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Atazadegan MA, Bagherniya M, Askari G, Tasbandi A, Sahebkar A. The Effects of Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Natural Compounds on Homocysteine. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113081. [PMID: 34064073 PMCID: PMC8196702 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in global communities. By 2030, CVD-related deaths are projected to reach a global rise of 25 million. Obesity, smoking, alcohol, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperhomocysteinemia are several known risk factors for CVDs. Elevated homocysteine is tightly related to CVDs through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation of the vascular endothelium. The strategies for appropriate management of CVDs are constantly evolving; medicinal plants have received remarkable attention in recent researches, since these natural products have promising effects on the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. The effects of nutraceuticals and herbal products on CVD/dyslipidemia have been previously studied. However, to our knowledge, the association between herbal bioactive compounds and homocysteine has not been reviewed in details. Thus, the main objective of this study is to review the efficacy of bioactive natural compounds on homocysteine levels according to clinical trials and animal studies. Results: Based on animal studies, black and green tea, cinnamon, resveratrol, curcumin, garlic extract, ginger, and soy significantly reduced the homocysteine levels. According to the clinical trials, curcumin and resveratrol showed favorable effects on serum homocysteine. In conclusion, this review highlighted the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as natural, inexpensive, and accessible agents on homocysteine levels based on animal studies. Nevertheless, the results of the clinical trials were not uniform, suggesting that more well-designed trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Atazadegan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Bagherniya
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
- Correspondence: or (M.B.); or (A.S.)
| | - Gholamreza Askari
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran;
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Aida Tasbandi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran;
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran;
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948954, Iran
- Correspondence: or (M.B.); or (A.S.)
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Stephen DP, Ayalur BK. Effect of nutrients on Chlorella pyrenoidosa for treatment of phenolic effluent of coal gasification plant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:13594-13603. [PMID: 28391463 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a freshwater microalga, to degrade phenolic effluent of coal-based producer gas plant under ambient conditions was investigated. C. pyrenoidosa was able to grow in high-strength phenolic effluent. Major contaminant present in the effluent was phenol (C6H5OH). The effluent has 1475.3 ± 68 mg/L of initial total phenolic concentration. The effect of nutrients used for algal cultivation in phenol degradation was analyzed by inoculating four different concentrations, viz.,1, 2, 3, and 4 g of wet biomass/L of raw effluent of C. pyrenoidosa mixed with effluent into two batches (with and without nutrients). C. pyrenoidosa was able to degrade more than 95% of the phenol (C6H5OH) concentration with the algal concentrations of 3 and 4 g/L when supplemented with nutrients. With effluent devoid of nutrients, the average percent reduction in total phenolic compounds was observed to a maximum of 46%. No physical changes in the C. pyrenoidosa were observed during degradation. C. pyrenoidosa was able to consume the organic carbon present in the phenolic compounds as carbon source for its growth despite the inorganic carbon supplemented externally.
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Matos J, Cardoso C, Bandarra NM, Afonso C. Microalgae as healthy ingredients for functional food: a review. Food Funct 2017; 8:2672-2685. [DOI: 10.1039/c7fo00409e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are very interesting and valuable natural sources of highly valuable bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, carotenoids, enzymes and fibre.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Matos
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading
- Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere
- IPMA
- 1449-006 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - C. Cardoso
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading
- Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere
- IPMA
- 1449-006 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - N. M. Bandarra
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading
- Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere
- IPMA
- 1449-006 Lisboa
- Portugal
| | - C. Afonso
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading
- Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere
- IPMA
- 1449-006 Lisboa
- Portugal
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Wallace JM. Integrative Tumor Board: Glioblastoma Multiforme. Integr Cancer Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735404264968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Wallace
- Nutritional Solutions, Inc. 1697 East 3450 North North Logan, UT 84341 USA
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Merchant RE, Phillips TW, Udani J. Nutritional Supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa Lowers Serum Methylmalonic Acid in Vegans and Vegetarians with a Suspected Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency. J Med Food 2015; 18:1357-62. [PMID: 26485478 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since vitamin B12 occurs in substantial amounts only in foods derived from animals, vegetarians and particularly vegans are at risk of developing deficiencies of this essential vitamin. The chlorella used for this study is a commercially available whole-food supplement, which is believed to contain the physiologically active form of the vitamin. This exploratory open-label study was performed to determine if adding 9 g of Chlorella pyrenoidosa daily could help mitigate a vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians and vegans. Seventeen vegan or vegetarian adults (26-57 years of age) with a known vitamin B12 deficiency, as evidenced by a baseline serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) level above 270 nmol/L at screening, but who otherwise appeared healthy were enrolled in the study. Each participant added 9 g of C. pyrenoidosa to their daily diet for 60 ± 5 days and their serum MMA, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy) levels as well as mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hgb), and hematocrit (Hct) were measured at 30 and 60 days from baseline. After 30 and 60 days, the serum MMA level fell significantly (P < .05) by an average ∼34%. Fifteen of the 17 (88%) subjects showed at least a 10% drop in MMA. At the same time, Hcy trended downward and serum vitamin B12 trended upward, while MCV, Hgb, and Hct appeared unchanged. The results of this work suggest that the vitamin B12 in chlorella is bioavailable and such dietary supplementation is a natural way for vegetarians and vegans to get the vitamin B12 they need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall Edward Merchant
- 1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Todd W Phillips
- 1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jay Udani
- 2 Medicus Research, LLC, Northridge, California, USA
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Kubatka P, Kapinová A, Kružliak P, Kello M, Výbohová D, Kajo K, Novák M, Chripková M, Adamkov M, Péč M, Mojžiš J, Bojková B, Kassayová M, Stollárová N, Dobrota D. Antineoplastic effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the breast cancer model. Nutrition 2014; 31:560-9. [PMID: 25770318 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There has been considerable interest in both clinical and preclinical research about the role of phytochemicals in the reduction of risk for cancer in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the antineoplastic effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in experimental breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. METHODS In this experiment, the antineoplastic effects of C. pyrenoidosa in the chemoprevention of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis in female rats were evaluated. Chlorella powder was administered through diet at concentrations of 0.3% and 3%. The experiment was terminated 14 wk after carcinogen administration. At autopsy, mammary tumors were removed and prepared for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity assay, parameters of apoptosis, and proliferation after chlorella treatment in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells were carried out. RESULTS Basic parameters of experimental carcinogenesis, mechanism of action (biomarkers of apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis), chosen metabolic variables, and side effects after long-term chlorella treatment in animals were assessed. Chlorella at higher concentration suppressed tumor frequency by 61% (P < 0.02) and lengthened tumor latency by 12.5 d (P < 0.02) in comparison with the controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of rat tumor cells showed caspase-7 expression increase by 73.5% (P < 0.001) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 expression decrease by 19% (P = 0.07) after chlorella treatment. In a parallel in vitro study, chlorella significantly decreased survival of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In chlorella-treated MCF-7 cells, a significant increase in cells having sub-G0/G1 DNA content and significant increase of early apoptotic and late apoptotic/necrotic cells after annexin V/PI staining assay were found. Decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing reactive oxygen species generation were observed in the chlorella-treated MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first report on the antineoplastic effects of C. pyrenoidosa in experimental breast cancer in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Andrea Kapinová
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kružliak
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Desanka Výbohová
- Department of Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University and St. Elisabeth Oncology Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Novák
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Chripková
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Marián Adamkov
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Péč
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Ján Mojžiš
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Bianka Bojková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Kassayová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biological and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Nadežda Stollárová
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Education, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Ružomberok, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Dobrota
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
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Ramos AL, Torello CO, Queiroz MLS. Chlorella vulgarisModulates Immunomyelopoietic Activity and Enhances the Resistance of Tumor-Bearing Mice. Nutr Cancer 2010; 62:1170-80. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2010.513801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gouveia L, Marques AE, Sousa JM, Moura P, Bandarra NM. Microalgae – source of natural bioactive molecules as functional ingredients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1616/1476-2137.15884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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9
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Nutritional Supplementation withChlorella pyrenoidosafor Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1300/j094v09n04_05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Day AG, Brinkmann D, Franklin S, Espina K, Rudenko G, Roberts A, Howse KS. Safety evaluation of a high-lipid algal biomass from Chlorella protothecoides. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 55:166-80. [PMID: 19580838 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 06/24/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chlorella are traditionally freshwater green algae that have been evaluated for dietary purposes because of their nutritional value. This study investigates the safety of Chlorella protothecoides in a 28-day study. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, or 10% of their diet for 28days using an FDA Redbook protocol. The average daily dietary intake of algal biomass was determined to be 0, 1794, 3667, and 7557 mg/kg body weight for males and 0, 1867, 3918, and 8068 mg/kg body weight for females. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted, and upon completion, gross and microscopic evaluations were performed. No signs of toxicity were observed. Although statistically significant alterations were noted in several parameters among males and females, these changes were deemed to be of no toxicological significance due to the lack of dose-response relationships, the fact that they occurred in only one sex, and the lack of any supporting gross or microscopic alterations. The no-observed-adverse-effect level for the algal biomass under the conditions of this study was considered to be 10% in the diet, the highest dose tested.
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Nakano S, Noguchi T, Takekoshi H, Suzuki G, Nakano M. Maternal-fetal distribution and transfer of dioxins in pregnant women in Japan, and attempts to reduce maternal transfer with Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplements. CHEMOSPHERE 2005; 61:1244-55. [PMID: 15985279 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.03.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2004] [Revised: 03/10/2005] [Accepted: 03/27/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Dioxins can be transferred from mother to fetus via the placenta, or to nursing infants via breast milk, potentially causing developmental health problems in children. To assess pediatric health risks from dioxins, exposure of mothers and children to dioxins must be clarified. Methods of reducing maternal transfer of dioxins should also be investigated. Concentrations of 28 dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and co-planar polychlorinated biphenyls) congeners in blood, adipose tissue, breast milk, cord blood and placenta collected from 44 pregnant Japanese women were measured. In addition, to investigate potential reductions in maternal transfer of dioxins, 23 pregnant women were instructed to take Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplements during pregnancy. Correlations were observed between dioxin total toxic equivalents (total TEQ) in blood and total TEQ in adipose tissue (r=0.913, P<0.0001), breast milk (r=0.695, P=0.0007), and cord blood (r=0.759, P<0.0001). Dioxin levels transferred to fetuses and nursing infants reflect cumulative maternal concentrations of dioxins. A linear regression equation was introduced to predict total TEQ in breast milk and cord blood from dioxin levels in maternal blood, which should prove useful in evaluating fetal and infant risk of dioxin exposure. Total TEQ in cord blood were approximately 26% lower than in maternal blood (P<0.0001). The results of this study suggest that transplacental transfer differs depending on the dioxin congener. Total TEQ in breast milk were approximately 30% lower in the Chlorella group than in controls (P=0.0113). This finding suggests that maternal transfer of dioxins can be reduced using dietary measures such as Chlorella supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Nakano
- Saiseikai Nara Hospital, 4-chome, 8-jyo, Nara, Nara 630-8145, Japan.
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Takekoshi H, Suzuki G, Chubachi H, Nakano M. Effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on fecal excretion and liver accumulation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2005; 59:297-304. [PMID: 15722102 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2003] [Revised: 10/22/2004] [Accepted: 11/12/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on fecal excretion and liver accumulation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin in C57BL/6N mice administered dioxin was examined. Mice were administered 2.2 microg of 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (H6CDD) dissolved in corn oil once after a period of acclimatization, after which they were fed either a basal diet, a 10% C. pyrenoidosa diet, or a 10% Spinach diet, for five weeks. Among mice fed the 10% C. pyrenoidosa diet, cumulative fecal excretion of H6CDD over the first week following administration was significantly greater (9.2-fold) than that observed among mice fed the basal diet. Moreover, excretion during the fifth week following administration of H6CDD was still significantly greater (3.1-fold) among mice fed the 10% C. pyrenoidosa diet than among mice fed the basal diet. Five weeks after administration of H6CDD, liver accumulation of H6CDD in mice fed the 10% C. pyrenoidosa diet was significantly less than that observed among mice fed either the basal diet and the Spinach diet (by 27.9% and 34.8%, respectively). These findings suggest that C. pyrenoidosa may be useful in inhibiting the absorption of dioxins via food and the reabsorption of dioxins stored already in the body in the intestinal tract, thus preventing accumulation of dioxins within the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Takekoshi
- Department of Bioresource Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Hidaka S, Okamoto Y, Arita M. A hot water extract ofChlorella pyrenoidosareduces body weight and serum lipids in ovariectomized rats. Phytother Res 2004; 18:164-8. [PMID: 15022171 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of a hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which contains chlorella growth factor (CGF), on the body weight, serum lipids, and the bone mass were evaluated using an ovariectomized rat as a model for postmenopausal bone loss. Rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated (Sham), Sham given the CGF solution, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX given the CGF solution, respectively. Administration of the extract to OVX rats suppressed the body weight gain. After 7 weeks, the administration of the extract to the OVX group reduced increases in both serum total cholesterols and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols. It also normalized the decrease of triglyceride level in the OVX group. The ovariectomy decreased the tibial bone mineral density (BMD) by 19%, and the administration of the extract to OVX rats did not inhibit this decrease. These results suggest that a dietary supplement of CGF may be useful to control the body weight and improve lipid metabolism of menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saburo Hidaka
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Fukuoka College of Health Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Merchant RE, Andre CA, Sica DA. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for mild to moderate hypertension. J Med Food 2003; 5:141-52. [PMID: 12495586 DOI: 10.1089/10966200260398170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, randomized, controlled clinical trials and population studies have also shown that abnormally high blood pressure (BP) can be lowered with diet modification and exercise. The objective of this pilot study was to determine whether daily dietary supplementation with 10 g Chlorella tablets and 100 ml Chlorella extract for 2 months would reduce BP in subjects with a mean sitting diastolic BP (SiDBP) between 90 and 115 mm Hg. Thirty-three people were enrolled and underwent a 4-week washout period from all antihypertensive medications, during which they consumed placebo. At completion of this washout/placebo period, 24 subjects were considered evaluable (i.e., had a SiDBP between 90 and 115 mm Hg) and were continued in the study. After 1 or 2 months of dietary Chlorella supplementation, the average heart rate, sitting systolic BP, and SiDBP changed only slightly; after 2 months of Chlorella consumption, the group's mean SiDBP was 96.5 +/- 6.6. However, a heterogenous response pattern to Chlorella existed, with 25% (6/24) of the subjects achieving their BP goal (SiDBP less than 90 mm Hg). Furthermore, the BP of nonresponders did not increase significantly above washout values. Quality-of-life questionnaires indicated an overall perception that health had significantly improved in conjunction with Chlorella consumption. The results indicate that, for some subjects with mild to moderate hypertension, a daily dietary supplement of Chlorella reduced or kept stable their SiDBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall E Merchant
- Department of Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
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Merchant RE, Andre CA, Sica DA. Chlorella Supplementation for Controlling Hypertension: A Clinical Evaluation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1089/107628002761574680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res 2000; 14:167-73. [PMID: 10815009 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(200005)14:3<167::aid-ptr560>3.0.co;2-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common, chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown aetiology. While available therapy is often disappointing, most patients can be helped with a combination of medication, exercise and maintenance of a regular sleep schedule. The objective of the present study was to determine if adding nutritional supplements derived from the unicellular green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, produced any improvements in the clinical and functional status in patients with moderately severe symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome. Eligible patients had 2+ palpable tenderness at 11 or more of 18 defined tender points and had a tender point index (TPI) of at least 22. Each day for 2 months, participants consumed two commercially available Chlorella-based products, 10 g of 'Sun Chlorella' tablets and 100 mL of liquid 'Wakasa Gold'. Any amelioration of symptoms was validated and quantified using semi-objective and subjective outcome measures systematically administered at clinic visits on days 0, 30 and 60 of the diet therapy. Eighteen of the 20 patients enrolled completed the 2 month trial. The average TPI for the group which at onset was 32, decreased to a mean of 25 after 2 months. This decrease was statistically significant (p = 0.01), representing a 22% decrease in pain intensity. Blood samples taken on each occasion indicated no significant alterations in serum chemistries, formed elements, and circulating lymphocyte subsets. Compilations of the results of patient interviews and self-assessment questionnaires revealed that seven patients felt that the dietary supplement had improved their fibromyalgia symptoms, while six thought they had experienced no change, and five believed the symptoms had worsened over the time of the trial. The results of this pilot study suggest that dietary Chlorella supplementation may help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia in some patients and that a larger, more comprehensive double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in these patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Merchant
- Departments of Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Richmond, VA 23298-0709, USA.
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Kala M. Patients with malignant astrocytomas--some problems in tumour classifications. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 1992; 119:176-7. [PMID: 1481747 DOI: 10.1007/bf01541806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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