metabolic disorders, with potential clinical application at a human-equivalent dose of 1.5 g/day. Full article

Background/Objectives: Health and nutrition are increasingly important to people, which has increased the popularity of products promoted for their contribution to health, such as food supplements. Methods: This study encompassed 87 herbal food supplements, assessing the compliance of health claims with regulatory requirements. The study was conducted in Serbia, a European country with a regulatory framework harmonized with the one in the EU; however, it requires the pre-market registration of supplements. Results: Health claims were listed on as many as 86.2% of the labels, but only 10.7% of them, all associated with vitamin and mineral ingredients, were compliant with the EU Register of authorized health claims. An additional 38.7% of supplements carried “on-hold” claims from the EFSA Register of questions for botanicals. The remaining ones (50.6%) comprised those attributed with strictly prohibited properties of disease prevention, treatment, or cure (9.3%), and those containing at least one botanical-related health claim out of the scope of the Register of questions. Conclusions: The study unequivocally showed the worrying lack of adherence to regulations in the Serbian settings. Considering the importance of labelling for consumer protection and public health, the authors of this paper advocate for significant improvement in quality assurance of the registration process, tightening of market control, and an effective solution for on-hold claims on botanicals continuously used under transitional regulatory measures. Full article

The growing prevalence of obesity is being increasingly acknowledged as a major public health issue. This mainly stems from the excessive intake of dietary fats. Dendrobium officinale (DO), recognized as an herb with dual roles of food and medicine, is renowned for its diverse health-promoting effects. Nevertheless, the specifics of its antiobesity and anti-inflammatory properties and the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. The present study shows that treatment with Dendrobium officinale extract (DOE) alleviates obesity, liver steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rats that are obese due to a high-fat diet (HFD). Firstly, with respect to HFD obese rats, higher doses of DOE significantly reduced TG, TC, LDL-C, blood glucose, and liver AST and ALT, along with lipid droplets. Meanwhile, DOE supplementation significantly reduced oxidative stress induced by ROS and MDA and increased the levels of GSH-Px and SOD in liver tissues. Furthermore, integrated analysis of transcriptomic and microbiomic data revealed that DOE modulated inflammatory responses through the NF-κB/IκB pathway. This regulatory mechanism was evidenced by corresponding changes in the protein expression levels of both NF-κB and IκB. Additionally, DOE was found to modulate gut microbiota composition in obese rats, specifically reducing the relative abundance of Bilophila while increasing beneficial bacterial populations, particularly the genera Akkermansia and Roseburia. These findings suggest that DOE may help retain the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and improve metabolic health by regulating inflammation in the liver and intestine, thereby providing protection against obesity and related metabolic syndromes. Our study demonstrates that DOE, as a natural botanical extract, can effectively facilitate the prevention or treatment of metabolic syndrome through precision dietary interventions. Full article

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) are natural compounds that occur in several botanical species belonging to the genera Aloe L., Cassia L., Rheum L., Frangula Mill., and Rhamnus L. While they are widely used for their laxative effects, concerns persist about their potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. This study presents the development, validation, and application of a sensitive and rapid LC-MS/MS method to detect HAD (aloins, aloe-emodin, emodin, and danthron) levels in botanical food products and supplements. The method was validated according to criteria established by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins, and Regulation (EU) No 2783/2023 and was demonstrated to be fit-for-purpose. It was applied to 43 samples collected from the Italian market, including beverages, liquid and solid food supplements, herbal infusions, and jam based on aloe, senna, cassia, rhubarb, and frangula. The results revealed that 33% of the analyzed samples contained detectable HAD concentrations above the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.5 mg/kg). The highest concentrations, up to 1352.9 mg/kg for the sum of aloin A and B, were found in solid food supplements derived from senna, cascara, rhubarb, and frangula. Aloe-emodin reached 213.4 mg/kg in a solid food supplement sample containing the same plant species, while the maximum detected concentration of emodin was 259.7 mg/kg in a senna-based supplement. No sample contained danthron. Conversely, in the majority of aloe beverage samples, HAD levels were found to be below the LOQ. In order to ensure the safety of consumers, it is essential that a more rigorous market surveillance of botanical food products is implemented, along with further toxicological studies. Full article

In these times and with the pace of life that we have developed, many people need help falling asleep due to poor sleep hygiene, among other reasons. Thus, in mild cases, it is recommended to use natural therapies, such as phytotherapy, avoiding in the first instance the use of drugs. Melatonin is considered a versatile molecule widely used today. It is included as a main ingredient in dietary supplements that are, in some cases, accompanied by medicinal plants as botanical mixes, generating beneficial products for sleep disorders among other conditions. The dietary phytotherapeutic supplements evaluated in this work contain various concentrations of melatonin and other products, resulting in different effects on sleep therapy. The aim of this work is to reveal the quantitative differences that exist between the melatonin contents labeled in the products and those analyzed. The degradation rate of this hormone at three years in the phytotherapeutic supplements is also studied in order to re-evaluate the expiration dates of these products. In conclusion, the mixture between synthetic melatonin and different botanical mixes is very common in the supplements studied here and aimed at improving sleep. However, the most natural thing would be to be able to use only plants with sufficient phytomelatonin content to eliminate the inclusion of chemically synthesized melatonin in preparation. We propose the use of a particular raw plant material with excellent characteristics for this purpose. Full article

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an increasingly used natural product in botanical dietary supplements, valued for its bioactive compounds. However, inconsistent standardized analytical methods raise concerns over product authenticity, mislabeling, and quality control. This study employs a multi-analytical approach to differentiate wildcrafted chaga canker from North American chaga dietary supplements, particularly those containing mycelia fermented grain products. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Liquid Chromatography with Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (LC-ELSD) or Photo/Diode Array Detection (LC-PDA/DAD), Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and iodine-starch assays were used to evaluate key markers, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and melanin. Whole chaga canker contained triterpenoids (inotodiol, trametenolic acid) and phenolics, like osmundacetone, while melanin absorbance at 500 nm differentiated it from fermented grain products. β-Glucan quantification and iodine-starch assays confirmed starch-rich composition in fermented grains and its absence in authentic chaga canker. NMR fingerprinting and LC-QToF-MS metabolomics demonstrated stark compositional deviations between wildcrafted chaga canker, I. obliquus mycelium, and fermented grain products. By integrating complementary techniques, we establish a framework that can reliably distinguish genuine chaga canker from misrepresented products, ensuring consumer safety and fostering trust in the functional mushroom, canker, and mycelium markets. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a botanical supplement (a formulated proprietary blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin in a fat carrier; PHYT), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum and milk yield and the quality, passive transfer of immunity, and performance of cow–calf pairs. Twenty-three (BW = 532 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) not supplemented (CON, n = 7); (2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or (3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500, n = 8) of the botanical supplement. The cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (±6 days) pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Colostrum was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. The total milk from all quarters was collected 45 and 90 d post-calving and at weaning. Colostrum and milk volumes were recorded, and samples were analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, other solids, and lactose. Colostrum samples were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, and milk samples were analyzed for IgG concentration using radial immunodiffusion. Blood samples were collected from dams and calves, and serum was analyzed for concentrations of IgG (cows and calves) and IgA (calves). Cow and calf BW were measured periodically until weaning. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased fat in colostrum (CON = 3.29, PHIT250 = 4.23, and PHYT500 = 4.17 ± 0.77%; p = 0.05) and IgA in calf serum (96.91, 151.69, and 183.42 ± 29.78 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.04) and tended to linearly increase concentrations of fat in milk (CON = 3.84, PHYT250 = 4.05, and PHYT500 = 4.71 ± 1.04%; p = 0.07), IgG in calf serum (2082.31; 2196.29; and 2577.78 ± 213.08 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.09), and IgM in colostrum (CON = 179.04; PHYT250 = 170.79; PHYT500 = 218.30 ± 16.08 mg/dL; p = 0.09). A quadratic response was observed for calf ADG (p = 0.03), where CON (0.99 ± 0.03 kg/d) was less than PHYT250 (1.10 ± 0.03 kg/d), and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500 (1.01 ± 0.03 kg/d). In summary, supplementation with PHYT led to a linear increase in colostrum fat and IgA levels in calf serum. Additionally, supplementation tended to linearly elevate fat concentrations in milk, IgG levels in calf serum, and IgM levels in colostrum. Our results suggest that supplementing beef cows in late gestation and early lactation with 250 or 500 mg/head/d of PHYT improves colostrum quality and calf health and performance. Further investigation is needed to determine both the biological significance and the economic benefits of botanical additives in beef production. Full article

Botanical and herbal supplements contain diverse compounds that support health and prevent disease by influencing biological pathways. In ruminant nutrition, such supplements are rarely used as most integrations focus on production improvements using synthetic additives. This review explores the potential of Mediterranean herbs, namely, garlic, oregano, and rosemary, in dairy ruminant diets, emphasizing their effects on milk production, antioxidant activity, weaning management, in vitro studies, and economic impacts. Using medicinal plants reduces reliance on synthetic additives, lowers costs, enhances animal health, and boosts productivity. These plants align with sustainable farming practices, enable premium market access, and support local resources to improve performance and reduce livestock’s environmental footprint. Full article

Botanical dietary supplements are widely used, but issues of authenticity, consistency, safety, and efficacy that complicate their poorly understood mechanism of action have prompted questions and concerns in the popular and scientific literature. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L., syn. Cimicifuga racemosa, Nutt., Ranunculaceae) is a multicomponent botanical therapeutic used as a popular remedy for menopause and dysmenorrhea and explored as a treatment in breast and prostate cancer. However, its use and safety are controversial. A. racemosa tissues contain the bioactive serotonin analog N-methylserotonin, which is thought to contribute to the serotonergic activities of black cohosh–containing preparations. A. racemosa has several TDC-like genes hypothesized to encode tryptophan decarboxylases (TDCs) converting L-tryptophan to tryptamine, a direct serotonin precursor in plants. Expression of black cohosh TDC1, TDC2, and TDC3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in the production of tryptamine. TDC1 and TDC3 had approximately fourfold higher activity than TDC2, which was attributable to a variable Cys/Ser active site residue identified by site-directed mutagenesis. Co-expression in yeast of the high-activity black cohosh TDCs with the next enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis, tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H), from rice (Oryza sativa) resulted in the production of serotonin, whereas co-expression with low-activity TDCs did not, suggesting that TDC activity is a rate-limiting step in serotonin biosynthesis. Two T5H-like sequences were identified in A. racemose, but their co-expression with the high-activity TDCs in yeast did not result in serotonin production. TDC expression was detected in several black cohosh tissues, and phytochemical analysis using LC-MS revealed several new tryptamines, including tryptamine and serotonin, along with N-methylserotonin and, interestingly, N-N-dimethyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (bufotenine), which may contribute to hepatotoxicity. Incubation of A. racemosa leaves with tryptamine and N-methyltryptamine resulted in increased concentrations of serotonin and N-methylserotonin, respectively, suggesting that methylation of tryptamine precedes hydroxylation in the biosynthesis of N-methylserotonin. This work indicates a significantly greater variety of serotonin derivatives in A. racemosa than previously reported. Moreover, the activities of the TDCs underscore their key role in the production of serotonergic compounds in A. racemosa. Finally, it is proposed that tryptamine is first methylated and then hydroxylated to form the black cohosh signature compound N-methylserotonin. Full article