Search Results (54)

Postprandial dysmetabolism, which refers to the impaired regulation of glucose and lipid levels after meals, is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Diets rich in polyphenols have demonstrated potential in improving postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. This study investigates the effects of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial metabolic outcomes following a high-fat and high-carbohydrate meal. A total of 36 healthy adults participated in a three-arm randomized crossover trial. They ingested either a biscuit made from olive leaf powder (OLB), olive leaf tea (OLT), or a placebo meal (CTRL) to assess the impact of olive leaf polyphenols on postprandial glycemia, lipid levels, platelet aggregation factor (PAF), and plasma antioxidant status (TAC). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the primary biomarkers, including glucose and lipid profiles, a delayed insulin response was noted in the interventions involving olive leaf. These findings suggest that while acute olive leaf supplementation did not significantly alter postprandial glycemia or lipidemia, it may subtly influence insulin kinetics. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of olive leaf polyphenols on metabolic health, especially in populations at risk for CVDs. Full article

Caffeic acid (CA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant found in coffee, tea, fruits, and vegetables, known for its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. However, its cosmetic application is limited because of poor dermal absorption due to its high polarity. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and skin-brightening effects of a novel lipophilic CA derivative, CAD (caffeic acid-3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropanolester). CAD was synthesized by conjugating CA with 3,4-DHPEA, a lipophilic antioxidant derived from olive oil. In both DPPH and ABTS assays, CAD exhibited more potent antioxidant activity than CA. In B16F10 melanoma cells, CAD significantly inhibited melanin production without cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than those required for CA. Cellular assays using DCF-DA staining demonstrated that CAD effectively reduced intracellular ROS levels. Mechanistic studies revealed that CAD inhibited tyrosinase activity and downregulated the expression of TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Additionally, CAD suppressed MITF phosphorylation, along with reduced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, elucidating its anti-melanogenic mechanism. Importantly, CAD showed dose-dependent skin-brightening effects in the 3D human skin model Melanoderm™, as evidenced by increased lightness and histological evaluation. In conclusion, CAD demonstrates strong potential as a safe and effective antioxidant and skin-brightening agent for cosmetic applications. Full article

Neurodegenerative disorders, mental conditions, and cognitive decline represent significant challenges worldwide, with growing pieces of evidence implicating alterations in neurotrophin signaling as central to these diseases. Neurotrophins—such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—are indispensable for neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity, and their dysregulation is closely associated with various neuropathological situations. Similarly, dietary plant polyphenols, abundant in vegetables, fruits, wine, tea, and extra virgin olive oil, show powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities. This narrative review critically addresses the evolving body of evidence that links plant polyphenols and brain neurotrophins, emphasizing several molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols regulate and modulate neurotrophin signaling. Crucial pathways include mitigation of neuroinflammatory responses, activation of intracellular cascades such as the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), epigenetic modulation, and the diminution of oxidative stress. Together, these effects contribute to potentiated enhanced synaptic function, neuronal integrity, and better learning and memory processes. Moreover, this narrative review examines how polyphenol-induced upregulation of neurotrophins may alleviate conditions associated not only with neurodegeneration but also with addiction and mood disorders, suggesting extensive therapeutic approaches. Findings from clinical investigations and animal models are presented to sustain the neuroprotective role of polyphenol-rich diets. Lastly, future research directions are recommended, focusing on polyphenol bioavailability optimization, considering combinatory dietary stratagems, and proposing personalized nutritional interventions. This wide-ranging perspective highlights plant polyphenols as encouraging modulators of neurotrophin pathways and supports their inclusion in approaches aimed at promoting brain health and counteracting neurodegenerative decline. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major pregnancy complication with rising global prevalence. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has shown metabolic benefits, but total adherence scores may obscure meaningful variation in dietary quality. This study aimed to investigate whether specific dietary patterns, identified within the MD framework, and their glycemic load (GL) are associated with GDM risk. Methods: This prospective cohort is part of the BORN2020 longitudinal study on pregnant women in Greece; dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at two time points (pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy). MD adherence was categorized by Trichopoulou score tertiles. GL was calculated for food groups using glycemic index (GI) reference values and carbohydrate content. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for GDM risk, stratified by MD adherence and time period, controlling for maternal, lifestyle, and clinical confounders. Results: In total, 797 pregnant women were included. Total MD adherence was not significantly associated with GDM risk. However, both food-specific GLs and dietary patterns with distinct dominant foods were predictive. GL from boiled greens/salads was consistently protective (aOR range: 0.09–0.19, p < 0.05). Patterns high in tea, coffee, and herbal infusions before pregnancy were linked to increased GDM risk (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.31–3.02, p = 0.001), as were patterns rich in fresh juice, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil during pregnancy (aOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.50–6.24, p = 0.003). A pattern dominated by sugary sweets, cold cuts, animal fats, and refined products was inversely associated with GDM (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001). A pattern characterized by sugar alternatives was associated with higher risk for GDM (aOR = 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48–19.36, p = 0.014). These associations were supported by high statistical power (power = 1). Conclusions: Within the context of the MD, evaluating both the glycemic impact of specific food groups and identifying risk-associated dietary patterns provides greater insight into GDM risk than overall MD adherence scores alone. Full article

Staining removal is an issue of interest in dentistry. Current treatments deal with staining removal on enamel, while few studies concentrate on resin composites. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy in staining removal of an ozonated gel on dental composites. The study sample consisted of 40 specimens of restorative composites: 20 specimens were stained for 1 day in tea solution (tea group) and 20 specimens were stained for 1 day in physiological solution (NaCl group). Both the tea and NaCl groups underwent the experimental treatment as follows: five specimens underwent ozonized gel application, five specimens underwent an ozonized spray, five specimens underwent an application of olive oil, and five specimens were not treated. A colorimetric evaluation was performed with a spectrophotometer, using CIEDE2000 data elaboration at the baseline (T0), after staining (T1), and after staining removal (T2). In the T0–T1 time frame, significantly different color changes (ΔE₀₀) were found between tea groups and NaCl groups (p < 0.05), except for control groups (p > 0.05). After staining removal in the T1–T2 period, no significant differences in ΔE₀₀ were found (p > 0.05). Higher values were found for groups treated with ozonized gel, denoting a stain removal effect. The groups treated with olive oil, instead, exhibited higher ΔE₀₀ values, showing a greater staining effect. In conclusion, the ozonized gel tested showed staining removal activity on restorative resin composites. Future clinical applications are required to validate the in vitro results obtained. Full article

This article demonstrates that the quality of laundry soap obtained by hot/cold saponification of two vegetable oils (olive and coconut) and an essential oil (such as Neem, Tea Tree or Thyme) influences the effects obtained after washing textiles: cleansing capacity and antibacterial effect. The results of FTIR, SEM, EDX, thermogravimetry and colorimetry analyses are presented comparatively for hot- and cold-prepared soaps. Saponification, Iodine number and Iodine Number Saponification values are determined for each oil but also for the mixture used in soap-making. Soap quality refers to texture, hardness, foaming capacity, stability, durability, cleansing capacity after washing and antimicrobial capacity. The removal power of greasy dirt (heavy used engine oil) of these laundry soaps is higher than that of some commercial soaps, obtaining dirt visibility <2.6% after washing at 100 °C, soiling addition density SAD < 0.0229 and cleansing capacity between 80.88 and 92.16%. UV-VIS analysis confirms the presence of essential oil in soaps (even after 10 months from manufacture) but also in textiles washed with them. The essential oil imparts strong antimicrobial properties to the laundry soaps (since they do not allow for attachment or multiplication of microorganisms from the environment), which makes them particularly useful in washing and disinfecting textile products used in hospitals. Full article

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating alternative therapeutic options. One critical challenge is treating infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, which are notably resistant to conventional antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is a major pathogen in biofilm-related infections, complicating treatment and leading to chronic cases. Plant extracts have emerged as promising alternatives, offering new avenues for effective treatment. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of commercial extracts of Vitis vinifera L. (grape), Camellia sinensis L. (green tea), Olea europaea L. (olive), Quercus robur (oak), and Coffea arabica L. (coffee) against S. aureus strains from ATCC collections and clinical isolates. Preliminary screening using the disk diffusion test assessed the zones of inhibition, which was followed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination via broth microdilution, with Quercus robur L. showing the best overall MIC results. The results obtained demonstrate the strong antibacterial activity of the extracts, with the MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 12.4 mg/mL. Using the XTT reduction assay, the extracts inhibited biofilm growth by 80–85% after 24 h of incubation, with Coffea arabica L. achieving interesting antibiofilm activities. These findings suggest that the investigated plant extracts hold potential as antimicrobial agents and biofilm inhibitors, offering an alternative approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in developing novel adjuvant therapies. Full article

Consumers perceive the level of organic food prices as the major obstacle to increasing purchases. The main objective of the presented study is to recognize the differences between the prices of organic and non-organic food (so-called price premiums) in the Polish organic food market. Consequently, in order to determine these differences, prices of organic and non-organic food were noted in 45 retail outlets providing both types of food products. The investigation was performed within the Poznań agglomeration for nine months, from October 2022 to June 2023. The research showed that organic food price premiums ranged between 35% and over 270%. The lowest premiums were observed in tomato passata, cereal and dairy products, and eggs and olive oil. The highest occurred in chocolate, tea, juices, rapeseed oil, and chicken. Compared to previous studies, premiums observed in the conducted research, although high, have decreased for most investigated products. Moreover, the differences in price premiums were noted depending on the outlet type—they were lower in supermarket and hypermarket chains than in small retail shops. It should be highlighted that measures to maintain organic market development should be carried out with particular emphasis on the continued participation of retail chains in the distribution of organic food and the increased participation of large companies in processing organic food. Full article

Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and magnesium has been associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in several bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers in postmenopausal women with high osteopenia or osteoporosis, followed by a nutritional intervention program. In total, 115 apparently healthy postmenopausal women (52 ± 8 years old) were randomized into four groups: group I (n = 40) received daily 1000 mg vitamin C, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg calcium(Ca) and 300 mg magnesium (Mg); group II (n = 42) received daily 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; group III (n = 18) received daily 5 mg bisphosphonates, 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg; and group IV (n = 15) received daily about 364 mg polyphenols via an innovative functional food (50 g olive paste enriched with mountain tea extract) along with 100 mcg vitamin D3, 500 mg Ca and 300 mg Mg. Groups I–III received supplementation for a year whereas group IV received supplementation for 5 months. Changes in bone health indicators and metabolic biomarkers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric indices and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention period. The results revealed improved elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 in groups II, III and IV (+3.71% and +1.45% and +5.62%, respectively). Significant positive changes were recorded for whole-body BMD in all four study groups. Significant beneficial changes for total cholesterol were observed in group IV (−2.07%, p < 0.05) and positive changes in group I for HDL biomarkers (+61.62%, p < 0.05). Additional larger-scale clinical trials and intervention studies are considered essential to fully investigate and elucidate associations between dietary components and biochemical indices of bone health. Full article

Bone health is the result of a tightly regulated balance between bone modeling and bone remodeling, and alterations of these processes have been observed in several diseases both in adult and pediatric populations. The imbalance in bone remodeling can ultimately lead to osteoporosis, which is most often associated with aging, but contributing factors can already act during the developmental age, when over a third of bone mass is accumulated. The maintenance of an adequate bone mass is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as physical activity and diet, and particularly by an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, it has been claimed that the integration of specific nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, isoflavones, lycopene, curcumin, lutein, and β-carotene and the intake of bioactive compounds from the diet such as honey, tea, dried plums, blueberry, and olive oil can be efficient strategies for bone loss prevention. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are largely used to provide medical or health benefits, but there is an urge to determine which products have adequate clinical evidence and a strong safety profile. The aim of this review is to explore the scientific and clinical evidence of the positive role of nutraceuticals and functional food in bone health, focusing both on molecular mechanisms and on real-world studies. Full article

Secondary metabolites, polyphenols, are widespread in the entire kingdom of plants. They contain one or more hydroxyl groups that have a variety of biological functions in the natural environment. These uses include polyphenols in food, beauty products, dietary supplements, and medicinal products and have grown rapidly during the past 20 years. Antimicrobial polyphenols are described together with their sources, classes, and subclasses. Polyphenols are found in different sources, such as dark chocolate, olive oil, red wine, almonds, cashews, walnuts, berries, green tea, apples, artichokes, mushrooms, etc. Examples of benefits are antiallergic, antioxidant, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobe properties. From these sources, different classes of polyphenols are helpful for the growth of internal functional systems of the human body, providing healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improving brain health, and rebooting our cellular microbiome health by mitochondrial uncoupling. Among the various health benefits of polyphenols (curcumin, naringenin, quercetin, catechin, etc.) primarily different antimicrobial activities are discussed along with possible future applications. For polyphenols and antimicrobial agents to be proven safe, adverse health impacts must be substantiated by reliable scientific research as well as in vitro and in vivo clinical data. Future research may be influenced by this evaluation. Full article

Polyphenols, the main antioxidants of diet, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. Here, we compared the effects of four polyphenolic compounds on ROS production and on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which represent important pathogenetic factors of breast cancer. THP-1 differentiated macrophages were activated by LPS and simultaneously treated with different doses of a green tea extract (GTE), resveratrol (RSV), curcumin (CRC) and an olive fruit extract (oliplus). By using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, we found that all of the tested compounds showed antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, GTE, RSV and CRC were able to counteract ROS production induced by H₂O₂ in THP-1 cells. As assessed by a zymographic analysis of THP-1 supernatants and by an “in-gel zymography” of a pool of sera from patients with breast cancer, the antioxidant compounds used in this study inhibited both the activity and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through different mechanisms related to their structures and to their ability to scavenge ROS. The results of this study suggest that the used antioxidants could be promising agents for the prevention and complementary treatment of breast cancer and other diseases in which MMPs play a pivotal role. Full article

Plant-based foods are known to be rich in nutrients, but they are also a good source of phytochemicals that have a positive effect on health. However, it appears that children in EU countries consume less plant-based foods and thus have a low phytochemical intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the dietary phytochemical index (DPI) in children and to investigate the relationship between DPI and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. DPI was estimated from the 3-day dietary records of 195 children (52% boys; 8.9 ± 0.4 years) from 14 primary schools in the city of Zagreb (school years 2018/2019). Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were observed using a general questionnaire and a physical activity questionnaire for older children. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to standard protocols, while z-scores were obtained using AnthroPlus v.1.0.4. software. The mean DPI was 11.8 (7.7–16.2) in the total sample of children. In this study population, DPI was most influenced by fruit (39% of DPI) consumption, followed by whole grains (31%), vegetables (22%), and other foods (7%) such as olive oil, herbal drinks, herbs, tea etc. No association was found between DPI and weight status, sleep duration, sedentary behavior, physical activity level, parents’ education level, and household income. However, sex was significantly weakly correlated with DPI (r = 0.146; p = 0.041), with girls having a significantly higher DPI (12.4; 9.5–17.7) compared to boys (10.3; 7.6–15.3). This difference is significant, as further analysis revealed that girls consumed more dried fruits (p = 0.006) and nuts (p = 0.031) than boys. Although there is no recommendation for phytochemical intake, nor for an appropriate DPI, the children in the present study have a lower DPI compared with the DPI estimated in the available literature for a similar population. Girls had a higher DPI than boys, but only because they consumed more dried fruits and nuts. It has not been demonstrated that this low DPI score is related to other sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Further research is needed to determine which factors and their combination may influence DPI and whether these factors are equally pronounced in children with higher or lower DPI. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease manifests as a complex pathological condition, with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction being a few of the many pathological changes. Due to the complexity of the disease, current therapeutic strategies aim at a multitargeted approach, often relying on a combination of substances with versatile and complementary effects. In the present study, a unique combination of α-lipoic acid, citicoline, extracts of leaves from olive tree and green tea, vitamin D3, selenium and an immune-supporting complex was tested in scopolamine-induced dementia in rats. Using behavioral and biochemical methods, we assessed the effects of the combination on learning and memory, and elucidated the mechanisms of these effects. Our results showed that, compared to its components, the experimental combination was most efficient in improving short- and long-term memory as assessed by the step-through method as well as spatial memory as assessed by T-maze and Barnes maze underlined by decreases in AChE activity (p < 0.05) and LPO (p < 0.001), increases in SOD activity in the cortex (p < 0.05) and increases in catalase (p < 0.05) and GPx (p < 0.01) activities and BDNF (p < 0.001) and pCREB (p < 0.05) levels in the hippocampus. No significant histopathological changes or blood parameter changes were detected, making the experimental combination an effective and safe candidate in a multitargeted treatment of AD. Full article

2-phenylethanol (2-PE) has been widely utilized as an aromatic additive in various industries, including cosmetics, beer, olive oil, tea, and coffee, due to its rose-honey-like aroma. However, no reports have investigated the production of 2-PE by Starmerella bacillaris. Here, S. bacillaris (syn., Candida zemplinina, and named strain R5) was identified by analysis of morphology, physiology and biochemistry, and 26S rRNA and ITS gene sequence. Then, based on the analysis of whole-genome sequencing and comparison with the KEGG database, it was inferred that strain R5 could synthesize 2-PE from L-phe or glucose through the Ehrlich pathway or shikimate pathway. For further verification of the 2-PE synthesis pathway, strain R5 was cultured in M3 (NH₄⁺), M3 (NH₄⁺ + Phe), and M3 (Phe) medium. In M3 (Phe) medium, the maximum concentration of 2-PE reached 1.28 g/L, which was 16-fold and 2.29-fold higher than that in M3 (NH₄⁺) and M3 (Phe + NH₄⁺) media, respectively. These results indicated that 2-PE could be synthesized by strain R5 through the shikimate pathway or Ehrlich pathway, and the biotransformation from L-phe to 2-PE was more efficient than that from glucose. The qRT-PCR results suggested that compared to M3 (Phe + NH₄⁺) medium, the mRNA expression levels of YAT were 124-fold and 86-fold higher in M3 (Phe) and M3 (NH₄⁺) media, respectively, indicating that the transport of L-phe was inhibited when both NH₄⁺ and Phe were present in the medium. In the M3 (Phe) and M3 (Phe + NH₄⁺) media, the mRNA expression level of ADH5 was higher than PDC, hisC, GOT1, and YAT, and it was 2.6 times higher and 2.48 times higher, respectively, compared to the M3 (NH₄⁺) medium, revealing that the key gene catalyzing the dehydrogenation of benzaldehyde to 2-PE is ADH5. Furthermore, strain R5 exhibits tolerance to high concentrations of 2-PE, reaching 3 g/L, which conferred an ideal tolerance to 2-PE. In summary, the synthesis pathway of 2-PE, mainly for the Ehrlich pathway, was proved for the first time in S. bacillaris, which had not been previously explored and provided a basis for non-Saccharomyces yeast-producing 2-PE and its applications. Full article