Oxaloacetate activates brain mitochondrial biogenesis, enhances the insulin pathway, reduces inflammation and stimulates neurogenesis
What they did: What they found: What it means:
Preclinical
Effect of BCAA intake during endurance exercises on fatigue substances, muscle damage substances and energy metabolism substances
To determine the effects of BCAA supplementation on fatigue, muscle damage and energy metabolism after endurance exercise, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial from 2013 was carried out. These results suggest that BCAA may reduce muscle damage associated with endurance exercise.
Boswellia serrata preserves intestinal epithelial barrier from oxidative and inflammatory damage
This 2015 preclinical paper examines the pharmacological mechanisms mediated by BSE, in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier from inflammatory damage and supports its use as a safe adjuvant in patients affected by IBD. Fortification of the intestinal barrier function is still a challenge in acute or chronic colonic cell lines and supplementation with Boswellia demonstrated key …
Antioxidant capacity of different fractions of vegetables and correlation with the contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoids
This 2011 study examined the antioxidant capacity of fractions of vegetables and pointed to an interesting observation, namely, that in vegetables with a number of flavonoids, the ascorbic acid had over ten times the bioavailability of synthetic vitamin C. Careful analysis revealed that the tannins and flavonoids such as quercetin were also considerably enhanced by …
Hesperidin: A therapeutic agent for obesity
In this 2019 review study the opportunity for hesperidin rich diets in benefiting obesity was assessed. The reviewers found evidence supporting hesperidin regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism (through AMPK and PPAR mediation), direct regulation of antioxidant index and anti-apoptosis, indirect mediation inflammation (via NF-κB) for the management of obesity. References: Xiong H, Wang J, …
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the citrus flavonoids hesperidin and hesperetin: An updated review of their molecular mechanisms and experimental models
A 2015 study investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of two flavonoids: hesperidin and hesperetin. Researchers found that both these flavonoids activated not one, but two distinct pathways/functions of reducing and preventing oxidative damage. References: Parhiz H, Roohbakhsh A, Soltani F, Rezaee R, Iranshahi M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the citrus flavonoids hesperidin and …
Forskolin stimulation of adenylate cyclase in human thyroid membranes
From 1985 this preclinical study set the stage for much of our mechanistic understanding of Coleus. Authors identified forskolin, the main active compound, may mainly act on the catalytic component of adenylate cyclase. Suggesting that it stimulates adenylate cyclase in human thyroid membranes by a novel mechanism that differs from TSH- or Gpp(NH)p-stimulation, and that …
Forskolin stimulation of adenylate cyclase in human thyroid membranes Read More »
Biotin is required for the zinc homeostasis in the skin
This preclinical study published in 2019 presents insights into the importance of maintaining healthy biotin levels to prevent skin and hair changes often seen with zinc deficiency. References: Ogawa Y, Kinoshita M, Sato T, Shimada S, Kawamura T. Biotin Is Required for the Zinc Homeostasis in the Skin. Nutrients. 2019 Apr 24;11(4):919. doi: 10.3390/nu11040919. PMID: …
Biotin is required for the zinc homeostasis in the skin Read More »
Effect of citric acid supplements to a maize-soya diet on the in vitro availability of minerals, trace elements and heavy metals
This preclinical study from 1998 demonstrated the citric acid stabilizing and enhanced dialysability effect on other minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. References: Walter A, Rimbach G, Most E, Pallauf J. Effect of citric acid supplements to a maize-soya diet on the in vitro availability of minerals, trace elements, and heavy metals. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A. …
The antimicrobial effects of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract on Streptococcus mutans UA159 in both planktonic and biofilm cultures
In an in vitro study, DGL was effective at inhibiting a strain of Streptococcus mutans and preventing biofilm formation. Researchers suggest that the antimicrobial effects of DGL on S. mutans could lead to the development of DGL oral hygiene products. References: Ahn S-J, Cho E-J, Kim H-J, et al. (2012). The antimicrobial effects of deglycyrrhizinated …