Unraveling the beneficial effects of herbal Lebanese mixture “Za’atar”. History, studies, and properties of a potential healthy food ingredient

Khalil, Mohamad; Caponio, Giusy Rita; Diab, Farah; Shanmugam, Harshitha; Ciaula, Agostino Di; Khalifeh, Hala; Vergani, Laura; Calasso, Maria; Angelis, Maria De; Portincasa, Piero

doi:10.1016/j.jff.2022.104993

Cited by 18 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 165 publications

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“…PUFAs are those involved in the proper functioning of the organism’s biological activities, and it is currently recommended to increase PUFAs compared to SFAs [ 86 , 87 ]. Several foods are rich in PUFAs, both vegetable and animal, such as olives and olive oil, fish, soy, corn, sunflower, nuts, and sesamum and other seeds [ 73 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 ].…”

Section: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract

et al. 2022

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In recent years, nutraceuticals have gained great popularity, owing to their physiological and potential health effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects, and their regulation of lipid metabolism. Since the Mediterranean diet is a nutritionally recommended dietary pattern including high-level consumption of nutraceuticals, this review aimed to summarize the main results obtained by our in vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of the major constituents of the Mediterranean diet (i.e., extra virgin olive oil compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fruit components). Based on experimental studies, the therapeutic purpose of nutraceuticals depends on their bioavailability, solubility, toxicity, and delivery system. This review provides more in-depth knowledge on the effects linked to nutraceuticals administration on human health, focusing the gastrointestinal tract and suggesting specific dietary components for personalized adjuvant therapies.

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Section: Polyunsaturated Fatty Acidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract

et al. 2022

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“…In younger subjects, low adherence to the MD can trigger functional gastrointestinal symptoms, as component of the irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, mainly in younger subjects [ 217 ]. Unprocessed plant-based food such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, spices, and nuts, rich in polyphenols, are the principal aspect of the MD with a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects [ 218 , 219 , 220 , 221 ]. The polyphenols undergo biotransformation process by gut microbiota before reaching the liver by the portal vein with beneficial effects either locally (i.e., intestine) and systemically (i.e., liver, brain) [ 222 ].…”

Section: Diet Features and Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another biomarker for inflammation is C-reactive protein (CRP), and prolonged intake of the MD diminishes CRP and unusual quantity of cytokines and adipokines irrespective of weight loss increase [ 235 , 236 , 237 ]. Furthermore, the MD is associated with lower mortality and a decreased incidence of common chronic diseases such as CVD [ 238 ], several cancers [ 239 ], T2DM [ 240 ], fatty liver disease [ 241 ], and some types of allergies [ 242 ] as a result of the inhibition of oxidative stress, reduction in inflammation, and improved lipid profiles [ 218 , 219 , 243 , 244 , 245 ]. Along with improving physical health, long-term adherence to the MD also improves the quality of life and longevity [ 246 , 247 ].…”

Section: Diet Features and Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Potential of the Mediterranean Diet to Improve Mitochondrial Function in Experimental Models of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

et al. 2022

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The abnormal expansion of body fat paves the way for several metabolic abnormalities including overweight, obesity, and diabetes, which ultimately cluster under the umbrella of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients with MetS are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. The coexistence of distinct metabolic abnormalities is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, as components of low-to-medium grade systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Adopting healthy lifestyles, by using appropriate dietary regimens, contributes to the prevention and treatment of MetS. Metabolic abnormalities can influence the function and energetic capacity of mitochondria, as observed in many obesity-related cardio-metabolic disorders. There are preclinical studies both in cellular and animal models, as well as clinical studies, dealing with distinct nutrients of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and dysfunctional mitochondria in obesity and MetS. The term “Mitochondria nutrients” has been adopted in recent years, and it depicts the adequate nutrients to keep proper mitochondrial function. Different experimental models show that components of the MD, including polyphenols, plant-derived compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, can improve mitochondrial metabolism, biogenesis, and antioxidant capacity. Such effects are valuable to counteract the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with obesity-related abnormalities and can represent the beneficial feature of polyphenols-enriched olive oil, vegetables, nuts, fish, and plant-based foods, as the main components of the MD. Thus, developing mitochondria-targeting nutrients and natural agents for MetS treatment and/or prevention is a logical strategy to decrease the burden of disease and medications at a later stage. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the effects of the MD and its bioactive components on improving mitochondrial structure and activity.

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“…In particular, when probiotics, the “cultured” (living) microorganisms beneficial to the host, are ingested in adequate amounts ( Quilodrán-Vega et al, 2020 ; El-Saadony et al, 2021 ) as a compliment or element inherent in food, they principally improve the GM composition ( Minj et al, 2021 ), treat dysbiosis, and prevent viral diseases ( Hill et al, 2014 ). Notably, bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by significant bacterial cell lines ( Khalil et al, 2022 ; Le Morvan De Sequeira et al, 2022 ; Naseef et al, 2022 ). Additionally, these bacteriocins modulate the systemic immune and mucosal systems of humans and animals, protecting them from several viral infections ( Alvarez-Vieites et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Probiotic-Based Bacteriocin: Immunity Supplementation Against Viruses. An Updated Review

Umair

Jabbar

et al. 2022

Front. Microbiol.

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Viral infections are a major cause of severe, fatal diseases worldwide. Recently, these infections have increased due to demanding contextual circumstances, such as environmental changes, increased migration of people and product distribution, rapid demographic changes, and outbreaks of novel viruses, including the COVID-19 outbreak. Internal variables that influence viral immunity have received attention along with these external causes to avert such novel viral outbreaks. The gastrointestinal microbiome (GIM), particularly the present probiotics, plays a vital role in the host immune system by mediating host protective immunity and acting as an immune regulator. Bacteriocins possess numerous health benefits and exhibit antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens and immunobiotics, thereby inhibiting viral infections. Moreover, disrupting the homeostasis of the GIM/host immune system negatively affects viral immunity. The interactions between bacteriocins and infectious viruses, particularly in COVID-19, through improved host immunity and physiology are complex and have not yet been studied, although several studies have proven that bacteriocins influence the outcomes of viral infections. However, the complex transmission to the affected sites and siRNA defense against nuclease digestion lead to challenging clinical trials. Additionally, bacteriocins are well known for their biofunctional properties and underlying mechanisms in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. However, few studies have shown the role of probiotics-derived bacteriocin against viral infections. Thus, based on the results of the previous studies, this review lays out a road map for future studies on bacteriocins for treating viral infections.

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Unraveling the beneficial effects of herbal Lebanese mixture “Za’atar”. History, studies, and properties of a potential healthy food ingredient

Cited by 18 publications

References 165 publications

Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract

Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract

The Potential of the Mediterranean Diet to Improve Mitochondrial Function in Experimental Models of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Probiotic-Based Bacteriocin: Immunity Supplementation Against Viruses. An Updated Review

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