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Abstract: Context: Hypertension, a global menace requires innovative research into the use of Moringa oleifera being promoted and traditionally used as alternative therapy. Objective: To innovatively evaluate the mechanistic effect, safety and efficacy of the methanol fraction of M. oleifera (MMO) leaves on L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits. Methods: Rabbits were divided into six groups: Control, L-NAME alone, L-NAME with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of MMO and enalapril. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were similar baseline parameters and Day 3 systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than baseline SBP respectively. The primary outcome was a 10% reduction of SBP on Day 21. Enalapril group was excluded from analysis. Safety was assessed with liver and renal functions, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide concentrations to elucidate mechanistic effect. Results: Moringa 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg reduced SBP by 4.75, 18.00 and 15.25 mmHg (F=22.123, p=0.000). SBP control was achieved with MMO 200mg/kg, 14% reduction and 400mg/kg, 12% reduction. Nitric oxide concentration, 0.06, 0.094 and 0.114mmol (F= 30.255, p= 0.000) dose-dependently increased and was most predictive of SBP control (r2=0.802, p=0.000). Nitric oxide production was inversely related to heart/body weight ratio which was dose-dependently reduced. MMO reduced hydrogen peroxide and ALT level but no significant effect on urea, HDL, and TG. Conclusion: MMO reduced SBP and dose-dependently increased nitric oxide concentration in L-NAME induced hypertensive rabbits. The effect may be mediated via activation of nitric oxide pathway. MMO demonstrated a potent anti-oxidant activity and safety. Effect on ventricular hypertrophy needs further evaluation. Keywords: Moringa, hypertension, nitric-oxide, anti-oxidant, intention-to-treat, per protocol. |
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Abstract: The article is a survey of some plant extracts that possess ability to restore metabolic disturbances evoked by chronic stress. Chronic stress triggers a number of common illnesses, including depression, chronic physical and mental fatigue, neuroses, cardiovascular diseases, ulceration of stomach and intestine, diabetes mellitus, obesity and alcohol abuse. One of the early consequences of chronic stress is the decrease of functional activity of immune system that reduces resistance against infections, allergies, asthma, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis. The initial stages of chronic stress consequences are suppression of immune system, disturbances of hormonal balance, hydrocarbon, lipid, and energy metabolism. Applicability of the extracts from Leuzea carthamoides, Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schizandra chinensis and their combination “AdMax” to counteract the initial stages of chronic stress consequences is considered. Keywords: General adaptation syndrome, Chronic stress consequences, Adaptogenic plant extracts, Nutritional supplement “AdMax”, Chronic fatigue, Energy metabolism.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Smoking cigarettes is considered as a world-wide problem, which is not only medical, but also social. Addiction to nicotine causes chronic and often relapsed diseases, which are interconnected with many other illnesses and which frequently result in the death. Smoking cigarettes causes not only a disease (which does not occur so often in the case of non-smokers), but it also influences life style of smokers. It has been proved that smokers’ eating behaviour is more risky (they eat more fried food, less vegetables and fruits...), therefore they are more likely to fall ill with the non-infectious mass disease. Keywords: Cigarette smoking, nutrition, eating habits, micro (macro) nutrients, smoking cessation, lifestyle.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Metabolic syndrome manifestations include chronic fatigue, insulin resistance, elevated levels of glucose, lipids and cholesterol in the blood, and overweight. The main targets of nutritional supplement “AdMax” are the activation of energy metabolism and stress counteraction. In addition, the “AdMax” constituents decrease the concentration of blood glucose, enhance glucose utilization by cells, decrease the activity of triglyceride lipase and lower blood cholesterol levels. Comparison of metabolic syndrome manifestations to the activities of “AdMax” constituents argues that “AdMax” can be used as a preventive and treatment remedy for metabolic syndrome. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Adaptogenic plants, Nutritional supplement “AdMax”, “AdMax” properties, Prevention of Metabolic syndrome.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a widespread public health problem in developing nations affecting greatly pregnant and lactating women. The intake of Vitamin A rich foods highly recommended to reduce the prevalence in these vulnerable groups are greatly influenced by the level of education, geographic origin and differences in food habits. Aims of the Study: To evaluate the Influence of socio-economic, cultural, geographic origin, and demographic factors on vitamin A (VA) intake of lactating mothers in Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Method: A total of 100 lactating mothers attending pediatric consultations at four major health structures in Ngaoundere were involved in the survey. A questionnaire was used to get information on socio-economic, cultural, demographic factors, geographic origin, anthropometric parameters and culinary practices. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method. Meals potentially rich in VA consumed by these women were collected, their carotenoids contents quantified and VA activity determined. Results: Average VA intake of lactating women of Northern origin was significantly (p< 0.05) lower (595.2±60.4μg/day) than that of women of Southern origin (737.6±55.6μg/day), although both were below the recommended intake of 850μg/day. VA intake was also higher in the more educated women. Marital status, number of children, age of the mother and body mass index did not significantly influence the daily VA intake of the women. Lactating women of Northern origin, with three or more children and having no formal education, are more at risk of acute VA Deficiency. Conclusion:While the level of education influenced the VA intake in lactating women from the Northern Region, the age of the baby influenced those from the Southern Region. Keywords: Culinary practices, Lactating mother, Socio-economic factors, Vitamin A intake, Vitamin A Deficiency.Download Full Article |