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Obesity: The preventive role of the pomegranate (Punica granatum)
... Moreover, pomegranate is used in several systems of medicine for a variety of ailments. It is considered "a pharmacy unto itself" in Ayurvedic medicine and is used as an antiparasitic agent [8] a blood tonic [9] and to heal aphthae, diarrhea, and ulcers [10][11]. Pomegranate also serves as a remedy for diabetes in the Unani system of medicine practiced in the Middle East and India [12]. ...
... Interestingly, when we use Rep 12 as a primer with the genome of the treated E. coli strain with the plant peel and seeds extracts, we can obtain a unique positive bands at a molecular weight of 600, 1100 and 1800 bp (Figure 3). (2)(3)(4), Taif seeds extract (5-7), Egyptian peel extract (9)(10)(11) and Egyptian seeds extract (12)(13)(14),. M: is 100 bp DNA ladder, 1and 8 = untreated E. coli. ...
... Also, the bands with molecular weight about 1900 and 2000 bp were showed as a positive unique band in the treated strain ( Figure 4). (2)(3)(4), Taif seeds extract (5-7), Egyptian peel extract (9)(10)(11) and Egyptian seeds extract (12)(13)(14),. M: is 100 bp DNA ladder, 1and 8 = untreated E. coli. ...
Punica granatum are utilized by local people as the part of their meal. Peoples supposed to consume Punica granatum seed and their peel was thrown as waste. Present study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the DMSO, ethanol and methanol extracts of Egyptian and Taif cultivars of Punica granatum peel and seeds extracts against five opportunistic pathogens namely Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. (as a gram positive bacteria), Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila (as a gram negative bacteria). The antimicrobial activity of plant peels and seeds extracts were compared with that of Streptomycin, as reference antibiotics. Evaluations were based on the zone of inhibition using agar well diffusion assay. The inhibitory activity was found to be dose dependent. The methanol extract of the peels from the two cultivars at 15 mg/ml dosage were found to be active antimicrobials against all the test microorganisms. While, the maximum antimicrobial activity for the seeds extracts were reported at 60 mg/ml. Escherichia coli was reported to have significant susceptibility against most of the extract followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of the peels and seeds extract on the DNA damage of the bacterial genome using the repetitive element PCR analysis technique (Rep-PCR). The Rep-PCR results significantly showed that there are a polymorphic numbers of genetic bands, which were found in E. coli treated bacteria and absent in the untreated bacteria. This study indicates that aqueous DMSO, methanol and ethanol extracts of peels and seeds of the two cultivars of Punica granatum may be utilizes as a potential source of antimicrobial and mutagen agents.
... The glossy green leaves of P. granatum can reach a height of 3 cm [26]. Their bioactive composition, namely secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, have been linked to a variety of biological and pharmacological functions [5,21,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. Properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimetabolic, anticancer, and antibacterial have already been studied [30,33,34]. ...
... The tentatively identified compounds and their quantification are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively, and the chromatogram is shown in Figure 1. Thirty-three compounds were tentatively identified, thirteen of which were phenolic acids (peaks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,8,9,10,12,13,14,15), fifteen flavonoids (peaks 7, 11,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27), and six tannins (peaks 28,29,30,31,32,33). ...
Due to a lack of innovative valorization strategies, pomegranate processing generates a significant amount of residues with a negative environmental footprint. These by-products are a rich source of bioactive compounds with functional and medicinal benefits. This study reports the valorization of pomegranate leaves as a source of bioactive ingredients using maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction techniques. The phenolic composition of the leaf extracts was analyzed using an HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn system. The extracts’ antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-beneficial properties were determined using validated in vitro methodologies. The results showed that gallic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and granatin B were the most abundant compounds in the three hydroethanolic extracts (between 0.95 and 1.45, 0.7 and 2.4, and 0.133 and 3.0 mg/g, respectively). The leaf extracts revealed broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against clinical and food pathogens. They also presented antioxidant potential and cytotoxic effects against all tested cancer cell lines. In addition, tyrosinase activity was also verified. The tested concentrations (50–400 µg/mL) ensured a cellular viability higher than 70% in both keratinocyte and fibroblast skin cell lines. The obtained results indicate that the pomegranate leaves could be used as a low-cost source of value-added functional ingredients for potential nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications.
... Platycodin D extracted from Platycodon grandiflorum which belongs to the class of terpenes exhibited anti-obesity effects. Punicalagin from Punica granatum belongs to the class of tannins was reported to have anti-obesity effects [40]. ...
... AS dataset has recognized nine outliers which includes AO160-Punicalin, AO101-Ginsenoside Rb1, AO063 -Corilagin, AO193-vitisin A, AO163-Quercetin 3,7 diglucoside, AO276-Levan n, AO016-Annohexocin, AO154 Platycodin D and AO159 Punicalagin (Fig. 8). AS dataset contains Punicalin, a class of tannin, isolated from Punica granatum reported for anti-obesity effect [40]. Ginsenoside Rb1 extracted from Panax quinquefolium was also found to have anti-obesity activity [41]. ...
Nature plays a major role in the development of new drugs which helps in preventing and treating human diseases. Anti-obesity compound database (AOCD) contains comprehensive information on all published small molecules from natural sources with anti-obesity potential targeting pancreatic lipase (PL), appetite suppressant (AS) and adipogenesis (AD). Presently the database contains 349 compounds isolated from 307 plants, 26 marine and 16 microbial sources. Users can query the AOCD database (https://aocd.swmd.co.in/) in several ways. The database was divided into three datasets (PL, AS and AD) to perform chemoinformatic analysis using Platform for Unified Molecular Analysis (PUMA), which were analyzed based on molecular descriptors, scaffold diversity and structural fingerprint diversity. Chemoinformatics study inferred the PL dataset has the highest diversity of compounds based on the Euclidean distance on molecular properties, scaffold diversity and pairwise similarity on fingerprint diversity. This study would hasten the process of anti-obesity drug discovery.
... Biophenol-rich products obtained from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) have been a focus of increasing interest in the potential health benefits due to their pleiotropic effects affecting various cellular pathways, especially those triggered by oxidative stress [20,21]. The therapeutic potential of pomegranate has been used for centuries in many cultures for its multipotent properties in the prevention and treatment of different health disorders, and nowadays a wide variety of pomegranate-based components have been developed as functional food supplements [22][23][24]. Pomegranate has a remarkable antioxidant activity due to its high content in polyphenols and flavonoids, including ellagitannins, anthocyanins, gallic acid derivatives, punicalagin, punicalin, pedunculagin, ellagic acid, phenolic acids and other complex flavonoids. When compared to a variety of natural-derived antioxidants, pomegranate polyphenols are thought to demonstrate superior effects regarding protecting lipoproteins from oxidation thereby playing a fundamental role in the attenuation of atherosclerotic development and subsequent cardiovascular events [25][26][27][28]. ...
... Decreasing energy intake and the intestinal absorption of dietary fats by inhibiting pancreatic lipase together with the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the different constituents of PE have been proposed as mechanisms involved in the anti-atherogenic and anti-obesity effects of PE [23]. Providing food with a high antioxidant capacity, thermogenic ingredients and a hypocaloric diet is fundamental to reduce fat mass. ...
Pomegranates are known to possess anti-hypertensive, anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective effects mainly due to their pleiotropic effects on various cellular pathways, especially those triggered by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural standardized pomegranate (PE) extract on cardiovascular risk factors in 24 healthy volunteers who participated in a randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled study. There were 12 subjects in the PE group and 12 in the placebo group. Variables were measured at baseline and after 14 and 28 days of supplementation are anthropometry, BP, pulse wave velocity, fat and lean body mass, salivary and urinary cortisol, and cortisone, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation. Urinary total phenolics excretion and antioxidant capacity were significantly increased after 14 and 28 days of PE intake. At day 28, there were also statistically significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity, body fat and fat mass, as well as an increase in lean body mass. Significant changes in the placebo group were not found. Glucocorticoid levels showed a significant decrease in saliva cortisol at day 28 (morning) in the PE group, and cortisol/cortisone ratio was significantly decreased following 28 days of PE intake at morning, noon, and evening. Urine free cortisol was significantly reduced at day 14. These findings suggest that pomegranate extract intake may improve antioxidant and oxidative stress status and play a beneficial role in the attenuation of some cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies should concentrate on overweight and older people.
... The consumption of pomegranate juice has grown tremendously due to its reported health benefits, which are presumably due to its high content of antioxidant polyphenols especially tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid derivatives [19,20]. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that pomegranate may reduce inflammation [21], lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, blood pressure [22][23][24] and insulin resistance [25]. Pomegranate may therefore have a protective role against atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, diabetes type II, and obesity [24,25]. ...
... Animal and in vitro studies have shown that pomegranate may reduce inflammation [21], lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, blood pressure [22][23][24] and insulin resistance [25]. Pomegranate may therefore have a protective role against atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, diabetes type II, and obesity [24,25]. It has also been shown that the intake of pomegranate juice [26,27] and pomegranate extract reduced blood pressure, insulin resistance and stress hormones levels [28]. ...
... The consumption of pomegranate juice has grown tremendously due to its reported health benefits, which are presumably due to its high content of antioxidant polyphenols especially tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid derivatives [19,20]. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that pomegranate may reduce inflammation [21], lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, blood pressure [22][23][24] and insulin resistance [25]. Pomegranate may therefore have a protective role against atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, diabetes type II, and obesity [24,25]. ...
... Animal and in vitro studies have shown that pomegranate may reduce inflammation [21], lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, blood pressure [22][23][24] and insulin resistance [25]. Pomegranate may therefore have a protective role against atherosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, diabetes type II, and obesity [24,25]. It has also been shown that the intake of pomegranate juice [26,27] and pomegranate extract reduced blood pressure, insulin resistance and stress hormones levels [28]. ...
There has been an increasing interest in nutraceuticals and functional foods in reducing appetite and to lose weight. We assessed the effect of oral pomegranate extract (PE) and PE juice (PJ) intake vs. placebo on satiety parameters in healthy volunteers. Twenty-eight subjects (mean age 34.5 ± 13.7 years, body mass index [BMI] 25.05 ± 3.91 kg/m²) were randomized to 3-week priming supplementation with PE (Pomanox®) or placebo. On week 3, satiety parameters were determined on 1 testing day after participants ingested a breakfast and a lunch meal with PJ juice, using 100-mm visual acuity scales (VAS) for hunger, desire to eat, fullness and satisfaction. Meal quality and palatability were also tested. The desire to eat was less at all time points in the PJ juice with PE priming group and participants were also less hungry (p = 0.044) than those who consumed placebo. There was an overall significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). Participants in the PJ juice with PE priming group experienced significantly greater satisfaction (p = 0.036) and feeling of fullness (p = 0.02) than those in the placebo group. These findings suggest that consumption of PE could have the potential to modulate satiety indicators.
... Hidayat et al. (2021) observed that high dietary tannin levels reduced average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake, likely due to the inhibitory effects on appetite and nutrient absorption. Al-Muammar and Khan (2012) noted that pomegranate extract can influence appetite regulation by decreasing leptin levels and increasing adiponectin levels, hormones associated with energy balance and fat metabolism. This hormonal modulation may explain the observed reduction in feed intake in broiler chickens fed pomegranate peel-supplemented diets. ...
This study investigated the impact of dietary supplementation with dried pomegranate peel (DPP) on growth performance, carcass attributes, blood parameters, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: a control group (basal diet without any supplementation), and two treatment groups with diets supplemented with 1% and 2% DPP, respectively. Growth performance was monitored weekly, and carcass attributes were measured at the end of the 42-days trial. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and cecal microbiota (total bacterial count, E. coli and salmonella) was assessed. Results indicated that DPP supplementation significantly reduced body weight, body weight gain, and feed consumption compared to the control group, particularly at 21 and 42 days. Birds fed 2% DPP showed a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) but body weight was reduced during both the starter period and overall experimental period, while those fed 1% DPP had an improved FCR only during the starter phase but showed a worsened FCR during the finisher and overall period. DPP supplementation also significantly increased the relative weights of the eviscerated carcass, liver, heart, gizzard, and spleen while reducing abdominal fat. Blood analysis revealed no significant effects on protein or liver enzymes, but DPP reduced glucose, cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, DPP reduced the cecal counts of total bacteria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Histological analysis revealed that DPP supplementation improved bursal and ileal structures, enhancing immunity and gut health. In conclusion, DPP supplementation, particularly at 2%, improved gut health, reduced abdominal fat, and modulated microbial populations but adversely affected growth performance due to reduced feed palatability. These findings suggest that DPP may be a functional feed additive with health-promoting benefits, though further research is needed to optimize its inclusion level.
... Animal studies provide additional insights into the lipid-lowering effects of pomegranate peel. For instance, PPE has been shown to inhibit key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as pancreatic lipase, HMG-CoA reductase and ACAT, resulting in decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels (43). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds like ellagic acid, punicalagin and gallic acid in pomegranate peel have been demonstrated to activate PPAR receptors, enhancing cholesterol metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk factors (44). ...
This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE) in 104 individuals over a 12-week period. A total of 66 moderately obese participants (groups 4, 5 and 6) received 2000 mg of PPE, while 38 healthy individuals (groups 1, 2 and 3) received 1500 mg, with and without adherence to a healthy diet. Hematological indices [Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT), haemoglobin (HGB) levels and hematocrit (HCT) percentages], biochemical markers [glucose, lipid profiles - Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)] and liver enzymes - Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT before and after the study period. Additionally, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure recorded. Results showed significant increases in HGB, PLT, WBC and HDL levels particularly in moderately obese individuals who consume PPE alongside a healthy diet (group 6). This group also exhibited notable reductions in glucose, TC, TG, LDL, ALT, AST, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These results suggest that PPE may serve as a promising natural intervention for managing obesity and improving metabolic health due to its anti-glycemic, hepatoprotective, cardio-protective, weight management and metabolic regulation effects. However, further clinical studies are required to determine optimal dosages and long-term effects across diverse populations.
... The basic stages of reading expressed by Darmawandi et all., (2020) are divided into two stages, namely the initial reading stage which occurs at the early grade level and reading comprehension which occurs at the high grade level. According to Anggraeni and Alpian (Al-Muammar & Khan, 2012), initial reading is a learning process in recognizing letters, spelling letters into syllables to become words. ...
This research aims to know the influence of pop up book toward early reading ability of intellectual disability children of class IV C SLB Negeri Purbalingga in academic year of 2022/2023. This research used quantitative method. The design of this research is experiment one group pretest-posttest design. Subject of this research are 5 children with intellectual disability of class IV C SLB Negeri Purbalingga in the Academic Year of 2022/2023. The data collection technique is a reading test that have been tested for validity and reliability with content validity and reliability Interclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The data analysis techniaque in this sresearch used the Wilcoxon Sign Rank. The result show that the Asymp. Sig (2-tailed) scores at 0,43. The result of this research was significant to prove the effectiveness of the pop up book to increase early reading ability of intellectual disability children of class IV C SLB Negeri Purbalingga in academic year of 2022/2023.
... PA, a bioactive compound in pomegranate seed oil, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various biological systems [39][40][41]. However, its effects on oocyte or embryo development remain largely unexplored. ...
Dicarbonyl stress, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of reactive dicarbonyl metabolites and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), is implicated in various pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive dicarbonyl metabolite, has been shown to compromise oocyte quality and developmental competence. In this study, we investigated the protective role of punicic acid (PA), a potent antioxidant found in pomegranate seed oil, against MGO-induced oocyte dysfunction. Our findings revealed that 75 µM MGO exposure during in vitro oocyte maturation significantly reduced the maturation rate and impaired subsequent embryonic development, characterized by decreased pronucleus formation and blastocyst rates. Interestingly, PA supplementation partially ameliorated these adverse effects of MGO, highlighting its potential as a protective agent against dicarbonyl-induced oocyte dysfunction. Co-treatment with PA restored the imbalanced redox state induced by MGO, leading to reduction in ROS levels and an increase in GSH levels in matured oocytes. Additionally, co-supplementation with PA preserved mitochondrial distribution in oocytes challenged with MGO, further contributing to improved oocyte quality. At the molecular level, PA co-treatment modulated the expression of genes involved in dicarbonyl stress and oxidative responses, including Glo1, Rage, Nrf2, and Nf-κB, potentially regulating the detoxification of MGO and mitigating its harmful effects. Lastly, PA supplementation improved cell lineage allocation in blastocysts developed from MGO-challenged oocytes, emphasizing its role in enhancing the quality of preimplantation embryos. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the protective effects of punicic acid as an antioxidant against MGO-induced oocyte dysfunction, suggesting its potential as a dietary intervention to enhance reproductive health, particularly in individuals facing dicarbonyl stress-associated conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
... Phenolic compounds are the extraordinary and significant components of pomegranate fruits, especially rich in the peel [28][29][30] . ...
Background
The induction of the inflammatory cascade results in the production of a number of inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-, IL-, and IL-6. This study examined the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of a methanolic crude extract of Punica granatum L. peel (PPM) on monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1).
Materials and methods
The PPM along with Quercetin as reference was used to assess the cytotoxic effect on THP-1 cells and describe its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 against cancer cell line by flow cytometry.
Results
The percentage of viable cells significantly decreased which correlates to non-toxicity whereas quercetin was found to be highly toxic, the IC50 could not be calculated because of drug precipitation. There was a significant decrease in the expressions of inflammatory cytokines upon pre-treatment of the cells with PPM prior to LPS stimulation.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that no cytotoxicity was observed after the treatment of THP-1 cells with PPM (25-400 µg/ml), but at higher concentration (400µg/ml), the cell viability decreased to 84% and attenuated the expression level of inflammatory cytokines. The inhibitory effect of the extract on pro-inflammatory factors production may provide a theoretical source on upcoming treatment of inflammation.
... Vol. 387 (8). P. 777-787. ...
... It is claimed that ρ-CA is a moderately powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger 10 . However, limited absorption and bioavailability are important drawbacks in vivo 11 . To resolve this problem, new technologies like nanotechnology can be used to create efficient freezing media, which can be valuable tools for sperm survival during processing 12 . ...
Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation and post-thawing affects sperm quality and subsequent fertilizing capacity. Nanoparticles (NPs) with antioxidative properties can improve sperm function and male fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 100 µM ρ-coumaric acid (ρ-CA), 0.1 µM ρ-CA-NPs (PCNPs), 150 µg/mL zinc chloride (ZnCl2), 1 µg/mL zinc oxide-NPs (ZnO-NPs), ρ-CA + ZnCl2, PCNPs + ZnO-NPs, 0.001 µM of ρ-CA loaded on ZnO-NPs (ρ-CA-ZnONPs) on goat sperm parameters and fertilizing ability after cryopreservation. Semen samples from five Saanen goats were used. Various concentrations of treatments were incubated to determine the optimal concentrations for assessing sperm motility and viability. Subsequently, samples were filled with 0.5-mL straws, frozen, and stored in liquid nitrogen (− 196 °C). Evaluations of post-thaw spermatozoa parameters and fertilizing ability were performed. Addition of ρ-CA-ZnONPs and PCNPs + ZnO-NPs significantly increased sperm viability, motility, plasma membrane integrity, blastocyst rate, and blastocyst quality compared with the other treatments. Moreover, using ρ-CA-ZnONPs significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, spermatozoa are cryotolerant, resistant to post-thaw conditions, and have fertilizing ability that can be increased by adding ρ-CA-ZnONPs as an antioxidant to goat semen extenders.
... Phenolic compounds are the extraordinary and significant components of pomegranate fruits, especially rich in the peel [28][29][30] . ...
Background: The induction of the inflammatory cascade results in the production of a number of inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-, IL-, and IL-6. This study examined the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of a methanolic crude extract of Punica granatum L. peel (PPM) on monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1). Materials and methods: The PPM along with Quercetin as reference was used to assess the cytotoxic effect on THP-1 cells and describe its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6 against cancer cell line by flow cytometry. Results: The percentage of viable cells significantly decreased which correlates to non-toxicity whereas quercetin was found to be highly toxic, the IC50 could not be calculated because of drug precipitation. There was a significant decrease in the expressions of inflammatory cytokines upon pre-treatment of the cells with PPM prior to LPS stimulation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that no cytotoxicity was observed after the treatment of THP-1 cells with PPM (25-400 µg/ml), but at higher concentration (400µg/ml), the cell viability decreased to 84% and attenuated the expression level of inflammatory cytokines. The inhibitory effect of the extract on pro-inflammatory factors production may provide a theoretical source on upcoming treatment of inflammation. Keywords: Punica granatum L; Monocytic leukaemia cell line; cytotoxicity; anti-inflammation.
... The fruit of pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is widely recognized for its antioxidant activity and is also acknowledged for its anti-obesity properties (48). Pomegranate leaf extract (PLE) exhibits anti-obesity effects comparable to the synthetic drugs orlistat and sibutramine. ...
Treating overweight and obesity with medications generally offers initial advantages but can result in weight regain after stopping the drugs, as well as in medication-related side effects, and the potential for substance misuse. The allure of herbal products lies in their natural origin, thus leading individuals towards these products in search of a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight loss. Understanding how herbal products interact with biological systems is crucial for assessing their therapeutic potential. Anti-obesity herbal products and their compounds can act through different mechanisms, such as: appetite suppression, digestion and absorption blocking, stimulation of thermogenesis, inhibition of adipogenesis, and modulation of these processes through gene expression. The physiological effects and therapeutic properties exhibited by herbal products are ascribed to the presence and activity of their active components, such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, stanols, sterols and alkaloids. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of various phytochemicals have been explored to enhance their anti-obesity properties.
... The bioactive polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate appear to play a crucial role in reducing body weight and improving body composition in overweight or obese subjects [72,73]. In fact, a study conducted on obese non-diabetic premenopausal female patients, who daily consumed 300 mg of PSO, for 16 weeks, showed a significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference, and liver fat content, as well as in serum triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, of treated women compared to the control group [74]. ...
Punica granatum L., commonly known as pomegranate, is a typical fruit of Asia, Mediterranean countries, the Middle East and the USA. While in ancient times pomegranate was considered an ornamental plant, nowadays numerous scientific studies have highlighted its antioxidant and anti-radical activities, making it a “superfood”. Pomegranate presents a high content of natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), and its consumption appears to exert numerous healthy effects, in particular, in several pathological conditions as metabolic syndrome, cancer, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infections and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, recent studies have pointed out the possible beneficial action of pomegranate on oral health. For these reasons, the utility of pomegranate in internal medicine and dentistry represents a promising field, as it could enable the development of innovative natural adjuvant therapies and empower standard pharmaceutical therapies.
... The bioactive polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate appear to play a crucial role also in reducing the body weight and improving the body composition in overweight or obese subjects [67,68]. In fact, a study conducted on obese non-diabetic premenopausal female patients, who daily assumed 300 mg of PSO, for 16 weeks, showed a significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference and liver fat content, as well as in serum triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, of treated women compared to control group [69]. ...
Punica granatum L., commonly known as pomegranate, is a typical fruit of Asia, Mediterranean countries, Middle East and USA areas. While in the ancient time pomegranate was considered an ornamental plant, nowadays numerous scientific studies have highlighted its antioxidant and anti-radical activities, up to consider pomegranate as a “superfood”. Pomegranate presents a high content of natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) and its consumption appears to exert numerous healthy beneficial effects, in particular, in several pathological conditions, namely in patients affected by metabolic syndrome, cancer, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infections and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, recent studies pointed out the possible beneficial action of pomegranate on oral health. For these reasons, the utility of pomegranate in internal medicine and in dentistry represents a promising field, as it could permit the development of innovative natural adjuvant therapies, able to empower the standard pharmaceutical therapies.
... Another mechanism is that ellagic acid and tannic acid of pomegranate have similar effects as orlistat, that is, they inhibit pancreatic lipase activity, reduce dietary fat absorption in the blood, and increase fecal fat excretion (Lei et al., 2007; Figure 4). Pomegranate extract can also decrease appetite and calorie intake by decreasing leptin and elevating adiponectin levels (Al-Muammar & Khan, 2012). Some animal studies also indicated that pomegranate polyphenols can have a favorable influence on obesity by modulating gut microbiota Song, Shen, Deng, et al., 2022). ...
Evidence supports the potential application of polyphenols as agents against obesity. Pomegranate is one of the fruits that possess a high content of polyphenols. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sought to evaluate the effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat-free mass (FFM) in adults. Relevant RCTs were obtained by searching databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, up to May 2023. Heterogeneity tests of the included trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. Pooled analysis of 28 trials revealed that pomegranate consumption led to a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: −1.97, 95% CI: −2.91, −1.03, p < .05), and a significant decrease in BMI (WMD: −0.48, 95% CI: −0.76, −0.20, p < .05) in comparison with the control group. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP in comparison with the control group. Pomegranate consumption may yield a beneficial effect on body weight and BMI in adults. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP, by pomegranate consumption. Also, pomegranate consumption can reduce body weight, BMI, WC, and BFP in obese adults. Long-term trials with different doses of pomegranate are needed.
... The Turkish community has traditionally taken it as an antidiabetic, hypotensive and cold-flu remedy [31], cure of hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, wounds and skin diseases [32]. Indeed, multiple biological activities have been confirmed by various studies such as: antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiarrhea, antitumor, anti-metastasis, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory [33][34][35][36][37][38][39], against brain oxidative damage [40,41], prevention of giardiasis and obesity [42,43]. This capacity is proven by the presence of bioactive compounds especially phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins [44][45][46][47][48], saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are also present and mainly in seeds [33,49]. ...
Objective: Urolithiasis disease is a severe pathology causing painful bleeding in patients and can lead to kidney failure. Current treatments are limited, expensive, invasive with side effects and
requires new alternatives, especially those based on natural products. This work aimed to determine the in vivo antilithiasis effect of hydroalcoholic extract (E.PG) and infusion (I.PG) of the
Punica granatum L. plant, as well as their antibacterial capacity against the strains responsible of urinary tract infection such as: E. coli, P. Mirabilis, K. pneumoniae and S. Aureus. Methods: A curative protocol was followed, which consisted of inducing calcium oxalate lithiasis in rats by ethylene glycol (75%) and ammonium chloride (1%) solutions. After 15 days of oxalocalcic lithiasis induction, plant extracts were administered to rats at two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg/day), with potassium citrate (Cit.K) used as a positive control. Water intake, urine volume, pH and body weight were measured with crystalluria and histopathological examinations of the kidneys performed. The antibacterial activity was studied by the disk diffusion method and
the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The checkerboard technique was used to determine the interactions between the two extracts.
... A study conducted in Mexico concluded that an increase in fiber consumption had a positive effect on BMI and fat mass and lean mass levels of the participants. The mechanism underlying these effects may be because the increase in fiber consumption caused a decrease in body fat tissue by lowering the glycemic index and increasing insulin sensitivity [40,41]. In a study aiming to examine the effect of consuming pomegranate peels, which are a by-product, on anthropometric measurements, 500 mg of pomegranate peel extract was administered to individuals with type 2 diabetes for 8 wk; this caused a significant decrease in the waist circumference of the individuals [9]. ...
... Recently, it has been reported that extract of fruits has anti-cancer properties (Adams et al., 2006, Sudhakar et al., 2015. Plant parts are used for the treatment of various diseases or disorders such as ulcer, hepatic damage, dysentery, diarrhea, helminthiasis, acidosis, hemorrhage and respiratory problems (Lansky andNewman, 2007, Al-Muammar andKhan, 2012). ...
The experiment was conducted at Gangapur, Latur, Maharashtra, India during (Dec, 2017–June, 2018) to study effective use of fertilizers with a goal to match nutrient supply with crop requirements and minimize nutrient losses from fields. Fertilizers are considered basic requirements to get the maximum yield, quality and productivity of trees. Fertigation is advantageous over the application of solid fertilizers in the soil by minimizing the losses of fertilizers through runoff and leaching and increase the nutrient-use efficiency and saving amount of fertilizers, therefore to study the different levels of fertigation (Surface irrigation+RDF-control; Drip irrigation+RDF; 50% RDF through fertigation; 75% RDF through fertigation; 100% RDF through fertigation and 125% RDF through fertigation) on fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Super Bhagwa. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and four replications. The investigation indicated 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation resulted, the highest average fruit weight (258.65 g), fruit volume (225.50 ml), weight of hundred arils (35.47 g), rind thickness (4.97 mm), rind weight (113.92 g) and arils weight (144.73 g). Same treatment recorded maximum juice percentage (80.20%), reducing sugar (11.70%), total sugar (12.83%) and T.S.S.: Acid ratio (45.60). Therefore, 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation can be recommended for improve fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate cv. Super Bhagwa for four to five years old tree.
... A study conducted in Mexico concluded that an increase in fiber consumption had a positive effect on BMI and fat mass and lean mass levels of the participants. The mechanism underlying these effects may be because the increase in fiber consumption caused a decrease in body fat tissue by lowering the glycemic index and increasing insulin sensitivity [40,41]. In a study aiming to examine the effect of consuming pomegranate peels, which are a by-product, on anthropometric measurements, 500 mg of pomegranate peel extract was administered to individuals with type 2 diabetes for 8 wk; this caused a significant decrease in the waist circumference of the individuals [9]. ...
Background/objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory properties of antioxidant-rich bread made by adding pomegranate peels and their effects on anthropometric measurements and metabolic and oxidative parameters of individuals with type 2 diabetes after consumption.
Subjects/methods:
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 22 individuals aged between 19 and 64 years who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 5 years, used only metformin, did not lose more than 10% of their body weight in the last 6 months, and had a body mass index of ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. While the study group (n = 11) consumed bread containing 500 mg pomegranate peel daily for 8 wk, the control group (n = 11) consumed standard bread. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic and oxidative parameters of individuals were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study.
Results:
Decreases were detected in the waist circumference, waist/hip and waist/height ratios, body fat percentages, blood pressure, and serum insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in the individuals in the treatment group, compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Pomegranate peel consumption by individuals with type 2 diabetes may have positive effects on anthropometric measurements and glycemic and lipid parameters.
... Cancer It demonstrates anti-metastatic, anti-invasive, and antiproliferative effects on cancer [109] Type 2 diabetes Managestype 2 diabetesby reducingoxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [110] Obesity Increases PPAR-a, and decreases oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [111] Baicalein A substance called baicalein (Lamiaceae) is created from the dehydrated roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. When it was tested for rotenone-induced neurotoxicity, baicalein decreased ROS generation, apoptosis, ATP deficit, and mitochondrial transmembrane breach PC12 cells [112]. ...
The neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson’s disease (PD) is brought on by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, which is the brain region that controls body movement. PD occurs due to many factors, from which one of the acknowledged effects of oxidative stress is pathogenic pathways that play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. Antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenolic substances, help to reduce the oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Consequently, this lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in the long term. Although there is currently no cure for neurodegenerative illnesses, these conditions can be controlled. The treatment of this disease lessens its symptoms, which helps to preserve the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the use of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may be obtained through food or nutritional supplements and have a variety of positive effects, has emerged as an appealing alternative management strategy. This article will examine the extent of knowledge about antioxidants in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as future directions for research. Additionally, an evaluation of the value of antioxidants as neuroprotective agents will be provided.
... Cancer It demonstrates anti-metastatic, anti-invasive, and antiproliferative effects on cancer [109] Type 2 diabetes Managestype 2 diabetesby reducingoxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [110] Obesity Increases PPAR-a, and decreases oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [111] Baicalein A substance called baicalein (Lamiaceae) is created from the dehydrated roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. When it was tested for rotenone-induced neurotoxicity, baicalein decreased ROS generation, apoptosis, ATP deficit, and mitochondrial transmembrane breach PC12 cells [112]. ...
The neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson’s disease (PD) is brought on by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, which is the brain region that controls body movement. PD occurs due to many factors, from which one of the acknowledged effects of oxidative stress is pathogenic pathways that play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. Antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenolic substances, help to reduce the oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Consequently, this lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in the long term. Although there is currently no cure for neurodegenerative illnesses, these conditions can be controlled. The treatment of this disease lessens its symptoms, which helps to preserve the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, the use of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may be obtained through food or nutritional supplements and have a variety of positive effects, has emerged as an appealing alternative management strategy. This article will examine the extent of knowledge about antioxidants in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as future directions for research. Additionally, an evaluation of the value of antioxidants as neuroprotective agents will be provided.
... Many findings have reported that a high-fat diet will induce hypercholesterolemia in animal subjects (22). Moreover, excessive dietary intake of fats causes serum cholesterol levels to be elevated by downregulating LDL receptor synthesis which reduces the uptake of LDL in the bloodstream via LDL receptor, hence resulting in an increase of blood cholesterol level. ...
Introduction: Obesity has been linked to coronary artery disease, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke, and cancer. Pomegranate (Punica granatum; PG) has been used extensively in folk medicine for several therapeutic purposes. The goal of this study is to investigate the anti-obesity effect of PG peel and pulp methanolic extracts in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: The animals were separated into 7 groups namely Normal control group (normal diet); HFD-induced only as negative control group, and positive control group (HFD-induced + orlistat); treatment group included HFD-induced + peel 125 mg/kg, HFD-induced +peel 250 mg/kg, HFD-induced + pulp 125 mg/kg and HFD-induced + pulp 250 mg/kg. Results: It was observed that methanolic extract of peel and pulp PG 250 mg/kg showed low increment of body weight with a reduction in weight of liver, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat. Compared to the negative control group, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were shown to be lowered for PG peel and pulp groups also showed higher values in high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: PG reduced obesity-related markers in blood, liver, and adipose tissue and inhibited obesity caused by a high-fat diet probably because of its antioxidant properties.
... In addition, one natural fruit that is under much research is the pomegranate and its constituents which have been reported to have strong biological activity and medicinal value. In fact, pomegranate juice, peel, seeds oil, leaves and flower extracts have been described to have in vitro as well as in vivo antidiabetic [6], antiinflammatory [7], antioxidant, anti-obesity [8] and antitumor effects [9]. These beneficial effects are related to the presence of very high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenolic compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins and flavonols [10]. ...
... In addition, one natural fruit that is under much research is the pomegranate and its constituents which have been reported to have strong biological activity and medicinal value. In fact, pomegranate juice, peel, seeds oil, leaves and flower extracts have been described to have in vitro as well as in vivo antidiabetic [6], antiinflammatory [7], antioxidant, anti-obesity [8] and antitumor effects [9]. These beneficial effects are related to the presence of very high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenolic compounds, including hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins and flavonols [10]. ...
Background
Platelet aggregation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress are known as key factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications. In this context, fruit and vegetable consumption, good sources of antioxidant compounds have been largely reported as an effective way of preventing human against these diseases. The current study focuses on the evaluation of antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-glycation activities of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L. ) flowers (PF), leaves (PL), peel (PP) juice (PJ) and seeds oil (PSO).
Methods
Antioxidant activities was measured against ABTS radical and lipid peroxidation. Antiglycation activity was determined using the formation of AGE fluorescence intensity in the BSA/ribose system. Antiplatelet activity was measured in platelet rich plasma (PRP) against adenosine diphosphate (ADP), Collagen and arachidonic acid (AA).
Results
PF extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity against ABTS and lipid peroxidation with IC 50 values of 0.7 mg/mL and 0.63 mg/mL respectively. For anti-glycation activity, PP, PF and PL inhibited moderately the pentosidine-like AGEs formation compared to positive controls with AGE-IC 50 value of 0.4 mg/mL. PJ and PSO haven’t any anti-AGE effect. All the extracts selectively inhibited platelet aggregation caused by one, two or three inducers in dose dependent manner. PF was the most potent inhibitor caused by all three inducers, with inhibitory effects ranging from 35.6 to 66.6%. PP and PJ exhibited antiplatelet effect against both ADP and collagen and PL and PSO only against AA.
Conclusions
These results suggest that some pomegranate extracts exert potential in vitro anti-glycative and antiplatelet activities.
... 6,7 Additionally, pomegranates can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, 8,9 and their extract also has positive effects on weight loss. 10 As is suggested in some studies, fruit wines have certain health care functions. [11][12][13][14] In addition to wines made from grapes, those made from cider, green plum, blueberry and other fruits [15][16][17] are emerging currently, and these wines have gained certain popularity and occupy a huge market. ...
Fruit wine has certain health care functions, but fruit wine made from a single fruit or vegetable does not have a good enough color, flavor or nutrient composition. Therefore, this study used fresh carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) as raw materials to explore the brewing process of carrot and pomegranate compound wine. The fermentation technology of the composite carrot and pomegranate wine was optimized by a single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design (BBD), which provided a theoretical foundation for the fermentation of this wine. As per the results, the alcohol content of this composite carrot and pomegranate wine was 12.35% vol. under the optimum fermentation conditions of 28 °C initial temperature, 24% initial sugar content, and with the addition of 64 mg L-1 sulfur dioxide (SO2). In the fermented fruit and vegetable wine, a total of 30 aroma components were detected; 21 composites (such as bornyl acetate, caryophyllene and 3-(2-nitrophenylmethyl)-2-thiazolidinone) were newly generated. The relative content of alcohol flavor composites (such as propionic acid 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentan-1-ol, 2-methyl-2-ethyl-3-hydroxycyclohexyl propanoate and terpinene-4-ol) showed an upward trend, and the relative content of alkene components increased significantly after fermentation. The findings of this study provide an experimental foundation for optimizing fermentation technology and for improving the product quality of composite carrot and pomegranate wine.
... The results also showed that treating diabetic animals with ethanolic extract of pomegranate peels at a concentration of 75 and 150 mg/kg of body weight (E and F), It led to a significant decrease in cholesterol concentration reaching (83.33 and 78.67) mg/dl respectively, after the diabetic control group 96.33 mg/dl These results are in agreement with Osman et al., (2012) when they indicated a decrease in the serum of cholesterol in the blood of female albino rats with diabetes induced by Alloxan and treated with pomegranate peel extract at a concentration of 250 mg/kg of body weight for a period of four weeks, reaching 135.94 mg/dl versus 162.43 for the control group with diabetes. All parts of pomegranate fruit such as peels, leaves, flowers and juice contain in their composition many bioactive compounds such as punicalagin, calic acid, ellagic acid, ursolic acid, punicalin and oleinolic acid, which are responsible for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, also, hypercholesterolemia is treated by eating pomegranate fruit, which is characterized by its antioxidant properties because it contains biologically active ingredients that inhibit lipid peroxidation (Liu, 2005;Lei et al. 2007;Li et al. 2008;Al-Muammar and Khan, 2012). ...
This study was conducted in at the Biotechnology Research Center / Nahrain University / Baghdad Governorate, for the period 2/8/2020 to 15/9/2020, the follow of the effects of dosing with ethanolic extract of pomegranate peels on 30 male rats of (2-3) months of age and weights (170-220 g) were included, it was divided into two parts, one of which is intact and the other in which diabetes was introduced by using alloxan at a concentration (90 mg / kg) of body weight, The results showed of the biological study that the development of experimental diabetes showed significant increase (P <0.05) in the concentrations of Glucose, Total cholesterol (TC), Trigleserid (TG), low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and the enzymes of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase (AST و ALT), and malonedialdehyde concentration (MDA), Compared with a intact control group, while it led to a significant decrease (P <0.05) in body weight, insulin concentration, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), in the affected control group. Dosing in intact rats with ethanolic extract of pomegranate peel at a concentration of 75 and 150 mg / kg of body weight led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C, as well as AST, ALT, and MDA enzymes, compared with a healthy control group, Significant increase in body weight, insulin and HDL-C concentrations for all treatments compared with the healthy control group. Dosing of diabetic rats with ethanolic extract of pomegranate peels at a concentration of 75 and 150 mg / kg of body weight led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C, as well as AST, ALT, and MDA enzymes, compared with the infected and untreated control group, a significant increase in body weight, insulin and HDL-C concentrations, for all treatments, compared with the affected control group.
... These results hypothesized that utilizing PJ could be the underlying factor for improving appetite and increasing weight gain, and decreasing possible diabetic complications [13]. Also, it was reported that PJ supplementation to mice reduces longterm weight in animals that were fed a high-fat diet [28,29] which could explain the decrease in the percentage of weight gain to 4.32% in the STZ+PJ group. In contrast, other studies by Amin et al. [30], Nwozo et al. [31], and Gabr [32] revealed significant increases in BWG% of diabetic rats versus control rats. ...
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious metabolic disorder. Pomegranate has various biological effects. The present study evaluated pomegranate juice (PJ) therapeutic effects on the liver of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced DM mice model. Fifty male mice were distributed into 5 equal groups (10 each). Groups were negative control, PJ group received orally PJ (180 mg/kg), diabetic group received STZ (60 mg/kg), the diabetic received pomegranate juice (STZ+PJ) group, the diabetic received metformin (250 mg/kg) (STZ+MET) group. The experiment duration was 6 weeks. Initial and final body weights and liver weights were measured. At the experimental end, blood glucose levels and liver enzymes serum levels as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. A liver histological examination was made under a light microscope. STZ led to a significant decreased in final body weight, and an increase in blood glucose and serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP versus control. PJ administration to diabetic mice significantly decreased blood glucose and serum levels of liver enzymes versus the STZ group but AST and ALP levels were still elevated versus control. Histopathological liver examination of PJ-and MET-treated groups showed amelioration of histological changes of DM. Metformin repairs damaged hepatic cells but was not as effective as PJ. In conclusion, pomegranate juice improves liver health in diabetic mice.
... On the other hand, leptin secretion in adipocytes showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the presence of PO for all tested concentrations. This is probably due to the up-regulation of PPAR-γ, as animal studies demonstrated that the activation of PPAR-γ-mediated mechanisms resulted in alteration in adiposity, reduced leptin levels and, as mentioned above, higher adiponectin levels [7,[38][39][40]. ...
In recent years, pomegranate oil has obtained more attention due to its content of conjugated linolenic acids and possible application in the prevention of many diseases. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential ability of pomegranate oil to modulate obesity-related metabolism and immune response using in vitro models. In this regard, pomegranate oil was characterized in terms of fatty acids profile, tocopherols and phytosterols, and antioxidant capacity. After evaluation of the safety profile, pomegranate oil’s capacity to modulate obesity-related metabolism was evaluated through adipolysis and adipokines secretion quantification in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation assay in Hep G2 hepatocytes. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated in Caco-2 cells by quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. This oil showed high antioxidant capacity and was mainly composed of conjugated fatty acid, namely punicic acid. Its chemical composition was responsible for its capacity to reduce the lipid accumulation in Hep G2 cells and 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. In short, pomegranate oil shows great potential for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting obesity.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of eight varieties of Punica granatum seeds
grown in Morocco (INRA station) as a source of vegetable oil. To this end we have investigated the impact of
cultivars on lipophilic bioactive compounds, including Fatty acid (FA), phytosterol, and tocopherols, as well as
the qualitative, nutritional and metabolic potential of the seeds of this varieties. The lipid profile analysis of
pomegranate seed oils from the eight varieties revealed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids, notably
punicic acid (77.49–82.93 %). In terms of sterols, β-sitosterol scored the highest values among the sterols
identified (520.31–726.82 mg/100 g). The chemical composition of tocopherols showed γ-tocopherol to be the
major component (343.22–567.40 mg/100 g), with the red pomegranate showing the highest γ-tocopherol value,
while the yellow pomegranate marked the highest concentration of total tocopherols. Nutritional indices
calculated on the basis of fatty acid composition show favorable profiles for the Sefri and Mollar Ossin Hueso
varieties.
The health benefits of Punica granatum, or pomegranate, are examined scientifically in this chapter. It covers both historical and modern viewpoints, illuminating the phytochemical makeup and healing capabilities of this fruit. This chapter starts by explaining how Punica granatum has been used historically in many traditional medical systems across civilizations, giving some background on why it has remained so popular. Punica granatum's phytochemical composition: Special attention is paid to the bioactive substances it contains, such as polyphe-nols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and other components, to highlight their possible health advantages. This chapter explores the cardioprotective properties of Punica granatum, focusing on how it affects cardiovascular parameters and lowers the risk of heart-related illnesses. It investigates the fruit's anticancer characteristics , highlighting its function as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which may help with both cancer therapy and prevention. This chapter examines how Punica granatum may affect metabolic health, including how it may affect lipid profiles and blood sugar management. An investigation of the fruit's potential to
The health benefits of Punica granatum, or pomegranate, are examined scientifically in this chapter. It covers both historical and modern viewpoints, illuminating the phytochemical makeup and healing capabilities of this fruit. This chapter starts by explaining how Punica granatum has been used historically in many traditional medical systems across civilizations, giving some background on why it has remained so popular. Punica granatum’s phytochemical composition: Special attention is paid to the bioactive substances it contains, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and other components, to highlight their possible health advantages. This chapter explores the cardioprotective properties of Punica granatum, focusing on how it affects cardiovascular parameters and lowers the risk of heart-related illnesses. It investigates the fruit’s anticancer characteristics, highlighting its function as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which may help with both cancer therapy and prevention. This chapter examines how Punica granatum may affect metabolic health, including how it may affect lipid profiles and blood sugar management. An investigation of the fruit’s potential to alter gut microbiota and improve immune function in the context of human health. Consuming Punica granatum in a variety of ways is described, including as a whole fruit, juice, extract, and dietary supplement. This chapter offers a thorough resource for academics and medical specialists interested in the numerous health benefits of Punica granatum. It emphasizes how important it is to investigate how natural resources might improve human health and well-being.
The pharmacological effects of pomegranates have been described considering metabolic aspects such as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. The pomegranate extract has activity on the central nervous system (CNS) as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic. The chemical composition of pomegranates is complex since the bioactive compounds are multiple secondary metabolites that have been identified in the extracts derived from the peel, seed, flowers, leaves, or in their combination; so, it has not been easy to identify an individual compound as responsible for its observed pharmacological properties. From this point of view, the present review analyzes the effects of crude extracts or fractions of pomegranates and their possible mechanisms of action concerning antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. Serotonin receptors, estrogen receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), or monoamine oxidase enzymes, as well as potent antioxidant and neuroplasticity properties, have been described as possible mediators involved in the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like behaviors after pomegranate treatment. The pharmacological effects observed on the CNS in experimental models associated with a specific stress level suggest that pomegranates could simultaneously modulate the stress response by activating several targets. For the present review, scientific evidence was gathered to integrate it and suggest a possible pathway for mediators to be involved in the mechanisms of action of the pomegranate’s antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. Furthermore, the potential benefits are discussed on comorbid conditions with anxiety and depression, such as perimenopause transition and pain.
The exploration of sustainable and valuable by-products from industrial and agricultural processes is increasingly recognized for its economic, environmental and health advantages. This review examines the phytochemical constituents, biological properties, current applications and future directions of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf (PGL). PGL exhibits broad biological activities, aiding in managing health conditions like chronic diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. Anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects are demonstrated in vitro and in vivo using animal models. Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties are also observed in cell cultures and animal studies. Its anti-microbial properties show efficacy against pathogens. However, variability in phytochemical composition due to different extraction methods and environmental conditions poses challenges for standardization. The review underscores the urgent need for comprehensive human clinical trials to confirm PGL's therapeutic benefits and safety, calling for future research to fully harness PGL's potential as a sustainable and bioactive compound in various industrial applications.
Pomegranate juice (PJ) has a possible anti‐inflammatory effect because of its polyphenol content and antioxidants. However, the anti‐inflammatory effect of PJ in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been consistent. A previous meta‐analysis conducted in 2016 reported a nonsignificant lowering effect of PJ on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to update the pooled effect size of PJ supplementation on CRP levels in RCT studies. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched until July 2023. Eligible studies were found by screening, their relevant data was extracted, and a risk of bias assessment was performed. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random effect model as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval. This systematic review included 11 studies with 13 effect sizes and 696 participants. Meta‐analysis showed that PJ supplementation led to a significant decrease in CRP levels compared to control groups (WMD: −2.55 mg/L; 95%CI: −3.44 to −1.66; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the significant reduction effect of PJ on CRP levels in studies conducted on the both sexes or only females as well as Iranian population, individuals with 40 years≤, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or trials that intervened with PJ dosage of <250 ml/day. Meta‐regression and dose–response analysis reported a nonsignificant linear and nonlinear relationship between intervention characteristics (duration and dose of PJ) and CRP changes. The current meta‐analysis revealed that PJ supplemantation has a beneficial effect in improving CRP levels. It is recommended to understand this effect better, and find the optimal dose and duration of PJ supplementation to reduce CRP levels in the blood, and repeat meta‐analysis after related RCTs are available. For the final proof of these effects, more detailed human studies are needed.
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is damage to the liver and mainly caused by binge alcohol. ALD have decreased junctional protein expression and modulated intestinal permeability. We investigated whether plant-releasing exosome-like nanovesicles can prevent liver damage and leaky gut from binge alcohol. In this study, we characterized the exosome-like nanovesicles from pomegranate juice and confirmed the round shape of a lipid bilayer. After 14 days of pomegranate-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (PNVs) pretreatment, binge alcohol (6 g/kg/dose) was administered to mice three times orally every 12 h. Exposure to binge alcohol increased levels of oxidative and nitric oxide stress marker proteins such as CYP2E1, 3-Nitrotyrosine, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in both liver and gut damage. Also, binge alcohol significantly elevated the plasma endotoxemia, inflammatory fatty liver, and leaky gut. However, PNVs reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis marker proteins and prevented the leaky gut and endotoxemia. Markedly, PNV treatment significantly prevented a decrease in the amount of intestinal junctional proteins and an increase in leaky gut in mice exposed to alcohol. These results showed that PNVs can prevent leaky gut and liver damage caused by binge alcohol and suggest that it may be useful hepatoprotective or intestinal protective agents for the first time.
The potential probiotic yeast was isolated from the Kyzyl Anor pomegranate variety growing in the Turkestan region (Kazakhstan). The yeast strain was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae Az-12. Molecular genetic identification was carried out using the Sanger sequencing method. The degree of homology of the S. cerevisiae Az-12 strain with the strain MH608341.1 Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolate extr03 was 99.65%. Antagonistic effect of the yeast against pathogenic bacteria was confirmed according inhibition zones for Staphylococcus aureus 13.5 ± 0.05 mm; the inhibition zones for Escherichia coli 12.8 ± 0.05 mm; and 10.7 ± 0.05 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Scanning microscopy of S. cerevisiae Az-12 and S. aureus confirmed the adhesive ability of the yeast cell surface to S. aureus. S. cerevisiae Az-12 were chosen as the most promising, as they are able to quickly ferment juices. Functional drinks containing pomegranate juice and yeast with a probiotic effect can be considered as a useful synbiotic product formulation.
Pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) and inulin have been reported to have lipid-lowering effects. Here, the effects of PPPs combined with inulin on obesity traits and the change of the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and serum metabolomics profiles in rats with a high-fat diet (HFD) were investigated. According to the experimental results, PPPs were most effective in reducing the body weight and serum and liver lipid levels. Besides, PPPs ameliorated the disorder of gut microbiota, in particular, the enrichment of SCFA producers, such as Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Bacteroides, and Allobaculum, and the depletion of the Blautia and unclassified Lachnospiraceae population. PPPs also regulated the levels of metabolites changed by HFD feeding via tryptophan metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. The correlation analysis showed that PPPs remitted HFD-induced elevation in triglycerides (TGs), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels and lowered high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels through regulating the gut microbiota, SCFAs, and related metabolites. These findings elucidated that PPPs have a good anti-obesity effect. This study extends the understanding of PPP effects on high-fat-induced obesity, which includes the relationship among gut microbiota, SCFAs, serum metabolites, and TG-, IL-6- and TNF-α- lowering and HDL-elevating functions.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder. Pomegranate juice (PJ) has been known to play anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant roles. However, the effects of PJ on inflammation, oxidative stress, and sex hormones in PCOS patients are very little studied, and thus more studies are needed. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 44 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, and aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to take 45 ml/day of concentrated PJ or a control group without intervention. Some biomarkers of sex hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress were quantified at baseline and after the 8‐week intervention. Compared with the controls, serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased in overweight and obese women with PCOS who supplemented with concentrated PJ (−0.004 ± 0.013 vs. 0.039 ± 0.013, p = .039). However, we did not observe significant differences in luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels and inflammation and oxidative stress factors between the two groups after adjustment for confounding variables. An 8‐week supplementation with concentrated PJ could effectively improve testosterone levels in overweight and obese women with PCOS. This study was registered at www.irct.ir (IRCT20191109045383N1).
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. The goal of the current study was to examine the protective effects of chitosan-loaded p-Coumaric acid nanoparticles (PCNPs) in nephrotoxicity induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Because of the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of PCNPs, the development of DN may be considerably decreased. In this study, the rats received a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of STZ (45 mg/kg) to induce DN. PCNPs were given orally 80 mg/kg b.w to the rats for a duration of four weeks. Body weight, kidney weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels were measured at the end of the experiment. Serum and urine parameters were also examined, along with the histological, immunobiological, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of the nephrotic rats. To comprehend the impact of PCNPs, the expression patterns of the kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) were evaluated. Administration of PCNPs significantly increased body weight, decreased kidney weight and also ameliorated blood glucose levels in the nephropathic rats. The administration of PCNPs also reverted the levels of urea, serum creatinine, urinary NAG, β-glucuronidase and albumin to near-normal levels. The administration of PCNPs also caused the levels of serum and urine parameters to return to near-normal levels. Additionally, the PCNP-treated rats had markedly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and KIM-1 expressions as well as enhanced GLUT-2 mRNA expression. Our findings clearly showed that PCNP administration prevents the onset of DN in rats by lowering hyperglycemia, decreasing inflammation, and improving the expression of GLUT-2 mRNA in nephropathic rats.
Objective Consumption of pomegranate extract along with resistance training can improve the blood flow, resting metabolism and cause weight loss. However, their effect on body composition and weight control has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training combined with pomegranate extract supplementation on resting metabolic rate, hypertrophy and muscle strength of inactive male college students.
Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 42 inactive male college students voluntary participated after signing a written informed consent form. They were randomly divided into four groups: resistance training (n=11), resistance training + supplementation (n=11), supplementation (n=10), and control (n=10). The resistance training was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week and included two movements for the upper body (barbell chest press and barbell shoulder press) and two movements for the lower body (leg extension and leg press with machine). The pomegranate extract was consumed at a dose of 100 mL 3 times a week (half an hour before training). Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance with least significant difference post hoc test and paired t-test considering a significance level of P≤0.05.
Results The rate of muscle hypertrophy (hip circumference) increased significantly after intervention in two groups of resistance training and resistance training + supplementation, which was higher in the combined intervention group (P=0.001). The maximum strength in lower body muscles also increased significantly after intervention in these two groups (P=0.001). Body fat percentage decreased significantly in the resistance training + supplementation group (P=0.03). No significant change was observed in the resting metabolic rate of the study groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion It seems that the combination of resistance training with pomegranate extract supplementation increases the muscle strength and hypertrophy in young men.
From as early on as the development of the fetus, the risk of obesity can be evaluated. At the beginning of life, nutritional intake in man is controlled by innate biological systems and internal signals; and later on, the learning processes determine cognitive structures about food and nutrition, strongly influencing eating habits. It is important to identify all the factors that have an influence on childhood obesity and intervene with prevention programs. In this review, the databases “Pubmed" and “The Cochrane Library" were consulted to provide a review of recent literature (1982-2007) concerning childhood obesity. A particular importance is given to the influence exerted by the parents. This review also proposes a new classification of the factors involved from the beginning of pregnancy up to childhood and through adolescence. The nutritional or nonnutritional nature of the factors is also considered. Therefore, this review can be a useful instrument for public health professionals to detect the most critical periods for the onset of childhood obesity, identify the target to which the intervention of primary prevention should be addressed, and determine the moment when such programs should be realized.
The relative proportion of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes is decreased in obese people. This imbalance in gut microbiota generates signals controlling the expression of genes by the epithelial intestinal cells. Both dairy and non-dairy probiotics increase body weight, reportedly through Lactobacillus species growth in the gut. On the other hand, daily intake of some fruits and drinks such as three apples or three pears or grapefruit, or green tea, which all are rich in polyphenols, can significantly reduce body weight in obese people. Metabolism of polyphenols by microbiota involves the cleavage of glycosidic linkages. Glycans, which are the product of glycosidic cleavage, are necessary for survival of the intestinal microbiota as a nutrient foundation. There are two pivotal points: (i) Firmicutes possess a disproportionately smaller number of glycan-degrading enzymes than Bacteroidetes, (ii) Firmicutes are more repressed than the Bacteroidetes by phenolic compounds' antimicrobial properties. The Bacteroidetes community prevails following dietary polyphenol intake and its fermentation to phenolic compounds, due to having more glycan-degrading enzymes, so this may thus be a mechanism by which dietary polyphenols exert their weight lowering effect. I suggest that future studies utilize clone libraries and fingerprinting techniques enabling identification of the composition and community structure of the microbiota, and dot blot hybridization or fluorescent in situ hybridization to analyze abundance of particular taxa in obese and individuals. A supplementation with polyphenols with high bioavailability in obese individuals with higher Firmicutes/Bacteroides community ratio phenotype, when associated to a probiotic restricted diet, is proposed for weight loss; this hypothesis could have relevant implication in planning a successful dietary regimen and/or neutraceutical/pharmaceutical preparations for achieving and maintaining a normal body weight in obese individuals, especially including much more use of polyphenol-rich foodstuffs and/or polyphenol-rich syrups, and including low amounts of probiotic-rich foodstuffs like yogurt, soy yogurt, or as probiotic supplements.
The goal of this study was to evaluate trends, and outcomes of adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery.
Patients younger than 21 years who underwent elective bariatric surgery between 2005 and 2007 were identified from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the type of surgery.
Overall, 590 adolescents (aged 13-20 years) underwent bariatric surgery in 86 hospitals. White adolescents represented 28% of those who were overweight but accounted for 65% of the procedures. Rates of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) increased 6.9-fold from 0.3 to 1.5 per 100,000 population (P<.01), whereas laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) rates decreased from 3.8 to 2.7 per 100 000 population (P<.01). Self-payers were more likely to undergo LAGB (relative risk [RR]: 3.51 [95% confidence interval: 2.11-5.32]) and less likely to undergo LRYGB (RR: 0.45 [95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.58]) compared with privately insured adolescents. The rate of major in-hospital complication was 1%, and no deaths were reported. Of the patients who received LAGB, 4.7% had band revision/removal. In contrast, 2.9% of those who received LRYGB required reoperations.
White adolescent girls disproportionately underwent bariatric surgery. Although LAGB has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in children, its use has increased dramatically. There was a complication rate and no deaths. Long-term studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy, safety, and health care costs of these procedures in adolescents.
Obesity in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of the offspring developing obesity after birth. The aims of this study were to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity increases oxidative stress during fetal development, and to determine whether administration of an antioxidant supplement to pregnant Western diet-fed rats would prevent the development of adiposity in the offspring.
Female Sprague Dawley rats were started on the designated diet at 4 weeks of age. Four groups of animals were studied: control chow (control); control + antioxidants (control+Aox); Western diet (Western); and Western diet + antioxidants (Western+Aox). The rats were mated at 12 to 14 weeks of age, and all pups were weaned onto control diet.
Offspring from dams fed the Western diet had significantly increased adiposity as early as 2 weeks of age as well as impaired glucose tolerance compared with offspring of dams fed a control diet. Inflammation and oxidative stress were increased in preimplantation embryos, fetuses, and newborns of Western diet-fed rats. Gene expression of proadipogenic and lipogenic genes was altered in fat tissue of rats at 2 weeks and 2 months of age. The addition of an antioxidant supplement decreased adiposity and normalized glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS; Inflammation and oxidative stress appear to play a key role in the development of increased adiposity in the offspring of Western diet-fed pregnant dams. Restoration of the antioxidant balance during pregnancy in the Western diet-fed dam is associated with decreased adiposity in offspring.
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that punicic acid, a type of conjugated fatty acid and the main constituent of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), has anti-atherogenic effects. The present study aimed at determining the effect of PSO treatment on serum lipid profiles. This double-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial included fifty-one hyperlipidaemic subjects, diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Education Program definition, and randomly assigned to the PSO and the control groups. The PSO and placebo groups received 400 mg PSO and placebo twice daily, respectively and were followed up for 4 weeks. Serum concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins were measured before and 4 weeks after intervention. Mean concentration of TAG and the TAG:HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly decreased after 4 weeks in the PSO group as compared with baseline values (2.75 (sd 1.40) v. 3.45 (sd 1.56) mmol/l, P = 0.009 and 5.7 (sd 4.6) v. 7.5 (sd 5.0), P = 0.031, respectively). The treatment effect was statistically significant in the PSO group as compared with controls in diminution of cholesterol:HDL-C ratio (5.4 (sd 1.5) v. 5.9 (sd 1.4), P < 0.05) adjusted for baseline values. We found a mean difference for PSO v. placebo in HDL-C concentration (0.13 v. - 0.02 mmol/l) and cholesterol:HDL-C ratio ( - 0.42 v. 0.01, P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and glucose concentrations and body composition variables remained unchanged. It is concluded that administration of PSO for 4 weeks in hyperlipidaemic subjects had favourable effects on lipid profiles including TAG and TAG:HDL-C ratio.
The global prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last decade. Tools for obesity management, including consumption of caffeine, capsaicin and different teas such as green, white and oolong tea, have been proposed as strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance, as they may increase energy expenditure (4-5%), fat oxidation (10-16%) and have been proposed to counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that is present during weight loss. Daily increases in thermogenesis of approximately 300-400 kJ can eventually lead to substantial weight loss. However, it becomes clearer that certain conditions have to be met before thermogenic ingredients yield an effect, as intra-variability with respect to body weight regulation has been shown between subjects. Furthermore, the sympathetic nervous system is involved in the regulation of lipolysis, and the sympathetic innervation of white adipose tissue may have an important role in the regulation of total body fat in general. Taken together, these functional ingredients have the potential to produce significant effects on metabolic targets such as satiety, thermogenesis and fat oxidation. A significant clinical outcome may sometimes appear straightforward and may also depend very strongly on full compliance of subjects. Nevertheless, thermogenic ingredients may be considered as functional agents that could help in preventing a positive energy balance and obesity.
The prevalence of obesity increased in the United States between 1976-1980 and 1988-1994 and again between 1988-1994 and 1999-2000.
To examine trends in obesity from 1999 through 2008 and the current prevalence of obesity and overweight for 2007-2008.
Analysis of height and weight measurements from 5555 adult men and women aged 20 years or older obtained in 2007-2008 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative sample of the US population. Data from the NHANES obtained in 2007-2008 were compared with results obtained from 1999 through 2006.
Estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30.0 or higher.
In 2007-2008, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 33.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.6%-36.0%) overall, 32.2% (95% CI, 29.5%-35.0%) among men, and 35.5% (95% CI, 33.2%-37.7%) among women. The corresponding prevalence estimates for overweight and obesity combined (BMI > or = 25) were 68.0% (95% CI, 66.3%-69.8%), 72.3% (95% CI, 70.4%-74.1%), and 64.1% (95% CI, 61.3%-66.9%). Obesity prevalence varied by age group and by racial and ethnic group for both men and women. Over the 10-year period, obesity showed no significant trend among women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for 2007-2008 vs 1999-2000, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.89-1.32]). For men, there was a significant linear trend (AOR for 2007-2008 vs 1999-2000, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.12-1.58]); however, the 3 most recent data points did not differ significantly from each other.
In 2007-2008, the prevalence of obesity was 32.2% among adult men and 35.5% among adult women. The increases in the prevalence of obesity previously observed do not appear to be continuing at the same rate over the past 10 years, particularly for women and possibly for men.
The hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus (DM) is the major factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. The phenolic compounds are potent antioxidants that can reverse the factors leading to cardiovascular complications in DM. The aim of this study was to determine the antagonizing effects of a polyphenol-rich antioxidant supplement containing pomegranate extract, green tea extract, and ascorbic acid, on oxidative stress in Type 2 diabetic patients.
A total of 114 male and female non-smokers (56 study, 58 placebo) with Type 2 DM and without any complications were recruited. The blood levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide, and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were determined at the beginning and at the end of the 3-month trial. The differences of the data changes between the groups were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test.
The study group showed a decrease in LDL and an increase in HDL and the comparison with the difference in placebo group was statistically significant (p<0.001 for LDL and p<0.001 for HDL). Accordingly, as a by-product of lipid peroxidation, plasma MDA was decreased in the study group compared to the placebo group (p<0.001). As an indicator of increased antioxidant defense, total plasma GSH and AOC increased more in the study group compared to control group (p<0.001).
These observations indicated that the polyphenol-rich antioxidant supplement containing pomegranate extract, green tea extract, and ascorbic acid has important antagonizing effects on oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in patients with Type 2 DM and might be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular complications.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is the molecular target for thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a class of synthetic antidiabetic agents. However, the naturally occurring agonists of PPARs remain largely unknown. Punicic acid (PUA) is a conjugated linolenic acid isomer found in pomegrante. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that PUA activates PPAR gamma and thereby ameliorates glucose homeostasis and obesity-related inflammation.
The ability of PUA to modulate PPAR reporter activity was determined in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. A cell-free assay was used to measure PUA's binding to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of human PPAR gamma. The preventive actions of PUA were investigated using genetically obese db/db mice and a model of diet-induced obesity in PPAR gamma-expressing and tissue-specific PPAR gamma null mice. Expression of PPAR alpha, gamma, PPAR-responsive genes and TNF-alpha was measured in tissues controlling glucose homeostasis.
PUA caused a dose-dependent increase PPAR alpha and gamma reporter activity in 3T3-L1 cells and bound although weakly to the LBD of human PPAR gamma. Dietary PUA decreased fasting plasma glucose concentrations, improved the glucose-normalizing ability, suppressed NF-kappaB activation, TNF-alpha expression and upregulated PPAR alpha- and gamma-responsive genes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Loss of PPAR gamma impaired the ability of dietary PUA to improve glucose homeostasis and suppress inflammation.
Our studies demonstrate that PUA binds and robustly activates PPAR gamma, increases PPAR gamma-responsive gene expression and the loss of PPAR gamma in immune cells impairs its ability to ameliorate diabetes and inflammation.
Pomace olive oil (POM), an olive oil subproduct traditionally used in Spain, is a good source of minor components from the unsaponifiable fraction such as triterpenoids, mainly in the form of oleanolic acid, which induces vascular protection and vasodilatation. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of long-term intake of diets enriched in POM with high concentration in oleanolic acid on endothelial dysfunction associated to hypertension in small mesenteric arteries (SMA) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). During 12 weeks, rats (six rats per group) were fed either a control 2 % maize oil diet (BD), or high-fat diets containing 15 % refined olive oil (OL), pomace olive oil (POM), or pomace olive oil supplemented in oleanolic acid (POMO; up to 800 parts per million). Endothelial and vascular functions were assessed by relaxing or contracting responses to acetylcholine (ACh) or phenylephrine, respectively. The involvement of endothelium-derived relaxing factors in these responses was evaluated. In contrast to BD, SHR fed high-fat diets showed a biphasic response to ACh related to changes in eicosanoid metabolism. POM enhanced the endothelial function in SMA from SHR by increasing the endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF)-type component, whereas administration of POMO resulted in a similar contribution of NO/EDHF in the endothelial response to ACh. The present study shows that despite the lack of changes in blood pressure, consumption of POM improves endothelial function in SMA from SHR by improving the agonist-mediated EDHF/NO response. Thus, triterpenoids confer a protective role to POM against endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
Adipose tissue is one of the main sources of inflammatory mediators, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) among them. Although high systemic levels of inflammatory mediators are cachectogenic and/or anorexic, today it is a widely propagated thesis that in the background of obesity, a low level of chronic inflammation can be found, with IL-6 being one of the many suggested mediators. This paper reviews the studies describing elevated IL-6 levels in obese patients and the role of adipocytes and adipose-tissue macrophages in the production of IL-6. The secretion of IL-6 is regulated by several physiologic or pathologic factors: hormones, cytokines, diet, physical activity, stress, hypoxia, and others. Adipose tissue-derived IL-6 may have an effect on metabolism through several mechanisms, including adipose tissue-specific gene expression, triglyceride release, lipoprotein lipase downregulation, insulin sensitivity, and so on. Having a better understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Context:
Obesity, in particular abdominal adiposity, is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through mechanisms possibly linking the metabolic disorder to platelet and vascular abnormalities.
Objective:
To investigate the clinical and biochemical determinants of lipid peroxidation and platelet activation in obese women.
Design, setting, and participants:
Cross-sectional comparison, conducted between September 1999 and September 2001, of urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso PGF(2alpha)) and 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dehyhdro-TxB2) excretion levels in 93 women: 44 with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 28 and a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 0.86 or higher, android obesity; 25 with a BMI higher than 28 and a WHR lower than 0.86, gynoid obesity; and 24 nonobese women with a BMI lower than 25. An additional study was conducted to determine the short-term effects of weight loss in 20 of the 44 women with android obesity.
Intervention:
During a 12-week period, 20 women with android obesity followed a weight loss program to reduce caloric intake to about 1200 kcal/d.
Main outcome measures:
Plasma C-reactive protein, insulin and leptin levels, and urinary 8-iso PGF(2alpha) (marker of in vivo lipid peroxidation) and 11-dehyhdro-TxB2 (marker of in vivo platelet activation) excretion. Weight loss was defined as successful when the initial body weight decreased by at least 5 kg after a 12-week period of caloric restriction.
Results:
Women with android obesity had higher levels of 8-iso PGF(2alpha )(median [interquartile range [IQR]] 523 [393-685] vs 187 [140-225] pg/mg creatinine) and 11-dehyhdro-TxB2 (median [IQR], 948 [729-1296] vs 215 [184-253] pg/mg creatinine) than nonobese women (P<.001). Both 8-iso PGF(2alpha)and 11-dehyhdro-TxB2 were higher in women with android obesity than women with gynoid obesity (P<.001). Based on multiple regression analysis, C-reactive protein levels and WHRs of 0.86 or higher predicted the rate of 8-iso PGF(2alpha) excretion independently of insulin and leptin levels. Of 20 women with android obesity, 11 achieved successful weight loss, which was associated with statistically significant reductions in C-reactive protein (median change, 23%; P<.05), 8-iso PGF(2alpha) (median change, 32%; P =.04) and 11-dehydro-TxB2 (median change, 54%; P =.005).
Conclusions:
Android obesity is associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and persistent platelet activation. These abnormalities are driven by inflammatory triggers related to the degree of abdominal adiposity and are, at least in part, reversible with a successful weight-loss program.
Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants to animals was shown to be associated with inhibition of LDL oxidation and macrophage foam cell formation, and attenuation of atherosclerosis development.We investigated the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ, which contains potent tannins and anthocyanins) consumption by atherosclerotic patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) on the progression of carotid lesions and changes in oxidative stress and blood pressure.Ten patients were supplemented with PJ for 1 year and five of them continued for up to 3 years. Blood samples were collected before treatment and during PJ consumption. In the control group that did not consume PJ, common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) increased by 9% during 1 year, whereas, PJ consumption resulted in a significant IMT reduction, by up to 30%, after 1 year. The patients’ serum paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) activity was increased by 83%, whereas serum LDL basal oxidative state and LDL susceptibility to copper ion-induced oxidation were both significantly reduced, by 90% and 59%, respectively, after 12 months of PJ consumption, compared to values obtained before PJ consumption. Furthermore, serum levels of antibodies against oxidized LDL were decreased by 19%, and in parallel serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was increased by 130% after 1 year of PJ consumption. Systolic blood pressure was reduced after 1 year of PJ consumption by 21% and was not further reduced along 3 years of PJ consumption. For all studied parameters, the maximal effects were observed after 1 year of PJ consumption. Further consumption of PJ, for up to 3 years, had no additional beneficial effects on IMT and serum PON1 activity, whereas serum lipid peroxidation was further reduced by up to 16% after 3 years of PJ consumption.The results of the present study thus suggest that PJ consumption by patients with CAS decreases carotid IMT and systolic blood pressure and these effects could be related to the potent antioxidant characteristics of PJ polyphenols.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-{gamma} activators are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because they improve the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Punica granatum flower (PGF) has been used as an anti-diabetic medicine in Unani medicinal literature. The mechanism of actions is, however, unknown. In the current study, we demonstrated that 6-week oral administration of methanol extract from PGF (500 mg/kg, daily) inhibited glucose loading-induced increase of plasma glucose levels in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF), a genetic animal model for type 2 diabetes, whereas it did not inhibit the increase in Zucker lean rats (ZL). The treatment did not lower the plasma glucose levels in fasted ZDF and ZL rats. Furthermore, RT-PCR results demonstrated that the PGF extract treatment in ZDF rats enhanced cardiac PPAR-{gamma} mRNA expression and restored the down-regulated cardiac glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 (the insulin-dependent isoform of GLUTs) mRNA. These results suggest that the anti-diabetic activity of PGF extract may result from improved sensitivity of the insulin receptor. From the in vitro studies, we demonstrated that the PGF extract enhanced PPAR-{gamma} mRNA and protein expression and increased PPAR-{gamma}-dependent mRNA expression and activity of lipoprotein lipase in human THP-1-differentiated macrophage cells. Phytochemical investigation demonstrated that gallic acid in PGF extract is mostly responsible for this activity. Thus, our findings indicate that PPAR-{gamma} is a molecular target for PGF extract and its prominent component gallic acid, and provide a better understanding of the potential mechanism of the anti-diabetic action of PGF.
Anthocyanins in the flowers of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) were extracted and separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Two anthocyanins were identified to be pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside and pelargonidin 3-glucoside by spectral methods, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and comparisons with the literature. These two anthocyanins were identified from pomegranate flowers for the first time. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of purified anthocyanins were screened for their antioxidative potential using 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethyl-benzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) systems. The purified anthocyanins showed strong radical scavenging activities. Pelargonidin 3-glucoside showed higher antioxidant activity (50% inhibition values of 19.56μg/ml for DPPH and Trolox equivalents antioxidant activity of 2.39μg/μg for ABTS) than pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside.
Ten pomegranate varieties were analysed for their percent of skin, juice, seed, lipid content and moisture, and sugars, minerals, vitamin C, protein, pH, titrable acidity (TA) and soluble solid content (SSC) of juices. Predominant sugars were fructose (3.50 to 5.96g/100g) and glucose (3.40 to 6.40g/100g). Saccharose and maltose were not practically detected in any variety. K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined by ICP atomic spectroscopy. Contents of K, Na, Ca and Mg were the highest among minerals in fruit juices. The average concentration of vitamin C, protein, TA, SSC and pH were 0.09-0.40mg/100g, 0.29-1.93%, 4.0-24.5g/L, 10.0-16.5°Brix and 2.90-4.21, respectively.
Obesity in childhood and adolescents has gained epidemic proportions; in Germany 15-20 % of boys and girls are overweight, more than 6 % are known to be obese. By now, 25 % of relevant people show a pathological glucose intolerance, 4-5 % are developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, metabolic disorders leading to hypertension and cardiac, renal or ophthalmological complications could be named as serious comorbidities. Medical and behavioural intervention as treatment for obesity in childhood remains largely ineffective: 5-10 % weight loss within 2 years rarely results in significant durable success. In adults, bariatric surgery is being used increas-ingly as an effective approach to achieve weight loss and to improve serious medical comorbidities, in particular T2DM. Enhancement of quality of life and explicit extension of survival are concomitant phenomenons. To date, a range of dif-ferent types of bariatric procedures has been performed in adolescents, but studies evaluating and analysing preoperative data, postoperative course and follow-up in a representative number of -pa-tients younger than 18 years are still lacking. Nevertheless, current experience suggests significant weight loss and improving obesity-related medical comorbidities after bariatric surgery in adolescents too. Moreover, bariatric surgery in adolescents seems to induce less complications and a shorter hospital stay than in adults. Al-though surgical therapy for obesity in this group of patients remains an individual decision, even though explicit guidelines have been published specifying inclusion and exclusion criterias. Analy-sis of our own patient group and results of the study of the quality assurance “surgical treatment of morbid obesity” are appropriate tools to evaluate surgical techniques and to provide long-term follow-up.
The antioxidant activity of pomegranate juices was evaluated by four different methods (ABTS, DPPH, DMPD, and FRAP) and compared to those of red wine and a green tea infusion. Commercial pomegranate juices showed an antioxidant activity (18−20 TEAC) three times higher than those of red wine and green tea (6−8 TEAC). The activity was higher in commercial juices extracted from whole pomegranates than in experimental juices obtained from the arils only (12−14 TEAC). HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analyses of the juices revealed that commercial juices contained the pomegranate tannin punicalagin (1500−1900 mg/L) while only traces of this compound were detected in the experimental juice obtained from arils in the laboratory. This shows that pomegranate industrial processing extracts some of the hydrolyzable tannins present in the fruit rind. This could account for the higher antioxidant activity of commercial juices compared to the experimental ones. In addition, anthocyanins, ellagic acid derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins were detected and quantified in the pomegranate juices. Keywords: Pomegranate; Punica granatum; Punicaceae; juice; phenolics; anthocyanins; ellagic acid; punicalagin; tannins; antioxidant activity; ABTS; DPPH; DMPD; FRAP
The radical scavenging activity, reducing power and phenolic composition of pomegranate rind powder extract (RP) were determined and antioxidant properties of RP was evaluated in cooked chicken patties compared with vitamin C (VC) during refrigerated storage. Freshly minced chicken meat were assigned to one of the following six treatments: control (meat without any antioxidant); RP 5, RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20 (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg equivalent RP phenolics 100 g−1 meat, respectively) and VC 50 (50 mg VC 100 g−1 meat). The RP exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Incorporation of RP into chicken patties significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the HunterLab L* values compared with control and VC patties. Total phenolic content (as tannic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 308 in control to 441 μg g−1 in RP 20 patties. Addition of RP to chicken patties did not affect any of the sensory attributes. The values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 1.530 in control patties to 0.135 mg malonaldehyde kg−1 samples in RP patties. Pomegranate rind powder extract treatment (RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20) substantially inhibited (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties to a much greater extent than VC treatment. Therefore, pomegranate rind powder can be utilized as an excellent natural antioxidant source.
The antioxidant capacity of pomegranate juices (PJs) obtained from eight cultivars were determined by the scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and β-carotene-linoleate model system. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were also determined and found to vary between the range of 208.3–343.6 mg catechin equivalents and 8.1–36.9 mg cyanidine-3-glucoside equivalents per 100 ml of PJ, respectively. Cultivar Izmir 8 showed the highest scores for trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) as 418.3 ± 5.2 mg/100 ml of PJ, anti-lipid peroxidative activity (ALPA) as 93.5 ± 1.8% and efficient concentration (EC50) as 29.8 ± 2.9 ml of PJ/g of DPPH. The hierarchy of PJs for antioxidant capacity with respect to their TEAC and ALPA values was I8 > I1499 > I10 > I1264 > I1479 > I26 > I23 > Zivzik. Interrelationships among the analyzed parameters and PJs obtained from eight cultivars were investigated by principal component analysis (PCA). Dimension of data set was reduced to two components by PCA accounting for the 93% of the total variance. Eight PJs were classified into three groups by cluster analysis (CA).
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit that is widely consumed as fresh fruit and juice. The use of pomegranate fruit dates from ancient times and reports of its therapeutic qualities have echoed throughout the ages. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how this fruit acts as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic and shows antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic activities. The fruit also improves cardiovascular and oral health. These beneficial physiological effects may also have preventive applications in a variety of pathologies. The health benefits of pomegranate have been attributed to its wide range of phytochemicals, which are predominantly polyphenols, including primarily hydrolyzable ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and other polyphenols. The aim of this review was to present an overview of the functional, medical, and physiological properties of this fruit.
The factors which are involved in the development of diabetes and obesity have been reviewed. These include the age of the
individual, the duration and magnitude of the obesity, whether there is a family history of diabetes mellitus, the regional
distribution of body fat, and the function of the pancreatic islet. These factors help in understanding the reasons why obesity
poses such a high risk for developing diabetes mellitus.
Pomegranate leaves are an important source of potentially healthy bioactive compounds. Changes in total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and antioxidant activities in pomegranate leaves were recorded from April 18th to September 16th, 2007. Total levels of phenolics and flavonoids decreased significantly in the early stages of leaf growth, and then increased gradually until the end of September. However, concentrations of total alkaloids increased during leaf growth and development. Antioxidant activities in pomegranate leaves were significantly correlated with the level of total phenolics and flavonoids. All bioactive compounds measured from pomegranate leaves increased during leaf growth and development. These trends suggest that the optimum picking time for tea is before May and bioactive compounds should be extracted from pomegranate leaves after August.
Important health-promoting compounds, including six types of anthocyanins, phytoestrogenic flavonoids and ellagic acid were determined individually in pomegranate juices (Punica granatum L.) of eight Iranian cultivars by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV–vis detector (HPLC–UV) using individual calculation from the peak area based on standard curves of each component. Total phenolics and antioxidant activities were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, respectively, and compared among the cultivars. The predominant anthocyanins were delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside (372–5301 mg/l) followed by cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside (242–2361 mg/l), delphinidin 3-glucoside (49–1042 mg/l) and pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside (7–90 mg/l), respectively. The highest level of total tannins was found in Sweet Alak cultivar (3 mg/l). Saveh Black Leather showed the highest level of ellagic acid (160 mg/l). Antioxidant activity varied among the cultivars (18–42 Trolox equivalents antioxidant capacity) and was directly related to the total phenolics in each type of juice.
Since conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has structural and physiological characteristics similar to peroxisome proliferators, we hypothesized that CLA would activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). We compared the effects of dietary CLA (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% by weight) with a peroxisome proliferator (0.01% Wy-14,643) in female and male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Dietary CLA had little effect on body weight, liver weight, and hepatic peroxisome proliferation, compared to male rats fed Wy-14,643 diet. Lipid content in livers from rats fed 1.5% CLA and Wy-14,643 diets was increased (P<0.01) when compared to rats fed control diets regardless of gender. Hepatic acyl–CoA oxidase (ACO) mRNA levels were increased 3-fold in male rats fed 1.5% CLA diet compared to rats fed control diets while Wy-14,643 supported ∼30-fold ACO mRNA accumulation. A similar response was observed for liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA. The effect of dietary treatments on hepatic PPAR-responsive genes in female rats was weaker than in male rats. The (9Z,11E)-CLA isomer activated PPARα in transfected cells to a similar extent as Wy-14,643, whereas the furan-CLA metabolite was comparable to bezafibrate on activating PPARβ. These data suggest that while CLA was able to activate PPARs it is not a peroxisome proliferator in SD rats.
Pomegranate fruit and pomegranate juices (PJs) have taken great attention for their health benefits in the last years. The purpose of this study is to analyse the antioxidant activities, along with the organic acid and sugar contents of pomegranate juices sold in the Turkish markets. In the present study, we evaluated total phenolics (TPs), free radical scavenging capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing capacity of seven commercial PJs. Organic acid and sugar contents of juices were determined by capillary zone electrophoresis. The results showed that commercial pomegranate juices had markedly high total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity. Fructose (F) and glucose (G) were found as the major sugars. The major acids were citric and malic. From the F/G ratio, organic acid profiles, TPs, and antioxidant capacity values, a possible adulteration was detected in one of the juices.
Obesity results from a prolonged small positive energy balance, and its treatment needs to reverse this imbalance.
Citations retrieved from PubMed and The Handbook of Obesity 2008 were selected to illustrate the points.
Many different diets have been tried to treat obesity, and weight loss occurs with all of them. There is currently no evidence that clearly supports a superiority of one macronutrient composition for diets used for weight loss. The principal effect seems to be the degree of adherence to the prescribed calorie reduction. Lifestyle strategies to modify eating behavior can be used in individual counseling sessions or in groups, both of which are important in helping patients modify their patterns of eating. Physical activity is particularly important in helping patients maintain a weight loss once achieved and is less valuable for weight loss itself. Food intake is controlled through many different mechanisms, but only a few drugs have been developed that tap these mechanisms. Orlistat, which blocks intestinal lipase, is one; sibutramine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is a second. Surgical approaches provide the most dramatic weight loss and have been demonstrated to reduce long-term mortality and reduce the incidence of diabetes.
Weight loss can be achieved by many methods, but the surgical procedures appear to be the most durable.
Functional foods is an often-used term applied to dietary ingredients that serve to improve consumer health. Over the last few decades, these foods have gained in popularity with sales continuing to increase rapidly. Recent scientific, and some lay, reports have shown the popularity of both probiotics and prebiotics. These serve to elicit changes in the gut microbiota composition that increase populations of purported beneficial gut bacterial genera, for example, lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. Probiotics use live microbial feed additions, whereas prebiotics target indigenous flora components. As gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent in terms of human health, both probiotics and prebiotics serve an important role in the prophylactic management of various acute and chronic gut derived conditions. Examples include protection from gastroenteritis and some inflammatory conditions.
Hypertension (HTN) is the most common disease found in patients in primary care [JNC-7 Guidelines. The seventh report of the joint national committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure. Hyper 2003;42:1206.]. It eventually requires medication if lifestyle modifications are not initiated or do not control the blood pressure well enough. The majority of patients would prefer not to have to be medicated to manage their disease, and HTN can be found to be a comorbidity along with diabetes, CAD, and many other cardiovascular diseases. Adverse effects, forgetfulness and patient ignorance are multiple reasons for the hesitancy to begin drug management. Pomegranate juice is rich in tannins, possesses anti-atherosclerotic properties, has anti-aging effects, and potent anti-oxidative characteristics. As some antioxidants have been shown to reduce blood pressure, the purpose of this review was to discover the effect of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Pomegranate juice consumption may reduce systolic blood pressure, inhibits serum ACE activity, and is convincingly a heart-healthy fruit [Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Athero 2001;158:195-8.]. More clinical research is needed as a number of the studies discussed include small sample sizes and few studies seem to have been undertaken in the recent 5-10 years.
Pomegranate seed oil has been shown to protect against diet induced obesity and insulin resistance.
To characterize the metabolic effects of punicic acid on high fat diet induced obesity and insulin resistance.
High-fat diet or high-fat diet with 1% Pomegranate seed oil (PUA) was fed for 12 weeks to induce obesity and insulin resistance. We assessed body weight and composition (pSABRE DEXA-scan), energy expenditure (Columbus Instruments) and insulin sensitivity at the end of the 12 weeks.
PSO intake resulted in a lower body weight, 30.5±2.9 vs 33.8±3.2 g PSO vs HFD respectively, p=0.02, without affecting food intake or energy expenditure. The lower body weight was fully explained by a decreased body fat mass, 3.3±2.3 vs 6.7±2.7 g for PSO and HFD fed mice, respectively, p=0.02. Insulin clamps showed that PSO did not affect liver insulin sensitivity but clearly improved peripheral insulin sensitivity, 164±52% vs 92±24% for PSO and HFD fed mice respectively, p=0.01.
We conclude that dietary PSO ameliorates high-fat diet induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice, independent of changes in food intake or energy expenditure.
Different outcomes of the effect of catechin-caffeine mixtures and caffeine-only supplementation on energy expenditure and fat oxidation have been reported in short-term studies. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to elucidate whether catechin-caffeine mixtures and caffeine-only supplementation indeed increase thermogenesis and fat oxidation. First, English-language studies measuring daily energy expenditure and fat oxidation by means of respiration chambers after catechin-caffeine mixtures and caffeine-only supplementation were identified through PubMed. Six articles encompassing a total of 18 different conditions fitted the inclusion criteria. Second, results were aggregated using random/mixed-effects models and expressed in terms of the mean difference in 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation between the treatment and placebo conditions. Finally, the influence of moderators such as BMI and dosage on the results was examined as well. The catechin-caffeine mixtures and caffeine-only supplementation increased energy expenditure significantly over 24 h (428.0 kJ (4.7%); P < 0.001 and 429.1 kJ (4.8%); P < 0.001, respectively). However, 24 h fat oxidation was only increased by catechin-caffeine mixtures (12.2 g (16.0%); P < 0.02 and 9.5 g (12.4%); P = 0.11, respectively). A dose-response effect on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation occurred with a mean increase of 0.53 kJ mg(-1) (P < 0.01) and 0.02 g mg(-1) (P < 0.05) for catechin-caffeine mixtures and 0.44 kJ mg(-1) (P < 0.001) and 0.01 g mg(-1) (P < 0.05) for caffeine-only. In conclusion, catechin-caffeine mixtures or a caffeine-only supplementation stimulates daily energy expenditure dose-dependently by 0.4-0.5 kJ mg(-1) administered. Compared with placebo, daily fat-oxidation was only significantly increased after catechin-caffeine mixtures ingestion.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceace) is the second most popular beverage in the world and has been extensively studied for its putative disease preventive effects. Green tea is characterized by the presence of a high concentrations of polyphenolic compounds known as catechins, with (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) being the most abundant and most well-studied. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition that is defined by the presence of elevated waist circumference, dysglycemia, elevated blood pressure, decrease serum high-density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol, and increased serum triglycerides. Studies in both in vitro and laboratory animal models have examined the preventive effects of green tea and EGCG against the symptoms of MetS. Overall, the results of these studies have been promising and demonstrate that green tea and EGCG have preventive effects in both genetic and dietary models of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Various mechanisms have been proposed based on these studies and include: modulation of dietary fat absorption and metabolism, increased glucose utilization, decreased de novo lipogenesis, enhanced vascular responsiveness, and antioxidative effects. In the present review, we discuss the current state of the science with regard to laboratory studies on green tea and MetS. We attempt to critically evaluate the available data and point out areas for future research. Although there is a considerable amount of data available, questions remain in terms of the primary mechanism(s) of action, the dose-response relationships involved, and the best way to translate the results to human intervention studies.
Worldwide, obesity trends are causing serious public health concern and in many countries threatening the viability of basic health care delivery. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. The last two decades have witnessed an increase in health care costs due to obesity and related issues among children and adolescents. Childhood obesity is a global phenomenon affecting all socio-economic groups, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity. Aetiopathogenesis of childhood obesity is multi-factorial and includes genetic, neuroendocrine, metabolic, psychological, environmental and socio-cultural factors. Many co-morbid conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular, psychological, orthopaedic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders are seen in association with childhood obesity. The treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents requires a multidisciplinary, multi-phase approach, which includes dietary management, physical activity enhancement, restriction of sedentary behaviour, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. A holistic approach to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic needs a collection of activities including influencing policy makers and legislation, mobilizing communities, restructuring organizational practices, establishing coalitions and networks, empowering providers, imparting community education as well as enriching and reinforcing individual awareness and skills. The implications of this global phenomenon on future generations will be serious unless appropriate action is taken.
Green tea catechins (GTC) are polyphenolic compounds present in the unfermented dried leaves of the plant, Camellia sinensis. Results from a number of randomized, controlled intervention trials have shown that consumption of GTC (270 mg to 1200 mg/day) may reduce body weight and fat. There are several proposed mechanisms whereby GTC may influence body weight and composition. The predominating hypothesis is that GTC influences sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, increasing energy expenditure and promoting the oxidation of fat. Caffeine, naturally present in green tea, also influences SNS activity, and may act synergistically with GTC to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Other potential mechanisms include modifications in appetite, up-regulation of enzymes involved in hepatic fat oxidation, and decreased nutrient absorption. This article reviews the evidence for each of these purported mechanisms, with particular reference to studies in humans.
As childhood obesity is associated with premature death in adults, a research is critical. This review focuses on the recent proceedings concerning genesis, prevention, and treatment.
Identifying genetic variants in well phenotyped small cohorts of extremely obese children (e.g., the search for copy number variants in obesity-associated large chromosomal deletions) confirmed afterwards in large population-based studies is a new promising genetic approach to understand the disposition to obesity. A further important finding is that obesity of mothers predisposes their offsprings to obesity by epigenetic, prenatal effects. Therefore, prevention programs targeting parents even before pregnancy should be developed. Prevention programs in kindergarten and schools without involving the parents failed to fight against the obesity epidemic. A new promising prevention approach is to change the environment (e.g., ban on sugar drinks in schools). Therapy of choice in already obese children is lifestyle intervention. Again, including their parents is crucial for success. However, this kind of intervention is only suitable for families motivated to change their lifestyle habits. Especially in extremely obese adolescents, additional therapeutic approaches such as drugs and bariatric surgery have to be considered.
Even if of knowledge of childhood obesity improves every year, many questions concerning prevention and treatment remain still open. Future longitudinal research has to focus on which children will benefit from which kind of intervention to develop specific therapies.
The obesity drug development is present not a bright and successful story. So far, drugs reported to be effective, either from synthetic or natural sources, mostly stimulated controversy because of serious adverse effects, which ended with stopping clinical trials or even withdrawal from the market. However, obesity and its comorbidities have become rapidly a major problem in both developed and developing countries. This has encouraged pharmaceutical companies and academia to keep on struggling on developing novel effective but safe obesity drugs, and on characterizing novel obesity drug targets. From existing scientific work on obesity drug discovery and commercial slimming preparations, compounds originating from nature, especially from plants, seem to be the first choice. Traditional belief that herbal medicine is safer than synthetic ones is one of the classical arguments, although scientifically this is not always true (e.g. ban on Ephedra). But in general, it has been widely acknowledged that a plant compound, with its unique scaffolds and rich diversity is an unlimited source of novel lead compounds. This paper aims to summarize all works focused on screening plant materials by targeting important pathways related to energy intake regulation, either by in vivo or in vitro experiments.
To examine whether the beneficial effects of PJ consumption by mice on their macrophages are mediated via PJ-induced increment in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and/or in macrophage PON2 expression.
We performed studies in peritoneal macrophages (MPM) from C57BL/6 control mice, or from PON1KO mice, or from PON2KO mice that consumed PJ (200 microg of gallic acid equivalents/mouse/day, for 1 month period). PJ consumption by C57BL/6 mice resulted in a significant increment, by 36% in serum PON1 catalytic activities, and upregulated MPM PON2 expression. In MPM from C57BL/6 or from PON1KO mice that consumed PJ, the extent of cell-mediated LDL oxidation was decreased by 22%, and that of cellular superoxide release by 20-26%. In contrast, PJ consumption by PON2KO mice resulted in a minimal inhibitory effect on macrophage oxidative stress by only 4-9%. Unlike PJ antioxidative effects in MPM, PJ anti-atherogenic effects on MPM cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism were similar in all mice groups that consumed PJ. After PJ consumption, cellular cholesterol content was decreased by 14-19%, and this could be attributed to a significant inhibition in MPM cholesterol biosynthesis rate by 20-32%, and/or to stimulation of HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux from the cells by 22-37%. Similarly, MPM triglyceride content and triglyceride biosynthesis rate were both significantly decreased after PJ consumption, by 16-27% and by 22-28%, respectively.
PJ consumption antioxidative properties on mouse macrophages, but not PJ beneficial effects on macrophage cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, are mediated via PJ-induced stimulation of macrophage PON2 expression. Serum PON1 stimulation by PJ consumption, however, was not involved in PJ-induced effects on macrophages.
We have examined the gut bacterial metabolism of pomegranate by-product (POMx) and major pomegranate polyphenols, punicalagins, using pH-controlled, stirred, batch culture fermentation systems reflective of the distal region of the human large intestine. Incubation of POMx or punicalagins with faecal bacteria resulted in formation of the dibenzopyranone-type urolithins. The time course profile confirmed the tetrahydroxylated urolithin D as the first product of microbial transformation, followed by compounds with decreasing number of phenolic hydroxy groups: the trihydroxy analogue urolithin C and dihydroxylated urolithin A. POMx exposure enhanced the growth of total bacteria, Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., without influencing the Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale group and the C. histolyticum group. In addition, POMx increased concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) viz. acetate, propionate and butyrate in the fermentation medium. Punicalagins did not affect the growth of bacteria or production of SCFA. The results suggest that POMx oligomers, composed of gallic acid, ellagic acid and glucose units, may account for the enhanced growth of probiotic bacteria.
Excess visceral adiposity may predispose to chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes with a high risk for coronary artery disease. Adipose tissue secreted cytokines and oxidative stress play an important role in chronic disease progression. To combat adiposity, plant-derived triterpenes are currently receiving much attention as they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. In the search for potential antiobese compounds from natural sources, this study evaluated the effects of oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpene commonly present in fruits and vegetables, in glucose tolerance test and on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Adult male Swiss mice treated or not with OA (10 mg/kg) were fed a HFD during 15 weeks. Sibutramine (SIB) treated group (10 mg/kg) was included for comparison. Weekly body weights, food and water consumption were measured, and at the end of study period, the levels of blood glucose and lipids, plasma hormone levels of insulin, ghrelin and leptin, and the visceral abdominal fat content were analysed. Mice treated with OA and fed a HFD showed significantly (p<0.05) improved glucose tolerance, decreased body weights, visceral adiposity, blood glucose, plasma lipids relative to their respective controls fed no OA. Additionally, OA treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma hormone level of leptin, decreased the level of ghrelin. However, it caused a greater decrease in plasma amylase activity than lipase. Sibutramine-treated group also manifested similar effects like OA except for blood glucose level that was not different from HFD control. These findings suggest that OA ameliorates visceral adiposity and improves glucose tolerance in mice and thus has an antiobese potential through modulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
This study, which to the best of our knowledge is the first of its kind, aimed to determine the acute and long-term effects of the consumption of grape and pomegranate juices on endothelium function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome, and to compare the effects of these two kinds of juices.
This randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2008 among 30 adolescents, aged 12-15 years, with metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of equal number; one group was asked to drink 18 millilitre per kilogram per day of natural grape juice and the other group was asked to drink 240 millilitre per day of natural pomegranate juice once daily for 1 month. Juices were homemade without any added sweetener. Basal brachial artery dimension and flow-mediated dilation as an index of endothelial function and endothelial-dependent dilation after receiving nitoglycerin spray were evaluated by high-resolution B mode ultrasonography before juice consumption, 4 hours and 30 days after regular daily consumption.
Flow-mediated dilation at 90 seconds and after nitoglycerin significantly improved at 4 hours and at 1 month after drinking both kinds of juices, without significant difference between the two groups. The change at 1 month versus 4 hours was significant only in the grape juice group.
Daily consumption of diets rich in antioxidants might improve endothelial function in adolescents with metabolic syndrome. These effects began as soon as 4 hours after juice consumption. Such beneficial effects should be considered in dietary recommendations for the paediatric age group, notably in obese individuals.
Obesity in childhood and adolescents has gained epidemic proportions; in Germany 15-20 % of boys and girls are overweight, more than 6 % are known to be obese. By now, 25 % of relevant people show a pathological glucose intolerance, 4-5 % are developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, metabolic disorders leading to hypertension and cardiac, renal or ophthalmological complications could be named as serious comorbidities. Medical and behavioural intervention as treatment for obesity in childhood remains largely ineffective: 5-10 % weight loss within 2 years rarely results in significant durable success. In adults, bariatric surgery is being used increasingly as an effective approach to achieve weight loss and to improve serious medical comorbidities, in particular T2DM. Enhancement of quality of life and explicit extension of survival are concomitant phenomenons. To date, a range of different types of bariatric procedures has been performed in adolescents, but studies evaluating and analysing preoperative data, postoperative course and follow-up in a representative number of patients younger than 18 years are still lacking. Nevertheless, current experience suggests significant weight loss and improving obesity-related medical comorbidities after bariatric surgery in adolescents too. Moreover, bariatric surgery in adolescents seems to induce less complications and a shorter hospital stay than in adults. Al-though surgical therapy for obesity in this group of patients remains an individual decision, even though explicit guidelines have been published specifying inclusion and exclusion criterias. Analysis of our own patient group and results of the study of the quality assurance "surgical treatment of morbid obesity" are appropriate tools to evaluate surgical techniques and to provide long-term follow-up.
The presence of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obesity may seem paradoxical in light of excess caloric intake, but several micronutrient deficiencies appear to be higher in prevalence in overweight and obese adults and children. Causes are multifactorial and include decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased intake of high-calorie, but nutritionally poor-quality foods, and increased adiposity, which may influence the storage and availability of some nutrients. As the obesity epidemic continues unabated and the popularity of bariatric surgery rises for severely obese adults and adolescents, medical practitioners must be aware of pre-existing nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obese patients and appropriately recognize and treat common and rare nutritional deficiencies that may arise or worsen following bariatric surgery. This article reviews current knowledge of nutritional deficits in obese and overweight individuals and those that commonly present after bariatric surgery and summarizes current recommendations for screening and supplementation.
To investigate the effects of Xanthigen (brown marine algae fucoxanthin + pomegranate seed oil (PSO)) on body weight, body fat, liver lipids, and blood biochemistry; and Xanthigen and its individual components on resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese, non-diabetic female volunteers with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and normal liver fat (NLF) content.
Sixteen-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Food record data, body composition, REE (only 41 volunteers with NAFLD) and blood sample analysis were assessed weekly for 16 weeks in 151 non-diabetic, obese premenopausal women with liver fat content above 11% (NAFLD) n = 113, and below 6.5% (NLF) n = 38.
Xanthigen-600/2.4 mg (300 mg PSO + 300 mg brown seaweed extract containing 2.4 mg fucoxanthin) resulted in statistically significant reduction of body weight (5.5 +/- 1.4 kg NAFLD group and 4.9 +/- 1.2 kg NLF group, p < 0.05), waist circumference (NAFLD group only), body (3.5 +/- 1.9 kg NAFLD group, p < 0.001; 3.6 +/- 0.7 kg NLF group, p < 0.05) and liver fat content, liver enzymes (NAFLD group only), serum triglycerides and C-reactive protein. Weight loss and reduction in body and liver fat content occurred earlier in patients with NLF than in patients with NAFLD. Fucoxanthin (> 2.4 mg) and Xanthigen-400/1.6 mg (200 mg PSO + 200 mg brown seaweed extract containing 1.6 mg fucoxanthin) significantly increased REE in NAFLD subjects compared to placebo.
Xanthigen promoted weight loss, reduced body and liver fat content, and improved liver function tests in obese non-diabetic women. Xanthigen and Fucoxanthin also increased REE. This product may be considered a promising food supplement in the management of obesity.
The high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated paraoxonase-1 (PON1)/free PON1 ratio is lower in diabetic patients in comparison with healthy controls. Because diabetes is associated with increased oxidative stress, we hypothesized that a labeled recombinant PON1 (rePON1) would detect differences in HDL capacity to bind PON1 under specific experimental conditions, such as oxidation, addition of polyphenols, or in vivo dosing of diabetic patients with polyphenols.
In the present study we determined labeled rePON1 binding to HDL under various oxidative conditions by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the separation of free labeled rePON1 from HDL-bound labeled rePON1.
The HDL-rePON1/free rePON1 ratio gradually decreased as the extent of HDL oxidation increased, and the antioxidants vitamin E or pomegranate juice (PJ) inhibited the redistribution of rePON1. PJ or its purified polyphenols, punicalagin, gallic acid, or ellagic acid, increased rePON1 binding also to non-oxidized HDL. Further, rePON1 associated more efficiently with HDLs isolated from diabetic patients after PJ consumption versus HDLs isolated before PJ consumption.
We conclude that 1) oxidative stress impairs binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled rePON1 to HDL and 2) PJ polyphenols directly increase the HDL-rePON1 association beyond their antioxidative effect.
The consumption of pomegranate products leads to a significant accumulation of ellagitannins in the large intestines, where they interact with complex gut microflora. This study investigated the effect of pomegranate tannin constituents on the growth of various species of human gut bacteria. Our results showed that pomegranate byproducts and punicalagins inhibited the growth of pathogenic clostridia and Staphyloccocus aureus. Probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were generally not affected by ellagitannins, while relatively small growth inhibition by ellagic acid likely resulted from decreasing media quality due to the formation of tannin-protein complexes. The effect of pomegranate ellagitannins on bifidobacteria was species- and tannin-dependent. The growth of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis was slightly inhibited by punicalagins, punicalins, and ellagic acid. POMx supplementation significantly enhanced the growth of Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis.
Whether the beneficial effects of pomegranate are due to the ellagitannins or to their microbiota-derived urolithins is not known. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of pomegranate intake and its main microbiota-derived metabolite urolithin-A (UROA) on colon inflammation and to assess whether UROA is the main anti-inflammatory compound. In addition, the effect of the inflammation on the phenolic metabolism was also explored. Male Fisher rats were fed with 250 mg kg(-1) day(-1) pomegranate extract (PE) or 15 mg kg(-1) day(-1) UROA for 25 days. Dextran sodium sulfate (5%) (DSS) was administered for the five last days and then rats were euthanized. DSS is a well-known model of inflammatory bowel disease. Colon tissue damage, microbiota changes, antioxidant status, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), nitric oxide production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), gene expression (microarrays and RT-PCR) and polyphenol metabolism (LC-MS-MS) were evaluated. Both PE and UROA decreased inflammation markers (iNOS, cycloxygenase-2, PTGES and PGE(2) in colonic mucosa) and modulated favorably the gut microbiota. The G(1) to S cell cycle pathway was up-regulated in both groups. UROA group showed various down-regulated pathways, including that of the inflammatory response. PE, but not UROA, decreased oxidative stress in plasma and colon mucosa. Only UROA preserved colonic architecture. The normal formation of urolithins in PE-fed rats was prevented during inflammation. Our results suggest that UROA could be the most active anti-inflammatory compound derived from pomegranate ingestion in healthy subjects, whereas in colon inflammation, the effects could be due to the nonmetabolized ellagitannin-related fraction.