Article

Licorice flavonoid oil reduces oxidative stress and total body fat in overweight subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the authors.

Abstract

In this study with 30 nurses as study subjects, we examined how 12 weeks of a study treatment affected body measurements, blood biochemistry, and the oxidative stress regulatory system. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one that received licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) capsules and l-carnitine capsules (supplement group n = 15), and another that received placebo capsules (placebo group n = 15), for 12 consecutive weeks. Measurements of oxidative stresses and other tests were performed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Results showed that only the supplement group showed a significant decrease in waist circumference at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while neither group showed a change in body mass index. No changes in blood biochemistry were observed in either group. Only the supplement group showed a significant decrease in oxidative stresses at 8 weeks when compared to baseline, while the placebo group did not show any change. Both groups showed a significant decrease in anti-oxidant potential, but at 12 weeks the supplement group showed a significantly higher level than the placebo group. While the supplement group showed a stable BAP to d-ROM ratio (representing latent anti-oxidant potential), the placebo group had a significant decrease. These results demonstrate that 12 weeks of LFO and l-carnitine consumption decreases waist circumference and oxidative stresses and maintains latent anti-oxidant potential.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.

... Blood samples were collected before the beginning of the chemotherapy schedule and before every cisplatin administration, in order to measure the status ofThe antioxidant capacity of plasma to reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron were evaluated spectrophotometrically by means of anti-ROMs[20,21]test. It quantifies the concentration of fast-acting antioxidants, e.g. ...
... According to the assumption that decreased levels of natural antioxidants and diminished scavenging enzyme capacity may be responsible for the excess of ROS observed in cisplatin-induced toxicity[31,32], an inverse correlation between plasma concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites and antioxidant compounds is likely. Thus, we assessed in patients' plasma samples the antioxidant potential in terms of iron-reducing capabilities (anti-ROMs test)[20,21]. At the enrollment, patients were accounted of low levels of both rapid and slow anti-ROMs that can be referred to an imbalance of antioxidant defenses. ...
Article
Full-text available
Oxidative stress exerts major role in the pathogenesis of side effects of many antineoplastic drugs, including ototoxicity of cisplatin. In particular, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the apoptosis of different types of hearing cells. Antioxidants and ROS scavengers may thus represent potential therapeutic options to prevent platinum-associated ototoxicity. The aim of this preliminary case-control study was to explore the efficacy of a dietary antioxidant supplement, in order to hamper the occurrences of ototoxicity in patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy. As results, a significant protection against cochlear toxic damage was demonstrated in patients who took the antioxidant supplement, which furthermore prevented the occurrence of hearing disorders and tinnitus. These clinical evidences were corroborated by the oxidative status of patients. After cisplatin chemotherapy, the plasma derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) content rapidly increased in control patients, but it was maintained in those under dietary supplementation, likely because of a higher anti-ROMs potential. Indeed, an increment in rapid anti-ROMs was detected in supplemented patients, though no differences were highlighted in terms of slow anti-ROMs. In conclusion, in this preliminary report we demonstrated the feasibility of a dietary antioxidant supplementation in order to prevent the cisplatin induced hearing damage.
Article
This study investigates the effect of two dietary fats, namely linseed oil (LO) and lard (LF), and supplementation with pumpkin seeds (PS) on the performance, oxidative status, and blood serum metabolites of broilers, along with the composition, oxidative stability, and fatty acid (FA) profile of broiler meat. Ninety-six 64-d-old naked neck chickens were randomly distributed into four groups of 24 chickens each (8 chickens per cage, three cages per treatment) and fed a LO diet, a LO diet supplemented with 50 g PS kg−1, a LF diet, and a LF diet supplemented with 50 g PS kg−1. The antioxidant system is increased and reactive oxygen species decreased in chickens fed PS diets. Glycemia and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the chickens fed PS diets than in those given diets without supplementation; the cholesterol levels were also significantly lower in the chickens fed LO diets than those fed LF diets. However, the LO diet affected the fresh meat quality by decreasing pH values of the meat at 24 h after slaughter. Adding PS to the LO diet improved the oxidative stability of the muscle at day 3 of refrigerated storage. The use of LO instead of LF favourably modulates the FA profile of meat, by increasing both linoleic and α-linolenic acid content and reducing the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio, atherogenic and thrombogenic index.
Article
The study evaluated the effect of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) grain (AMG) supplementation to diets containing linseed oil on the oxidative status, blood serum metabolites, growth performance and meat quality. A total of 132 90-d-old female Big Ray broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups of 44 broilers each (11 broilers per cage, 4 cages per treatment) and fed on a diet containing 50 g/kg linseed oil supplemented with 0, 50 or 100 g/kg AMG, respectively, for 32 d. At the end of the experiment 30 broilers (10 per treatment) were sacrificed and breast muscle samples were prepared for analysis. Growth performance was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the broilers fed on the diets supplemented with AMG. Serum antioxidant power was significantly higher (250 and 219 vs 177 μEq/l; P<0.05) and serum lipid peroxidation levels were lower (262 and 419 vs 700 μmoles/l) in the broilers fed on a diet containing 100 or 50 g/kg AMG, respectively, as compared with the broilers given a diet without AMG supplementation. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the broilers fed on AMG diets than in those given a diet without supplementation. No differences in alanine aminotransferase or albumin levels were found. Broilers fed on diets rich in linseed oil, which contains a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and either supplemented or not with AMG, showed a good meat fatty acid profile. No differences in other meat quality characteristics were found between broilers fed on a diet containing AMG and those not administered this supplementation.
Article
Full-text available
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare Tanita tetrapolar foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (Model TBF-310, Tanita Corporation of America, Inc, Arlington Heights, IL; Tanita-BIA) and fan beam dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery A v12.6, Waltham, MA; DXA) in diabetic patients. METHODS: Seventy Hispanic diabetic participants (23 male, 47 female; mean age: 53.03 ± 10.32 yrs; mean weight: 81.45 ± 17.65 kg; and mean body mass index: 31.40 ± 6.80 kg/m(2)) were selected from the Loma Linda University En Balance culturally-sensitive Spanish diabetes education program using the baseline data. RESULTS: DXA vs Tanita-BIA fat mass (FM), percent fat mass (%FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were compared using Pearson's (FM: 0.96, %FM: 0.91, and FFM: 0.95), and Spearman's rank (FM: 0.94, %FM: 0.91, and FFM: 0.93) correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman analyses were also used to compare the difference (DXA - BIA) vs average of DXA and BIA results and showed general agreement between the two methods. When Tanita-BIA was regressed onto DXA, the adjusted R(2) was: FM=0.91; %FM=0.83; FFM=0.90. Gender combined concordance correlations with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a bootstrap re-sampling of the data and found high associations [FM: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.96)], [%FM: 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79, 0.90)], and [FFM: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.96)]. CONCLUSION: Tanita-BIA may provide valid measures of fat, percent body fat and fat-free mass in Hispanic diabetics, and could be a convenient and practical approach for assessment in community-based research.
Article
Full-text available
The risk of chronic disease is lower in obese men who are fit and active than obese men who are unfit and inactive. METHODS/OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to assess total and regional adipose tissue in 13 men who were slim, fit and active (the slim-fit), in 12 men who were slim, unfit and inactive (the slim-unfit), in 13 men who were fat, fit and active (the fat-fit) and in 12 men who were fat, unfit and inactive (the fat-unfit), in order to investigate the hypothesis that visceral fat and liver fat are lower in the fat-fit than the fat-unfit. Waist girth was used to distinguish slim men (< or =90 cm) and fat men (> or =100 cm). Maximal oxygen consumption was used to identify fit men (above average for age) and unfit men (average or below for age). Fit men reported at least 60 min of vigorous aerobic activity per week and unfit men reported no regular moderate or vigorous activity in the last 2 years. Total fat was not significantly different in the slim-fit and the slim unfit, but the proportion of internal fat was significantly lower (P<0.05) and the proportion of visceral fat was almost significantly lower (P=0.06) in the slim-fit than all other groups. Total fat was not significantly different in the fat-fit and the fat-unfit, but visceral fat and liver fat were significantly lower in the fat-fit than the fat-unfit (P<0.01). Waist girth and years of exercise explained 84% of the variance in total fat, waist girth and maximal oxygen consumption explained 70% of the variance in visceral fat, and waist girth alone explained 25% of the variance in liver fat. Chronic disease risk may be lower because visceral fat and liver fat are lower in men who are fat, fit and active.
Article
Full-text available
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in a community-based setting. Cross-sectional associations between lifestyle factors (dietary quality, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and SAT and VAT volumes were examined in 2,926 Framingham Heart Study participants (48.6% women, aged 50 +/- 10 years). Diets consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index and greater physical activity were inversely associated with SAT and VAT (P < 0.0001-0.002). In men, former smoking was associated with higher SAT (2,743 +/- 56 cm(3)) compared with current smokers (2,629 +/- 88 cm(3)) or those who never smoked (2,538 +/- 44 cm(3); P = 0.02). Both former and current smoking was associated with higher VAT (P = 0.03 [women]; P = 0.005 [men]). Women with high amounts of alcohol intake (>7 drinks/week) had lower SAT (2,869 +/- 106 cm(3)) than those who consumed less alcohol (3,184 +/- 44 cm(3), P = 0.006); significant differences in VAT were not observed (P = 0.18). In men, high amounts of alcohol intake (>14 drinks/week) were associated with higher VAT (2,272 +/- 59 cm(3)) compared with intake of <or=14 drinks/week (2,139 +/- 25 cm(3), P = 0.04), whereas SAT did not differ (P = 0.91). An increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors were associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes (all P < 0.003). Adherence to recommended dietary guidelines and physical activity are associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes. However, both smoking and high alcohol intake are differentially associated with VAT volumes. Further research to uncover the putative mechanisms is warranted.
Article
Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) is a new dietary ingredient for functional foods consisting of licorice hydrophobic polyphenols in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). In an effective dose finding study conducted previously, LFO has exhibited a dose-dependent body fat-reducing effect. Here we report the weight-reducing effect of LFO in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, long-term (12 weeks) ingestion study at 300 mg/day, the minimal effective dose observed in the dose finding study. A total of 103 overweight subjects [body mass index (BMI): 24-30] completed this study and were analyzed. Body weight increased in the placebo group, but was maintained at close to preingestion level in the LFO group, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) differences in the changes in body weight and BMI between the LFO group and the placebo group at each time-point. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of body fat indicated that the weight-reducing effect was attributable to reduced body fat. No clinically significant adverse events occurred during the 12-week ingestion period. To confirm the safety of LFO for practical use we also conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind safety study in 40 overweight subjects with a 4-week excessive ingestion at 1800 mg/day; 6 times the dose of the 300 mg/day study that exhibited a weight-reducing effect. No clinically significant adverse events occurred during the 4-week ingestion period. Based on these findings in both human studies it was shown that LFO is a safe ingredient for functional foods even for long-term or excessive ingestion, with a potential weight-reducing effect.
Article
Objectives To evaluate effects of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) on total body fat and visceral fat together with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and safety parameters in overweight subjects. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, moderately overweight participants (56 males, 28 females, BMI 24–30 kg/m2) were assigned to four groups receiving a daily dose of either 0 (placebo), 300, 600, or 900 mg of LFO. Total body fat mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and visceral fat area by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan at baseline and after 8 weeks of LFO ingestion. Body weight, BMI, and blood samples were examined at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of LFO ingestion. Results Although caloric intake was similar in all four groups, total body fat mass decreased significantly in the three LFO groups after 8 weeks of ingestion. LFO (900 mg/day) resulted in significant decreases from baseline levels in visceral fat area, body weight, BMI, and LDL-cholesterol. No significant adverse effects were observed.
Article
Free radicals are reactive compounds that are naturally produced in the human body. They can exert positive effects (e.g. on the immune system) or negative effects (e.g. lipids, proteins or DNA oxidation). To limit these harmful effects, an organism requires complex protection — the antioxidant system. This system consists of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E [tocopherol], vitamin A [retinol], vitamin C [ascorbic acid], glutathione and uric acid). An imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defence leads to an oxidative stress state, which may be involved in aging processes and even in some pathology (e.g. cancer and Parkinson’s disease). Physical exercise also increases oxidative stress and causes disruptions of the homeostasis. Training can have positive or negative effects on oxidative stress depending on training load, training specificity and the basal level of training. Moreover, oxidative stress seems to be involved in muscular fatigue and may lead to overtraining.
Article
Radicals are species containing one or more unpaired electrons, such as nitric oxide (NO•−). The oxygen radical superoxide (O2•−) and the nonradical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are produced during normal metabolism and perform several useful functions. Excessive production of O2•- and H2O2 can result in tissue damage, which often involves generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radical (•−OH) and other oxidants in the presence of “catalytic” iron or copper ions. An important form of antioxidant defense is the storage and transport of iron and copper ions in forms that will not catalyze formation of reactive radicals. Tissue injury, e.g., by ischemia or trauma, can cause increased metal ion availability and accelerate free radical reactions. This may be especially important in the brain because areas of this organ are rich in iron and CSF cannot bind released iron ions. Oxidative stress on nervous tissue can produce damage by several interacting mechanisms, including increases in intracellular free Ca2+ and, possibly, release of excitatory amino acids. Recent suggestions that free radical reactions are involved in the neurotoxicity of aluminum and in damage to the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson's disease are reviewed. Finally, the nature of antioxidants is discussed, it being suggested that antioxidant enzymes and chelators of transition metal ions may be more generally useful protective agents than chain-breaking antioxidants. Careful precautions must be used in the design of antioxidants for therapeutic use.
Article
In recent years, oxidative stress has been postulated to be an important factor in the pathogenesis and development of lifestyle-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the association between the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), as an index of products of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP), as an index of antioxidant potential. We also investigated the associations between d-ROMs or BAP and the risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases or metabolic syndrome-associated factors to evaluate their usefulness in preventive medicine. There were 442 subjects who underwent health checkup examination in our facilities. In addition to standard medical checkup items, we analyzed d-ROMs, BAP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and visceral fat area (VFA) visualized on a computed tomography scan. The mean d-ROM value in females was significantly higher than that in males. There was a positive correlation between the d-ROM and VFA levels. On correlation analysis, there was a negative correlation between the d-ROM and creatinine levels. As factors that influence d-ROMs, the level of VFA was selected, suggesting the significance of oxidative stress measurement with d-ROMs. In addition, there was a positive correlation between d-ROMs and BAP values. Further research is required to resolve whether increased production of ROS or the antioxidant potential that can compensate for such an increase of ROS is more important in vivo.
Article
To test the hypothesis that for any given body mass index (BMI) category, active individuals would have a smaller waist circumference than inactive individuals. Our second objective was to examine the respective contribution of waist circumference and physical inactivity on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Prospective, population-based study with an 11.4-year follow-up. A total of 21 729 men and women aged 45-79 years, residing in Norfolk, UK. During follow-up, 2191 CHD events were recorded. Physical activity was evaluated using a validated lifestyle questionnaire that takes into account both leisure-time and work-related physical activity. Waist circumference was measured and BMI was calculated for each participant. For both men and women, we observed that within each BMI category (<25.0, 25-30 and >or=30.0 kg m(-2)), active participants had a lower waist circumference than inactive participants (P<0.001). In contrast, within each waist circumference tertile, BMI did not change across physical activity categories (except for women with an elevated waist circumference). Compared with active men with a low waist circumference, inactive men with an elevated waist circumference had a hazard ratio (HR) for future CHD of 1.74 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-2.27) after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol intake and parental history of CHD. In the same model and after further adjusting for hormone replacement therapy use, compared with active women with a low waist circumference, inactive women with an elevated waist circumference had an HR for future CHD of 4.00 (95% CI, 2.04-7.86). In any BMI category, inactive participants were characterized by an increased waist circumference, a marker of abdominal adiposity, compared with active individuals. Physical inactivity and abdominal obesity were both independently associated with an increased risk of future CHD.
Article
Radicals are species containing one or more unpaired electrons, such as nitric oxide (NO.). The oxygen radical superoxide (O2.-) and the nonradical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are produced during normal metabolism and perform several useful functions. Excessive production of O2.- and H2O2 can result in tissue damage, which often involves generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) and other oxidants in the presence of "catalytic" iron or copper ions. An important form of antioxidant defense is the storage and transport of iron and copper ions in forms that will not catalyze formation of reactive radicals. Tissue injury, e.g., by ischemia or trauma, can cause increased metal ion availability and accelerate free radical reactions. This may be especially important in the brain because areas of this organ are rich in iron and CSF cannot bind released iron ions. Oxidative stress on nervous tissue can produce damage by several interacting mechanisms, including increases in intracellular free Ca2+ and, possibly, release of excitatory amino acids. Recent suggestions that free radical reactions are involved in the neurotoxicity of aluminum and in damage to the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson's disease are reviewed. Finally, the nature of antioxidants is discussed, it being suggested that antioxidant enzymes and chelators of transition metal ions may be more generally useful protective agents than chain-breaking antioxidants. Careful precautions must be used in the design of antioxidants for therapeutic use.
Article
Most antioxidants show contradictory behaviors because in the biological environment, for unpredictable reasons, they can become prooxidants. Recently, a new simple method to monitor oxidative stress in serum was developed. This test detects the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (D-Roms). Hydroperoxides are converted into radicals that oxidize N,N-diethyl-para-phenylendiamine and that can be detected through spectrophotometric procedures as U.CARR. (Carratelli units). One U.CARR. corresponds to 0.8 mg/L hydrogen peroxide. In normal subjects U.CARR. values range from 250 to 300. Values outside this range indicate a modification of the prooxidant/antioxidant ratio. On the basis of this method, we tested three different formulas of antioxidants (F1, F2, F3) in 14 apparently healthy volunteers (11 men and 3 women). Formula 1 was composed of 5 mg zinc, 48 microg selenium, 400 microg vitamin A (as retinol acetate), 50 microg beta-carotene, 15 mg vitamin E (as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and 10 mg L-cysteine. Formula 2 was composed of 30 mg bioflavonoids from citrus, 30 mg vitamin C (as L-ascorbic acid), 10 mg coenzyme Q(10) and 1 mg vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride). Formula 3 was composed of Formula 1 plus Formula 2. Each formula was prepared in dry capsules (formulation D1, D2, D3) or in a fluid form (formulation P1, P2, P3). Each formulation was administered for 1 wk in a crossover design. A 15% deviation of U.CARR. levels was chosen as the cut-off value for a significant change in oxidative stress. Formulas F1 and F3 reduced mean U.CARR. levels in most of the treated subjects (t test, P < 0.05), whereas F2 was not active. Fluid formulations were more active than dry formulations (chi(2) test, P < 0.05). In some cases, a slight increase in oxidative stress was detected. These minimal increases were not related to any particular antioxidant formula. In one subject only, the administration of the dry formulation (D1), increased oxidative stress to a level that reached the cut-off value. In conclusion, when antioxidants are taken in combination at low dosages they reduce oxidative stress, and little relevant prooxidant activity is detectable.
Article
To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and the plasma level of a lipid peroxidation biomarker in a large sample of elderly healthy Asian population. This cross-sectional study included 1150 community-dwelling Japanese aged 70 years or older in 2002. We measured the lipid peroxidation biomarker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) using the ELISA method. We also measured the weight and height and calculated the BMI as weight (kg)/height (m)2. After adjustment for potential confounders, the mean +/- SE plasma 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) level was significantly higher in subjects with higher BMI: 21.1 +/- 0.8 pg/ml in those with BMI of 30.0 or more; 20.5 +/- 0.3 pg/ml in those with BMI between 25.0 and 29.9; 20.0 +/- 0.2 pg/ml in those with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9; and 19.0 +/- 0.7 pg/ml in those with BMI of less than 18.5 (p for trend = 0.011). Our results demonstrated that in the healthy Asian population, there was a modest but significant relationship between BMI and the plasma lipid peroxidation level.
It is now clear that oxidative stresses caused by reactive oxygen species, free radicals originating in them, and lipid peroxides can be factors to cause over 90% of lifestyle-related diseases including cancer, heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In the present study, health conditions, nutrition intake, bodily activities, smoking/non-smoking, and sleep hours among other factors were surveyed with youths around twenty years old of age as subjects, and those results and the results of measurement of speed for the generation of 8-OHdG (8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine) as oxidative stress biomarker were compared for consideration. As a result, there were correlations detected as to exercise habits, cholesterol values, and smoking habits. It was also clarified that oxidative stresses decrease by continuing taking constant aerobic exercises or by quitting smoking or reducing the numbers of cigarettes to smoke. Thereby, it was suggested that the measurement of speed for the generation of 8-OHdG can provide an indicator that is useful as an integrated evaluation to improve lifestyle habits that are to be understood to induce lifestyle-related diseases.
Article
Licorice flavonoids have various physiological activities such as abdominal fat-lowering, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO: Kaneka Glavonoid Rich Oil) is a new dietary ingredient containing licorice flavonoids dissolved in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). Glabridin is one of the bioactive flavonoids included specifically in licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and is the most abundant flavonoid in LFO. In this study, we assessed the safety of LFO in healthy humans and determined the plasma concentration profile of glabridin as a marker compound. A single-dose and two multiple-dose studies at low (300 mg), moderate (600 mg) and high (1200 mg) daily doses of LFO were carried out using a placebo-controlled single-blind design. In each study the safety of LFO and the pharmacokinetics of glabridin were assessed. Pharmacokinetic analysis in the single-dose study with healthy male subjects (n = 5) showed that glabridin was absorbed and reached the maximum concentration (Cmax) after approximately 4 h (Tmax), and then eliminated relatively slowly in a single phase with a T1/2 of approximately 10 h at all doses. The Cmax and AUC(0-24 h) increased almost linearly with dose. The multiple-dose studies with healthy male and female subjects for 1 week and 4 weeks suggested that plasma glabridin reached steady state levels within 2 weeks with a single daily administration of 300 to 1200 mg/day LFO. In these human studies at three dose levels, there were no clinically noteworthy changes in hematological or related biochemical parameters. All clinical events observed were mild and considered to be unrelated to LFO administration even after repeated administration for 4 weeks. These studies demonstrated that LFO is safe when administered once daily up to 1200 mg/day. This is the first report on the safety of licorice flavonoids in an oil preparation and the first report on the pharmacokinetics of glabridin in human subjects.
Japan e-mail: maruoka-hiroshi@spu.ac.jp K. Nakagawa Functional Food Ingredients Group, QOL Division, Kaneka Corporation
  • H Maruoka
H. Maruoka (&) School of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, 820, Sannomiya, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-8540, Japan e-mail: maruoka-hiroshi@spu.ac.jp K. Nakagawa Functional Food Ingredients Group, QOL Division, Kaneka Corporation, 3-2-4, Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku, Osaka 530-8288, Japan J. Miyagi Seitoku University, 550, Iwase, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8555, Japan M. Matsubara Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nissan Tamagawa Hospital, 4-8-1, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 158-0095, Japan
Glycyrrhiza glabra licorice—reduction of body fat in subjects
  • K Nakagawa
Nakagawa K (2009) Glycyrrhiza glabra licorice—reduction of body fat in subjects. Food Style 21(13):74–77
Association of lifestyle factors with abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity
  • Molenaar Ea
  • Massaro
  • Jacques Pf Jm
  • Km Pou
  • Rc Ellison
  • U Hoffmann
  • K Pencina
  • Shadwick
  • Sd
  • O Vasan Rs
  • C Donnell
  • Fox
  • Cs
Molenaar EA, Massaro JM, Jacques PF, Pou KM, Ellison RC, Hoffmann U, Pencina K, Shadwick SD, Vasan RS, O'Donnell C, Fox CS (2009) Association of lifestyle factors with abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. Diabetes Care 32:505–510
Effects of formula food in l-carnitine for the weight loss stagnation period
  • R Kohashi
  • N Kameda
  • T Horikawa
  • K Egawa
  • M Yosimura
  • Y Kitagawa
  • K Abe
  • Y Kiso
  • K Kotani
  • N Sakane
  • T Moritani
  • N Nagai
Lifestyle-related diseases and the oxidative stress regulation system
  • K Nagata
  • T Hasegawa
  • Y Hirakado
  • K Kayama
  • T Otuki
History of the Carratelli panel and usefulness of new test. The 10th oxidative stress
  • M Carratelli
The usefulness of abdominal adipose measuring device AB-101 and the effect of physical activity above 3 METs on body composition
  • K Matubara
  • Y Mine
  • M Yanagawa
  • Y Higuthi
  • Y Yamaguchi
  • K Egami
  • T Hijii
  • R Matsunaga
  • M Deguchi
  • K Kubo
  • G Koike
The base and clinical of oxidative stress
  • E Sato
  • M Inoue