Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Inhibits Pancreatic Lipase and Reduces Body Weight Gain in High Fat-Fed Obese Mice.
Kimberly A. Grove et al. Obesity, 2011
Tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) has been shown to have obesity preventive effects in laboratory studies. We hypothesized that dietary epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could reverse metabolic syndrome in high fat-fed obese C57bl/6J mice, and that these effects were related to inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL). (more)
Phase II Study of the Effects of Ginger Root Extract on Eicosanoids in Colon Mucosa in People at Normal Risk for Colorectal Cancer.
Zick SM, et al. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2011 Oct 11
Inhibitors of COX indicate that upregulation of inflammatory eicosanoids produced by COX, and in particular prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), are early events in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Ginger has shown downregulation of COX in vitro and decreased incidence/multiplicity of adenomas in rats. (more)
Comparison of Isothiocyanate Metabolite Levels and Histone Deacetylase Activity in Human Subjects Consuming Broccoli Sprouts or Broccoli Supplement.
John D. Clarke et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2011
Increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli may reduce the risk of various cancers. Myrosinase is required to convert dietary glucosinolates from broccoli into bioactive isothiocyanates. We evaluated isothiocyanate excretion profiles in healthy subjects who consumed broccoli sprouts or broccoli supplement (no myrosinase) with equivalent glucosinolate content. Fresh broccoli sprouts differ from broccoli supplements in regards to excretion of isothiocyanates and bioactivity in human subjects. The reason, researchers concluded, is that a necessary enzyme called myrosinase is missing from most of the supplement forms of glucosinolates, a valuable phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables. Without this enzyme found in the whole food, the study found that the body actually absorbs five times less of one important compound and eight times less of another.
Editor's note: Another case of the whole plant being superior to the isolated constituent.
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Chocolate consumption and cardiometabolic disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Buitrago-Lopez A. et al. BMJ. 2011 Aug 26;343
To evaluate the association of chocolate consumption with the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders. A Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on observational evidence, levels of chocolate consumption seem to be associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Further experimental studies are required to confirm a potentially beneficial effect of chocolate consumption. (more)
Effects of green tea catechins and theanine on preventing influenza infection among healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial.
Matsumoto K et al. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Feb 21;11:15
BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have revealed that green tea catechins and theanine prevent influenza infection, while the clinical evidence has been inconclusive. This study was conducted to determine whether taking green tea catechins and theanine can clinically prevent influenza infection. CONCLUSIONS: Among healthcare workers for the elderly, taking green tea catechins and theanine may be effective prophylaxis for influenza infection.
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Carotenoids in Age-related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study.
Piermarocchi S et al. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2011 Oct 17
The aim of this study was to determine whether nutritional supplementation with a targeted nutritional supplement improves visual acuity and visual function in AMD. Interventions were lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (1 mg), astaxanthin (4 mg; AZYR SIFI, Catania, Italy), and antioxidants/vitamins supplementation formula or no dietary supplementation for 2 years. Conclusions. Patients treated with lutein/zeaxanthin and astaxanthin together with other nutrients were more likely to report clinically meaningful stabilization/improvements in VA, CS, and visual function through 24 months compared with nontreated subjects. (more)
Effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trial.
Barry MJ et al. JAMA. 2011 Sep 28;306(12):1344-51.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens, from saw palmetto berries) at up to 3 times the standard dose on lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to BPH. Authors concluded that Saw palmetto extract was no more effective than placebo for any secondary outcome. No clearly attributable adverse effects were identified.
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Editor's note: The study results conflict with many of the positive outcomes seen in earlier saw palmetto trials. The major problem is the patient selection. The authors state that '... a greater percentage of men in our study ... may have had LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms, i.e., urinary problems) due to causes other than BPH.' This is because the experimental group was selected based on observed symptoms rather than a confirmed medical diagnosis.
