Twelve weeks' treatment with a polyphenol-rich seaweed extract increased HDL cholesterol with no change in other biomarkers of chronic disease risk in overweight adults: A placebo-controlled randomized trial

Impact of plant-derived antioxidants on heart aging: a mechanistic outlook

Heart aging involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences, leading to a gradual deterioration of cardiovascular integrity and function. Age-related physiological changes, including ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction, are influenced by key mechanisms like autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactive antioxidants in mitigating heart aging. These compounds, often rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, exhibit notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. These substances have intricate cardioprotective properties, including the ability to scavenge ROS, enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses, regulate signaling pathways, and impede fibrosis and inflammation-promoting processes. By focusing on key molecular mechanisms linked to cardiac aging, antioxidants produced from plants provide significant promise to reduce age-related cardiovascular decline and improve general heart health. Through a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, this work highlights the mechanisms associated with heart aging and the promising effects of plant-derived antioxidants. The findings may helpful for researchers in identifying specific molecules with therapeutic and preventive potential for aging heart.

Multiple health outcomes associated with algae and its extracts supplementation: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Algae and its extracts, widely consumed as functional foods, offer numerous health benefits; however, a comprehensive systematic summary of clinical evidence is currently lacking. The study was to assess the available evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of algae and its extracts supplementation on various health outcomes. The comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library until December 22, 2023 were implemented. The random-effects model was employed to pool the overall effect sizes (ESs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Stata software. Moreover, detecting the methodological quality and evidence level of the eligible studies were employed by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review 2 (AMSTAR2) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation. Ultimately, 25 articles covering 133 health outcomes were included in this umbrella review. The pooled results demonstrated that the algae and its extracts could significantly decrease body weight (ES = -1.65; 95% CI: -1.97, -1.34; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (ES = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.78, -0.07; p = 0.020), waist circumference (WC) (ES = -1.40; 95% CI: -1.40, -1.39; p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (ES = -1.38; 95% CI: -2.15, -0.62; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES: -1.40; 95% CI: -2.09, -0.72; p < 0.001), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (ES = -7.85; 95% CI: -8.55, -7.15; p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (ES = -2.68; 95% CI: -4.57, -0.79; p = 0.005), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (ES = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.24, -0.07; p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (ES = -3.21; 95% CI: -5.25, -1.17; p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (ES = -3.84; 95% CI: -7.02, -0.65; p = 0.018), alanine transaminase (ES = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.70, -0.14; p = 0.003), and alkaline phosphatase (ES = -0.54; 95% CI: -0.99, -0.10; p = 0.017). Due to the limited number of studies, no benefit was displayed on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Considering the suboptimal quality of studies and the insufficient articles pertaining to certain outcomes, further well-designed research is imperative to substantiate the observed findings.

Overview of Natural Supplements for the Management of Diabetes and Obesity

Bioactive compounds found in various natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, have been studied for their potential benefits in managing obesity and diabetes. These compounds include polyphenols, flavonoids, other antioxidants, fiber, and certain fatty acids. Studies have found that these compounds may improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. However, the effects of these compounds can vary depending on the type and amount consumed, as well as individual factors, such as genetics and lifestyle. Nutraceutical substances have multifaceted therapeutic advantages, and they have been reported to have disease-prevention and health-promoting properties. Several clinically used nutraceuticals have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and their complications and modulate various clinical outcomes favorably. This review aims to highlight and comment on some of the most prominent natural components used as antidiabetics and in managing obesity.

Brown Seaweed Consumption as a Promising Strategy for Blood Glucose Management: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to various complications; therefore, there is a need to emphasize prevention and management. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet or calorie-restricted regimens, coupled with exercise-induced weight reduction, have been recommended for enhancing diabetes management. Seaweeds contain various functional components, such as polyphenols and fucoidan, which have been reported to exert multiple benefits, including blood glucose regulation, improved intestinal health, and enhanced of lipid profiles. The association between blood glucose and seaweed consumption has been established in previous research. We searched the PubMed, RISS, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies after applying the selection/exclusion criteria, and 23 studies were ultimately included in this analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software version 4.0 was used to assess statistical significance and heterogeneity. In this meta-analysis, postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels demonstrated significant improvements in the seaweed group compared to the control group. Conversely, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels did not show significant associations with seaweed consumption. Subgroup analysis revealed that a high dose (1000 mg or more) was more beneficial than a low dose, and seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida, Acophyllum nodosum, and Fucus vesiculosus were found to be more effective at improving blood glucose levels than control treatments. Therefore, based on our research, seaweed supplementation appears to be a promising strategy for reducing postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels, thereby enabling better blood glucose management and leading to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Improving potential strategies for biological activities of phlorotannins derived from seaweeds

Seaweeds have garnered considerable attention due to their capacity to serve as exceptional reservoirs of numerous bioactive metabolites possessing substantial chemical and biological significance. .Phlorotannins constitute a significant class of natural polyphenols originating from brown seaweeds, featuring a broad spectrum of bioactive attributes and demonstrating potential applicability across various sectors. The potential health advantages associated with phlorotannins, particularly concerning the prevention of conditions linked to oxidative stress, such as inflammation, diabetes, and allergies, have generated substantial interest within the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, current research remains insufficient in providing a comprehensive understanding of their absorption, as comparisons drawn with their terrestrial counterparts remain speculative. It is commonly presumed that phenolic compounds, including phlorotannins, face challenges due to their limited solubility, instability, and extensive metabolism, all of which restrict their bioavailability. In order to circumvent these limitations and amplify their utility as components of medicinal formulations or healthcare products, researchers have explored various strategies, including the encapsulation or integration of phlorotannins into nano-/micro-particles or advanced drug delivery systems. This review offers a thorough exploration of the structural and biological attributes of phlorotannins and furnishes insights into potential strategies showing promise for their effective utilization in preclinical and clinical applications.

The utility of algae as sources of high value nutritional ingredients, particularly for alternative/complementary proteins to improve human health

As the global population continues to grow, the demand for dietary protein is rapidly increasing, necessitating the exploration of sustainable and nutritious protein sources. Algae has emerged as a promising food source due to their high value ingredients such as proteins, as well as for their environmental sustainability and abundance. However, knowledge gaps surrounding dietary recommendations and food applications restrict algae's utilization as a viable protein source. This review aims to address these gaps by assessing the suitability of both microalgae and macroalgae as alternative/complementary protein sources and exploring their potential applications in food products. The first section examines the potential suitability of algae as a major food source by analyzing the composition and bioavailability of key components in algal biomass, including proteins, lipids, dietary fiber, and micronutrients. Secondly, the biological effects of algae, particularly their impact on metabolic health are investigated with an emphasis on available clinical evidence. While evidence reveals protective effects of algae on glucose and lipid homeostasis as well as anti-inflammatory properties, further research is required to understand the longer-term impact of consuming algal protein, protein isolates, and concentrates on metabolic health, including protein metabolism. The review then explores the potential of algal proteins in food applications, including ways to overcome their sensory limitations, such as their dark pigmentation, taste, and odor, in order to improve consumer acceptance. To maximize algae's potential as a valuable protein source in the food sector, future research should prioritize the production of more acceptable algal biomass and explore new advances in food sciences and technology for improved consumer acceptance. Overall, this paper supports the potential utility of algae as a sustainable and healthy ingredient source for widespread use in future food production.

Effects of polyphenols and their metabolites on age-related diseases

Aging contributes to the progressive loss of cellular biological functions and increases the risk of age-related diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, some neurological disorders and cancers are generally classified as age-related diseases that affect the lifespan of individuals. These diseases result from the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways, which can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which play a key role in the aging process. There is now increasing interest in the therapeutic effects of edible plants for the prevention of various diseases, including those associated with aging. It has become clear that the beneficial effects of these foods are due, at least in part, to the high concentration of bioactive phenolic compounds with low side effects. Antioxidants are the most abundant, and their high consumption in the Mediterranean diet has been associated with slower ageing in humans. Extensive human dietary intervention studies strongly suggest that polyphenol supplementation protects against the development of degenerative diseases, especially in the elderly. In this review, we present data on the biological effects of plant polyphenols in the context of their relevance to human health, ageing and the prevention of age-related diseases.

A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges

Nutraceuticals are the nourishing components (hybrid of nutrition and pharmaceuticals) that are biologically active and possess capability for maintaining optimal health and benefits. These products play a significant role in human health care and its endurance, most importantly for the future therapeutic development. Nutraceuticals have received recognition due to their nutritional benefits along with therapeutic effects and safety profile. Nutraceuticals are globally growing in the field of services such as health care promotion, disease reduction, etc. Various drug nutraceutical interactions have also been elaborated with various examples in this review. Several patents on nutraceuticals in agricultural applications and in various diseases have been stated in the last section of review, which confirms the exponential growth of nutraceuticals' market value. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nanoformulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals. Prior information on various interactions with drugs may help in preventing any deleterious effects of nutraceuticals products. Nanotechnology also leads to the generation of micronized dietary products and other nutraceutical supplements with improved health benefits. In this review article, the latest key findings (clinical studies) on nutraceuticals that show the therapeutic action of nutraceutical's bioactive molecules on various diseases have also been discussed.

Applications of algae to obtain healthier meat products: A critical review on nutrients, acceptability and quality

Meat constitutes one the main protein sources worldwide. However, ethical and health concerns have limited its consumption over the last years. To overcome this negative impact, new ingredients from natural sources are being applied to meat products to obtain healthier proteinaceous meat products. Algae is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, and vitamins, which can nutritionally enrich several foods. On this basis, algae have been applied to meat products as a functional ingredient to obtain healthier meat-based products. This paper mainly reviews the bioactive compounds in algae and their application in meat products. The bioactive ingredients present in algae can give meat products functional properties such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antigenotoxic, resulting in healthier foods. At the same time, algae addition to foods can also contribute to delay microbial spoilage extending shelf-life. Additionally, other algae-based applications such as for packaging materials for meat products are being explored. However, consumers' acceptance for new products (particularly in Western countries), namely those containing algae, not only depends on their knowledge, but also on their eating habits. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the nutritional properties of algae-containing meat products to overcome the gap between new meat products and traditional products, so that healthier algae-containing meat can occupy a significant place in the market.

Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are a rich source of components which may exert beneficial effects on the mammalian gut microbiota through the enhancement of bacterial diversity and abundance. An imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to the development of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, immunodeficiency, hypertension, type-2-diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This review outlines current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the potential therapeutic application of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, polyphenols and peptides to modulate the gut microbiota through diet. Polysaccharides such as fucoidan, laminarin, alginate, ulvan and porphyran are unique to seaweeds. Several studies have shown their potential to act as prebiotics and to positively modulate the gut microbiota. Prebiotics enhance bacterial populations and often their production of short chain fatty acids, which are the energy source for gastrointestinal epithelial cells, provide protection against pathogens, influence immunomodulation, and induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells. The oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability of seaweed components is also discussed, including the advantages and limitations of static and dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal models versus ex vivo and in vivo methods. Seaweed bioactives show potential for use in prevention and, in some instances, treatment of human disease. However, it is also necessary to confirm these potential, therapeutic effects in large-scale clinical trials. Where possible, we have cited information concerning these trials.