Search Results (211)

The spread of unverified health claims about drugs, dietary supplements, and alternative remedies on social media poses a growing public health concern. In this study, we present a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipeline that uses large language models (LLMs) grounded in biomedical evidence from PubMed, openFDA adverse event reports, and NIH/NCCIH dietary supplement fact sheets to detect and classify health product misinformation. A total of 3493 health-related posts were collected from Reddit (948 posts across 12 subreddits) and YouTube (2545 video descriptions and comments), from which 8250 structured claims were extracted using Claude Haiku. Each claim was matched to biomedical evidence from three authoritative sources, achieving 79.4% evidence coverage, and classified into one of five veracity categories: supported (7.0%), unsupported (59.9%), exaggerated (22.4%), contradicted (2.0%), or dangerous (8.6%), together with an associated risk tier. Overall, 13.5% of claims were assigned high or critical risk. Cross-platform analysis showed that YouTube contained higher proportions of dangerous (11.3% vs. 2.9%) and exaggerated (27.0% vs. 12.4%) claims than Reddit. Compared with keyword-based and zero-shot transformer baselines, the LLM+RAG pipeline produced a more balanced and fine-grained classification of unsupported, exaggerated, contradicted, and dangerous claims. The most frequently implicated products were ashwagandha, kratom, black seed oil, turmeric, and ivermectin, with disease cure claims showing the highest dangerous classification rate (30.1%). These model-assigned results suggest that evidence-grounded LLM pipelines can support health misinformation surveillance, while also highlighting the need for expert validation and broader cross-platform evaluation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcuma longa is widely recognized for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-related biological effects. The present study aimed to compare two extracts prepared from organic turmeric powder (Curcuma longa), using distilled water (CUR-H₂O) and 96% ethanol (CUR-EtOH), in terms of extraction yield, phytochemical profile, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro biological behavior relevant to future oral-health-oriented applications. Methods: The extracts were prepared by maceration followed by ultrasound-assisted processing, concentration, and lyophilization. Their antioxidant potential (AOP) was evaluated by DPPH assay, total phenolic content (TPC) by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and targeted polyphenolic profile by UHPLC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by broth microdilution against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Candida albicans. In vitro biological activity was investigated on HaCaT keratinocytes. Results: CUR-EtOH extract showed a higher extraction yield than CUR-H₂O (5.13% vs. 2.01%), higher AOP (69.54 ± 0.49% vs. 53.35 ± 0.30%), and a higher TPC (163.87 ± 0.32 vs. 78.05 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g dry extract). Consistent with these TPC results, UHPLC-MS revealed a richer targeted polyphenolic profile in CUR-EtOH extract, particularly in terms of p-coumaric and ferulic acid derivatives. CUR-EtOH extract was more active against the tested oral streptococci, especially S. mutans (MIC 10 µL vs. 60 µL for CUR-H₂O), whereas CUR-H₂O extract showed a slightly better antifungal effect against C. albicans (MIC 60 µL vs. 80 µL). In HaCaT cells, CUR-H₂O extract exhibited the more favorable compatibility profile, while CUR-EtOH extract showed stronger cytotoxicity, despite promoting faster wound-gap closure at 10 µg/mL. Conclusions: The extraction solvent strongly influenced both the chemical profile and biological behavior of the turmeric-powder-derived extracts. These findings suggest that solvent selection may be used to tailor the balance between antimicrobial efficacy and epithelial compatibility in future turmeric-powder-derived preparations intended for oral-health-oriented applications. Full article

Lymphoma is a hematological malignancy and a major non-communicable disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoid cells, frequently associated with dysregulation of the cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) oncogenic pathway. In this study, we investigated the anti-lymphoma potential of bioactive compounds derived from edible plants in the Zingiberaceae family, including fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda), turmeric (Curcuma longa), white turmeric (Curcuma mangga), zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria), and ginger (Zingiber officinale). Crude extracts from these traditionally consumed medicinal food plants were evaluated for cytotoxic effects against human B-cell lymphoma cell lines (Raji and Daudi) and compared with normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Among the tested extracts, ginger and turmeric exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward lymphoma cells. Ginger was selected for further investigation, and subsequent analyses identified 6-shogaol as the principal active compound. 6-Shogaol significantly suppressed total and phosphorylated c-Myc protein expression, induced dose-dependent apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest in lymphoma cells. Network pharmacology and pathway enrichment analyses suggested the modulation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, particularly the PI3K/Akt/c-Myc and MAPK signaling. These findings indicate that 6-shogaol exerts anti-lymphoma activity through the coordinated modulation of oncogenic and apoptotic pathways. However, as this study is limited to in vitro and computational analyses, further in vivo validation is required. Overall, 6-shogaol represents a promising food-derived lead compound for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against lymphoma. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a seemingly high prevalence of dietary supplement use in the kidney stone population. We aimed to understand patients’ perceptions of dietary supplements and their role in the management of kidney stones. Methods: We performed a standardized survey of patients presenting for management of kidney stones. We investigated the knowledge and use of apple cider vinegar (ACV), turmeric, and cranberry extract, as well as opinions on the safety of dietary supplements and sources of information. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and survey data. Results: Ninety-five patients were surveyed; 18 (18.9%) patients reported using ACV, 19 (20%) reported using cranberry extract, and 11 (11.6%) reported using turmeric. Similar numbers reported having heard of these dietary supplements being used for kidney stone prevention and/or treatment. Most patients believed these dietary supplements to be probably (ACV, n = 61, 64.2%; cranberry, n = 62, 65.3%; turmeric, n = 61, 64.2%) or definitely (ACV, n = 22, 23.2%; cranberry, n = 28; 29.5%; turmeric, n = 22, 23.2%) safe. For those who had heard about these supplements being used to treat or prevent kidney stones, friends/family (n = 25, 26.3%), online websites (n = 21, 22.1%), and social media (n = 15, 15.8%) were the most common sources of information. Conclusions: Apple cider vinegar, turmeric and cranberry extract have unknown risks or benefits in the management of kidney stones. Furthermore, their impact on stone pathophysiology remains unclear; however, many of our surveyed patient population uses them. Our study provides insight into patients’ use and perception of dietary supplements that clinicians should consider in the management of kidney stones. Further studies are needed to better counsel patients on the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. Full article

Turmeric has a long history of use as a colorant and flavoring agent. Turmeric extract (TE) is a feed additive containing at least 90% total curcuminoids, comprising mainly curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The published antioxidant effects of TE in humans have sparked interest and feeding studies in companion animals. Studies describing the feeding of TE to cats are scarce and do not provide adequate toxicology data; regulatory approval is required to allow use of TE as a nutritional antioxidant in pet food. The current study describes a safety test of TE in cats. Control cats were fed a standard extruded dry diet whilst two groups of test cats were fed the same diet supplemented with two different levels of TE for four months. Physical examination, body weight, body condition score, food intake, fecal score, monitoring of adverse effects (vomiting, diarrhea, clinical signs), complete blood count, and blood biochemistry (particularly liver enzymes) were used to monitor toxicity signs. The lack of statistically significant effects of clinical or toxicological concern concludes that feeding TE to cats at a dietary level providing up to 1040 ppm total curcuminoids is safe. This allows future application of this ingredient in cat food as a nutritional antioxidant. Full article

Throughout this study, the short-term stability of methanol extracts was evaluated in cases of 15 distinctive, antioxidant-rich plant materials over 3, 7, and 14 days under refrigeration (4 °C), dark room-temperature, and light-exposed room-temperature conditions. A great variability in the matrix-dependent stability of the antioxidants, as well as the pronounced impact of the implied storage conditions on their plausible degradation, was revealed and featured. Initial total polyphenol content (TPC) ranged from 50.50 ± 0.44 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g DW (rosemary) to only 0.02 ± 0.006 mg GAE/g DW (amaranth). After 14 days, pigment-rich vegetable extracts (basil, beetroot powder, spinach powder, dried onion, tomato powder, and yarrow tail) lost 86.2–89.2% of TPC and 80–99% of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity across all conditions, even under refrigeration. In contrast, for Lamiaceae species, markedly higher levels of the referred parameters were to be observed after 14-day-long storage. Decrease in TPC values was found to be 43.7% (rosemary), 50.6% (thyme), and 42.9% (oregano), respectively, while DPPH values were reduced by only 17–29%. Turmeric and walnut flour showed intermediate stability. Refrigeration consistently minimized the degradation of antioxidants (e.g., rosemary’s decrease in DPPH was only 20.3% at 4 °C vs. >70% under ambient conditions), while light exposure significantly accelerated losses of antioxidants in nearly all samples. Methanol extracts of many dietary plants, particularly pigment-rich ones, exhibit rapid and pronounced changes during short-term storage. Comparison with values obtained immediately after extraction shows that even brief storage can lead to substantial deviations. Although the current sampling intervals do not capture changes within the first hours, the results clearly indicate the need to minimize delays and standardize analytical timing to avoid underestimating phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that measured antioxidant properties are not solely inherent to the plant material but are strongly influenced by the extract matrix and methodological conditions. Consequently, antioxidant data should be regarded as matrix- and protocol-dependent, with important implications for their interpretation, comparability, and reproducibility across studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: A robust and scalable manufacturing framework for lipid-based nanocarriers remains a critical challenge, particularly for labile phytochemicals such as curcuminoids in turmeric. This study presents an integrated Quality by Design (QbD)-driven and Outcome-Based Design (ObD) strategy to establish a scalable, resource-efficient manufacturing process for curcuminoids-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Methods: To overcome the limitations of conventional multivariate design of experiments (DOE), which require extensive experimental runs, a risk-based, knowledge-driven single-factor screening approach was employed. Guided by risk assessment tools, including Ishikawa diagrams and failure mode considerations, 12 representative processing conditions were selected to define the design space. Critical quality attributes (CQAs), namely, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential, were predefined to establish a robust control strategy. A two-step homogenization process—high-shear homogenization (HSH) for pre-emulsification followed by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) for nanoscale refinement—was systematically optimized. Results: Multivariate data analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identified key critical process parameters (CPPs), particularly HSH speed, processing time, and HPH cycles, as dominant factors influencing nanoparticle characteristics. The optimized 1-h process enabled successful scale-up of NLCs from 100 g to 5000 g, demonstrating the capability to generate nanosized particles within 100–500 nm. The combined HSH–HPH approach produced smaller, more uniform nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency and physical stability, outperforming HSH alone. Conclusions: Overall, this study establishes a practical and industrially viable framework that integrates QbD principles with data-driven optimization tools, for enabling reliable translation from laboratories to semi-industrial production. Full article

Background: Abnormal activation of the NRF2-cGAS-STING-NF-κB pathway can trigger an inflammatory cascade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory activity, but whether it can modulate this pathway to ameliorate RA remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate whether CUR inhibits the inflammatory response in synovial fibroblasts (MH7A) by suppressing the NRF2-cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling cascade. Methods: An RA inflammatory model was constructed by stimulating MH7A cells with 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Groups included a control group, a model group, a methotrexate positive control group [MTX(methotrexate), 10 μmol/L], and curcumin treatment groups at varying concentrations (10–100 μmol/L). Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8(Cell Counting Kit-8) assay. Cell migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated via scratch wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2(Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), cGAS(cyclic GMP-AMP synthase), STING(stimulator of interferon genes), and NF-κB(nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Protein localization was determined by immunofluorescence. Results: Compared to the model group (TNF-induced), the cell migration rate in the curcumin (CUR) groups was significantly decreased (p < 0.001), with a particularly marked reduction observed at a concentration of 50 μmol/L. Furthermore, as the concentration of curcumin increased, cell invasion capacity showed a significant dose-dependent decline. The apoptosis rate also significantly decreased with increasing curcumin concentrations, demonstrating a clear concentration-dependent effect. Mechanistically, curcumin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of NRF2 and inhibited the activation of its downstream cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway. Specifically, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2 were markedly elevated (p < 0.001), while the mRNA and protein levels of cGAS, STING, and NF-κB were all significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Curcumin (CUR) can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts by activating the expression of NRF2 and subsequently suppressing the cGAS-STING-NF-κB signaling pathway. This study provides a new molecular mechanism target for curcumin in the treatment of RA and offers a theoretical basis for the intervention of autoimmune diseases with natural products. Full article

As the demand for poultry meat and eggs is increasing in the world, and the use of antibiotics is forbidden in Europe (since 2006), with countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh and China having imposed restriction or prohibitions, researchers and producers have sought for effective non-antibiotic alternatives. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and phytobiotics are frequently used as alternatives in the field of poultry production. Phytobiotics, plant-derived substances, also referred to as botanicals or phytogenics, are used as animal diets supplements due to their wide range of bioactive compounds (menthol, curcumin, eugenol, allicin and others) and many advantages. They are classified as herbs, spices, plant extracts and essential oils. Some of the benefits offered by the dietary phytobiotics are antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestion stimulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, carminative, antiseptic and appetite stimulant, the modulation of gut microbiota and improvement in the intestinal histology. Some representatives of phytobiotics are turmeric, oregano, sage, thyme, black pepper, ginger, garlic, echinacea, rosemary and others. Despite the significant potential of phytobiotics, their widespread adaptation is currently inhibited by challenges regarding cost-effectiveness (high price for raw materials), scarce regulatory frameworks, and inconsistent biological efficacy. The lack of standardization reflects a dual challenge, enclosing both the inherent chemical variability of raw botanical materials and the technical inconsistencies present throughout the industrial manufacturing, and extraction processes as producers use different machinery for extracting and producing the animal feed. To address these systemic impediments, a joint effort across the entire value chain—from primary producers to regulatory authorities—is essential for the development of unified testing protocols and standardization dosage guidelines that ensure the pharmacological safety and reliability of phytobiotic products. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of turmeric leaf phenolic extract (TLP) on lipid oxidation and physicochemical properties of oil-in-water emulsions. The dried leaves were first extracted using hydroethanolic solvents (0, 30, 50, 70%, w/w ethanol), and the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Then, TLP was incorporated into emulsions at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 µM (0, 0.46, 0.92, and 1.84 mg extract/mL emulsion). The characteristics, including appearance, size, polydispersity index, charge, lipid oxidation, viscosity, and microstructure, were evaluated both before and after heating at 85 °C. The results showed that all emulsions were stable up to 6 h at 85 °C. All fresh emulsions were nanosized with high negative zeta potential (−45.59 to −48.76 mV). With longer incubation time (6 h), the size (264–523 nm) and polydispersity index (0.32–0.43) increased, and the zeta potential decreased (−29.34 to −31.78). The oxidation values after 6 h were highest for the control (16.33 meq/kg oil and 7.03 mg MDA/kg oil) and lowest for the 1000 µM TLP emulsion (7.20 meq/kg oil, 0.74 mg MDA/kg oil). The samples containing 500 µM BHT showed the lowest oxidation and were comparable to the 1000 µM TLP emulsion. The polymerization and oxidation of the oil increased the viscosity during incubation, and the droplet size increased as observed in the CLSM images. Finally, it can be concluded that turmeric leaves, a major agricultural waste, are a potent source of antioxidants, capable of preventing oxidation and preserving the physicochemical properties of emulsions. Full article

Background: Chronic pain, which affects over 50 million adults in the United States, has stimulated growing interest in natural and nutrition-based remedies as adjuncts to pharmacologic therapies. Evidence suggests that turmeric and related extracts (i.e., curcuminoids) may provide pain relief, albeit often at levels above dietary ranges, while piperine from black pepper exhibits bioenhancer characteristics of relevance with dietary exposures. Objective: To test the effectiveness of dietarily relevant amounts of turmeric with and without black pepper on self-reported pain ratings among adults with chronic pain. Methods: A randomized, crossover clinical trial tested the effectiveness of turmeric only (one of three amounts within culinary ranges) or turmeric with black pepper to influence pain in adults ≥ 40 years of age. Participants (n = 30, with moderate pain: 4–7 on 0–10-point scale) were enrolled in a 21-day trial, and an experience sampling methodology approach was used. Participants were prompted to report current pain using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS; 0–10) via text message three times per day for the full study period. Data were averaged and analyzed via linear mixed effects models for repeated measurements. Results: Pain ratings from baseline to week 3 were reduced and statistically significant (p < 0.001) but not statistically different between groups. The provided turmeric, both with and without black pepper, and varying amounts of turmeric (300 mg, 1 g, and 3 g, n = 10 participants/amount) did not show statistically significant differences in pain ratings (p = 0.157 and p = 0.338, respectively). Conclusions: Consuming dietarily relevant amounts of turmeric, either alone or with black pepper, appears to improve average pain ratings. This result suggests a feasible dietary option for further study of nutritional interventions for chronic pain management. Full article

Natural dyes have emerged as a promising alternative to synthetic dyes for industrial applications due to their advantages, namely, easy availability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. In this sense, natural dyes, due to their potential to react over the pH range, could offer an alternative to conventional pH measuring techniques for industrial products, such as potentiometers, sensors, or indicator drops. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate the potential of several natural organic dyes in response to changes in pH and develop an indicator for determining pH grades. We extracted and analyzed the pigments of forty natural vegetable species using two extraction methods with a mixture of solvents, specifically 70% MeOH/30% H₂O. The results find that pigments of cabbage, hibiscus flower, radish, and turmeric in their dry state exhibit the best reaction over a broad pH range, and color can be easily distinguished according to its level. These findings demonstrate the potential of natural dyes as a novel approach for pH verification, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent studies have revealed that plants produce lipid-derived microvesicles with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), such microvesicles have been identified in rhizome juice and shown to exert beneficial effects in murine models of colitis. In this study, we investigated whether turmeric extracts commonly used in phytotherapy (30% ethanolic or aqueous extracts, and freeze-dried or spray-dried preparations) contain Curcuma-derived microvesicles (CuMVs), and we evaluated the influence of extraction processes on their aggregation and morphology. Methods: All extracts were processed using a standardized protocol involving differential centrifugation, filtration, and ultracentrifugation. CuMVs with sizes from 50 to 200 nm were detected in all pellets, but CuMVs from dehydrated extracts were markedly aggregated compared to those from liquid preparations. Results: The 30% ethanolic extract yielded the most polydisperse CuMVs and was therefore selected for functional immunomodulatory analyses on macrophages. Protein quantification indicated that 600 mL of 30% ethanolic extract contained approximately 60 µg of CuMVs which contained curcumin and its derivatives demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) identified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Green fluorescence in the form of small dots close to the nuclei was detected in recipient THP-1 macrophages, indicating the incorporation of CuMVs and therefore the transfer of the naturally fluorescent curcumin. CuMV treatment reduced ROS production, downregulated CD86, and upregulated CD163 expression. Furthermore, CuMVs increased the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as antibacterial cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and enhanced RAW macrophage migration. Depletion of CuMVs from turmeric extracts markedly reduced their immunomodulatory effects. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings emphasize the importance of preserving CuMVs during the industrial processing of turmeric, as they play a crucial role in curcuminoid delivery and in mediating the immunomodulatory properties of turmeric extracts. Full article

The characterization of alternative starch sources is crucial for industrial applications. This study evaluated starches from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and mangarito (Xanthosoma riedelianum), considering extraction yield, proximate composition, amylose content, morphology, hydration properties, viscoamylographic behavior, and crystalline and thermal characteristics. Mangarito starch showed a higher yield (11.6%) than turmeric starch (5.6%). Turmeric granules were heterogeneous (triangular, ellipsoidal, oval), while mangarito granules were predominantly rounded. Turmeric starch exhibited higher amylose content (55.1%) compared to mangarito starch (25.9%). Hydration and viscoamylographic analyses indicated that turmeric starch had higher solubility (2.36%) and water absorption (2.88 g/g), higher peak viscosity (3147.5 cP), lower breakdown (83.5 cP), and greater retrogradation tendency (9806 cP). In contrast, mangarito starch demonstrated enhanced thermal stability (breakdown 1824 cP; final viscosity 4763.5 cP). X-ray diffraction revealed a semicrystalline A/B-type pattern for turmeric starch and a predominantly A-type crystalline structure for mangarito starch. DSC indicated glass transition temperatures of 114.7 °C (turmeric) and 120.1 °C (mangarito), while TGA confirmed greater thermal stability for mangarito starch, with a narrower decomposition range and higher residual mass. These results suggest that turmeric starch, due to its high amylose content, is suitable for rapid gelatinization and firm gel formation, whereas mangarito starch is more appropriate for applications requiring superior thermal stability and structural integrity. Full article

Kidney disease (KD) is a major health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide, highlighting the need for improved prevention and management strategies. The pathophysiological mechanisms converged on a common pathway characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, nephron loss and failure. Curcumin, the active compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), attracts considerable interest as a potential therapy for KD due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic properties. Despite the benefits of curcumin, co-administration with kidney medications may cause drug interactions. Here, we systematically reviewed the efficacy of curcumin in alleviating KD and its safety when used with conventional treatments. Search terms included: curcumin AND (“diabetic nephropathy” OR “renal disease” OR “kidney disease”). Data on mechanisms of action, redox status, clinical benefits, side effects, and drug interactions were extracted and analyzed. Curcumin reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, ER stress, and lipid and glucose metabolism. Curcumin has multifaceted nephroprotective effects, while it is safe and well-tolerated. The curcumin–drug interactions reviewed were: -piperine, -epigallocatechin gallate, -losartan, -ginkgolide B, -rosuvastatin, -insulin, -cilostazol, and -ginger. These interactions improve curcumin bioavailability, and synergistic anti-inflammatory/antioxidant/antifibrotic and renoprotective effects. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcumin in diverse KD populations. Full article