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Major Classes of Phytonutriceuticals in Vegetables and Health Benefits: A Review
Pages 31-62
João Silva Dias

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.01.5

Published: 05 October 2012

 

Abstract: Vegetables are essential for well-balanced diets since they supply phytonutriceuticals. About 3 billion people in the world are malnourished due to imbalanced diets. Regular consumption of a vegetable rich diet has undeniable effects on health since they have been strongly associated with improvement of gastrointestinal health, good vision, and reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and some forms of cancer. The mechanism by which vegetables decrease risk of disease is complex and largely unknown. Some phytochemicals of vegetables are strong antioxidants and are thought to reduce the risk of chronic disease by protecting against free radical damage, by modifying metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens, or even by influencing processes that alter the course of tumor cells. The dietary fiber content and type of different vegetables may also contribute to the overall health benefit. Each vegetable contains a unique combination of phytonutriceuticals. A great diversity of vegetables should be eaten to ensure that individual’s diet includes a combination of phytonutriceuticals and to get all the health benefits.

Keywords: Antioxidants, dietary fiber, disease control, horticulture, minerals, nutrition, phytochemicals, vitamins.
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Guava Leaf Extracts Inhibit 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation Via Activating AMPK
Pages 107-113
Hisae Yoshitomi, Lingling Qin, Tonghua Liu and Ming Gao

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.02.2

Published: 31 December 2012

 

Abstract: The guava tree (psidium guajava linn.) is commonly used not only as food but also as folk medicine. In our previous studies, we showed that oral administration of guava leaf extracts (GLE) had beneficial anti-obesity effects using metabolic syndrome model rats. However, we did not clarify molecular mechanism by which GLE administration leads to anti-obesity effect. This study was designed to evaluate the mechanism of anti-obesity by GLE using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cell lines. We found that GLE significantly inhibited 3T3-L1 differentiation via down-regulation of adipogenic transcription factors and markers. Mitotic clonal expansion, which is essential for adipose differentiation, was also depressed in the early phase. Interestingly, GLE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK on 3T3-L1 cells and, by pretreatment with AMPK siRNA, the GLE treatment group showed restored adipocyte differentiation. In conclusion, these results showed that GLE is capable of inhibiting adipocyte differentiation via AMPK activation and therefore it may prevent obesity in vivo.

Keywords: AMP-activated protein kinase, 3T3-L1 differentiation, guava leaf extract, Mitotic clonal expansion, obesity..
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Influence of Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, and Caffeine Supplementation on Calf Muscle Re-Oxygenation During and after Acute Resistance Exercise
Pages 138-144
Brittany C. Collins, Ryan Sapp, John LaManca, Christopher Wolff, Edwin Miranda, Vincent Gutierrez and Scott A. Mazzetti

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.02.5

Published: 31 December 2012

 

Abstract: Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor is a ‘cocktail’ supplement proposed to improve skeletal muscle blood flow via arginine’s effect on nitric oxide synthesis and vasodilation. Two other major ingredients, caffeine and creatine, cause vasoconstriction, which could potentially counteract the proposed hemodynamic effects of arginine. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor on muscle re-oxygenation after resistance exercise compared to supplementation with constituent ingredients L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and caffeine. Nine recreationally active men (21±1y) performed 3 sets of 20 repetitions of seated single-leg calf raise at 60% 1-RM with 3 min rests. The same calf raise exercise was performed following 4 separate supplementation conditions: L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), caffeine (CAFF), Xpand Nitric Oxide Reactor (XPAND), and placebo (PLAC). Soleus muscle re-oxygenation time was measured before, during, and immediately after exercise using near infrared spectroscopy. Supplementation with XPAND (0.43±0.03), AAKG (0.34±0.02), and CAFF (0.45±0.05) did not significantly affect muscle re-oxygenation halftime (minutes) compared to placebo (0.35±0.04). An arginine containing ‘cocktail’ supplement did not affect skeletal muscle re-oxygenation after resistance exercise, possibly due to a wash-out effect caused by the multiple ingredients.

Keywords: Ergogenic, blood flow, oxygen delivery, supplements, vasomotor, athletic performance, near infrared spectroscopy..
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Stability of Three Different Galenic Liquid Formulations Compounded from Tablet Containing Glibenclamide
Pages 152-160
Ugo Di Folco, Daniela De Falco, Fabio Marcucci, Graziella Nobili, Vincenzo Moretti, Giorgio Gioventù and Claudio Tubili

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2012.01.02.7
Published: 31 December 2012

 

Abstract: The suspensions of sulfonylurea glyburide (glibenclamide) are compounded extemporaneously for patients suffering from transitional and Permanent Neonatal Diabetes mellitus (PND). The purpose of this study is to compare the stability of three different galenic liquid formulations compounded from tablet containing glibenclamide. The samples were stored at refrigerated (2-8°C) and room temperature and analyzed at different times. All formulations analysed are stable for at least 90 days, but only two guarantee the administration responding to prescription, especially when it comes to giving dosages very small.

Keywords: Ergogenic, blood flow, oxygen delivery, supplements, vasomotor, athletic performance, near infrared spectroscopy..
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