Critical reviews in food science and nutrition
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Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · Mar 2017
Review Meta AnalysisEffects of Quercetin Supplementation on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
In spite of promising experimental findings, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded mixed results on the impact of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid levels. ⋯ Available evidence from RCTs does not suggest any clinically relevant effect of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipids, apart from a significant reduction of triglycerides at doses above 50 mg/day.
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Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · Jan 2017
ReviewGinger-Mechanism of action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A review.
Despite advances in antiemetic therapy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) still poses a significant burden to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nausea, in particular, is still highly prevalent in this population. Ginger has been traditionally used as a folk remedy for gastrointestinal complaints and has been suggested as a viable adjuvant treatment for nausea and vomiting in the cancer context. ⋯ These properties include 5-HT3, substance P, and acetylcholine receptor antagonism; antiinflammatory properties; and modulation of cellular redox signaling, vasopressin release, gastrointestinal motility, and gastric emptying rate. This review outlines these proposed mechanisms by discussing the results of clinical, in vitro, and animal studies both within the chemotherapy context and in other relevant fields. The evidence presented in this review indicates that ginger possesses multiple properties that could be beneficial in reducing CINV.
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Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · Jul 2016
ReviewBiological Activities of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and Its Pungent Principle Capsaicin: A Review.
Capsaicin, the pungent alkaloid of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) has been extensively studied for its biological effects which are of pharmacological relevance. These include: cardio protective influence, antilithogenic effect, antiinflammatory, and analgesia, thermogenic influence, and beneficial effects on gastrointestinal system. Therefore, capsaicinoids may have the potential clinical value for pain relief, cancer prevention and weight loss. ⋯ Chemopreventive potential of capsaicin is evidenced in cell line studies. The health beneficial hypocholesterolemic influence of capsaicin besides being cardio protective has other implications, viz., prevention of cholesterol gallstones and protection of the structural integrity of erythrocytes under conditions of hypercholesterolemia. Beneficial influences of capsaicin on gastrointestinal system include digestive stimulant action and modulation of intestinal ultrastructure so as to enhance permeability to micronutrients.
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Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · Jan 2016
ReviewAdvanced Glycation End Products, Inflammation, and Chronic Metabolic Diseases: Links in a Chain?
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a diverse group of compounds produced when reducing sugars react with proteins or other compounds to form glycosylated molecules. AGEs may form endogenously, and glycation of molecules may negatively affect their function. ⋯ Whether dietary AGEs are absorbed in significant quantities and whether they are harmful if absorbed is a question under current debate. The American Diabetes Association makes no recommendation regarding avoidance of these foods, but many researchers are concerned that they may be pro-inflammatory and way worsen cardiac function, kidney function, diabetes and its complications and may even contribute to obesity.
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Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · Jan 2016
Review Comparative StudyMethods of Selenium Supplementation: Bioavailability and Determination of Selenium Compounds.
Selenium, a "dual-surface" element, maintains a very thin line between a level of necessity and harmfulness. Because of this, a deficiency or excess of this element in an organism is dangerous and causes health-related problems, both physically and mentally. The main source of selenium is a balanced diet, with a proper selection of meat and plant products. ⋯ Based on the fact that selenium appears in the environment at trace levels, the determination of total amount of selenium or selenium speciation in a given sample demands the selection of appropriate measurement methods. These methods are most often comprised of a sample preparation technique and/or a separation technique as well as a detection system. The work presents information on the subject of analytical methods used for determining selenium and its compounds as well as examples in literature of their application.