Plant Sterols/Stanols: Do they have a Role in Current Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?
Pages 1-3
Theodosios D. Filippatos and Moses S. Elisaf

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.01.1

Published: 13 April 2015

Abstract: Plant sterols/stanols inhibit cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The daily consumption of2 g/day of plant sterols/stanols decreaseslow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by approximately 10%. Plant sterols/stanols also reduce LDL-C levels when co-administered with statins, a fact useful for patients intolerable to high-dose statins. However, no randomized, controlled clinical trials have examined the clinical benefit of daily consumption of plant sterols/stanols. Furthermore, concerns regarding a possible atherogenic effect of plant sterols have been expressed. The use of plant sterols/stanols-enriched foods is a useful adjunct for hypercholesterolemic patients to achieve their LDL-C target, but we need more data to establish if this hypolipidemic effect results to reduced cardiovascular risk.

Pomegranate Juice Improves Iron Status and Ameliorates Iron Deficiency Induced Cellular Changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Pages 104-112
S.P. Balasubramani, G. Padmagiri, P. Venkatasubramanian, R. Vidyashankar and A. Godbole

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.03.5

Published: 28 October 2015

Abstract: Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is most prevalent form of anemia affecting around 2 billion people world-wide. Ayurveda, an Indian system of medicine, describes pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits as a Rasayana and a dietary supplement for managing a condition called Pandu, which is akin to IDA. Rasayanas are methods to maintain homeostasis by improving digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been a well-accepted model organism to study iron metabolism.

Materials & Methods: In the current study we developed ‘anemic yeast’ by culturing yeast cells in iron-free medium with bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS). The effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) on reversing the ‘IDA like’ condition in yeast was studied.

Results: Culturing iron deficient (ID) cells in the presence of 10% PJ supplemented medium (IDP), improved iron status by at least 7 fold (p<0.0001) and reversed mitochondrial degeneration induced by iron deficiency. Percentage of healthy reticulate mitochondria in IDP cells was >30% higher (p<0.0001) than that in the ID cells grown in iron deficient medium (IDD) and at least 14% more than that in ID cells grown in 10% PJ-equivalent iron substituted media. Interestingly, PJ substitution improved the functional ferrous (Fe²⁺) form as well as the bio-assimilated heme form of iron, but not the ferric (Fe³⁺) storage form in ID cells.

Conclusion: Yeast model can be useful as a quick screen to identify potential nutritional supplements. Pomegranate’s potential role as a nutritional supplement in IDA management and as a hematinic is worthy of further research.

Understanding Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Fruits and Vegetable Attributes: A Multi-Method Approach
Pages 85-92
Terrence Thomas, Cihat Gunden and Bulent Miran

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.03.3

Published: 28 October 2015

Abstract: Background: Results from previous work indicated that when consumers make purchasing decisions, they pay more attention to freshness, taste and hygiene attributes of fruits and vegetables than price and nutritional value, when these attributes are considered individually.

Methods: To shed light on the underlying factors that shape the pattern of reported preferences, researchers used five doubly censored Tobit models to analyze data generated from a fuzzy pairwise comparison model (FPC) to explain the pattern of reported preferences. In the model, nutritive value, hygiene, taste, price and freshness were separately regressed on a number of demographic and personal characteristics variables. For this study, a random sample was drawn proportionate to population size by county in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Data were collected from 412 respondents.

Results: Higher levels of education and income did not affect how consumers rate the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. This relative lack of difference among consumers as classified in the model, along with results that showed consumers giving a higher preference rating to hygiene, taste and price offer support for the notion that the nutritional value attribute plays a subsidiary role in consumers purchasing decisions.

Conclusion: The multi-method approach used in this study provides information on the demographic characteristics of consumers that influence attitudes and behaviors toward fruit and vegetable attributes. Nutrition educators and marketers will be able to use this knowledge about consumers’ attitudes and behaviors to customize programs that more accurately address consumers’ preferences.

A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial, Evaluating the Effects of a Proprietary Blend of Plant Adaptogens on Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Response in Adult Males
Pages 142-148
Gerry Lane

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2014.03.03.5

Published: 03 October 2014

Abstract: Introduction:Adaptogens are plant substances that offer resistance of the organism to stressors. The human genome is able to utilize these plant derived substance to increase cellular defense in-vivo. Previous studies which validated adaptogens benefit in athletic training and performance also demonstrated subjective reports of improved male sexual performance. It is the objective of this trial is to isolate and report the human male sexual response to a proprietary blend of adaptogens, androgenic herbs combined and select amino acids (Admax®/Potenter®) and compare it to placebo, over a 14 day period when compared to placebo.

Methods:Subjects were randomized into two cohorts to compare study compound (n=42) with placebo (n=21). Exclusion criteria eliminated individuals with organic impotence and organic heart disease as well as those unable to give informed consent or unable to adhere to study protocol. Participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) prior to dosing and instructed to attempt sexual intercourse a minimum of twice per week during the study period. They also were instructed to complete a sexual satisfaction diary, which became part of the source documents upon completion of the trial. Each participant was provided 50 capsules of either study compound or placebo (8 capsules per day with 2 additional capsules). Participants completed the IIEF upon completion of the study as well.

Results:63 healthy adult males (age range 30-58, mean = 42.4, ± 3), were consented and enrolled in a placebo controlled, double blind, study of the male sexual experience and satisfaction in response to a proprietary blend of adaptogens (Admax/Potenter®). All participants completed the trial and submitted both pre & post self assessment utilizing the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Participants on study compound (n=42) improved in all 5 measured parameters, compared to no change in the placebo group (n=21). All data was validated utilizing 2-tailed Student – T. Erectile function improved from 11.5 to 22.7 (p≤0.04) compared to placebo (decreased from11.7 to 10.8). Intercourse satisfaction improved from 5.6 to 11.1 (p≤0.05) compared to placebo (decreased from 5.5 to 5.2). Orgasmic function improved from 4.6 to 8.7 (p≤0.05) compared to placebo (increased from 4.7 to 4.8, not statistically significant). Sexual desire improved from 5.4 to 8.6 (p≤0.1) compared to placebo (decreased from 5.3 to 5.2). Overall sexual satisfaction improved from 3.1 to 9.1 (p≤0.01) compared to placebo (decreased from 3.3 to 2.9).

Discussion:This data demonstrates that the male sexual experience is markedly enhanced with the utilization of this adaptogenic compound (Admax®/Potenter®), when taken 3-6 hours prior to anticipation of sexual intercourse. Subjectively, the data would also indicate that the effect is relatively short acting (lasting 6-24 hours) and moderate onset of action (taken 3-6 hours prior to event). Pharmacokinetic studies were not performed. There were no side effects reported by any of the participants as is consistent with its use in previous clinical trials. All early indications would suggests, that this proprietary blend of adaptogens is an excellent supplement to increase the male sexual experience and can safely be used up to 14 days without demonstrated side effects

Yoga, Mindful Eating, and Weight Management
Pages 173-181
Stephanie Bryan, Raju Parasher, Terrence Cahil and P.T. Genevieve Pinto Zipp

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2013.02.04.1

Published: 30 December 2013

Abstract: Physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity are serious issues plaguing the American public. The extent to which regular yoga participation may be associated with the adoption and maintenance of health enhancing behaviors necessitates further investigation. Through a mixed method of inquiry, this study investigated the exercise and eating habits of adults who participate in yoga on a regular basis exploring facets of mindful eating, exercise habits, and body mass index. Survey packets were distributed across seven yoga studios and fitness facilities in central New Jersey; 87 adults with a mean age of 47 years self-selected to participate. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected including a Mindful Eating Questionnaire, a 7-Day Physical Activity Recall, height and weight, yoga tenure recorded in months/years of consistent yoga participation, and average daily fruit and vegetable intake. Results showed thatmindful eating was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and that 72% of the yoga participants had a BMI of 24.9 or less, placing them in the normal weight category. A significant difference existed in mindful eating score relative to yoga tenure and vegetable and fruit intake relative to yoga tenure. Participants reported a mean of 239 minutes of weekly exercise other than yoga participation. Qualitative data were collected throughtwo open-ended questions to ascertain the participants’ perceptions of yoga and their health-related behaviors; the data revealed that 87% of participants felt yoga enhanced their exercise adherence and 91% reported yoga promoted the adoption of positive health habits. The results suggest that yoga participation is associated with mindful eating and the adoption and maintenance of other positive health-related outcomes such as regular physical activity and weight management.