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Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus erythematosus are some of common inflammatory diseases. These affections are highly disabling and share signals such as inflammatory sequences and immune dysregulation. The use of foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) could improve the quality of life of these patients. Ginger is a plant widely used and known by its bioactive compounds. There is enough evidence to prove that ginger possesses multiple biological activities, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the bioactive compounds of ginger and their role in the inflammatory process and its signaling pathways. We can conclude that the compounds 6-shoagol, zingerone, and 8-shoagol display promising results in human and animal models, reducing some of the main symptoms of some inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. For lupus, 6-gingerol demonstrated a protective attenuating neutrophil extracellular trap release in response to phosphodiesterase inhibition. Ginger decreases NF-kβ in psoriasis, and its short-term administration may be an alternative coadjuvant treatment. Ginger may exert a function of supplementation and protection against cancer. Furthermore, when receiving chemotherapy, ginger may reduce some symptoms of treatment (e.g., nausea).

An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is even more remarkable in elder populations, to whom these become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one’s diet that can prevent oxidative stress. Previous studies and clinical data suggest that some plant-based products can slow and reduce the cellular degradation associated with aging and age-related diseases. Many plants from one family present several applications that range from the food to the pharmaceutical industry due to their characteristic flavor and scents. The Zingiberaceae family, which includes cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiemetic activities and properties that help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These products are abundant sources of chemical substances, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids. The main bioactive compounds found in this family (cardamom, turmeric, and ginger) are 1,8-cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, β-turmerone, and α-zingiberene. The present review gathers evidence surrounding the effects of dietary intake of extracts of the Zingiberaceae family and their underlying mechanisms of action. These extracts could be an adjuvant treatment for oxidative-stress-related pathologies. However, the bioavailability of these compounds needs to be optimized, and further research is needed to determine appropriate concentrations and their antioxidant effects in the body.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted in the pineal gland with several functions, especially regulation of circadian sleep cycle and the biological processes related to it. This review evaluates the bioavailability of melatonin and resulting metabolites, the presence of melatonin in wine and beer and factors that influence it, and finally the different benefits related to treatment with melatonin. When administered orally, melatonin is mainly absorbed in the rectum and the ileum; it has a half-life of about 0.45–1 h and is extensively inactivated in the liver by phase 2 enzymes. Melatonin (MEL) concentration varies from picograms to ng/mL in fermented beverages such as wine and beer, depending on the fermentation process. These low quantities, within a dietary intake, are enough to reach significant plasma concentrations of melatonin, and are thus able to exert beneficial effects. Melatonin has demonstrated antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective actions. These benefits are related to its free radical scavenging properties as well and the direct interaction with melatonin receptors, which are involved in complex intracellular signaling pathways, including inhibition of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, among others. In the present review, the current evidence on the effects of melatonin on different pathophysiological conditions is also discussed.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disorders. Antioxidant therapies that target oxidative damage show significant promise in preventing and treating these conditions. Berberine, an alkaloid derived from various plants in the Berberidaceae family, enhances cellular defenses against oxidative stress through several mechanisms. It activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improves energy metabolism. Furthermore, it boosts the activity of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. These actions make berberine effective in managing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Silymarin, a flavonolignan complex derived from Silybum marianum, is particularly effective for liver protection. It activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression and stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. Additionally, silymarin reduces the formation of ROS by chelating metal ions, and it also diminishes inflammation. This makes it beneficial for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disorders. This review aims to highlight the distinct mechanisms by which berberine and silymarin exert their antioxidant effects.

Scientific evidence has shown the relationship between consumption of fruits and vegetables and their polyphenols with the prevention or treatment of diseases. The aim of this review was to find out whether the same relationship exists between fruits and vegetables and cognitive function, especially memory, in a young population. The mechanisms by which polyphenols of fruits and vegetables can exert cognitive benefits were also evaluated. These compounds act to improve neuronal plasticity through the protein CREB (Camp Response Element Binding) in the hippocampus, modulating pathways of signaling and transcription factors (ERK/Akt). In the same way, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the maintenance, survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons. All these effects are produced by an increase of cerebral blood flow and an increase of the blood’s nitric oxide levels and oxygenation.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) is a global health issue linked to high morbidity and mortality due to complications such as cardiovascular disease and nephropathy. Conventional treatments often have side effects and limited glycemic control, leading to interest in alternative therapies. Plants from the Zingiberaceae and Berberidaceae families, traditionally used for their anti-diabetic properties, have emerged as potential adjuncts. This meta-analysis evaluates and compares their efficacy in improving glycemic control in individuals with T2 DM. A systematic literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane, identifying 1269 studies, of which 58 met inclusion criteria. Only randomized controlled trials assessing effects on fasting blood glucose (FBS), HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane’s RoB 2.0 tool. The review is registered in PROS-PERO (CRD42024516261). The analysis showed significant reductions in FBS (−1.06; 95% CI: −1.42 to −0.71), HbA1c (−1.42; 95% CI: −2.64 to −0.19), and fasting insulin (−0.75; 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.38) among participants using plant extracts, with stronger effects observed for the Berberidaceae species. HOMA-IR also decreased, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. While Berberidaceae showed higher effect sizes, Zingiberaceae species provided more consistent outcomes. Further research with standardized protocols is needed to confirm these results.

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines.

Background/Objectives: Allergic diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and represent a significant public health burden. Current therapies mainly alleviate symptoms without addressing underlying immune dysfunction, which has increased interest in nutritional bioactive compounds as preventive or modulatory agents. This review summarizes evidence on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, curcumin, ginger bioactives, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in allergy prevention and management. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2025, including preclinical and clinical studies reporting immunological, mechanistic, and clinical outcomes. Results: Omega-3 fatty acids modulate Th2 responses, promote regulatory T cells, and generate specialized pro-resolving mediators, with modest clinical benefits observed in pregnancy and early life. Vitamin D contributes to immune tolerance and epithelial integrity, although supplementation trials remain heterogeneous. Curcumin inhibits NF-κB/MAPK signaling, enhances barrier function, and improves allergic rhinitis and dermatitis despite limited bioavailability. Ginger constituents ([6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol) modulate Th1/Th2 balance, mast-cell activity, and oxidative stress, with early clinical evidence in rhinitis and asthma. Quercetin stabilizes mast cells, inhibits Lyn/PLCγ pathways, and improves rhinitis symptoms in small randomized trials using bioavailable formulations. EGCG stabilizes mast cells, attenuates FcεRI signaling, and reduces airway inflammation in preclinical models, though clinical data are scarce. Conclusions: Overall, preclinical findings consistently support the immunomodulatory potential of these compounds, while clinical results are promising but heterogeneous. Standardized formulations, long-term trials, and exploration of synergistic effects are required to confirm efficacy and safety, providing future research directions in allergy prevention.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely recognized for its antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to its phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. However, limited data exist regarding how different pharmaceutical forms influence the bioaccessibility and antioxidant efficacy of these compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of ginger in different pharmaceutical forms—capsules (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg), a pure powdered extract, and a liquid formulation—standardized to ≥6% gingerols. The phenolic profile of each formulation was characterized using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection), followed by the evaluation of antioxidant capacity through DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assays, and the assessment of bioaccessibility via an in vitro digestion model. The results demonstrated that antioxidant activity was positively correlated with extract concentration and was highest in the liquid formulation (426.0 ± 0.05 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE) and 11,336.7 ± 0.20 µmol TE in the DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively). The bioaccessibility of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol significantly increased in the liquid form, reaching 23.44% and 11.31%, respectively, compared to ≤4% in the pure extract. These findings highlight the influence of the formulation matrix on compound release and support the use of liquid preparations to enhance the functional efficacy of ginger-derived nutraceuticals. This standardized comparative approach, using formulations derived from the same extract, offers new insights into how the delivery matrix influences the functional performance of ginger compounds, providing guidance for the development of more effective nutraceutical strategies.

Brassica vegetables are of great interest due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, being responsible for the glucosinolates (GLS) and their hydroxylated derivatives, the isothiocyanates (ITC). Nevertheless, these compounds are quite unstable when these vegetables are cooked. In order to study this fact, the influence of several common domestic cooking practices on the degradation of GLS and ITC in two novel Brassica spp.: broccolini (Brassica oleracea var italica Group x alboglabra Group) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.) was determined. On one hand, results showed that both varieties were rich in health-promoter compounds, broccolini being a good source of glucoraphanin and sulforaphane (≈79 and 2.5 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight (F.W.), respectively), and kale rich in glucoiberin and iberin (≈12 and 0.8 mg 100 g−1 F.W., respectively). On the other hand, regarding cooking treatments, stir-frying and steaming were suitable techniques to preserve GLS and ITC (≥50% of the uncooked samples), while boiling was deleterious for the retention of these bioactive compounds (20–40% of the uncooked samples). Accordingly, the appropriate cooking method should be considered an important factor to preserve the health-promoting effects in these trending Brassica.