Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important threats to human health in the twenty-first century. The use of complementary and alternative medicine to prevent, control, and reduce the complications of diabetes mellitus is increasing at present. Glutamine amino acid is known as a functional food. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the potential role of glutamine supplementation on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus. For this review, PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception through April 2020. All clinical trial and animal studies assessing the effects of glutamine on diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion. 19 studies of 1482 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of the 19 studies, nine studies reported a significant increase in serum GLP-1 levels. Also, eight studies showed reducing in serum levels of fasting blood sugar, four studies reducing in postprandial blood sugar, and triglyceride after glutamine supplementation. Although glutamine resulted in a significant increase in insulin production in seven studies, the findings on Hb-A1c levels were inconclusive. In addition to, despite of the results was promising for the effects of glutamine on weight changes, oxidative stress, and inflammation, more precise clinical trials are needed to obtain more accurate results. In conclusion, glutamine supplementation could improve glycemic control and levels of incretins (such as GLP-1 and GIP) in diabetes mellitus. However, more studies are needed for future studies.

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Various metabolic parameters are risk factors related to the amplified risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A wide variety of data exist on Nigella sativa (NS) and metabolic parameters. The current study is designed to examine NS supplementation on lipid profile, blood pressure, glycemic control, anthropometric indices, and insulin resistance in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 patients with CAD received either 2 g of NS oil or sunflower oil as a placebo for 8 weeks. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were assessed.

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Chronic inflammation has been considered as the main cause of chronic diseases. Zn has anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the expression of inflammatory markers. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to evaluate the impact of Zn supplementation on inflammation. Pubmed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched up to December 10th, 2020. Randomized placebo-controlled trials have investigated the effects of Zn supplementation on serum/plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in >15 years’ subjects were included. A pooled meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the robustness of the observed effect sizes. Potential causes of heterogeneity were determined using subgroup analyses. The relationship between effect size and co-variables was explored using meta-regression. In the cases of the presence of publication bias, trim and fill analysis was carried out. Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used for assessing the quality of the included studies. A total of 12 studies was included in meta-analysis. Zn could decrease IL-6 levels (SMD= -0.76 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.28, -0.24; P= 0.004). There was no significant change in TNF-α (SMD= 0.42 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.31, 1.16; P= 0.257) and IL-2 levels (SMD= 1.64 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.31, 4.59; P= 0.277) following Zn supplementation. However, Zn could increase IL-2 significantly after deletion of one arm in sensitivity analysis (SMD= 2.96 pg/ml; 95% CI: 2.03, 3.88; P< 0.05). Conclusively, Zn supplementation can decrease the IL-6 level. Zn increased IL-2 level after sensitivity analysis. Zn supplementation has not ameliorative effects on TNF-α.

Objectives Nigella sativa (NS) is a known medicinal herb with numerous therapeutic effects such as antidiabetic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. It has been indicated that NS can regulate cellular metabolism by adjusting transduction signaling pathways. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the main physiological processes, such as energy hemostasis, cellular metabolism, and autophagy regulators. Herb-derived medicines have always been considered as one of the main AMPK activators, and surprisingly recent data has demonstrated that it can be a target for NS and its derivatives. Evidence acquisition The literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar electronic resources. Published articles up to September 2020 were considered, and those of which investigated Nigella sativa effects on the AMPK pathway after meeting the inclusion criteria were included. ResultsThe search was performed on several online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar from inception until January 2020. Among the initial search, 245 studies were found. After removing duplicated data and meeting the inclusion criteria, only 14 studies were selected. They included the effects of NS and its bioactive compounds as antihyperglycemic (n = 5), on liver function (n = 4), cancers (n = 3), and on Neuroinflammation and Atherosclerosis (n = 2). Most of the included studies are animals or in-vitro investigations. Conclusion In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the molecular mechanism of NS effecting the AMPK signaling pathway. We also focus on the therapeutic effects of NS, including the prevention and treatment of metabolic and proinflammatory disease by targeting the AMPK pathway.

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Curcumin, as the main natural compound in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), is a yellowish polyphenol that has been used traditionally in Asian countries as a medicinal herb for various types of disease and pathological conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. In the present review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search for evidence that shows the effect of curcumin on factors influencing exercise performance, including muscle damage, muscle soreness, inflammation, and oxidative stress. During exercise, reactive oxygen species and inflammation are increased. Thus, if there is no balance between endogenous and exogenous antioxidants and increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, which is important for maintaining redox homeostasis in skeletal muscle, it can lead to muscle soreness and muscle damage and ultimately result in reduced exercise performance. Due to the anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of curcumin, it can increase exercise performance and decrease exercise‐induced muscle soreness and muscle damage. It appears that curcumin supplementation can have positive effects on exercise performance and recovery, muscle damage and pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, there is still a need to precisely evaluate factors to more accurately assess/quantify the beneficial therapeutic effects of curcumin with regard to enhancing exercise performance and recovery.