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"Extracts"
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Atherosclerosis: process, indicators, risk factors and new hopes
Atherosclerosis is the major cause of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. In this study we aimed to review the mechanism of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, focusing on new findings in atherosclerosis markers and its risk factors. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants and medicinal herbs in atherosclerosis and endothelial damage has been discussed and a list of important medicinal plants effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is presented.
The recently published papers about atherosclerosis pathogenesis and herbal medicines effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis were searched.
Inflammation has a crucial role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The disease is accompanied by excessive fibrosis of the intima, fatty plaques formation, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and migration of a group of cells such as monocytes, T cells, and platelets which are formed in response to inflammation. The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to Ox-LDL indicates the first step of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. Malondialdehyde factor shows the level of lipoperoxidation and is a sign of increased oxidative pressure and cardiovascular diseases. In special pathological conditions such as severe hypercholesterolemia, peroxynitrite concentration increases and atherosclerosis and vascular damage are intensified. Medicinal plants have shown to be capable of interacting these or other pathogenesis factors to prevent atherosclerosis.
The pathogenesis factors involved in atherosclerosis have recently been cleared and the discovery of these factors has brought about new hopes for better prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Journal Article
Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose–response trial
Background/objectives:
Hypertension affects about 30% of adults worldwide. Garlic has blood pressure-lowering properties and the mechanism of action is biologically plausible. Our trial assessed the effect, dose–response, tolerability and acceptability of different doses of aged garlic extract as an adjunct treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Subjects/methods:
A total of 79 general practice patients with uncontrolled systolic hypertension participated in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled dose–response trial of 12 weeks. Participants were allocated to one of three garlic groups with either of one, two or four capsules daily of aged garlic extract (240/480/960 mg containing 0.6/1.2/2.4 mg of
S
-allylcysteine) or placebo. Blood pressure was assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks and compared with baseline using a mixed-model approach. Tolerability was monitored throughout the trial and acceptability was assessed at 12 weeks by questionnaire.
Results:
Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced by 11.8±5.4 mm Hg in the garlic-2-capsule group over 12 weeks compared with placebo (
P
=0.006), and reached borderline significant reduction in the garlic-4-capsule group at 8 weeks (−7.4±4.1 mm Hg,
P
=0.07). Changes in systolic blood pressure in the garlic-1-capsule group and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different to placebo. Tolerability, compliance and acceptability were high in all garlic groups (93%) and highest in the groups taking one or two capsules daily.
Conclusions:
Our trial suggests aged garlic extract to be an effective and tolerable treatment in uncontrolled hypertension, and may be considered as a safe adjunct treatment to conventional antihypertensive therapy.
Journal Article
Acute and Chronic Effects of Green Oat (Avena sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function and Mood during a Laboratory Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans
Green oat (Avena sativa) extracts contain several groups of potentially psychoactive phytochemicals. Previous research has demonstrated improvements in cognitive function following a single dose of these extracts, but not following chronic supplementation. Additionally, whilst green oat extracts contain phytochemicals that may improve mood or protect against stress, for instance species-specific triterpene saponins, to date this possibility has not been examined. The current study investigated the effects of a single dose and four weeks of administration of a novel, Avena sativa herbal extract (cognitaven®) on cognitive function and mood, and changes in psychological state during a laboratory stressor. The study adopted a dose-ranging, double-blind, randomised, parallel groups design in which 132 healthy males and females (35 to 65 years) received either 430 mg, 860 mg, 1290 mg green oat extract or placebo for 29 days. Assessments of cognitive function, mood and changes in psychological state during a laboratory stressor (Observed Multitasking Stressor) were undertaken pre-dose and at 2 h and 4 h post-dose on the first (Day 1) and last days (Day 29) of supplementation. The results showed that both a single dose of 1290 mg and, to a greater extent, supplementation for four weeks with both 430 mg and 1290 mg green oat extract resulted in significantly improved performance on a computerised version of the Corsi Blocks working memory task and a multitasking task (verbal serial subtractions and computerised tracking) in comparison to placebo. After four weeks, the highest dose also decreased the physiological response to the stressor in terms of electrodermal activity. There were no treatment-related effects on mood. These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of Avena sativa extracts and are the first to demonstrate that chronic supplementation can benefit cognitive function and modulate the physiological response to a stressor.
Journal Article
Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review
Medicinal plants have been used from ancient times for human healthcare as in the form of traditional medicines, spices, and other food components. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an aromatic herbaceous plant that is consumed worldwide as food and traditional remedy for various diseases. It has been reported to possess several biological properties including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, renoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihypertensive activities in traditional medicines. A. sativum is rich in several sulfur-containing phytoconstituents such as alliin, allicin, ajoenes, vinyldithiins, and flavonoids such as quercetin. Extracts and isolated compounds of A. sativum have been evaluated for various biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities among others. This review examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activities of A. sativum extracts as well as its main active constituent, allicin.
Journal Article
The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, has increased significantly, with rates further elevated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conventional pharmacological treatments, while effective, often lead to side effects that can impact patient adherence and quality of life. This has driven interest in safer, natural adjunctive therapies. Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) (saffron) and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) (scutellaria) have individually shown potential, in humans and animals, respectively, as mood regulators, with bioactive compounds that modulate neurotransmitter systems and possess anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects. This study aimed (1) to explore the efficacy and safety of scutellaria extracts in humans and (2) to test a possible synergistic effect when combining scutellaria and saffron on mood regulation in individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 180 participants with mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms were assigned to receive either scutellaria extract alone (SCUTELL’UP®), saffron extract alone (SAFFR’ACTIV®), a combination of scutellaria and saffron extracts (SAFFR’UP®), or a placebo for six weeks. The primary outcome was assessed using a standardized depression scale (Beck Depression Inventory). The secondary outcomes, including anxiety, emotional state, well-being level, and sleep quality, were all assessed using validated questionnaires. Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout the study period. Results: The results confirmed the beneficial effects of saffron extract on depressive and anxious symptoms, as well as its role in improving sleep quality. For the first time in humans, scutellaria extract demonstrated a positive effect on mood regulation. Furthermore, a synergistic effect of the combination of these two extracts was identified, leading to enhanced improvements in depressive and anxious symptoms and emotional well-being among individuals with mild-to-moderate depression, compared to the placebo group. Minimal adverse effects were reported across all treatment groups. Conclusions: This natural adjunctive nutritional strategy offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking safer options for mental health support. Further research is warranted to exclude potential long-term side effects and to explore potential mechanisms of this combined supplementation.
Journal Article
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management: A Single-Center, Controlled, Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Background/Objectives: Primary insomnia is characterized by persistent sleeplessness that is not caused by medical, psychological, or environmental factors. It is defined by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep for at least one month, leading to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. This randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based food supplement in subjects with mild to moderate primary insomnia. Methods: A total of 66 participants, aged 18–70 years, were randomly allocated into two groups (1:1 allocation ratio) and received either the food supplement (400 mg/day) or a placebo for 56 days, separated by a 28-day washout period. The clinical effectiveness of the food supplement was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included sleep-wake cycle parameters (sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: A significant improvement in sleep-wake balance following supplementation with S. lateriflora, as reflected by enhanced scores in both primary and secondary outcomes, was observed. Furthermore, none of the participants reported adverse effects from the food supplement. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that a S. lateriflora extract-based food supplement is a safe and effective strategy for restoring the sleep-wake cycle and improving quality of life in individuals with primary insomnia.
Journal Article