Search Results (24)

Background/Objectives: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea. Based on results from in vitro studies, EGCG—with its wide range of beneficial properties—has been considered a promising option for the treatment of patients with various skin conditions. Methods: The aim of this systematic review, conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EGCG in the treatment and prevention of various types of dermatitis. Results: A search of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases identified eight trials (including four randomized trials) that investigated the use of EGCG alone (as a saline solution) for the treatment and prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis or as a component of a shampoo or cream for atopic and seborrheic scalp dermatitis. The identified single-arm and randomized controlled trials were characterized by low methodological quality, were in early phases of development, and/or included a small number of participants. The topical effect of EGCG on the severity of dermatitis was shown to depend on the type of dermatitis, concentration, and pharmaceutical form used. The administration of EGCG resulted in a significant reduction in skin symptoms in patients with radiation-induced dermatitis compared with placebo and with baseline, while in seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, the results of shampoo with EGCG component were similar to those of active conventional treatment. The EGCG treatment was generally well tolerated, with no serious treatment-related adverse events. Conclusions: This study showed that EGCG can be a promising option for the treatment and prevention of various types of dermatitis. However, due to the small sample size, large, well-designed, randomized phase III trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Full article

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has studied and classified 1045 potential substances. It is therefore important to develop rapid screening methods to identify the mutagenicity of compounds and, further on, the intensity and number of individual mutagenic substances in complex sample mixtures. The current in vitro Ames assay in the microtiter plate format (MPF) uses a pH-sensitive detection as endpoint, however, acidic substances in complex mixtures may interfere the mutagenicity result. Hence, it was transferred to the planar assay format to be more selective for complex mixture testing. The co-culture of Salmonella Typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 with an optical density of 0.4 at 600 nm was applied on a high-performance thin-layer chromatography silica gel 60 chromatogram and on-surface incubated for 5 h, which period was limited due to zone diffusion. Various positive controls were tested, and 4-nitrochinolin-N-oxide with a limit of detection of 100 ng was established as a positive control. However, due to the shorter incubation time, no mutagenic compounds were detectable or differentiable in the tested perfumes, herbal teas, margarines, and hand creams. This does not mean that the samples are mutagen-free, but it suggests that further improvements to the bioassay are urgently needed to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the response. Compared to conventional sum value assays, a planar Ames assay performed on the separated and adsorbed sample components advances toxicology research because mutagenic compounds are separated from interfering molecules due to the integrated separation. It thus would provide a more selective detection of mutagens in complex mixtures and allow testing of large sample volumes or concentrated samples without matrix interference. Full article

Background/Objective: Burn injuries are among the most common causes of trauma globally, affecting millions annually. Current treatments often rely on topical agents, but alternatives to synthetic formulations are increasingly sought due to safety and efficacy concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a cream containing Camellia sinensis (white tea) extract on third-degree burn-induced skin lesions in a rat model. Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: control, Burn only, Burn + Camellia sinensis extract, and Burn + Camellia sinensis cream. Skin biopsies were evaluated using histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress, while histological damage and immunoreactivity for collagen I, collagen III, NF-kβ/p65, TNF-alfa, 8-OhDG, and caspase-3 were analyzed. Results: The Camellia sinensis cream significantly reduced MDA levels and increased GSH levels compared to the burn-only group (p < 0.001). Histological analysis revealed enhanced epidermal regeneration and reduced dermal damage. The immunohistochemical findings demonstrated reduced NF-kβ/p65, TNF-alfa, 8-OhDG, caspase-3, collagen I, and collagen III immunopositivity in the cream-treated group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Camellia sinensis cream demonstrated significant protective and reparative effects on burn-induced skin damage, suggesting its potential as a natural, effective, and safe alternative for burn management. Full article

The addition of an extract to an emulsion is intended to improve its fragrance and care qualities. Green tea is a beverage known all over the world. It is tasty and has beneficial effects on human health due to its high polyphenol content. The compounds present in this variety of tea have also made it an interesting cosmetic ingredient. The polyphenols contained in green tea have antioxidant properties and can delay the ageing process in human skin. Various preparations with this ingredient can be found on the market—from creams to hair care products. Making one’s own cosmetics is also a trend. In the following study, three creams containing green tea extracts from three different manufacturers were prepared, and the total polyphenol (TP) contents, the phenolic profile of the extracts used and the antioxidant activity of these preparations were examined using two methods: DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ cationic radicals. The study showed that the antioxidant activity of the glycerin–water extracts measured by the selected methods was higher than that of the oil extract. Among the creams, the product with green tea extract from Firm 2 (glycerin–water extract) showed the best antioxidant properties. Full article

This ethnobotanical study examines the traditional knowledge and usage patterns of wild plants in the western Alps, specifically within the Ubaye and Bellino Valleys, through a comparative analysis of data collected from 1983 (published in 1990) to 2024. Our study aims to assess the change in plant usage, species diversity, and the changing roles of plants in local traditions in the western Alpine mountain ecosystems. While the 1983 survey documented medicinal uses centered around pastoralist practices, the 2024 data highlight a notable increase in the use of synanthropic plants, now utilized both medicinally and as food. Several species such as Allium sativum, Artemisia absinthium, and Urtica dioica have shown resilience and continuity in local cultural practices, maintaining medicinal, culinary, and ritual significance across the four decades. The 1983 survey documented the greatest variety of species (101), a number that decreased in subsequent studies. The 2009 survey identified 36 species not previously recorded in 1983, and the 2024 field study noted an additional 20 species. The study highlights the economic potential of several wild species in these alpine areas, such as Achillea, Artemisia, Verbascum, Veronica, Viola, Polygonum, Bunium, and Sorbus spp., which could be utilized for creating new herbal teas, artisanal beers, liqueurs, ice creams, sweets, and seasoned food products. Expanding the uses of these plants could not only preserve ethnobotanical knowledge but also stimulate local economies and support sustainable development in alpine communities. The documented temporal shifts in plant usage reflect broader cultural, ecological, and socio-economic changes, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge amidst ongoing environmental and societal shifts. This study underlines the need to conserve ethnobotanical heritage while adapting to the evolving landscape of the region. Future research could focus on exploring the role of these species in broader sustainability initiatives, including conservation strategies, ecosystem services, and community-based tourism while continuing to document the cultural dynamics influencing plant usage. Full article

The gallated catechin content in Wuyi Rock Tea is higher in the summer, leading to a more bitter and less desirable taste. Here, tannase, tyrosinase, and laccase were used to treat summer Rougui Wuyi Rock Tea extracts. The effects of single and combined enzymes on the taste of the tea extracts and their mechanisms of action were analyzed. Compared with the no-enzyme-treated sample, the sensory score results showed that tannase was the most effective, increasing the bitterness and astringency scores by 113.9% and 255.3%, respectively. Among the combined enzyme treatments, the samples treated with tannase and tyrosinase yielded the best sensory scores, with bitterness and astringency scores increasing by 141.2% and 289.0%, respectively. Data obtained using an electronic tongue confirmed the role of these enzymes, showing that, in addition to bitterness and astringency, enzyme treatment also influenced the bitterness aftertaste and astringency aftertaste, as well as its sourness and sweetness. Further product analysis revealed that tannase hydrolyzes the ester bonds on the gallacyl groups in gallated catechins, converting them to non-gallated catechins, while tyrosinase and laccase oxidize the phenolic hydroxyl groups on catechins to form o-quinone, leading to the production of theaflavins and improved tea quality. This study presents an effective approach to improving the quality of summer tea using biological enzymes. Full article

Known for its stimulating effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, caffeine has proven remarkable versatile properties. It can be used in a wide range of different products, from anti-aging cosmetics to the pharmaceutical treatment of hair loss. Caffeine is known for its antioxidant properties and is commonly found in moisturising creams recommended as anti-aging or anti-cellulite and also for the treatment of different skin disorders, including androgenic alopecia. This bioactive is also described to be able to enhance the sunscreen scattering effect of well-known ultraviolet (UV) blockers. One of the major challenges remains its penetration capacity into deeper skin layers, which may be achieved by the use of nanosized delivery systems, yet without the risk of transdermal delivery. In this review, we discuss the nutraceutical value of caffeine in cosmetic products, so-called nutricosmetics, which grants this bioactive several advantages in several formulations, in comparison to other potential bioactives of nutricosmetic value. Furthermore, the disclosed effects of bioactives commonly found in coffee, tea, and their by-products are reviewed and discussed. The discussion concludes by highlighting the significant benefits of caffeine in the treatment of skin disorders and its potential to enhance and promote skin health. Full article

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intakes of saturated fat and added sugars (SF/AS) to <10% total energy. Data-driven approaches to identify sources of SF/AS are needed to meet these goals. We propose using a population-based approach to identify the leading food and beverage sources of SF/AS consumed by US adults. Foods and beverages reported as consumed were assessed from two, 24 h dietary recalls (24HRDR) from 36,378 adults aged 19 years and older from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Intakes of SF/AS were aggregated across both 24HRDR to identify What We Eat in America food categories accounting for ≥90% of SF/AS, respectively, by the total population and within population subgroups. Data were weighted to estimate a nationally representative sample. Ninety-five discrete food categories accounted for ≥90% of the total SF/AS intakes for >88% of the representative sample of U.S. adults. The top sources of SF were cheese, pizza, ice cream, and eggs. The leading sources of AS were soft drinks, tea, fruit drinks, and cakes and pies. This analysis reflects a parsimonious approach to reliably identify foods and beverages that contribute to SF/AS intakes in U.S. adults. Full article

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant phytochemicals in the technological developments that are working to prevent and treat periodontal disease. To access the documents, the descriptors “PERIODONTAL” and “ANTIOXIDANT” were typed in the title, abstract, and claim search fields. A total of 322 patents demonstrate the growing interest in researching natural antioxidants for scientific and technological purposes. The top ten countries regarding the number of family patents produced were the United States, the European Office, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain. The most cited compounds were vitamin C, green tea, quercetin, melatonin, lycopene, resveratrol, and curcumin. These compounds have been used for the technological development of gels, membranes, dentifrices, chewing gum, orally disintegrating film, mouthwash, mouth spray, and mouth massage cream and exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The patent documents have shown that using antioxidant compounds in conjunction with traditional periodontal treatments is a promising area of interest in periodontal therapy. Full article

The composition of green tea cream is extremely complex, and identification of key components is a prerequisite for elucidating its microstructure formation mechanism. This study examined the dynamic changes in the content of components and properties of colloid particles during the formation process of tea cream by chemical analysis and dynamic laser scattering (DLS). A “knock-out/knock-in” method was developed and used to further explore the relationship between the interaction of these components and the microstructure formation of tea cream. The results revealed that polysaccharides, proteins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine were the main components involved in tea cream formation. These components participated in the formation process in the form of polysaccharide–protein and EGCG–caffeine colloidal particles. Consequently, there were synchronized dynamic changes in the levels of polysaccharides, proteins, EGCG, and caffeine. The “knock-out/knock-in” experiment revealed that the interactions between EGCG or caffeine and macro-molecule components were not the key factors in tea cream microstructure formation. However, it was found that the complexation between EGCG and caffeine played a crucial role in the formation of tea cream. The findings suggested that decreasing the concentrations of EGCG and caffeine could be useful in controlling tea cream formation during tea beverage processing and storage. Full article

Effects of two foods with bioactive constituents (black tea brew, BTB and grape seed powder, GSP) on lipid digestibility was studied. Lipolysis inhibitory effect of these foods was examined using two test foods (cream and baked beef) with highly different fatty acid (FA) composition. Digestion simulations were performed either using both gastric and pancreatic lipase, or only with pancreatic lipase according to the Infogest protocol. Lipid digestibility was assessed based on the bioaccessible FAs. Results showed the triacylglycerols containing short- and medium-chain FAs (SCFA and MCFA) are non-preferred substrates for pancreatic lipase; however, this is not characteristic for GL. Our findings suggest that both GSP and BTB primarily affect the lipolysis of SCFAs and MCFAs, because the dispreference of pancreatic lipase towards these substrates was further enhanced as a result of co-digestion. Interestingly, GSP and BTB similarly resulted in significant decrease in lipolysis for cream (containing milk fat having a diverse FA profile), whereas they were ineffective in influencing the digestion of beef fat, having simpler FA profile. It highlights that the characteristics of the dietary fat source of a meal can be a key determinant on the observed extent of lipolysis when co-digested with foods with bioactive constituents. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted some dietary habits of Americans. Objective: We examined characteristics associated with a high intake of sweet foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants/settings: The SummerStyles survey data were collected in 2021 among 4034 US adults (≥18 years). Main outcome measures: The frequencies were measured of consuming various sweet foods (chocolate/candy, doughnuts/sweet rolls/Danish/muffins/Pop-Tarts, cookies/cake/pie/brownies, and ice cream/frozen desserts) and SSB (regular sodas, sweetened coffee/tea drinks fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The responses were categorized into 0, >0 to <1, 1 to <2, and ≥2 times/day. The descriptive variables were sociodemographics, food insecurity, weight status, metropolitan status, census regions, and eating habit changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analyses performed: Multinomial regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for being a high consumer of sweet foods and SSB after controlling for characteristics. Results: During 2021, 15% of adults reported consuming sweet foods ≥2 times/day, and 30% reported drinking SSB ≥2 times/day. The factors that were significantly associated with greater odds of high sweet food intake (≥2 times/day) were lower household income (AOR = 1.53 for <$35,000 vs. ≥$100,000), often/sometimes experiencing food insecurity (AOR = 1.41 vs. never), and eating more sweet foods than usual since start of the pandemic (AOR = 2.47 vs. same as usual). The factors that were significantly associated with greater odds of high SSB intake (≥2 times/day) were males (AOR = 1.51), lower education (AOR = 1.98 for ≤high school; AOR = 1.33 for some college vs. college graduate), currently having children (AOR = 1.65), living in nonmetropolitan areas (AOR = 1.34), and drinking more SSB than usual since the pandemic began (AOR = 2.23 vs. same as usual). Younger age, Black race, and reductions in consumption during COVID-19 were related to lower sweet food and SSB intakes. Conclusions: Our findings, which identified high consumers of sweet foods or SSB, can be used to inform efforts to reduce consumers’ added sugars intake during pandemic recovery and support their health. Full article

Reports related to incidences of drug facilitated crimes (DFCs) have notably increased in recently. In such cases, victims report being assaulted or robbed while under the influence of drugs. Lorazepam (LZ) is frequently used in DFCs as it can easily make victims docile owing to its potent numbing effect. Therefore, a straightforward and green analytical method to analyze LZ in spiked food matrices in connection with criminal acts becomes important. The current study reports a simple, green, and high sample throughput analytical method for determining LZ in food and drink matrices commonly encountered in DFCs, based on recently introduced cellulose paper sorptive extraction (CPSE). For the extraction of LZ from food matrices, pristine cellulose paper (CP, commonly used laboratory filter paper) was used as a sorptive medium. Five pieces of CP (1.5″ × 1.5″ each) were dipped into diluted food matrices (cream biscuits and tea) and stirred on a rotary shaker for 30 min at 200 rpm. The CPs were then dried, and the adsorbed LZ was back-extracted into 2 mL of methanol. The extract was then subjected to GC–MS analysis in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Several parameters, including CP size and number, back-extraction solvent type and volume, sample volume, extraction time and stirring speed, pH, ionic strength, elution time and speed, were thoroughly screened and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the method was found to be linear in the range of 0.2–10 µg·mL⁻¹ (or µg·g⁻¹) with a coefficient of determination (R²) ranging from 0.996–0.998. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for cream biscuits were 0.054 and 0.18 µg·g⁻¹ whereas they were 0.05 and 0.16 µg·mL⁻¹ for tea samples. For all measurements, the relative standard deviations (%RSD) were always below 10%. Two mL of methanol per sample was used during the entire sample preparation process. The greenness of the proposed procedure was evaluated using Analytical Eco-Scale and GAPI greenness assessment tools. Finally, the CPSE–GC–MS method has been applied for the determination of LZ in forensic food samples which were used in DFCs. Full article

Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of many non-infectious diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a leading cause of death in Europe. The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory potential of the diets of participants enrolled in the Polish arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, evaluate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) score with the dietary content, and to determine the correlation of DII score with selected anthropometric parameters and biochemical risk factors for CVD. Diets were assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Among participants with pro-inflammatory diets, we reported higher mean values of triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and the Castelli’s risk index (CRI) in the group of men and women, and higher waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the group of women. Pro-inflammatory diets were associated with higher intake of refined grains, sweets, juices, red meat, high-fat cheese and cream, alcohol, fats except for vegetable oils, potatoes, sugar and honey, French fries, fried fish, and processed/high-fat poultry. Moreover, study participants with pro-inflammatory diets consumed more milk, low-fat dairy, and eggs associated with unhealthy dietary habits, but this should not be considered as an independent CVD risk factor. Anthropometric and biochemical outcomes were more favorable among study participants who consumed more vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, raisins, pulses, low-fat poultry, and tea. However, association of beverage consumption with dietary inflammatory potential requires further study. Full article

Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) can be caused by supplements containing herbs, natural products, and products used in traditional medicine. Herbal products’ most common adverse reaction is hepatotoxicity. Almost every plant part can be used to make herbal products, and these products can come in many different forms, such as teas, powders, oils, creams, capsules, and injectables. HILI incidence and prevalence are hard to estimate and vary from study to study because of insufficient large-scale prospective studies. The diagnosis of HILI is a challenging process that requires not only insight but also a high degree of suspicion by the clinician. HILI presents with unspecific symptoms and is a diagnosis of exclusion. For diagnosis, it is necessary to make a causality assessment; the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences assessment is the preferred method worldwide. The most effective treatment is the suspension of the use of the suspected herbal product and close monitoring of liver function. The objective of this review is to highlight the necessary steps for the clinician to follow to reach a correct diagnosis of herb-induced liver injury. Further studies of HILI are needed to better understand its complexity and prevent increased morbidity and mortality. Full article