Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) effects and their molecular mechanisms on unbalanced diet experimental studies: A systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this review was to compile evidence and understand chia seed effects on unbalanced diet animal studies and the molecular mechanisms on metabolic biomarker modulation. A systematic review was conducted in electronic databases, following PRISMA recommendations. Risk of bias and quality was assessed using SYRCLE toll and ARRIVE guidelines. Seventeen articles were included. Throughout the studies, chia's main effects are associated with AMPK modulation: improvement of glucose and insulin tolerance, lipogenesis, antioxidant activity, and inflammation. Details about randomization and allocation concealment were insufficient, as well as information about blind protocols. Sample size, chia dose, and number of animals evaluated for each parameter were found to be lacking information among the studies. Based on experimental study data, chia has bioactive potential, and its daily consumption may reduce the risk of chronic disease development, mainly due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects of the seed.Practical Application: The consumption of chia seeds may improve lipid profile, insulin and glucose tolerance, and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole seed or its oil presents positive effect, but the effects of chia oil can act faster than the seed.

Specialty seeds: Nutrients, bioactives, bioavailability, and health benefits: A comprehensive review

“…The dietary fiber, protein, amino acid, polyphenols, and lipid content of chia seed may contribute to its health‐promoting actions (Kulczynski et al., 2019). A systematic review of animal studies and molecular mechanisms by which chia seed consumption may prevent diet‐induced chronic diseases lead to the hypothesis that chia seed consumption increases AMP‐activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α, which exerts metabolic effects by increasing mitochondrial metabolism of fatty acids and cellular glucose uptake (Enes et al., 2020). These metabolic effects may partly explain how chia seed consumption improves antioxidant function and reduces inflammation in animal models (da Silva et al., 2019; Ferreira et al., 2018).…”

Health Potential of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds-Derived α-linoleic Acid and α-linolenic Acids: A Review

“…The stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 products were depleted in the heart, liver, and the adipose tissue of chia seeds. Therefore, chia seed inhibits stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity, which is vital in the conversion of elaidic acid to conjugated linolenic acid [12]. The study suggested that LA is oxidized and transported into the mitochondria, which downregulates ω-6/ ω-3 levels.…”

“…These results indicated that ALA is more easily incorporated into human blood plasma from milled oil seeds of chia than from whole seeds [1], [2], [38]. Poudyal et al [12] also assessed whether chia seeds as a source of ALA induce lipid redistribution associated with cardio-protection and hepatoprotection in diet induced rats. Results suggests that with chia seed oil supplements, there is an improvement in visceral adiposity, insulin and glucose tolerance, cardiac and hepatic fibrosis, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation improved with chia seed oil supplementation.…”

“…Despite popular health and therapeutic potential claims associated with chia seed oil, such as reduced risks of cognitive decline, cancer, and cardiovascular heart disease, the mechanism of action of chia seed oils is unclear [4], [12], [18]. Therefore, humans rely on ALA from dietary sources due to lack of enzymes for de novo synthesis to synthesize the compound [19].…”

Effect of Basil Seed and Chia SeedExtracts on Blood Lipid Profile

“…More extensive studies are needed to explore potential therapeutic effects. Likewise Chia has bioactive potential and previous reports have indicated that its daily consumption may reduce the risk of disease progression, primarily due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic 12 . Nevertheless, seeds of both plants resembles closely in appearance and in their aqueous behavior.…”