No abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Two grams of NS powder or placebo were consumed for 6 weeks by 46 patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.Using valid and common questionnaires of colitis severity and blood sampling, we estimated disease activity index, quality of life, and some of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors at baseline and after 6 weeks of supplementation. NS-elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha and high-sensitivity-c-reactive-protein as well as reduced malondialdehyde (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and p = 0.005, respectively) compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between the two groups in serum total antioxidant capacity and nuclear factor kB levels. Total scores of Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index Questionnaire and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire-9were not different between the two groups; however, stool frequency score decreased significantly in NS group. Further clinical trials with different pattern of NS administration (the amount of total and divided daily doses, either powder type or standard extracts/oil and different time arrangement) are needed to clarify the vision.

Purpose Polyphenols are plant-derived bioactive compounds with some known hepato-protective effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between polyphenol consumption and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its related conditions such as impaired lipid profile and elevated hepatic enzymes. Design/methodology/approach A total of 196 NAFLD patients and 803 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements as well as polyphenol consumption during the previous year were assessed. Findings In unadjusted model, participants who consumed the third and fourth quartiles of polyphenols intake were less likely to have NAFLD in comparison to those who consumed the first quartile [odds ratio, OR: 0.48; 95 per cent confidence interval, CI: (0.30-0.77) and OR: 0.62; 95 per cent CI: (0.40-0.96), respectively]. In separate analysis of genders, this effect was seen only in male participants [OR: 0.29; 95 per cent CI: (0.14-0.58) and OR: 0.21; 95 per cent CI (0.10-0.42), respectively], and the association remained significant after adjustment for energy, body mass index, age and smoking. Originality/value Higher total polyphenol intake is associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.