Dietary flavanols and procyanidin oligomers from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) inhibit platelet function

New light on changes in the number and function of blood platelets stimulated by cocoa and its products

Hyperactivation of blood platelets, one of the causes of heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is influenced by various dietary components, including phenolic compounds from vegetables, fruits, teas, wines, cocoa and its products, including chocolate. The present paper sheds new light on the effect of cocoa and its products, especially dark chocolate, on the number and function of blood platelets, and the anti-platelet activity of their constituent phenolic compounds. A review was performed of papers identified in various electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar, with the aim of determining whether their anti-platelet activity may serve as part of a sweet strategy in countering CVDs. Various studies demonstrate that cocoa consumption, especially in the form of dark chocolate, with a high flavanol concentration, has anti-platelet activity and may play a significant role in cardioprotection; they also note that cocoa consumption may be a good strategy in diminishing cardiovascular risk, including hyperactivation of blood platelets.

Aronia melanocarpa Flavonol Extract-Antiradical and Immunomodulating Activities Analysis

The study of Aronia melanocarpa's (A. melanocarpa) biological activity is focused on obtaining the crude extract and separation of the flavonol compounds. The extraction and fractionation of A. melanocarpa fruits, followed by quantitative analysis, were accomplished using high-performance liquid chromatography and Darco G-60 filtering. This approach enabled the quantification of flavonoids within each fraction. The antioxidative, immunomodulating activities and cytotoxicity with respect to the lymphoblast cell line RPMI-1788 were studied. The flavonol extract of A. melanocarpa has been shown to have a high capacity to neutralize free DPPH and AAPH radicals in vitro. It also caused an accelerated 'respiratory burst' formation of neutrophils and an increase in the metabolic reserves of cells in rats exposed to cyclophosphamide. The reference solution (an equivalent quercetin-rutin blend) contributed to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, intensifying phagocytosis processes. The studied compounds demonstrated their low influence on the leukocyte blood profile in animals.

Chocolate intake and muscle pain sensation: A randomized experimental study

BACKGROUND

Chocolate, as a cocoa-derived product rich in flavanols, has been used for medical and anti-inflammatory purposes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if the ingestion of different percentages of cocoa products affects the experimentally induced pain caused by intramuscular hypertonic saline injections in the masseter muscle of healthy men and women.

METHODS

This experimental randomized, double-blind, and controlled study included 15 young, healthy, and pain-free men and 15 age-matched women and involved three visits with at least a 1-week washout. Pain was induced twice at each visit with intramuscular injections of 0.2 mL hypertonic saline (5%), before and after intake of one of the different chocolate types: white (30% cocoa content), milk (34% cocoa content), and dark (70% cocoa content). Pain duration, pain area, peak pain, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed every fifth minute after each injection, up until 30 min after the initial injection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using IBM® SPSS (Version 27); significance level was set to p<0.05.

RESULTS

This study showed that intake of chocolate, no matter the type, reduced the induced pain intensity significantly more than no intake of chocolate (p<0.05, Tukey test). There were no differences between the chocolate types. Further, men showed a significantly greater pain reduction than women after intake of white chocolate (p<0.05, Tukey test). No other differences between pain characteristics or sexes were revealed.

CONCLUSION

Intake of chocolate before a painful stimulus had a pain-reducing effect no matter the cocoa concentration. The results indicate that perhaps it is not the cocoa concentration (e.g., flavanols) alone that explains the positive effect on pain, but likely a combination of preference and taste-experience. Another possible explanation could be the composition of the chocolate, i.e. the concentration of the other ingredients such as sugar, soy, and vanilla. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05378984.

An optimized herbal medicine containing Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi has potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities

Background and aim

Platelet-derived thrombosis is important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. HTB is an optimized herbal medicine including Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Alisma orientale Juzepzuk, and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi. It is widely used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities have not been completely validated. The current study aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of the novel herb formula HTB against platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Experimental procedure

The antiplatelet activities of HTB via platelet aggregation, granule secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization were evaluated. Moreover, the antithrombotic effect of HTB via FeCl₃-induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo in mice was assessed. The inhibitory effect of HTB against primary hemostasis was investigated based on transection tail bleeding time.

Results and conclusion

HTB treatment significantly inhibited glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet aggregation, granule secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization. Biochemical studies revealed that HTB inhibited glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet signal transduction during cell activation. Further, its antioxidant effect might be derived by reducing the phosphorylation of the p47^phox/Hic5 axis signalosome. Oral HTB treatment was effective in decreasing FeCl₃-induced arterial thrombus formation without prolonging the tail bleeding time. HTB can be an effective therapeutic agent against thrombotic diseases.

Dietary Flavonoids and Adult Neurogenesis: Potential Implications for Brain Aging

Adult neurogenesis deficiency has been proposed to be a common hallmark in different age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The administration of flavonoids is currently reported as a potentially beneficial strategy for preventing brain aging alterations, including adult neurogenesis decline. Flavonoids are a class of plant-derived dietary polyphenols that have drawn attention for their neuroprotective and pro-cognitive effects. Although they undergo extensive metabolism and localize in the brain at low concentrations, flavonoids are now believed to improve cerebral vasculature and interact with signal transduction cascades involved in the regulation of adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, many dietary flavonoids have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, improving the neuronal microenvironment where adult neurogenesis occurs. The overall goal of this review is to summarize the evidence supporting the role of flavonoids in modulating adult neurogenesis as well as to highlight how these dietary agents may be promising candidates in restoring healthy brain function during physiological and pathological aging.

Platelet Aggregation Inhibition: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review on the Role of Herbs for Primary Prevention Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Platelet aggregation is a crucial mechanism in the progression of atherothrombotic events. This systematic review aims to introduce the plants studied in healthy people as the primary prevention to inhibit platelet aggregation. We also discuss possible mechanisms that are involved in the inhibition of platelet aggregation.

METHODS

A systematic search on the electronic medical databases from 1970 to February 2020 was performed. The selected keywords were: "herb", "plant", "platelet aggregation", "platelet activation", "clinical trial", "randomized" and "controlled".

RESULTS

The result of the initial search was a pool of 136 articles. After initial abstract reviewing, there were 55 relevant articles. Finally, 28 eligible records fulfilled our inclusion criteria to enter the qualitative synthesis process.

CONCLUSION

Out of the 10 plants evaluated in the clinical trials, nine had inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. Most of the reviewed plants, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), garlic (Allium sativum), kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), cacao (Theobroma cacao), grape (Vitis vinifera), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), sea buckthorn berry (Hippophae), and argan (Argania spinose) could be potential sources for the primary prevention of atherothrombotic events at an appropriate dosage. Finally, we do not consider phytoceuticals as a replacement for the guideline-directed medical treatment. Large randomized double-blind clinical trials are required to evaluate the anti-platelet characteristics of these plants for the adjuvant primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Protective Effects of Flavonoids against Alzheimer's Disease: Pathological Hypothesis, Potential Targets, and Structure-Activity Relationship

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with high morbidity and mortality, for which there is no available cure. Currently, it is generally believed that AD is a disease caused by multiple factors, such as amyloid-beta accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Multitarget prevention and treatment strategies for AD are recommended. Interestingly, naturally occurring dietary flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, have been reported to have multiple biological activities and anti-AD effects in several AD models owing to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic properties. In this review, we summarize and discuss the existing multiple pathogenic factors of AD. Moreover, we further elaborate on the biological activities of natural flavonoids and their potential mode of action and targets in managing AD by presenting a wide range of experimental evidence. The gathered data indicate that flavonoids can be regarded as prophylactics to slow the advancement of AD or avert its onset. Different flavonoids have different activities and varying levels of activity. Further, this review summarizes the structure–activity relationship of flavonoids based on the existing literature and can provide guidance on the design and selection of flavonoids as anti-AD drugs.

Modulatory Effects of Arctostaphylos uva-urs Extract In Ovo Injected into Broiler Embryos Contaminated by Aflatoxin B1

In ovo injection of nutrients can modulate the embryo’s physiological responses against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) embryotoxicity. This hypothesis was tested using in ovo injection of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ar. uu.) methanolic extract. The total polyphenols, total flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity, and GC-MS analysis were all assessed in the Ar. uu. methanolic extract. A total of 180 ten-day-old embryonated eggs were distributed into six groups of 30 replicates each. The first group was used as a control (non-injected), and the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were injected with 10 µ double-distilled water (DDW), 500 µL methanol, 0.01 g Ar. uu./500 µL methanol, 50 ng AFB1/10 µL DDW, and 50 ng AFB1 in 10 µ DDW + 0.01 g Ar. uu./500 µL methanol, respectively. The relative embryo weight, residual yolk sac weight, tibia length and weight, and survival were recorded. Total and differential leukocytes, oxidative stress, and humoral immune responses were observed. The residual yolk sac was lower (p < 0.05) in the Ar. uu. group than other groups. The embryonic growth (tibia weight and length) was enhanced in AFB1 + Ar. uu.-injected embryos compared with those injected with AFB1 alone. In conclusion, in ovo injection of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi could modulate AFB1-induced toxicity in chicken embryos.

Effect of Cocoa Beverage and Dark Chocolate Consumption on Blood Pressure in Those with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cocoa is a major dietary source of polyphenols, including flavanols, which have been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP). While earlier systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown significant effects of cocoa consumption on systolic BP, limitations include small sample sizes and study heterogeneity. Questions regarding food matrix and dose of polyphenols, flavanols, or epicatechins remain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of ≥2 weeks of cocoa consumption as a beverage or dark chocolate in those with normal or elevated (< or ≥130 mmHg) systolic BP measured in the fasted state or over 24-h. A systematic search conducted on PubMed and Cochrane Library databases up to 26 February 2022 yielded 31 suitable articles. Independent of baseline BP, cocoa consumption for ≥2 weeks was associated with reductions in systolic and diastolic BP (p < 0.05, all). Compared with cocoa, chocolate lowered the weighted mean of resting systolic BP (−3.94 mmHg, 95% CI [−5.71, −2.18]) more than cocoa beverage (−1.54 mmHg, 95% CI [−3.08, 0.01]). When the daily dose of flavanols was ≥900 mg or of epicatechin ≥100 mg, the effect was greater. Future, adequately powered studies are required to determine the optimal dose for a clinically significant effect.

Cardioprotective Role of Theobroma cacao against Isoproterenol-Induced Acute Myocardial Injury

BACKGROUND

Antioxidants are beneficial in myocardial infarction (MI). It is suggestive that Theobroma cacao (TC) with rich antioxidant properties can be of health benefits in myocardial injury.

AIM

The study investigated the effect of Theobroma cacao on cardioprotection in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats divided into four groups of 6 rats were used for the study. In group 1, 0.9% normal saline placebo was administered via oral gavage to the control. Group 2 was the MI induced group that was given 100 mg/kg body weight isoproterenol subcutaneously twice at an interval of 24 hours. Group 3 was administered TC for 2 weeks at 100 mg/kg bodyweight via the oral route. Group 4 was pretreated with TC (100 mg/kg) via oral route for 2 weeks, immediately followed by the administration of 100 mg/kg body weight isoproterenol subcutaneously twice at an interval of 24 hours. The rats were sacrificed using chloroform anesthesia, and blood samples collected via cardiac puncture. The serum was analyzed for troponin level, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level.

RESULTS

The serum troponin, LDH, and MDA levels were found to be significantly (p<0.01) increased in the MI group compared with the control. Pretreatment with TC before MI induction significantly (p<0.01) prevented increased serum troponin, LDH, and MDA levels when compared with the MI group. There was also a significant (p<0.01) decrease in MDA in the TC group compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that Theobroma cacao protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury, possibly by preventing oxidative stress and consequent lipid peroxidation.

Tannins as Hemostasis Modulators

The hemostasis system is often affected by complications associated with cardiovascular diseases, which results in thromboembolic events. Compounds of plant origin and plant extracts are considered as a promising source of substances that could modulate the functioning of the hemostasis system and thus reduce the risk of thromboembolism. Among them, tannins, which are plant-origin compounds with potential effects in hemostasis, deserve a special mention. This paper describes the hemostasis-modifying ability of three groups of tannins, namely ellagitannins, gallotannins, and procyanidins. The review highlights the desirable as well as undesirable influence of tannins on specific components of hemostasis, namely platelets, coagulation system, fibrinolysis system, and endothelium, and the multidirectional effect of these compounds on the thrombotic process. Studies performed under normal and pathological conditions such as diabetes or hypercoagulation are described, and the pathophysiology-dependent action of tannins is also highlighted. Most of the studies presented in the paper were performed in vitro, and due to the low bioavailability of tannins more studies should be conducted in the future to understand their actual activity in vivo.

Dose-effect relation between regular consumption of 100% cocoa powder and blood pressure in young, healthy black Africans

BACKGROUND

Some previous works have focused on dose-response relationship between cocoa consumption and blood pressure in Caucasians. As black subjects have lower nitric oxide bioavailability, the aim of this work was to determine the dose-effect relation between cocoa and blood pressure in black Africans.

METHOD

One hundred and thirty healthy black African males aged 18-30 were randomly assigned into four groups: three groups consuming 10 g, 5 g, or 2 g of cocoa powder daily for three weeks and one control group that did not consume cocoa. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured on day 1 (D1, before any subject consumed cocoa), D8, D15, and D22. Means of the parameters at each of the four visits and changes of the means were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Significant decrease in SBP was noted in consumers of 10 g compared to controls in the 1st week, and compared to consumers of 2 g in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of follow-up. Means and changes of DBP were statistically similar among the four groups.

CONCLUSION

Among our cohort, decrease in SBP was significantly greater in the heavy cocoa consumer group (10 g) compared to the low consumer group (2 g), but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the intermediate consumer group (5 g). The dose-response relationship between cocoa consumption and changes in SBP was not linear. No relationship was found between cocoa consumption and DBP.

Research opportunities: Traditional fermented beverages in Mexico. Cultural, microbiological, chemical, and functional aspects

In Mexico, close to 200 fermented products have been described, of which, approximately 20 are beverages. They were obtained through rustic and ancestral fermentation methods by different indigenous Mexican communities; most of them were used in ceremonies, agricultural work, and other occasions. For their elaboration, different substrates obtained from plants are used, where uncontrolled and low-scale spontaneous anaerobic fermentation occurs. In Mexico, some of these products are considered as nutritional sources and functional beverages; the study of those products has revealed the presence of multiple compounds of biological importance. Additionally, elder generations attribute healing properties against diverse illnesses to these beverages. The aim of this review is to highlight the available information on twelve traditional Mexican fermented beverages, their traditional uses, and their fermentation processes along with toxicological, chemical, nutritional, and functional studies as seen from different areas of investigation. In the literature, pulque, cocoa, and pozol were the beverages with the greatest amount of described health properties; sendechó and guarapo were less characterized. Polyphenols, gallic and ferulic acid, anthocyanins and saponins were the most abundant molecules in all beverages. Finally, it is important to continue this research in order to determine the microorganisms that are involved in the fermentation process, as well as the organoleptic and beneficial properties they lend to the traditional Mexican fermented beverages.

The effects of cocoa flavanols on indices of muscle recovery and exercise performance: a narrative review

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, muscle soreness, and reductions in muscle function. Cocoa flavanols (CF) are (poly)phenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus may attenuate symptoms of EIMD. The purpose of this narrative review was to collate and evaluate the current literature investigating the effect of CF supplementation on markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as changes in muscle function, perceived soreness, and exercise performance. Acute and sub-chronic intake of CF reduces oxidative stress resulting from exercise. Evidence for the effect of CF on exercise-induced inflammation is lacking and the impact on muscle function, perceived soreness and exercise performance is inconsistent across studies. Supplementation of CF may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, with potential for delaying fatigue, but more evidence is required for any definitive conclusions on the impact of CF on markers of EIMD.

The effect of cocoa/dark chocolate consumption on lipid profile, glycemia, and blood pressure in diabetic patients: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Due to the increasing rate of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors in the worldin recent decades, the present meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects ofcocoa/chocolate consumption on lipid profile, glycemia, and blood pressure control in diabetic patients. A systematic search of the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library was performed up to July 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using cocoa/dark chocolate in diabetic patients were included in the study. The search results were limited to English-language publications. Eight RCTs, including 433 participants, were selected for this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis indicated a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-c levels (WMD: -15.49 mg/dl; 95% CI: -24.56, -6.42, p = .001) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations (WMD: -6.88 mg/dl; 95% CI: -13.28, -0.48, p = .03) following cocoa/dark chocolate consumption. The analysis of papers included in current study indicates that the consumption of cocoa/dark chocolate reduced the serum fasting blood glucose (FBS) and LDL cholesterol concentrations. However, further high quality trials are essential for confirming the clinical efficacy of cocoa/dark chocolate consumption on complete metabolic profile.

Multidirectional Effects of Tormentil Extract on Hemostasis in Experimental Diabetes

In our previous study, we showed that ellagitannin- and procyanidin-rich tormentil extract (TE) decreased experimental arterial thrombosis in normoglycemic rats through platelet inhibition. TE also slightly increased coagulation and attenuated fibrinolysis; however, these effects did not nullify the antithrombotic effect of TE. The present study aimed to assess whether TE exerts antithrombotic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, which is characterized by pre-existing increased coagulation and impaired fibrinolysis, in vivo and ex vivo thrombosis assays. TE (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, p. o.) was administered for 14 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats and mice. TE at 100 mg/kg dose decreased the thrombus area in the mice model of laser-induced thrombosis through its potent antiplatelet effect. However, TE at 200 mg/kg dose increased thrombus weight in electrically induced arterial thrombosis in rats. The prothrombotic effect could be due to increased coagulation and attenuated fibrinolysis. TE at 400 mg/kg dose also improved vascular functions, which was mainly reflected as an increase in the arterial blood flow, bleeding time prolongation, and thickening of the arterial wall. However, TE at 400 mg/kg dose did not exert antithrombotic effect. Summarizing, the present results show that TE may exert multidirectional effects on hemostasis in STZ-induced diabetic rats and mice. TE inhibited platelet activity and improved endothelial functions, but it also showed unfavorable effects by increasing the activity of the coagulation system and by inhibiting fibrinolysis. These contrasting effects could be the reason for model-specific influence of TE on the thrombotic process in STZ-induced diabetes.

Flavonoids from the Genus Euphorbia: Isolation, Structure, Pharmacological Activities and Structure-Activity Relationships

Plants of the genus Euphorbia are widely distributed across temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Asia and Africa with established Ayurvedic, Chinese and Malay ethnomedical records. The present review reports the isolation, occurrence, phytochemistry, biological properties, therapeutic potential and structure-activity relationship of Euphorbia flavonoids for the period covering 2000-2020, while identifying potential areas for future studies aimed at development of new therapeutic agents from these plants. The findings suggest that the extracts and isolated flavonoids possess anticancer, antiproliferative, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-venom, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatitis and antioxidant properties and have different mechanisms of action against cancer cells. Of the investigated species, over 80 different types of flavonoids have been isolated to date. Most of the isolated flavonoids were flavonols and comprised simple O-substitution patterns, C-methylation and prenylation. Others had a glycoside, glycosidic linkages and a carbohydrate attached at either C-3 or C-7, and were designated as d-glucose, l-rhamnose or glucorhamnose. The structure-activity relationship studies showed that methylation of the hydroxyl groups on C-3 or C-7 reduces the activities while glycosylation loses the activity and that the parent skeletal structure is essential in retaining the activity. These constituents can therefore offer potential alternative scaffolds towards development of new Euphorbia-based therapeutic agents.

Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera): Effects on Vascular Health and Future Research Directions

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, presenting an immense public and economic burden. Studies on cardioprotective foods and their bioactive components are needed to address both personal and public health needs. Date fruit is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, certain micronutrients, and dietary fiber, which can impact vascular health, and have the potential to attenuate vascular disease in humans. Data from in vitro and animal studies report that consumption of date fruit or extracts can modulate select markers of vascular health, particularly plasma lipid levels including triglycerides and cholesterol, indices of oxidative stress and inflammation, but human data is scant. More investigation is needed to better characterize date polyphenols and unique bioactive compounds or fractions, establish safe and effective levels of intake, and delineate underlying mechanisms of action. Implementing scientific rigor in clinical trials and assessment of functional markers of vascular disease, such as flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry, along with gut microbiome profiles would provide useful information with respect to human health. Emerging data supports the notion that intake of date fruit and extracts can be a useful component of a healthy lifestyle for those seeking beneficial effects on vascular health.

Weekly Physiological Changes in Blood Pressure During Three Weeks Daily Consumption of 10 Grams of Cocoa Powder Among Young Black Africans in Côte d'Ivoire

Background

In Caucasians, regular consumption of cocoa induces a drop in arterial blood pressure via an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. However, black individuals have a different NO biodisponibility compared to Caucasians. The aim of this study was to determine, in black Africans, the physiological variations in arterial blood pressure among cocoa consumers.

Method

In total, 49 male black African volunteers, aged between 18 and 30 years old, were randomized into two groups; those consuming 10 g of cocoa powder per day (1,680 mg of flavonoids per day) for 3 weeks (consumer group), and those not consuming cocoa (control group). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured in the morning on an empty stomach (fasting), on day (D) 1 (without cocoa), D8, D15, and D22. Data were collected by groups and by subgroups established according to the level of SBP, DBP, or HR on D1. The means and variations of the means (between D1 and the subsequent days) of the recorded parameters were calculated and compared between groups and between subgroups.

Results

On D8, the variations in SBP in the consumer group were significantly different from the control group (-3.72 ± 6.01 versus 0.57 ± 6.66 mmHg; p = 0.02). Between the control and consumer subgroups according to SBP, no statistical difference in the means or variations in SBP was noted. On D8 and D22, the variations in the SBP of consumers with SBP ≥ 110 mmHg on D1 were significantly different from those of other consumers (D8: -6.55 ± 5.96 versus -1.1 ± 4.93 mmHg; p = 0.01; D22: -6.63 ± 7.77 versus 0.35 ± 5.58 mmHg; p = 0.01). In the subgroups with a DBP < 75 mmHg on D1, the mean DBP of the consumers was significantly lower than that of the controls on D8 (65 ± 5 versus 69 ± 6 mmHg; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In young black African men living in Côte d'Ivoire, regular consumption of cocoa resulted in a decrease in SBP and DBP. The decrease in SBP appeared to be greater the higher the baseline SBP was.

Oligomeric procyanidins inhibit insulin fibrillation by forming unstructured and off-pathway aggregates

Effects of natural polyphenols on insulin fibrillation were compared. OPCs show potent inhibitory effects at all stages of insulin fibrillation and redirect the insulin aggregation pathway via the formation of unstructured, off-pathway aggregates.

Docking Characterization and in vitro Inhibitory Activity of Flavan-3-ols and Dimeric Proanthocyanidins Against the Main Protease Activity of SARS-Cov-2

We report to use the main protease (M^pro) of SARS-Cov-2 to screen plant flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins. Twelve compounds, (-)-afzelechin (AF), (-)-epiafzelechin (EAF), (+)-catechin (CA), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (+)-gallocatechin (GC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (+)-catechin-3-O-gallate (CAG), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), (-)-gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (GCG), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), procyanidin A2 (PA2), and procyanidin B2 (PB2), were selected for docking simulation. The resulting data predicted that all 12 metabolites could bind to M^pro. The affinity scores of PA2 and PB2 were predicted to be -9.2, followed by ECG, GCG, EGCG, and CAG, -8.3 to -8.7, and then six flavan-3-ol aglycones, -7.0 to -7.7. Docking characterization predicted that these compounds bound to three or four subsites (S1, S1', S2, and S4) in the binding pocket of M^pro via different spatial ways and various formation of one to four hydrogen bonds. In vitro analysis with 10 available compounds showed that CAG, ECG, GCG, EGCG, and PB2 inhibited the M^pro activity with an IC₅₀ value, 2.98 ± 0.21, 5.21 ± 0.5, 6.38 ± 0.5, 7.51 ± 0.21, and 75.3 ± 1.29 μM, respectively, while CA, EC, EGC, GC, and PA2 did not have inhibitory activities. To further substantiate the inhibitory activities, extracts prepared from green tea (GT), two muscadine grapes (MG), cacao, and dark chocolate (DC), which are rich in CAG, ECG, GAG, EGCG, or/and PB2, were used for inhibitory assay. The resulting data showed that GT, two MG, cacao, and DC extracts inhibited the M^pro activity with an IC₅₀ value, 2.84 ± 0.25, 29.54 ± 0.41, 29.93 ± 0.83, 153.3 ± 47.3, and 256.39 ± 66.3 μg/ml, respectively. These findings indicate that on the one hand, the structural features of flavan-3-ols are closely associated with the affinity scores; on the other hand, the galloylation and oligomeric types of flavan-3-ols are critical in creating the inhibitory activity against the M^pro activity.

Platelet Anti-Aggregant Activity and Bioactive Compounds of Ultrasound-Assisted Extracts from Whole and Seedless Tomato Pomace

Tomato paste production generates a residue known as tomato pomace, which corresponds to peels and seeds separated during tomato processing. Currently, there is an opportunity to use tomato pomace to obtain a functional extract with antithrombotic properties, such as platelet anti-aggregant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and inhibitory activity of different extracts of tomato pomace on in vitro platelet aggregation, comparing this activity with commercial cardioprotective products, and quantify bioactive compounds. Aqueous or ethanolic/water (1:1) extracts of whole tomato pomace, seedless tomato pomace, tomato pomace supplemented with seeds (50% and 20%), and only seeds were obtained with different ultrasound-assisted extraction times. The inhibition of platelet aggregation was evaluated using a lumi-aggregometer. The quantification of bioactive compounds was determined by HPLC-MS. From 5 g of each type of tomato pomace sample, 0.023-0.22 g of a dry extract was obtained for the platelet aggregation assay. The time of sonication and extraction solvent had a significant role in platelet anti-aggregant activity of some extracts respect the control. Thus, the most active extracts decreased adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation from 87 ± 6% (control) to values between 26 ± 6% and 34 ± 2% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, different ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions of tomato pomace fractions had varied concentration of flavonoids and nucleosides, and had an effect on extract yield.

Optimizing the Growth, Health, Reproductive Performance, and Gonadal Histology of Broodstock Fantail Goldfish (Carassius auratus, L.) by Dietary Cacao Bean Meal

Simple Summary

Recently, the use of medicinal herbs for regulating reproduction has received much attention in aquaculture, as they are safe, effective, biodegradable, and locally available. The data on the use of cacao bean meal as a food supplement for fish are extremely scarce. This study assessed the possible effects of cacao bean meal as a feed supplement on the growth, health status, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant, immune status, physiological parameters, female reproductive performance, and gonadal histological features of fantail goldfish. The experimental treatments consisted of three levels of cacao bean meal 0, 5, and 10 g kg⁻¹ diet with the sex ratio being four females:two males per replicate. The findings suggested that cacao bean meal can be used as a feed supplement in diets of broodstock fantail goldfish for improving the growth, health status, and female reproductive performance, economic efficiency, and gonadal histological structure.

Abstract

The potential effects of cacao bean meal, Theobroma cacao L., (CBM) on the growth, health status, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant, immune status, physiological parameters, female reproductive performance, and gonadal histological features of fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus, L.) were evaluated using a complete randomized block design with sex as a block. The trial lasted for 60 days. A total of 54 healthy fantail goldfish (36 broodstock females and 18 broodstock males) were randomly allocated into three treatments with supplementation of three levels of cocoa powder 0, 5, and 10 g kg⁻¹ diet, CBM0, CBM5, and CBM10, respectively, with the sex ratio being four females:two males per replicate. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of males were increased in the CBM10 treatment (p < 0.05). The CBM10 diet improved relative feed costs (p < 0.05). Females fed on the CBM10 diet had an increase in the serum level of total protein (p = 0.001). Females fed on a diet supplemented with CBM5 showed a decrease in the serum level of triglyceride compared to females fed on CBM0 and CBM10 diets (p = 0.03). CBM10 diet increased the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of fish compared to CBM0 and CBM5 diets (p = 0.004). Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were significantly increased in males fed on the CBM10 diet. The female reproductive performance was improved by CBM supplementation (p < 0.05). Ovarian histology exhibited increased granulation and follicle numbers after dietary CBM supplementation compared to the control treatment. Therefore, cacao bean meal can be used as a feed supplement in the diets of fantail goldfish for improving the growth, health status, and female reproductive performance, economic efficiency, and gonadal histological structure.

The Effects of Flavonoids in Cardiovascular Diseases

Flavonoids are metabolites of plants and fungus. Flavonoid research has been paid special attention to in recent times after the observation of their beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. These favorable effects are exerted by flavonoids mainly due to their antioxidant properties, which result from the ability to decrease the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, thus improving the lipid profiles. The other positive effect exerted on the cardiovascular system is the ability of flavonoids to produce vasodilation and regulate the apoptotic processes in the endothelium. Researchers suggested that these effects, including their anti-inflammatory function, are consequences of flavonoids' potent antioxidant properties, but recent studies have shown multiple signaling pathways linked to them, thus suggesting that there are more mechanisms involved in the beneficial effect of the flavonoids on the human body. This review aims to present the latest data on the classification of these substances, their main mechanisms of action in the human body, and the beneficial effects on the physiological and pathological status of the cardiovascular system.

Phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and health-promoting effects of the genus Origanum

Origanum species are mostly distributed around the Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Iran-Siberian regions. Since time immemorial, the genus has popularly been used in Southern Europe, as well as on the American continent as a spice now known all over the world under the name "oregano" or "pizza-spice." Origanum plants are also employed to prepare bitter tinctures, wines, vermouths, beer, and kvass. The major components of Origanum essential oil are various terpenes, phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with predominant occurrence of carvacrol and thymol (with reasonable amounts of p-cymen and -terpinene) or of terpinene-4-ol, linalool, and sabinene hydrate. Many species of Origanum genus are used to treat kidney, digestive, nervous, and respiratory disorders, spasms, sore throat, diabetes, lean menstruation, hypertension, cold, insomnia, toothache, headache, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, etc. Origanum essential oil showed potent bioactivities owing to its major constituents' carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes. Several preclinical studies evidenced its pharmacological potential as antiproliferative or anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, renoprotective, antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, cardioprotective, antinociceptive, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. Its nanotechnological applications as a promising pharmaceutical in order to enhance the solubility, physicochemical stability, and the accumulation rate of its essential oils have been investigated. However, Origanum has been reported causing angioedema, perioral dermatitis, allergic reaction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, hypoglycemia, and abortion. Conclusive evidences are still required for its clinical applications against human medical conditions. Toxicity analyses and risk assessment will aid to its safe and efficacious application. In addition, elaborate structure-activity studies are needed to explore the potential use of Origanum-derived phytochemicals as promising drug candidates.

(-)-Epicatechin and the comorbidities of obesity

Obesity has major adverse consequences on human health contributing to the development of, among others, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, altered behavior and cognition, and cancer. Changes in dietary habits and lifestyle could contribute to mitigate the development and/or progression of these pathologies. This review will discuss current evidence on the beneficial actions of the flavan-3-ol (-)-epicatechin (EC) on obesity-associated comorbidities. These benefits can be in part explained through EC's capacity to mitigate several common events underlying the development of these pathologies, including: i) high circulating levels of glucose, lipids and endotoxins; ii) chronic systemic inflammation; iii) tissue endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress; iv) insulin resistance; v) mitochondria dysfunction and vi) dysbiosis. The currently known underlying mechanisms and cellular targets of EC's beneficial effects are discussed. While, there is limited evidence from human studies supplementing with pure EC, other studies involving cocoa supplementation in humans, pure EC in rodents and in vitro studies, support a potential beneficial action of EC on obesity-associated comorbidities. This evidence also stresses the need of further research in the field, which would contribute to the development of human dietary strategies to mitigate the adverse consequences of obesity.

Nutrition, Thrombosis, and Cardiovascular Disease

Previous studies reported an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns (such as Mediterranean diet) and the incidence of cardiovascular events. As the mechanism accounting for cardiovascular disease is prevalently due to the atherothrombosis, where a pivotal role is played by platelet activation, it would be arguable that diets with protective effects against cardiovascular disease exert an anti-atherothrombotic effect via inhibition of platelet activation. There are several and sparse typologies of studies, which investigated if single nutrients by diets recognized as having cardiovascular protection may exert an antithrombotic effect. The most investigated nutrients are key components of the Mediterranean diets such as fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and wine; other diets with protective effects include nuts and cocoa. Here we summarize experimental and human interventional studies which investigated the antithrombotic effects of such nutrients in experimental models of thrombosis or analyzed biomarkers of clotting, platelet, and fibrinolysis activation in human; furthermore in vitro studies explored the underlying mechanism at level of several cell lines such as platelets or endothelial cells. In this context, we analyzed if nutrients affect simultaneously or separately clotting, platelet, and fibrinolysis pathways giving special attention to the relationship between oxidative stress and thrombosis as most nutrients are believed to possess antioxidant properties.

Caesalpinia crista coat extract protects red blood cell from sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress and exhibits antiplatelet activity

: To understand the RBC protecting efficiency and antiplatelet activity of methanolic extract of Caesalpinia crista coat (MECCC). RBC-protecting activity of MECCC was evaluated using assays, such as DPPH, level of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, superoxide dismutase and catalase as a marker of oxidative stress whereas, platelet aggregation inhibition was performed using human platelet-rich plasma (PRP). MECCC showed about 76% of DPPH-scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 71.89 μg/ml. The MECCC reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and protein carboxylation in RBC caused by NaNO2 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, MECCC normalized the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in oxidative stress-induced RBC in a dose-dependent manner. This suggested the protective effect of MECCC on RBC against oxidative stress. Furthermore, MECCC also exhibited mild antiplatelet activity by inhibiting both ADP and epinephrine agonists that induced platelet aggregation. The noticed inhibition percentage was found to be 28 and 23%, respectively at the concentration of 150 μg. Interestingly, MECCC did not hydrolyse the RBC suggesting its nontoxic properties. MECCC possesses protective effect of RBC against NaNO2 (10 mmol/l) induce oxidative stress and inhibits platelet aggregation.

Chronic and acute effects of cocoa products intake on arterial stiffness and platelet count and function: A systematic review and dose-response Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The findings of trials investigating the effect of cocoa products consumption on vascular stiffness and platelet are controversial. The aim of this study is to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of different forms of cocoa on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. We searched SCOPUS, Pub Med and Web of Science from inception to Jan 2020. Finally, the random-effect model was used to report the pooled effect sizes. Results are expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Overall, 41 trials were included, of which only 14 studies met the eligibility criteria for analysis, including 11 long-term RCTs (more than a week was considered as a chronic phase) and 7 short-term RCTs (less than a week was considered as an acute phase). According to the result of 11 long-term RCTs, cocoa products had a negative significant effect on pulse wave velocity; PWV (WMD: -0.33 m/s, P < 0.0001), Augmentation index; AIx (WMD: -4.50%, P = 0.001) but had no significant effect on platelet count (WMD: -10.41 10⁹/L, P = 0.053). Also, according to the results of 7 short-term RCTs, cocoa products had a negative significant effect on PWV (WMD: -0.27 m/s, P = 0.019), AIx (WMD: -4.47%, P = 0.003).Current study indicated the beneficial effect of acute and chronic consumption of cocoa-based products ingestion on platelet function and arterial stiffness in healthy adult regardless of age especially in male and for consumption (≤4 weeks) in the chronic intake and (≤120 minutes) in acute intake, but did not affect on platelet count. However, further studies are required to shed light on this issue.

Chocolate, "Food of the Gods": History, Science, and Human Health

Chocolate is well known for its fine flavor, and its history began in ancient times, when the Maya considered chocolate (a cocoa drink prepared with hot water) the "Food of the Gods". The food industry produces many different types of chocolate: in recent years, dark chocolate, in particular, has gained great popularity. Interest in chocolate has grown, owing to its physiological and potential health effects, such as regulation of blood pressure, insulin levels, vascular functions, oxidation processes, prebiotic effects, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. However, further translational and epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm available results and to evaluate other possible effects related to the consumption of cocoa and chocolate, verifying in humans the effects hitherto demonstrated only in vitro, and suggesting how best to consume (in terms of dose, mode, and time) chocolate in the daily diet.

The effect of cocoa consumption on markers of oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies

A number of studies have examined the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption on markers of oxidative stress in different population, however, the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we systematically reviewed available interventional studies to elucidate the overall impact of cocoa consumption on markers of oxidative stress among adult population. PubMed, Cochrane's library, Science Direct, Scopus, Google scholar and ISI web of science databases were searched for all available literature until March 2019 for relevant studies. The Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of each study. A total of 48 studies out of 1402 met the inclusion criteria and were included in our systematic review and 16 of them were entered in meta-analysis. The pooled estimate from the random-effect model showed cocoa consumption significantly reduced malondialdehyde (SMD: -0.71; 95 % CI, -1.41 to -0.01; P = 0.048) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (WMD: -43.76; 95 % CI, -76.25 to -11.28; P = 0.008) but not the other markers of oxidative stress. Our findings support the concept that cocoa consumption plays an important role in the human metabolic pathway through reducing the oxidative stress. In order to draw a firm link between cocoa and oxidative stress, more clinical trials with adequate sample size and sufficient follow-up periods are warranted.

Epicatechin influences primary hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis

The different stages of hemostasis (i.e., primary hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis) are involved in the early atherothrombosis steps. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epicatechin, a major flavonoid compound, on the hemostasis phenotype using clinically relevant in vitro global assays that mimic the complexity of the in vivo hemostasis systems. Plasma samples from 10 healthy volunteers were spiked with increasing concentrations of epicatechin (1 to 100 μM). Epicatechin effect on primary hemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis was assessed by measuring platelet aggregation using light transmission aggregometry, thrombin generation and clot lysis time (CLT), respectively. Epicatechin (100 μM) significantly decreased the maximal platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (-39%), thrombin receptor activating peptide (-48%), epinephrine (-30%), and collagen (-30%). The endogenous thrombin potential was significantly reduced starting from 1 μM epicatechin (1332 ± 230 versus 1548 ± 241 nM min for control) (p < 0.01). Fibrinolysis was promoted by epicatechin, as indicated by CLT decrease by 16 and 33% with 10 and 100 μM epicatechin respectively, compared with control (1271 ± 775 s). These findings show that epicatechin reduces platelet function and leads to an anticoagulant and pro-fibrinolytic profile, providing new evidence of its interest for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Procyanidin A2, an anti-diabetic condensed tannin extracted from Wendlandia glabrata, reduces elevated G-6-Pase and mRNA levels in diabetic mice and increases glucose uptake in CC1 hepatocytes and C1C12 myoblast cells

To reduce the global burden of diabetes in an affordable way great attention has been paid to the search for functional foods and herbal remedies. One of the most popularly used functional foods in the North Eastern region of India is tender shoots of Wendlandia glabrata DC. In the current study identification of active anti-diabetic constituent of the tender shoots of W. glabrata was guided through α-glucosidase inhibition and procyanidin A2 was identified with IC₅₀ 0.27 ± 0.01 μg mL⁻¹ making it potential source for postprandial management of DM type 2. The study has also demonstrated procyanidin A2 as a potent anti-diabetic agent that exhibits significant glucose-6-phosphatase inhibitory activities and downregulated mRNA level in diabetic mice as well as increases glucose uptake in hepatocytes and myoblast cells. This study revealed that easily available tender shoots of W. glabrata could be used to make specific dietary recommendations for consumption for affordable management of diabetes.

Wendlandia glabrata and procyanidin A2 isolated thereof are exhibited significant anti-diabetic effect.

In silico approach to study the metabolism and biological activities of oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes

OBJECTIVES:

Over the past three decades, numerous studies have focused on the biological activities of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) in the prevention of many diseases such as neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, tumorigenesis, and microbial infections. OPC has redox-active metabolites which could modulate the intracellular redox equilibrium to maintain the antioxidant homeostasis. This redox-modulating efficiency of OPC could provide new insights into therapeutic approaches that could reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases. The main objective of this study was to explore the biological and metabolic activities of OPC using in silico approaches.

METHODS:

To validate the above objective, chemoinformatic tools were used to predict the metabolism of OPC after ingestion, based on both the ligand and structure of the constituent compounds.

RESULTS:

OPC showed possible sites for Phase I metabolism by cytochrome P450, and the metabolites obtained thereafter may be responsible for its biological activities. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity properties showed efficient absorption, distribution, and metabolism of OPC, without toxicity.

CONCLUSION:

Thus, from the results obtained, OPC could be strongly recommended as a cardioprotective drug.

Estimation of daily intake of flavonoids and major food sources in middle-aged Australian men and women

Flavonoid consumption has reported health benefits such as reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, improving endothelial function, and delaying age-related cognitive decline. However, there are little dietary intake data for Australians, which limit our ability to make dietary recommendations to increase intakes to a level where health benefits are seen. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the intake of flavonoids, flavonoid classes, and flavonoid subclasses of 1183 Australians aged 39 to 65 years using a validated 215-item food frequency questionnaire. Based on limited global flavonoid intake data, flavanols are the major dietary flavonoid and are found predominantly in tea and cocoa. As Australians are large tea drinkers, we anticipated that flavanols would be the major flavonoid in the Australian diet. The flavonoid content of foods was determined using a combination of the United States Department of Agriculture Databases and the Phenol-Explorer Database. One-way analysis of variance was undertaken to examine differences between flavonoid intake between men and women. Total flavonoid intake was 626 ± 579 mg/d. Men and women consumed 566 ± 559 mg and 660 ± 588 mg of total flavonoids per day, respectively. Thearubigin accounted for 58% of the flavonoid intake. Women consumed more total flavonoids, thearubigins (both P < .01), anthocyanidins (P < .0001), flavan-3-ols, flavones, and flavonols (all P < .05) than men, whereas men consumed more flavanones than women (P = .01). There was no difference between sexes for the consumption of isoflavones. The data indicated that flavan-3-ols, predominantly thearubigin from tea, were the main flavonoid consumed by Australians. This information contributes to population flavonoid intakes, which should be considered when exploring flavonoid and health relationships.

The Impact of Epicatechin on Human Cognition: The Role of Cerebral Blood Flow

Epicatechin is a monomeric flavanol found in food sources such as tea, apples, berries and cocoa. A number of large-scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between the consumption of these foods and cognitive function, as well as improved blood flow. The aim of this review is to summarise the evidence from intervention studies to clarify the effect of epicatechin on cognition and to consider the role of increased cerebral blood flow as a mechanism for any effects. The effects of epicatechin as consumed in cocoa are, therefore, reviewed here as this represents the only dietary source where it is purported to be the major active component. Our main findings are that a) the positive modulation of tasks that involve memory, executive function and processing speed in older adults; b) the cognitive benefits are more often shown in studies containing more than 50 mg epicatechin/day; and c) all studies with a duration of 28 days or longer in populations >50 years old demonstrate a cognitive improvement. However, as highlighted by this review, it is not currently possible to attribute effects solely to epicatechin without consideration of synergies. In order to overcome this issue, further studies examining the cognitive effects of epicatechin in isolation are required. The role of cerebral blood flow also requires further investigation through simultaneous measurement alongside cognitive function.

Strategies to decrease oxidative stress biomarker levels in human medical conditions: A meta-analysis on 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α

The widespread detection of elevated oxidative stress levels in many medical conditions has led to numerous efforts to design interventions to reduce its effects. Efforts have been wide-ranging, from dietary changes to administration of antioxidants, supplements, e.g., omega-3-fatty acids, and many medications. However, there is still no systemic assessment of the efficacy of treatments for oxidative stress reduction across a variety of medical conditions. The goal of this meta-analysis is, by combining multiple studies, to quantitate the change in the levels of the popular oxidative stress biomarker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) after a variety of treatment strategies in human populations. Nearly 350 unique publications with 180 distinct strategies were included in the analysis. For each strategy, the difference between pre- or placebo and post-treatment levels calculated using Hedges' g value of effect. In general, administration of antibiotics, antihyperlipidemic agents, or changes in lifestyle (g = - 0.63, - 0.54, and 0.56) had the largest effect. Administration of supplements, antioxidants, or changes in diet (g = - 0.09, - 0.28, - 0.12) had small quantitative effects. To fully interpret the effectiveness of these treatments, comparisons to the increase in g value for each medical condition is required. For example, antioxidants in populations with coronary artery disease (CAD) reduce the 8-iso-PGF2α levels by g = - 0.34 ± 0.1, which is quantitatively considered a small effect. However, CAD populations, in comparison to healthy populations, have an increase in 8-iso-PGF2α levels by g = 0.38 ± 0.04; therefore, the overall reduction of 8-iso-PGF2α levels is ≈ 90% by this treatment in this specific medical condition. In conclusion, 8-iso-PGF2α levels can be reduced not only by antioxidants but by many other strategies. Not all strategies are equally effective at reducing 8-iso-PGF2α levels. In addition, the effectiveness of any strategy can be assessed only in relation to the medical condition investigated.

Phytochemical profile of seeds from 21 Bambara groundnut landraces via UPLC-qTOF-MS

Bambara groundnut is one of the under-utilized African legume crops, valued for its nutritional and health benefits, and for which ongoing studies will help to distinguish its many landraces and select the promising one for breeding programs. To describe the polar metabolome of the seed from 21 Bambara groundnut landraces, untargeted metabolomics approach using UPLC-qTOF-MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography-Quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) was performed. Metabolites belonging to varied compound classes were detected and identified. The total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents varied from 0.75 to 17.71 mg GAE.g^-1, 0.01 to 2.51 mg QUE.g^-1 and 0.03 to 1.31 mg CYE.g^-1, respectively. Unsupervised statistics highlighted differences in the metabolome of different landraces. Principal component analysis revealed that caffeic and catechin conjugates are the most decisive marker compounds discriminating the landraces. This study provides the most complete map of metabolites in Bambara groundnut seeds and demonstrates that UPLC-qTOF-MS coupled with chemometric is an excellent tool for differentiation between landraces. These findings highlight the potential of Bambara groundnuts as an economic source of natural antioxidants for human consumption and food industries, and therefore open horizons to the industrial use of Bambara groundnut flours in the development of functional food and feed products.

Gene expression changes by high-polyphenols cocoa powder intake: a randomized crossover clinical study

Purpose

To assess the effect of the intake of a single dose of high-polyphenols cocoa on gene expression in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and analyze conjugated (−)-epicatechin metabolites in plasma, which may be related with an antioxidant response in healthy human.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over, clinical trial in healthy young adults who consumed a single dose of high-polyphenols cocoa powder and maltodextrins as control, with a one-week washout period. Analysis of circulating metabolites, plasma antioxidant capacity and gene expression changes in PBMCs were performed under fasting conditions and 2-h after treatment using microarray in a subsample. Pathway analysis was conducted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).

Results

Twenty healthy participants (9 F) were included in the study. A significant increase in circulating (−)-epicatechin metabolites was found after cocoa intake in all participants without related changes in antioxidant capacity of plasma. The metabolites profile slightly varied across subjects. Treatments triggered different transcriptional changes in PBMC. A group of 98 genes showed changes in expression after cocoa treatment, while only 18 were modified by control. Differentially expressed genes included inflammatory cytokines and other molecules involved in redox balance. Gene and network analysis after cocoa intake converged in functions annotated as decreased production of reactive oxygen species (p = 9.58E−04), decreased leukocyte activation (p = 4E−03) and calcium mobilization (p = 2.51E–05).

Conclusions

No association was found between conjugated metabolites in plasma and antioxidant capacity. Changes in PBMCs gene expression suggest anti-inflammatory effects.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-018-1736-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A nutritive dose of pure (-)-epicatechin does not beneficially affect increased cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight-to-obese adults-a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study

Background

Regular cocoa consumption has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and increase insulin sensitivity and flow-mediated dilatation in healthy adults. It is assumed that these effects can be attributed to polyphenolic cocoa ingredients such as flavanols, especially to (-)-epicatechin. Nutritive intervention studies to prove this hypothesis are scarce.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether regular consumption of 25 mg of pure (-)-epicatechin can affect increased cardiometabolic risk factors [blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation] in overweight-to-obese subjects.

Design

Forty-eight overweight or obese nonsmokers [body mass index (kg/m2) ≥25.0, ages 20-65 y] with clear signs of metabolic syndrome (blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg, glucose >5.55 mmol/L, or triglycerides >1.69 mmol/L or cholesterol >5.2 mmol/L in fasting blood) and without chronic diseases were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Participants ingested daily 25 mg (-)-epicatechin (encapsulated) or placebo for 2-wk in random order (2-wk washout). After an overnight fast, blood pressure was monitored and blood samples were collected before and after both treatments. Anthropometric data were determined at each visit. Dietary intake was assessed by 3-d food records during both treatments and during run-in and washout phase.

Results

Supplementation of pure (-)-epicatechin did not significantly affect blood pressure, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, or total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL, vitamins C and E, and β-carotene in plasma were not modulated. Body weight, fat mass, fat distribution, and the intake of energy, nutrients, and (-)-epicatechin from food remained stable throughout the study.

Conclusions

Daily intake of 25 mg of pure (-)-epicatechin for 2 wk does not reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight-to-obese adults. Thus, the hypothesis that the cardioprotective effects of regular cocoa consumption are exclusively ascribed to (-)-epicatechin should be reconsidered. The study was registered at the German Clinical Trial Register as DRKS-ID: DRKS00009846.

Dietary Flavanols: A Review of Select Effects on Vascular Function, Blood Pressure, and Exercise Performance

An individual's diet affects numerous physiological functions and can play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that dietary flavanols can be an important modulator of vascular risk. Diets and plant extracts rich in flavanols have been reported to lower blood pressure, especially in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Flavanols may act in part through signaling pathways that affect vascular function, nitric oxide availability, and the release of endothelial-derived relaxing and constricting factors. During exercise, flavanols have been reported to modulate metabolism and respiration (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake, O₂ cost of exercise, and energy expenditure), and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in increased skeletal muscle efficiency and endurance capacity. Flavanol-induced reductions in blood pressure during exercise may decrease the work of the heart. Collectively, these effects suggest that flavanols can act as an ergogenic aid to help delay the onset of fatigue. More research is needed to better clarify the effects of flavanols on vascular function, blood pressure regulation, and exercise performance and establish safe and effective levels of intake. Flavanol-rich foods and food products can be useful components of a healthy diet and lifestyle program for those seeking to better control their blood pressure or to enhance their physical activity. Key teaching points • Epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that dietary flavanols can reduce the risk of vascular disease. • Diets and plant extracts rich in flavanols have been reported to lower blood pressure and improve exercise performance in humans. • Mechanisms by which flavanols may reduce blood pressure function include alterations in signaling pathways that affect vascular function, nitric oxide availability, and the release of endothelial-derived relaxation and constriction factors. • Mechanisms by which flavanols may enhance exercise performance include modulation of metabolism and respiration (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake, O₂ cost of exercise, and energy expenditure) and reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. These effects can result in increased skeletal muscle efficiency and endurance capacity. • Further research is needed to clarify the amount, timing, and frequency of flavanol intake for blood pressure regulation and exercise performance.

Does cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation have favorable effect on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference? A systematic review, meta-analysis and dose-response of randomized clinical trials

Background: Cocoa and dark chocolate (DC) have been reported to be effective for health promotion; however the exact effect of cocoa/DC on anthropometric measures have not been yet defined. Methods: A comprehensive search to identify randomized clinical trials investigating the impact of cocoa/DC on body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was performed up to December 2017. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed using random effects model to estimate pooled effect size. Fractional polynominal modeling was used to explore dose-response relationships. Results: A total of 35 RCTs investigated the effects of cocoa/DC on weight, BMI and WC were included. Meta-analysis did not suggest any significant effect of cocoa/DC supplementation on body weight (-0.108 kg, 95% CI -0.262, 0.046 P = 0.168), BMI (-0.014 kg/m² 95% CI -0.105, 0.077, P: 0.759,) and WC (0.025 cm 95% CI -0.083, 0.129, P = 0.640). Subgroup analysis revealed that that weight and BMI were reduced with cocoa/DC supplementation ≥ 30 g chocolate per day in trials between 4-8 weeks. Cocoa/DC consumption resulted in WC reduction in non-linear fashion (r = 0.042, P-nonlinearity = 0.008).Conclusion: Cocoa/DC supplementation does not reduce anthropometric measures significantly. However subgroup analysis regarding dose (≥ 30 g/day) and duration (between 4 to 8 weeks) revealed significant reduction of body weight and BMI.