Search Results (151)

Peas possess significant nutritional properties due to their high protein levels, carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Increased climate variability can lead to water stress in crops like peas. Therefore, priming plants through seed priming is a technique that has proven effective as a pre-conditioning method for plants to cope with more severe future stresses. Different doses and soaking times of ‘Santa Isabel’ pea seeds in NaCl and H₂O₂ were evaluated to enhance and promote germination. Two experiments were conducted under controlled conditions (average temperature 15.8 °C) through a completely randomized design with a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, comprising 12 treatments in each trial. In the first trial, NaCl doses (0, 50, 100, or 150 mM) and the soaking time of the seeds in NaCl (12, 24, or 36 h) were examined. In the second trial, H₂O₂ doses (0, 20, 40, or 60 mM) were tested with the same imbibition times. The 50 mM NaCl dose at 24 h demonstrated the best values for germination rate index, mean germination time, germination rate (GR), and germination potential (GP). Seed imbibition for 24 h in NaCl, as well as in H₂O₂, is the ideal time to achieve the best GR and GP. The dry mass of leaf and stipule recorded the highest values with a 60 mM dose of H₂O₂ and 24 h of imbibition. An application of 150 mM NaCl resulted in the highest values of germinated seed dry mass, while causing lower dry mass in roots, stems, leaves, and stipules; however, it maintained similar total dry mass values. Full article

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid (AA), functions as a pro-oxidant in cancer at high doses and exerts anticancer effects by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selectively inducing damage to cancer cells. However, AA at low doses promotes cancer cell proliferation. The efficacy of high-dose AA therapy is frequently restricted by inadequate intracellular AA uptake, resulting from low expression of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2). In this study, we investigated whether valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could circumvent this constraint by increasing the expression of SVCT2 in colorectal cancer cells, including HCT-116 and DLD-1 with low SVCT2 levels. We found that VPA increased SVCT2 expression in both cell lines. Co-treatment with AA and VPA increased the number of apoptotic cells and enhanced intracellular AA uptake via VPA-upregulated SVCT2, followed by increased ROS production in both cell lines. Furthermore, the combination increased the synergistic anticancer effects and suppressed the hormetic dose response of AA in both cell lines. In a xenograft mouse model, co-treatment decreased tumor size and increased the tumor growth inhibition ratio compared to treatment with AA or VPA alone. Accordingly, VPA treatment enhanced SVCT2 expression in colorectal cancer cells, suppressed the hormetic dose-response effect of AA, and improved the potential of high-dose AA therapy as an anticancer agent. Full article

The clean-label movement has markedly increased consumer demand for meat products free from synthetic additives, such as sodium nitrite, ascorbate, and phosphate. This review summarizes strategies to replace these additives with natural alternatives while preserving the functional and quality properties of traditionally cured meats. Nitrite replacement commonly employs nitrate-rich vegetables, alongside nitrate-reducing starter cultures or pre-converted nitrite powders for adequate nitric oxide production and meat pigment stabilization. Ascorbate substitutes include vitamin C-rich materials and polyphenol-based antioxidants from green tea and rosemary, supporting nitrite reduction and contributing to meat pigment and oxidative stability. To compensate for phosphate functions, natural substitutes such as hydrocolloids, dietary fibers, protein isolates, and calcium powders from eggshells or oyster shells have shown partial success in restoring water-holding capacity, pH buffering, and textural integrity. In addition, non-thermal processing technologies, such as high-pressure processing, ultrasound, and cold plasma are explored as complementary strategies to enhance the efficacy of natural ingredients and support industrial scalability. However, challenges persist regarding ingredient variability, dose-dependent effects, and consistency in functional performance. Future research should focus on synergistic ingredient combinations, formulation standardization, and scalable application in industrial production to ensure the production of high-quality clean-label meat products. Full article

The possibility of designing the nutrient composition of invertebrate biomass was investigated. Two model species of terrestrial invertebrates, the house cricket Acheta domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826), were studied after feeding on substrates alternately enriched with certain nutrient precursors proposed in single and double doses. Crickets and earthworms showed similar tendencies to increase the B vitamin content of those vitamins whose initial level was high. Double-dose enrichment of the food substrate increased the levels of vitamin C, fat-soluble vitamins and most B vitamins. In a control group of crickets, vitamin C levels were 1.5 times lower than in a control group of earthworms. After enrichment of the feed substrate, the vitamin C content in the biomass of the crickets did not change significantly, but in the earthworms it increased significantly. The content of a wide range of minerals did not change after single-dose enrichment, but some micro-elements such as Pb and Se decreased significantly in earthworms after double-dose enrichment of the feed substrate. The calorific value of crickets was twice that of earthworms and did not change significantly after double-dose enrichment. It is shown that the nutrient composition of invertebrate biomass can be increased by enriching the feed substrate with precursors. The most effective increases are observed for all vitamins and several minerals. The results can be used to achieve specific nutrient concentrations in biomass for food and medical purposes. Full article

Background/Objectives. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating disease-related complication with a significant impact on quality of life. Its management represents a therapeutic challenge. Antioxidant agents such as α-lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and glutatione may be useful treatment strategies. Methods. A real-world, observational, retrospective, case–control study involving consecutive subjects with type 2 diabetes with diabetic peripheral neuropathy was performed. Participants who were supplemented with three different formulations for 12 weeks (high-dose α-lipoic acid (800 mg); low-dose α-lipoic acid (100 mg) plus glutathione (200 mg) plus Vitamin D (800 IU); N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg) plus glutathione (200 mg) plus Vitamin D (800 IU)) were compared with a non-treated control group. Questionnaires aimed at investigating the degree of disability and quality of life were administered. The primary endpoint was the change in neuropathic pain intensity measured by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Results. Among 750 consecutive screened subjects with type 2 diabetes, 98 (13%) had diabetic neuropathy (mean age 66.7 ± 7.6 years, diabetes duration 11.3 ± 6.7 years, HbA1c 8.1 ± 1.5%, 43.8% insulin-treated). When comparing the differences between treatment groups in the changes in individual questionnaire scores between baseline and follow-up, all three supplements showed significant reductions compared to the control group in the NRS scale scores. No side effects have been reported during the study. Conclusions. As well as lipoic acid, other substances with specific activity on the genesis of neuropathic pain, such as N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione, have proved effective in reducing the intensity of pain. Full article

Respiratory viruses continue to present serious health challenges to human wellness. Growing evidence suggests that the more severe and damaging effects and symptoms of influenza, rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 may primarily result from their common ability to disorganize the body’s healthy immune response. The simultaneous over-stimulation of several reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways and concurrent suppression of bioavailable Nitic Oxide (NO) contribute to an immune disbalance that can lead to cellular oxidative distress and an excessive inflammatory response. This study evaluated the real-time, acute ability of a single, orally administered 50 mg encapsulated dose of a plant-based dietary supplement (“PB-Blend”), compared to 1000 mg of Vitamin C as a positive control, to modulate multiple ROS associated with a dampened immune response, as well as NO and other markers of inflammation, in a cohort recovering from a moderate course of COVID-19. This randomized, double-blind study was performed on 28 individuals 18–24 days after a moderate COVID-19 infection. Participants were orally supplemented with a single encapsulated dose of either 50 mg of PB-Blend or 1000 mg Vitamin C as a positive control. Changes in the levels of bioavailable NO (measured as circulating NOHb) were assessed, as well as the ex vivo cellular formation of mitochondrial, NOX2-, iNOS-, and TNFα-dependent ROS. All parameters were measured in real time before ingestion (baseline), and then at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after administration. ROS were measured using a portable electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. Inflammatory, immunity (hsCRP and TNFα plasma levels), interleukin (IL1, IL6, IL8, and IL10), cytokine (IFNγ, TNFα, and NF-κB), and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG, and IgE) profiles were also followed. In addition to laboratory and cell function investigations, we performed clinical cardio ergometry, blood O₂ saturation, and respirometry examinations. As hypothesized, the collected baseline data from this study group confirmed that mitochondrial, NOX2, and iNOS enzymatic systems were strongly involved in the generation of ROS at 18–24 days following a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Acute single-dose supplementation of 50 mg PB-Blend had a multifunctional impact on ROS and significantly inhibited the following: (a.) mitochondrial ROS levels by up to 56%; (b.) iNOS by up to 60%; and (c.) NOX2-dependent ROS generation by up to 49%. Moreover, 1000 mg Vitamin C supplementation exhibited narrower ROS-mitigating activity by solely inhibiting NOX2-dependent ROS generation by 45%. Circulating NOHb levels were significantly increased after PB-Blend administration (33%), but not after Vitamin C administration. PB-Blend and Vitamin C exhibited similar potential to reduce ex vivo high dose TNFα (200 ng/mL)-induced H₂O₂ formation. These results suggest that 50 mg of PB-Blend has the potential to modulate disbalanced mitochondria, iNOS, and NOX2 enzymatic systems that can be engendered during respiratory viral infection and subsequent recovery. Moreover, PB-Blend, but not Vitamin C, showed potential to upregulate bioavailable NO, which is known to decline under these conditions. Based upon these observations, PB-Blend could be considered an alternative to, or to be used in tandem with Vitamin C in applications that promote immune support and recovery during seasons of heightened respiratory viral risk (e.g., “flu season”). Full article

Previous studies have shown that high-dose vitamin supplements can improve vaccine-induced immune responses and pathogen protection in the context of vitamin deficiencies. To further elucidate the influence of vitamin supplements on immune responses toward pediatric vaccines, we performed a randomized controlled clinical trial (PCVIT) of 20 healthy children 1–4 years of age in Memphis, Tennessee. Study participants received a booster vaccine for pneumococcus and a primary vaccine for hepatitis A virus with or without a high-dose, oral, liquid supplement of 10,000 IU retinyl palmitate. We found that the children enrolled in PCVIT had higher baseline vitamin levels than previously described older children and adults living in Memphis. Only one child in PCVIT had a serum retinol level of less than 0.3 µg/mL. The children frequently consumed milk and baby foods that were likely vitamin-fortified, providing an explanation for the relatively high vitamin levels. Most children in PCVIT responded well to pneumococcus and hepatitis A vaccines by pathogen-specific antibody upregulation. The one child with a serum retinol level below 0.3 µg/mL did not receive a vitamin supplement and exhibited the lowest fold-change in antibody responses toward pneumococcal serotypes. A correlation matrix encompassing demographics, vitamin levels, vaccine-induced immune responses, C-reactive protein, and total serum immunoglobulin isotypes, including IgG2 and IgA, identified variables associated with vaccination outcomes. Perhaps because children were predominantly retinol-sufficient at baseline, the high-dose vitamin A supplement exhibited no benefit to vaccine-induced immune responses. In fact, when vitamin supplemented and vitamin unsupplemented groups were compared among participants with the highest baseline retinol levels, there was a trend toward weaker vaccine-induced immune responses in the vitamin supplemented group. Results encourage the performance of larger clinical studies before high-dose vitamin supplements are recommended for populations that are otherwise vitamin-replete. Full article

Background/Objectives: In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, resulting in 670,000 deaths, which accounted for 6.9% of all cancer-related deaths. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It was estimated that 2024 would identify about 310,720 women and 2800 men diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. The future global burden of breast cancer is projected to rise to over 3 million new cases and 1 million deaths by 2040. Approximately 20% of breast cancer diagnoses are triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of cancer that lacks receptors for estrogen (ER-negative), progesterone (PR-negative), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu-negative). Consequently, TNBC does not respond to hormonal or targeted therapies, making it challenging to treat due to its rapid growth, metastasis, and high recurrence rate within the first three years of therapy. Alternative chemotherapies are needed to address this problem. A pharmacological dose of vitamin C (high-dose VC) has been identified as a potential treatment for some cancer cells. The present study aimed to evaluate whether VC has a therapeutic effect on TNBC, using MDA-MB-231 cells as the model. Additionally, VC’s effects were trialed on other cancer cells such as MCF7 and on non-cancerous kidney HEK 293 and lung CCL205 cells. Methods: The MTT assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, nuclear-ID red/green staining, Rhodamine 123 staining, and Western blot analysis were employed to test the hypothesis that a pharmacological dose of VC can kill TNBC cells. Results: The upregulation of Apaf-1 and caspases -7, -8, and -9, the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), a reduction in cell cycle protein expression, and the enhancement of tumor suppressor proteins such as p53 and p21 indicate that a pharmacological dose of VC has promising anti-cancer properties in the treatment of breast cancers. Conclusions: Pharmacological dose of VC exerts significant anti-cancer effects in MDA-MB-231 cells by promoting apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, disrupting cell cycle progression, and enhancing tumor suppressor activity. Full article

Soilless cultivation systems are sustainable innovations in modern agriculture, promoting high efficiency per unit area, supporting food sustainability, and addressing the growing demand for high-quality produce with minimal environmental impact. This study evaluates the effects of fulvic acid, amino acid, and vermicompost biostimulants on the growth, yield, and nutrient profile of soilless-grown iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) in floating culture under controlled glasshouse conditions. Two experiments were conducted to determine the most effective concentrations and combinations of biostimulants. In the first experiment, varying doses of fulvic acid (40 and 80 ppm), amino acid (75 and 100 ppm), and vermicompost (1 and 2 mL L⁻¹) were tested alongside a control. Optimal doses were identified based on their positive effects on lettuce growth and yield. The second experiment examined combinations of fulvic acid, amino acid, and vermicompost extract compared to a control. Biostimulants improved lettuce growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidants. Vermicompost boosted root biomass and leaf area, while fulvic acid and amino acid reduced nitrates and increased dry matter. Fulvic acid and vermicompost resulted in the highest yield (17.15 kg/m², 18.2% increase), and the combined treatment maximized antioxidants, increasing vitamin C by 17.16%, total phenols by 52.54%, and flavonoids by 52.38%. These findings highlight the potential of biostimulants as eco-friendly solutions for optimizing lettuce production in soilless systems. Full article

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune pigmentation disorder shaped by a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. While conventional therapies—phototherapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants—can be effective, their benefits are often partial and temporary, with recurrence common once treatment stops. As such, there is increasing interest in exploring complementary approaches that may offer a more sustainable impact. Emerging evidence suggests that macronutrient and micronutrient-level changes could be beneficial for managing progression and, in some cases, facilitating repigmentation. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as apples, green tea, Indian gooseberry, onions, and peppers, may help mitigate oxidative stress, while inflammatory foods, such as gluten and high-phenol nuts and berries, may exacerbate the condition. Certain supplements, including high-dose vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, may enhance phototherapy outcomes. Omega-3 and other unsaturated fatty acids, in addition to prebiotics and probiotics, are under active investigation for their roles in gut health and immune regulation. Notably, plant-derived compounds, i.e., Ginkgo biloba, have demonstrated promise in promoting repigmentation and managing disease progression. However, it must be emphasized that these nutritional interventions remain exploratory, and more research is needed to establish their efficacy, safety, and optimal usage before they can be recommended as part of a standard treatment regimen. Full article

Marshmallow candy is a well-known sugar-based confection that is widely consumed among different population groups. However, its high sugar contents and low nutritive value might lead to adverse health outcomes. This study, therefore, aimed to develop optimal formulations for functional marshmallow candy using honey, aqueous hibiscus extract, cow’s milk, and strawberry concentrates with partial replacement of table sugar and glucose syrup. In this regard, six different formulations (F1–F6) were developed, varying in the ratios of key ingredients, such as F1 formulated with honey (9%), sucrose (35%), glucose syrup (33%), milk (4%), and hibiscus extract (1%); F2 containing honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (13%); F3 with honey (15%), sucrose (25%), glucose syrup (20%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (16%); F4 formulated with honey (20%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (15%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); F5 containing honey (30%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (5%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); and F6 developed with honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), and strawberry concentrate (16%) without milk or Hibiscus extract. These formulations were evaluated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and textural and sensory characteristics. The results show that all formulations containing functional ingredients had significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with stronger antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. Among the formulations, F5 exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoids contents (89.8 mg GAE/100 g and 1.62 mg RE/100 g, respectively) and reducing power activity (197.8% equivalent to 30 µg vitamin C). Additionally, F3 and F4 showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values of 8.0 and 5.1 mg/mL, respectively. In terms of texture, the hardness of all formulations was comparable to the control, except for F1 and F6. The results for sensory analysis show that all modified marshmallows received higher consumer acceptance in overall liking, appearance, softness, elasticity, lightness, and flavor compared to the control. Overall, this study shows that the use of functional ingredients significantly enhanced the total phenolic and flavonoid content and improved antioxidant activities in marshmallow production. This functional candy can provide nutrient-rich health-promoting ingredients for consumers. Full article

Tendinopathy is an aging-related disease, often caused by micro-scarring and degeneration due to overuse or trauma. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation is reported to be a useful treatment for tendinopathy recovery. We compared the inhibitory effects of various ascorbic acid doses on tendon cell damage. H₂O₂ was added to human-derived tendon cells in vitro (Group H₂O₂, control), followed by incubation with 150 µM or 30 mM of ascorbic acid (Group C, Group HC). The oxidative injury degree was evaluated by determining reactive oxygen species levels. The cytoskeletal structure was examined via fluorescence immunostaining of actin filaments. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expressions of mitochondria transcription factor A, adenosine triphosphate 5A, type I collagen, and p16. Cell death was reduced, and oxidative stress was inhibited in C and HC groups. The cytoskeleton was maintained in the HC group but not in the C group. qPCR analysis revealed that p16 expression was inhibited in both the C and HC groups compared to the H₂O₂ group; other markers had increased expression. The progression of cell death and cytoskeletal disruption was inhibited by the administration of high-dose vitamin C. Hence, high-dose vitamin C is a potential treatment for tendon cell degeneration. Full article

Background/Objectives: The bioavailability of crystalline vitamin B₁₂ (B₁₂) through active absorption is reported to have a maximum capacity of 1.5–2.5 µg per dose. A small passive bioavailability has also been suggested at high doses. The present study aimed to determine the dose-dependency of active B₁₂ absorption and to quantify its passive absorption at higher doses. Methods: The dose-dependency of crystalline B₁₂ bioavailability was determined in nine healthy adults, using oral [¹³C]-cyanocobalamin, in a cross-over design at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 µg. The dose order was randomised, with a washout of one month. Literature data from was added to the present study data in a meta-analysis of the relation between B₁₂ bioavailability and dose, to evaluate its pattern at different doses. Results: Bioavailability, as a function of dose, was significantly different between 2.5, 5, and 10 µg doses of [¹³C]-cyanocobalamin at 50.9 ± 32.5%, 26.7 ± 22.3%, 15.4 ± 13.6%, respectively, (p < 0.01), while the absolute bioavailability trended upward, at 1.16 ± 0.74 µg, 1.22 ± 1.02 µg, and 1.39 ± 1.23 µg (p = 0.46). The meta-analysis showed two distinct phases of bioavailability. Up to a dose of 2.6 µg, there was a significant steep positive correlation, with a slope (bioavailability) of 43%/µg suggesting an active process with a maximum of 1.2 µg. At higher doses, the slope was 1%/µg, not significantly different from zero, possibly a passive process. Conclusions: The active bioavailability of crystalline B₁₂ is not dose-dependent, saturating at ~1.2 µg. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA-CPR). Early administration of vitamin C at a high dose in experimental models resulted in less myocardial damage and had a positive effect on survival after resuscitation. Here, we postulated that the ROS scavenging activity of an anthocyanin (i.e., delphinidin) would positively influence resuscitation outcomes. We hypothesized that administration of delphinidin immediately after CA-CPR could attenuate systemic inflammation in a standardized mouse model and thereby improve survival and long-term outcomes. Outcomes up to 28 days were evaluated in a control group (saline-treated) and a delphinidin-treated cohort. Survival, neurological and cognitive parameters were assessed. Post-CPR infusion of delphinidin deteriorated survival time after a 10 min CA. Survivors amongst the controls showed significantly more anxious behavior than in the pre-CPR phases. This tendency was also observed in the animals treated with delphinidin. In our study, we did not find an improvement in survival with delphinidin after CA-CPR and observed no effect on learning behavior. Our long-term behavioral tests clearly show that CA-CPR is associated with the development of post-interventional anxiety-like symptoms. Our findings open up scopes to investigate the intrinsic factors (e.g., oxidative stress, inflammatory and systemic-microbial response, etc.) influencing the therapeutic efficacy of anthocyanins in vivo. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a condition of mild chronic inflammation, marked by increased levels of acute-phase proteins and various inflammatory indicators. These inflammatory substances, along with inflammation of adipose tissue and the secretion of adipocytokines, can contribute to insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction. By influencing both innate and adaptive immunity, vitamin D can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and help mitigate the low-grade chronic inflammation associated with T2DM. Several strategies have been proposed to increase vitamin D levels effectively and safely, but the recent and strong ones have common tactics. Short-term high doses increase the level acutely, and long-term lower doses maintain sufficient levels. Methods: The aim of our work was to determine and verify the effectiveness of high doses of vitamin D to safely increase its level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as the effect of these doses on selected metabolic parameters. Data from 20 studies (vitamin D group n = 612, and control group n = 592) regarding the influence of vitamin D supplementation with doses above 4000 IU on serum 25(OH)D, fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, serum calcium, and parathormone were pooled. Results: Vitamin D supplementation significantly improved serum 25(OH)D levels, with an average increase after intervention versus baseline at 177.09%. Our studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may benefit various parameters in T2DM patients, including glycemic control, blood pressure, and PTH levels. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may have beneficial effects on various parameters in type 2 diabetes patients, including glycemic control, blood pressure, and parathormone levels. However, the results are only sometimes consistent across all studies. Further examination is needed. Full article