Liver injury and dietary supplements: Does hydroxycitric acid trigger hepatotoxicity?

Resveratrol: A Narrative Review Regarding Its Mechanisms in Mitigating Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders

Resveratrol (RSV) is a naturally occurring astragalus-like polyphenolic compound with remarkable weight loss properties. However, the mechanism of RSV in treating obesity is unclear. In this narrative review, we explored electronic databases (PubMed) for research articles from 2021 to the present using the keywords "resveratrol" and "obesity". This article explores the mechanisms involved in the alleviation of obesity-related metabolic disorders by RSV. RSV affects obesity by modulating mitochondrial function, insulin signaling, and gut microbiota, regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, and regulating epigenetic regulation. Administering RSV to pregnant animals exhibits maternal and first-generation offspring benefits, and RSV administration to lactating animals has long-term benefits, which involve the epigenetic modulations by RSV. A comprehensive understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms of RSV regulation could help in developing drugs suitable for pregnancy preparation groups, pregnant women, and nursing infants.

Food Supplements Marketed Worldwide: A Comparative Analysis Between the European and the U.S. Regulatory Frameworks

In recent decades, a new health paradigm emerged which increasingly places diet and nutrition at the center of citizens' healthcare. The resulting evolution of the food market has prompted country governments to adapt their regulatory frameworks to ensure product safety and preserve the health of citizens. Dietary supplements (DS) are products which are increasingly occupying a significant market share in Western countries, contributing to meeting the nutritional and physiological needs of a large portion of the global population. Food supplements must be safe for use by the final consumer who has access to the global market, but currently they are framed by a different legislation worldwide. This search aimed of comparing the legislative frameworks currently in force in the European Union (EU) and in the United States (USA), the two main markets in which DS are purchased, to focus on the strengths, similarities and possible shortcomings, against the backdrop of a global market which often transcends the regulatory barriers of individual countries. Both in the EU and the USA, food supplements are governed by specific regulations to ensure their safety and quality. However, the regulatory approaches differ sharply in some cases. It is expected that more and more operators will launch new DS in Western markets. As a result, it is crucial for competent authorities in food safety to deepen and develop additional regulatory tools aimed to control and safeguard the DS market.

Hydroxycitrate delays early mortality in mice and promotes muscle regeneration while inducing a rich hepatic energetic status

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitors have the potential of modulating central processes in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, which can have relevant physiological consequences in aging and age-related diseases. Here, we show that hepatic phospho-active ACLY correlates with overweight and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score in humans. Wild-type mice treated chronically with the ACLY inhibitor potassium hydroxycitrate exhibited delayed early mortality. In AML12 hepatocyte cultures, the ACLY inhibitors potassium hydroxycitrate, SB-204990, and bempedoic acid fostered lipid accumulation, which was also observed in the liver of healthy-fed mice treated with potassium hydroxycitrate. Analysis of soleus tissue indicated that potassium hydroxycitrate produced the modulation of wound healing processes. In vivo, potassium hydroxycitrate modulated locomotor function toward increased wire hang performance and reduced rotarod performance in healthy-fed mice, and improved locomotion in mice exposed to cardiotoxin-induced muscle atrophy. Our findings implicate ACLY and ACLY inhibitors in different aspects of aging and muscle regeneration.

A comprehensive review on the hepatotoxicity of herbs used in the Indian (Ayush) systems of alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine-related liver injuries are increasing globally. Alternative medicine, as an inclusive healthcare practice, is widely accepted in developing and underdeveloped countries. In this context, the traditional systems of medicine in India have been at the forefront, catering to the preventive and therapeutic spectrum in the absence of conclusive evidence for benefits and lack of data on safety. Contrary to popular belief, it is evident that apart from adverse events caused by contamination and adulteration of alternative medicines, certain commonly used herbal components have inherent hepatotoxicity. This narrative review updates our current understanding and increasing publications on the liver toxicity potential of commonly used herbs in traditional Indian systems of medicine (Ayush), such as Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (Giloy/Guduchi), Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha), Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric), and Psoralea corylifolia L. (Bakuchi/Babchi). This review also highlights the importance of the upcoming liver toxicity profiles associated with other traditional herbs used as dietary supplements, such as Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Garcinia cambogia Desr., Cassia angustifolia Vahl (Indian senna), and Morinda citrofolia L. (Noni fruit). Fortunately, most reported liver injuries due to these herbs are self-limiting, but can lead to progressive liver dysfunction, leading to acute liver failure or acute chronic liver failure with a high mortality rate. This review also aims to provide adequate knowledge regarding herbalism in traditional practices, pertinent for medical doctors to diagnose, treat, and prevent avoidable liver disease burdens within communities, and improve public health and education.

Citizens protein project: A self-funded, transparent, and concerning report on analysis of popular protein supplements sold in the Indian market

Protein powders, including those containing herbal and dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and other natural or synthetic ingredients, can be associated with hepatotoxicity. Protein supplements are often mislabeled and deceptive in their contents. In this self-funded transparent study, we extensively analyzed popular protein supplements in India to identify potential hepatotoxic substances based on industrial standards. All products underwent extensive analysis, including total protein content, fungal aflatoxin detection, pesticide residue estimation, heavy metal quantification, steroid detection, and complete organic and inorganic profiling, according to industry standards. Most protein supplements did not meet the labeled and advertised protein content, while certain brands surpassed the stated levels, raising concerns about potential "protein/amino-spiking." In addition, the major brands contained detectable fungal toxins and pesticide residues. Furthermore, many major formulations contained harmful heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, and some featured hepatoxic herbal extracts, particularly green tea extract, turmeric, Garcinia cambogia, and Ashwagandha. Indian-made products were inferior to those manufactured by multinational companies. The presence of various potentially toxic compounds, such as cycloheptatriene, benzene derivatives, toluene, and isopropyl alcohol, within a nonstandardized and unregulated diverse ingredient mix added to the overall concern. We demonstrate that the protein-based herbal and dietary supplement industry requires stringent scrutiny, regulation, and basic safety studies before being marketed. Manufacturers must consider reducing "ingredient complexities" of their protein powders to prevent adverse interactions between herbal and nonherbal components in consumers. Manufacturers must avoid using known toxic ingredients to reduce the avoidable disease burden within the public community.

Clinically Effective Molecules of Natural Origin for Obesity Prevention or Treatment

The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. Among the alternatives currently available, natural bioactive compounds stand out. These are frequently contained in pharmaceutical presentations, nutraceutical products, supplements, or functional foods. The clinical evidence for these molecules is increasingly solid, among which epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ellagic acid, resveratrol, berberine, anthocyanins, probiotics, carotenoids, curcumin, silymarin, hydroxy citric acid, and α-lipoic acid stand out. The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of these molecules have been shown to interact with the endocrine, nervous, and gastroenteric systems. They can regulate the expression of multiple genes and proteins involved in starvation-satiety processes, activate the brown adipose tissue, decrease lipogenesis and inflammation, increase lipolysis, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive view of nature-based therapeutic options to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. It offers a valuable perspective for future research and subsequent clinical practice, addressing everything from the molecular, genetic, and physiological bases to the clinical study of bioactive compounds.