2016

ALOE VERA (Aloe vera) GENERAL INTRODUCTION Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves. The aloe family ...

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well-known for exerting numerous adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, thereby limiting their use. Most previous studies have focused on NSAID-induced gastropathy. However, improved diagnostic techniques

Learn more about TRAGACANTH uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain TRAGACANTH.

The present study introduces the ultrasonic modification of two Iranian native gum exudates, Persian gum (PG) and gum tragacanth (GT) for the first ti…

Insulin entrapped alginate-gum tragacanth (ALG-GT) hydrogels at different ALG replacement ratios (100, 75, 50, 25) were prepared through an ionotropic gelation method, followed by chitosan (CH) polyelectrolyte complexation. A mild gelation process without the use of harsh chemicals was proposed to improve insulin efficiency. Retention of almost the full amount of entrapped insulin in a simulated gastric environment and sustained insulin release in simulated intestinal buffer indicated the pH sensitivity of the gels. Insulin release from hydrogels with different formulations showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Time domain (TD) NMR relaxometry experiments also showed the differences for different formulations, and the presence of CH revealed that ALG-GT gel formulation could be used as an oral insulin carrier at optimum concentrations. The hydrogels formulated from biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic natural polymers were seen as promising devices for potential oral insulin delivery.

The practice of bone implants is the standard procedure for the treatment of skeletal fissures, or to substitute and re-establish lost bone. A perfect…

Introduction: The world has witnessed a global trend of increasing obesity, which is directly linked to non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). The epidemic of obesity is largely associated with consumption of high calorie diets and low physical activity. Food choice and exercise have a big impact to prevent obesity and T2D making these diseases highly related to personal lifestyle. The diet is one of the most important modifiable lifestyle factors that may be used to prevent obesity. Nopal (Opuntia Ficus Indica) is a cactus plant that has its origin in Mexico and has been used as traditional medicine to prevent overweight and obesity. Since Nopal cladodes are rich in several bioactive compounds, it may be considered as a functional food. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived effect of Nopal cladodes on appetite variables in healthy humans. Method: Two test-products with two different fractions of Nopal cladodes flour (soluble Nopal fraction bread (SNB) and insoluble Nopal fraction bread (INB)) and a control product (white wheat bread (WB)) were studied in healthy young volunteers (n=17). The subjective appetite variables (hunger, satiety and desire to eat) were measured repeatedly by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during a time perspective of three hours post consumption. Results: The INB resulted in significantly improved response in appetite variables (p < 0.05) compared to the WB. After consumption of the INB, the feeling of hunger and desire to eat were reduced by 27% and 32% respectively, while the feeling of satiety was increased by 25% during the period between 15-180 min post consumption. Importantly, the INB test product also resulted in a significant reduction on hunger and desire to eat, and an increased feeling of satiety during the final hour (120-180 min), compared to the control WB. Conclusion: The results indicate that the insoluble fraction of Nopal flour may beneficially affect appetite variables in healthy young adults. The results thus suggest that Nopal may help to modulate food intake and therefore contribute to antidiabetic effects previously observed with this edible plant.

The use of ultrasound treatment for improving the bioactive compounds and quality properties of a Brazilian nopal beverage was studied. Physicochemica…

Previous research indicated that fiber in the diet of men lowers plasma lipid and LDL cholesterol concentration. To further study the lipid lowering effect of fibre, we conducted an animal study using rats with diet induced hyperlipidaemia. Rats were randomly assigned to one of the three experimenta …

Current efforts are directed to reducing the gut dysbiosis and inflammation produced by obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether consuming nopal, a vegetable rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, and polyphenols can reduce the metabolic ...

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This work determines the effect nopal consumption at different maturity stages (60, 200, 400, and 600 g) as the only calcium source in bone metabolism. The apparent mineral absorption, the biomarkers of bone metabolism, the bone mineral density at different femoral regions, and crystal properties of the bone were evaluated during the growth stage. The Ca absorption was increased with the rat age in most of the experimental groups, while Mg supplementation decreased intestinal absorption probably due to a saturation process. Intestinal Ca and Mg absorption showed an opposite trend; this result suggests that both ions can compete for vitamin D absorption sites. The percentage of absorption of K was lower in the groups fed with Nopal; nevertheless, due to supplementation, the net absorption was higher than the control group. In all groups, osteocalcin levels decreased with the rat age. Nopal consumption increased osteocalcin levels during the adolescence stage in comparison to the control group. Amino N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen levels increased in puberty and adolescence in all groups compared to the control group. Bone mineral density in different femoral regions was lower in the groups fed with nopal at early maturity stages (N-60 and N-200) than the groups fed with nopal at late maturity stages (N-400 and N-600). The crystal size of hydroxyapatite exhibited changes for all the groups, indicating the inclusion of mono and divalent ions in calcium replacement. On this basis, the nopal at late maturity stage contributed to bone formation.

The aim of current study is detect the activity role of Aloe vera and Opuntia ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria and evaluation of Aloe vera and O. ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria inhibition in vitro. 100 samples were obtained from patients with different diseases at age 6 Mon. to 65 years from both genders. This study was carried out in Lab. of Biology Dept., Science College/Tikrit University, at the period from 1st of June 2019 to end of January 2020. The antimicrobial activity was performed with the agar well diffusion method. The results show the ability of Aloe vera for inhibition of bacteria according on concentration and the concentrations of 100 was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 13, 12, 11, 9.8 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 100% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 10, 9.7, 8.2, 7 and 12 mm respectively. The results also show Aloe vera was found to be able for inhibition of bacteria concentration of 40% was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 14, 12, 11, 9 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 40% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 11, 10, 8, 7 and 13 mm respectively, while other concentrations 10%, 20, 30% show less inhibitory effect compare with 100% and 40% concentrations

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the first cause of death in Mexican population. Metabolic disruptions induced by diet are, in turn, associated with ..

In this 7-day randomized controlled trial we found that a novel fiber supplement from the Mexican nopal cactus improved adequate relief in patients with IBS, irrespective of IBS subtype, sex or age, ...

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in the metabolism of sugars, fats and proteins in the body, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Resistin is an adipocytokine associated with diabetes. This study aimed at investigating the effect of high intensity interval training and Aloe Vera consumption on resistin and the insulin resistance index in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar streptozotocin-(STZ) diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups including the control, training, supplementation and training + supplementation. The training program included 8 weeks, five sessions per week, and each session with 6-12 periods of two minutes activity at 90 maximum speed and one minute rest (10 m/min). The Aloe Vera gel (300 mg/kg) was given as gavage in the supplementation recipient groups, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that the insulin levels and insulin resistance index increased and resistin decreased significantly in the experimental groups (P0.05). Conclusion: It seems that combination of high intensity interval training and the use of Aloe Vera can have a positive effect on diabetes control by reducing resistin and glucose and increasing insulin levels.

The processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) contains immunomodulatory polysaccharides, which consists of a mixture of polymer chains of b-(1,4)-linked acetylated galactomannan with different lengths. PAG was shown to inhibit azoxymethane(AOM)-initiated and dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-promoted colon carcinogenesis model in mice. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanisms for the inhibition of colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis by PAG. PAG administration significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the colon. Western blot analysis using the colon extracts showed that PAG administration reduced the activation of NF-kB resulting in the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression. PAG appeared to inhibit NF-kB activation through the PPARγ activation. PAG administration also inhibited the expression and phosphorylation of STAT3, which was known to connect inflammation and cancer. PAG administration also inhibited cell cycle progression-related transcription factors such as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), ERK, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and cyclin D1. In contrast, PAG administration increased the expression of CDX2, which was known to be a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancers. These findings show that PAG suppresses colitis-related colon carcinogenesis by inhibiting both chronic inflammation and cell cycle progression in the colon.

Background and objectives: Type 2 diabetes has been increasing all over the world. A healthy diet, including particular functional foods is an effective strategy to prevent this form of diabetes. Nopal (Oputia ficus) is a cactus plant that, according to traditional medicine, has antidiabetic properties. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of different fractions of nopal cladodes on postprandial glycaemic regulation in healthy volunteers. Methods: Nopal cladodes flour was separated by centrifugation into two fractions (a water insoluble and a soluble fraction). The fractions were incorporated into two different test breads, i.e. insoluble fraction bread (INB) and soluble fraction bread (SNB), and evaluated with respect to acute glycaemic properties in 17 healthy subjects with normal body mass index, applying a randomized cross-over study design. The effects on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses were compared with the responses after a control product, which composed of a similar bread lacking the nopal fractions (white wheat bread, WWB). The products were characterized with respect to starch and dietary fibre content. In addition, starch hydrolysis index (HI) was determined with an in-vitro method in order to predict glycaemic index (pGI),and elucidate possibly underlying mechanisms on postprandial glycaemia. Results: Results regarding glycaemic regulation show that insoluble nopal fractions had a beneficial effect on postprandial glucose regulation. Consequently, the incremental area under the postprandial blood glucose curve (iAUC) after INB was significantly reduced compared to after intake of the WWB during the time periods 0 – 45 and 0 – 60 minutes (p < 0.05). In addition, the iPeak value, i.e. the individual highest incremental peak concentrations, was significantly lowered after INB compared to WWB (P < 0.05). Regarding the postprandial insulin secretion, both SNB and INB lowered the postprandial iAUC compared to the WWB during the time period 0 – 45 and 0 – 60 minutes (P < 0.05). On the other hand, only the INB significantly reduced the insulin iPeak value compared to WWB (P < 0.05). In terms of HI, INB had lower HI and pGI compared to WWB and SNB. Also, INB exhibited highest total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre contents. Conclusion: The INB promoted lower postprandial glucose and insulin response, while SNB showed beneficial effects only on postprandial insulin secretion. The beneficial effects of nopal on glycaemic regulation might be to some extent explained by the dietary fibre content, especially the INB. However, with respect to the improved postprandial insulin economy observed after the SNB, additional mechanisms are probably involved.

Our health span is to a great extent epigenetically determined by diets, gut environment, lifestyle, and various other environmental factors. Health benefits of long-term ingestion of aloe vera gel with immune modulation of the intestinal microbiota were discussed on congenital heart disease and heart failure. In this review, we demonstrated prophylaxes roles of successive ingestion of aloe vera juice on heart failure. Furthermore we presented three case reports on heart failure patients with aloe vera juice adjuvant.

The presence of pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit products, as a consequence of inappropriate application in some cases, constitutes a risk to the health of the exposed population. In Mexico, the official norm, NOM-003-STPS-1999, only allows the use of pesticides with the phytosanitary registry, the responsible state commission for the control of the process and use of pesticides and toxic substances, which recommends doses and permitted crops. Despite the above, it is still common to find pesticide residues in some vegetable products. In this study, the following were detected: Chlorpyriphos, Dimetomorph I, Malathion, Omethoate, Carbendazim, and Imidacloprid in Nopal. The study was carried out in two collection centers located in the state of Morelos. In total, sixty samples were taken, thirty for each collection center, for a period of 10 months. To determine the pesticide residues, the analytical methodology was used, according to the guide, SANTE/11945/2015; in a laboratory accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity A. C. in the norm, NMX-EC-17025-IMNC-2006. The procedure for extracting analytes was carried out using the method, QuEChERS. The highest concentration of the pesticides detected in the samples obtained from the non-Certified Supply Center were Chlorpyrifos 0.309 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Dimetomorf I 0.029 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Malathion 0.155 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), Omethoate 0.032 (MRL 0.01), Carbendazim 0.090 mg/kg (MRL 0.01), and Imidacloprid 0.058 mg/kg (MRL 0.01). Thirty percent of the samples analyzed showed pesticide residues; the most frequent were Carbendazim. The results for the estimated daily intake (EDI) oscillated between 6.5 &times; 10&minus;5 and 1.3 &times; 10&minus;4 mg/kg body weight for the vegetable, Nopal. In principle, it could be concluded that the consumption of Nopal with pesticide residues does not represent any toxicological risk for human health, however, the risk cannot be ruled out due to the intake of other vegetables and fruits that are cultivated in the Mexican Republic, which probably present pesticide residues, which together would raise potential risks to human health.

This review aims at presenting state-of-the-art knowledge on the composition and functions of the endothelial glycocalyx. The endothelial glycocalyx is a network of membrane-bound proteoglycans and glycoproteins, covering the endothelium luminally. Both ...

13 early warning signs all point to a single hidden problem. Your microvascular system may be breaking down, and your organs could be slowly starving and you don’t even know it. These early warning signs may be caused by a problem hidden in the smallest blood vessels in your body—your microscopic capillaries. Learn more at https://microvascular.com/.

Our Microvascular supplement improves Glycocalyx Health effectively. Endocalyx™ has been clinically shown to maintain blood flow circulation. Shop online now!

Could you have imagined that one of the most essential elements for your good health lies in a vast protective gel lining of all of your capillaries that touches each of your trillions of cells … and most likely, you’ve never even heard about it. Come with me as we travel inside your vascular system and flow along with your blood. Every cell of your body is nourished by the blood that travels through the capillaries that make up 99% of your circulatory system-from head to toe. Placed end-to-end, scientists estimate they would extend 60,000 miles, enough to go around the earth two and a half times. With every heartbeat, vital nutrients and oxygen are delivered and waste is removed from each cell. This essential process breaks down with aging, poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, stress and smoking. New medical science has revealed the importance of a transparent micro-thin gel-like lining in your blood vessels that protects your entire circulatory system. In the past, blood vessels were thought to be simple hollow tubes. But with today’s high resolution video microscopes, a discovery reveals that the entire circulatory system is coated with a gel like lining that protects the inside walls of the arteries, veins and capillaries. This protective gel-like lining of the capillaries and all other blood vessels is called the glycocalyx. Its integrity is essential to the healthy function of all the cells, organs and body systems. The glycocalyx keeps your body healthy in three critical ways. First, it functions as the natural trigger that stimulates the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is vital in controlling blood flow and blood pressure. The glycocalyx stores anti-oxidants and, working together with nitric oxide, both increase blood flow, on demand, when organs call for it. For example, when you’re walking upstairs. Or even when your brain is working through a difficult problem. Bottom line: your body needs a thick and healthy glycocalyx to efficiently regulate blood flow. Second, a healthy glycocalyx allows your body to engage more of the available capillaries of the microvascular system when blood flow increases. This is critical to regulate the supply of nutrients and oxygen, and the removal of waste and carbon dioxide, according to the body’s level of activity, such as when you exercise. Bottom line: While blood flow control is important, the glycocalyx allows your body to engage more capillaries when organs demand nourishment and waste removal. Third, capillaries are much more than simple hollow tubes. In fact, their inner surface is coated with the non-stick glycocalyx that prevents loss of capillaries through fluid leakage, blood clotting and inflammation. This coating prevents sticking when you don’t need it, and it keeps blood clotting and inflammation under control. For example, when your body’s healthy, it can repair a simple cut or fight an infection. Bottom line: a healthy glycocalyx not only engages more capillaries when blood flow goes up, but it also protects the capillary network and even the entire vascular system from deterioration and loss. Ongoing clinical research from more than 50 studies confirms that a compromised glycocalyx and a damaged microvascular system are linked to organ starvation. Early warning signs of organ starvation include cold hands and feet, leg cramps, skin problems, hair thinning, fatigue, lack of focus, memory loss, certain eye problems, hearing loss, severe PMS, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and even type 2 diabetes. Emerging research is beginning to show that it’s not too late to slow down, or even reverse, the breakdown of the protective properties of the glycocalyx. More at https://microvascular.com/

A thick endothelial surface coat consisting of the glycocalyx and associated plasma proteins has been hypothesized to reduce functional capillary volume available for flowing plasma macromolecules an

The cerebral microcirculation and its glycocalyx, a matrix coating the luminal endothelium, are key regulators of capillary permeability and cerebral …

You may not know it, but like so many people, your body could be on a perilous journey down a spiral of troubling conditions and silent killers. Healthy organs are nourished with vital nutrients and oxygen, while waste and carbon dioxide are removed with every heartbeat—if the microscopic capillaries that feed all of the cells in your body are thriving. But that process can be severely impaired—and life-supporting capillaries can even disappear if their protective gel-like lining—the glycocalyx—is damaged. Let’s see how easily—and silently—this happens. Over time, aging, poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, stress, smoking—and even conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure—combined with other risk factors—can slowly, but surely, break down the glycocalyx. Damaged microvessels—your capillaries, for the most part—become leaky, lose function, and their numbers decrease. So, the vital delivery of nutrients, hormones, and oxygen is compromised—as is the removal of waste and carbon dioxide. The downward spiral continues. Deprived of this critical, regenerative exchange, organ starvation begins, weakening vital processes in the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Diseases and conditions can set in, including heart and kidney disease, lung disease, stroke and dementia, septic shock, inflammatory disorders—and even cancer metastasis. With so many areas of the body and its functions under attack, complications develop. Critical organs fail—one after the next. Finally, the body’s ability to keep up with the assault fails, and can lead to death. Fortunately, this spiral of breakdowns can be identified in the early stages so you can make changes before it’s too late. Learn more by clicking the button below or visiting https://microvascular.com/.