Background: The third most common cause of mortality globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a substantial impact on global health. Chronic airflow restriction and recurrent acute exacerbations are its hallmarks, and they raise morbidity, mortality, and medical expenses. Patients are vulnerable to electrolyte imbalances during acute exacerbations, which are frequently brought on by conditions including uremia, metabolic problems, respiratory acidosis, and hypoxemia. The World Health Organization estimates that 65 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, which causes 5% of all fatalities. Pulmonary hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea are two respiratory disorders that have been linked to uric acid (UA), the final product of purine biosynthesis. UA is believed to engage in intricate inflammatory and metabolic processes that may be impacted by dietary and metabolic state, while its exact significance in the pathogenesis of COPD is yet unknown. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether serum uric acid and electrolyte levels can serve as predictive biomarkers for mortality in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Methods: Data from 172 patients who were already receiving care at the respiratory care center (RCC) and chest unit at Al-Imamain Al-Kadhimain Medical City and Hospital of Baghdad City were gathered for this observational prospective study. Results: Patients with hyperuricemia had a significantly higher risk of mortality than those with normal serum uric acid levels (HR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.71–3.07; p < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that serum uric acid had strong predictive performance for adverse clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD. Electrolyte abnormalities, particularly alterations in sodium, chloride, and potassium levels, were also associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with AECOPD, while electrolyte disturbances may provide additional prognostic information. These findings support routine metabolic and electrolyte monitoring in patients hospitalized with AECOPD and provide a basis for further investigation of nutritional and metabolic approaches to COPD management. Novelty of the Study։ This study uniquely integrates serum uric acid and electrolyte biomarkers to predict mortality in AECOPD, highlighting their combined prognostic value and supporting their role within the Functional Food Center (FFC) 17-step framework. It provides new viewpoints on their function in pathophysiology and prognosis. Keywords: COPD, acute exacerbation of COPD, uric acid, serum electrolytes, mortality prediction.
Background: Cornus mas L. fruits are a rich source of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid and have considerable potential for pharmaceutical and functional food applications. However, the recovery of these bioactive compounds is strongly influenced by the extraction method; conventional extraction techniques remain time-consuming and often require organic solvents. Objective: To compare different extraction methods for Cornus mas fruits and to develop a combined extraction strategy that maximizes bioactive compound recovery while improving technological efficiency and sustainability. Methods:Cornelian cherry fruits were extracted using maceration, fractional maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction under different solvent and temperature conditions, infusion, and a combined ultrasound-assisted extraction–infusion method. Total phenolic, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid contents were quantified using validated spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods. The selected aqueous extract was subsequently lyophilized to obtain a dry extract with low residual moisture content. Results: The combined extraction strategy showed the highest overall performance, yielding a total phenolic content of 2220.3 mg GAE/100 g, an ascorbic acid content of 143 mg/100 g, and a high total anthocyanin content of 216.56 mg/100 g. Compared with conventional maceration, the proposed method reduced the extraction time from 10 days to 75 minutes, eliminated the use of organic solvents in the extraction process, and enabled direct lyophilization of the aqueous extract for long-term preservation. Conclusion: The proposed combined extraction strategy provides a practical basis for the production of standardized lyophilized Cornus mas fruit extracts intended for potential pharmaceutical and functional food applications. Novelty and Innovative: A combined ultrasound-assisted extraction–infusion strategy was developed and scientifically substantiated for Cornus mas fruits. The proposed technology integrates efficient extraction and direct lyophilization into a single workflow, providing a practical approach for producing dry extracts with high bioactive compound content. Keywords: Cornus mas L.; cornelian cherry; ultrasound-assisted extraction; phenolic compounds; anthocyanins; ascorbic acid; lyophilization.
Background: The analysis of Armenian folk medicine shows that Ferula rigidula and Ziziphora clinopodioides are widely used for their phytotherapeutic and phytonutrient properties. However, these plants should be used with caution in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as prolonged consumption at high concentrations may pose potential toxicity risks. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the safety profile of Ziziphora and Ferula through in vivo assessment of hepatic toxicity and to evaluate their potential effects on neuronal activity. Methods: UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis was used to standardize the raw materials of Ziziphora and Ferula based on their total hydroxycinnamic acid content. Potential hepatotoxic effects were evaluated in Wistar albino rats by measuring serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels following administration of Ziziphora extract at 200 or 400 mg/kg/day and Ferula extract at 200 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks. The 200 mg/kg doses of both extracts were subsequently evaluated in acute electrophysiological experiments using single-neuron spike activity recordings. Results: The results of preliminary standardization showed that the total hydroxycinnamic acid content of the ethanolic extract of hydroponically cultivated Ziziphora was 5.16 ± 0.025%, whereas that of the Ferula extract was 3.13 ± 0.052%. Among the treatment groups, only rats receiving Ziziphora at 400 mg/kg showed a significant difference in body-weight gain compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Serum AST levels did not differ significantly among the experimental groups, whereas ALT was significantly elevated in the Ziziphora 400 mg/kg group. No significant changes in ALT were observed following administration of Ziziphora or Ferula at 200 mg/kg. A single intraperitoneal administration of the 200 mg/kg extracts produced changes in neuronal spike activity within cholinergic projections of the rat brain. Conclusion: Ziziphora and Ferula extracts demonstrated no significant alterations in serum AST or ALT at the tested dose of 200 mg/kg, whereas the higher 400 mg/kg dose of Ziziphora produced a significant increase in ALT, suggesting a dose-dependent safety consideration. Both extracts also influenced neuronal activity within cholinergic brain pathways, indicating potential neuromodulatory activity. Further studies are required to establish their long-term safety, mechanisms of action, and potential relevance to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Novelty: To our knowledge, this study is among the first to combine the standardization of Ziziphora and Ferula species from Armenian flora based on their hydroxycinnamic acid content with an in vivo assessment of hepatic safety and neuronal responses. Keywords: Ziziphora clinopodioides, Ferula rigidula, UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis, hydroxycinnamic acids, aminotransferase, neuronal activity
Background: Food labeling plays a critical role in enabling individuals to monitor dietary intake and make informed nutritional choices, thereby contributing to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. Limited food literacy represents a major global public health challenge, contributing to adverse health outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and readability of food labels, as well as the factors influencing these aspects among future healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing a convenience sample of 200 medical and pharmaceutical students. All participants were asked to fill in a newly developed and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed based on a thorough literature review, comprising sections on demographics, nutritional awareness, and knowledge related to food labels. The questionnaire's content validity was confirmed by expert review, and its reliability was established through test-retest assessments, showing high correlation coefficients (r = 0.931 for nutritional awareness; r = 0.688 for nutritional knowledge). Results: The mean age of study participants was 22.36 years. The majority of participants were female (71.5%) and all resided in urban areas. Participants mainly focused on taste, expiration date, and price when making food purchasing decisions, with less emphasis on organic characteristics or manufacturing country. Most (>50%) highlighted reading sugar, protein, and caloric content on labels, but barriers such as small font and unclear language hindered proper reading. Overall, participants demonstrated low levels of nutritional knowledge (13%) and awareness (13.5%). Conclusion: Healthcare students in Iraq show poor knowledge and awareness of food labels, with limited readability due to unclear labeling and time constraints, highlighting the need for improved nutrition education. Novelty of the Study: This study represents one of the first investigations assessing food label literacy among future healthcare professionals in Iraq using a newly developed and validated assessment tool. By framing the findings within the context of functional food science and the FFC 17-step model for bioactive compound evaluation, this research offers novel insights into specific educational gaps that may hinder the translation of nutrition knowledge into chronic disease prevention strategies. Keywords: Food label literacy; nutritional awareness; healthcare students; medical and pharmacy education; nutrition knowledge; food labeling comprehension; cross-sectional study; public health nutrition
Background: Functional foods represent a rapidly evolving intersection of nutrition science, bioactive compound research, and preventive health strategies. Despite growing global interest, the field suffers from definitional ambiguity and methodological inconsistency, creating obstacles for researchers, product developers, and regulatory authorities alike. The Functional Food Center (FFC) has established an operational definition emphasizing bioactive compounds, validated health benefits, and evidence-based dosing, along with a comprehensive 17-step product development framework that guides the translation from mechanistic discovery through clinical validation to market recognition. This theoretical article presents the FFC's definition in comparison with major international regulatory perspectives, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It details a four-phase, 17-step framework spanning preclinical studies, clinical evaluation, and classification or recognition, while providing practical guidance for researchers and developers seeking to align their work with this structured approach. By mapping research activities to specific steps in the framework, investigators can identify knowledge gaps, design appropriate validation studies, and pursue regulatory recognition through evidence-based pathways. Adoption of the FFC definition and framework promotes consistency across international research efforts, facilitates publication in specialized journals, and supports translating bioactive compound science into health-promoting food products that meet regulatory standards and consumer needs. Novelty of the Study: Despite decades of research, the functional food field still lacks a universally accepted definition and a standardized, evidence-based pathway for product development. The novelty of this article lies not in the creation of a new functional food definition or a new 17-step framework, but in the structured explanation and practical application of the previously established FFC definition and framework for researchers, developers, and regulatory comparison. This article addresses these gaps by presenting a refined functional food definition grounded in the FFC framework, alongside a comprehensive 17-step product development framework that bridges concept ideation to post-market monitoring. Unlike previously proposed models, this framework uniquely integrates clinical and epidemiological substantiation, evidence-based grading, peer-reviewed accreditation, and after-market safety evaluation. Consequently, it offers the functional food science community a practical and scientifically rigorous standard for developing, classifying, and regulating functional food products with greater consistency and consumer confidence.
Background: Male menopause is increasingly leading to worsened quality of life due to the rise in life expectancy. The enoki mushroom, a major edible mushroom, was shown to increase testosterone production in a cisplatin-induced mouse model. Objective: In this study, utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Nocturia Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (N-QOL), we investigated the effects of enoki mushroom extract on sleep disturbance and its overall impact on everyday life in middle-aged and elderly men. Methods: The test food (enoki mushroom extract) and placebo were administered to 56 healthy men aged 40 years or older with Heinemann Aging Male Symptom (AMS) scores of 27-49 for 12 weeks. The period of this study was from February 14, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Both test food and placebo food (excipients without adenosine) were administered at a dose of 1,250 mg (10 capsules) once a day for 12 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Compared to the placebo group, the test food group showed a significantly lower mean change in the PSQI "C5: Sleep disturbance" score. In a subgroup analysis of participants with free testosterone levels below 11.8 pg/mL, the test food group exhibited a significantly lower mean change in the PSQI "C4: Habitual sleep efficiency" score. Furthermore, among patients with AMS scores of 37-49, the test food group showed a statistically significant improvement in "Overall impact on everyday life (the Nocturia Quality-of-Life: N-QOL)" compared to the placebo group. Novelty: This study is the first clinical study demonstrating a significant improvement of sleep disturbance and reduced vitality in middle-aged and elderly men by enoki mushroom extract. Conclusions: Collectively, these results indicate that enoki mushroom extract may exert beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms in middle-aged and older men, such as sleep disturbance and reduced vitality.
Background: Topical application of adenosine has been shown to promote hair growth. It is also naturally present in many foods and exhibits strong antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity, however, its effects on hair growth following oral administration have not yet been examined. We previously reported the presence of adenosine in yellow strawberry guava (Psidium littorale), an edible tropical fruit. Objective: Therefore, we herein investigated the effects of strawberry guava extract (SGE) on hair growth in mice and humans. We also attempted to identify other components in SGE that contribute to hair growth and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The dorsal hair of C3H/He mice was shaved, and SGE was administered orally for 21 days. A phototrichogram method was employed in a single-arm clinical trial to assess human hair growth. In addition, dermal papilla cells were used to evaluate SGE components with potential hair growth-promoting effects. Results: In mouse experiments, the continuous administration of sugar-excluded SGE (200 mg/kg) promoted hair growth on the dorsal skin of mice by enhancing skin blood flow and reducing elasticity. The clinical trial results showed that a 24-week course of commercially available SGE (100 mg/day) increased both hair count and growth area. As plausible active components of SGE for hair growth, fructose promoted the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while digalactosyldiacylglycerol and pedunculagin enhanced the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. Conclusion: Orally administered SGE promoted hair growth in mice and humans. Adenosine and three other components contributed to these effects by enhancing skin blood flow and dermal papilla cell activation. Novelty of the Study: Oral administration of strawberry guava extract was found to enhance hair growth in mice and humans. In addition to adenosine, fructose, digalactosyldiacylglycerol, and pedunculagin were suggested to be involved in the activity. Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered with UMIN-CTR (ID: UMIN000054607).
Background: Collagenolytic enzymes, known as collagenases, are of significant interest in biotechnology, medicine, and the food industry due to their ability to break down collagen, the primary structural protein of connective tissue. In this study, the collagenolytic enzyme activity of a C. lagopides mushroom culture was assessed dynamically at various growth stages. Objective: This study aims to determine the temporal profile of collagenase production to identify the most active phases of cultivation. Methods: The C. lagopides culture grew under controlled conditions for 6 days at 25 degrees C. Collagenolytic activity was assessed photometrically. Samples were taken every 24 hours. The pH of the medium and the biomass of the fungal culture were also measured. Results: The maximum collagenolytic activity occurred during the stationary phase of fungal growth. The addition of UDHSS significantly increased enzyme production, indicating a stimulatory effect on fungal metabolism. Experiments on the hydrolysis of native pollock skin collagen demonstrated a gradual increase in collagenolytic activity over time, with the highest activity observed after 6 hours of incubation. Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the potential of Coprinus lagopides as a promising fungal producer of collagenolytic enzymes. The study also demonstrates the applicability of this enzymatic system for the biotechnological processing of collagen-containing fish raw materials and the production of collagen hydrolysates. Novelty of the Study: The scientific novelty of this study lies in establishing patterns of change in the collagenolytic activity of Coprinus lagopides culture and identifying the stimulating effect of an ultradisperse humic sapropel suspension (UDHSS) on the activity of collagenolytic enzymes. For the first time, the potential application of the C. lagopides enzymatic system for the hydrolysis of fish-derived collagen was demonstrated.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health challenge associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Effective management of T2DM requires sustained self-care behaviors and lifestyle modifications, in addition to pharmacological treatment. Structured health education programs are considered a cornerstone of diabetes management. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a structured health educational program on clinical outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a particular focus on how education-driven dietary modifications, including increased consumption of functional foods rich in bioactive compounds, may influence metabolic biomarkers and symptom burden. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with pre-and post-intervention assessments was conducted among 130 patients with T2M who were allocated to the study (n = 65) and control (n = 65) groups. Participants were divided into an intervention group (structured health education program over 12 weeks) and a control group receiving routine care. At baseline and at the end of the intervention, Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical measures, including body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, and diabetes related clinical features. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes within and between groups. Results: Following the intervention, the study group demonstrated significant improvements in body mass index, glycemic control (random blood sugar and HbA1c), blood pressure, and lipid profile compared with baseline and the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the health education program significantly improves clinical outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Importantly, these improvements may be partially explained by education-driven shifts toward healthier dietary patterns, including increased intake of functional foods rich in bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and unsaturated fatty acids, which are known to enhance glycemic control and metabolic health.
Objective: Poor sleep quality substantially impairs mental and physical well-being. The aim of this study was to determine whether piceatannol (PIC), a stilbene polyphenol with antioxidant activity and potential modulatory effects on circadian clock gene expression, can improve aspects of sleep quality in healthy adults. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, 76 healthy adults aged 20–59 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either a PIC-containing product (10 mg/day of PIC) or a matched placebo. The participants consumed the assigned product daily for 4 weeks. Sleep parameters were assessed objectively via actigraphy and subjectively using validated questionnaires. Results: Data from 73 participants were included in the final analysis. Actigraphy revealed a significant reduction in wake after sleep onset (WASO) in the PIC group compared with that in the placebo group. No significant between-group differences were observed in subjective sleep measures. Novelty of the Study: This randomized controlled trial provides evidence for the effects of PIC on sleep, which have not been adequately investigated in humans, and demonstrates improvement in WASO using actigraphy. Conclusions: PIC supplementation was associated with a reduction in WASO. Our findings suggest a potential beneficial effect of PIC on sleep quality in healthy adults and provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of PIC as a functional food ingredient. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered with UMIN-CTR (UMIN000056168). Keywords: piceatannol, polyphenol, sleep quality, wake after sleep onset, circadian clock, sirtuin, actigraphy, clinical trial.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting wheat flour in biscuits with spirulina powder at different levels (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) in order to develop a nutritionally enhanced functional food, given spirulina's high content of protein, fiber, and bioactive compounds. Methods: Five biscuit formulations were prepared, including a control (100% wheat flour) and four treatments with increasing levels of spirulina substitution. Chemical composition, amino acid profile, and fatty acid composition were analyzed. An in vivo study was conducted using Wistar rats over an 8-week period to assess physiological effects, including hematological parameters and liver enzyme activity. Results: Spirulina exhibited high nutritional value (approximately 60%-70% protein), resulting in a dose-dependent increase in protein and fiber content in the fortified biscuits. Improvements were observed in essential amino acids,particularly lysine, as well as in fatty acid composition with increased omega-3 levels. In the animal study, spirulina-enriched biscuits significantly increased hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. Liver enzyme activities showed statistically significant increases but remained within normal physiological ranges, indicating product safety. Conclusion: The findings confirm that spirulina-enriched biscuits improve nutritional quality and exhibit beneficial physiological effects without adverse impacts, making them a promising functional food for addressing protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Novelty of the Study: This study uniquely integrates both compositional analysis and physiological evaluation, demonstrating a direct link between food formulation and biological outcomes, thereby providing stronger evidence for the efficacy of spirulina-based functional foods.
Background: Water extract of olive leaf (WOL) inhibits excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, improves fibroblast survival rate, and inhibits melanin synthesis. However, no studies have examined its effects on skin stem cells. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether WOL affects the expression of epidermal and dermal stem cell markers, including HIF-1 alpha, in human-derived cells and senescence-accelerated mice as well as skin aging in healthy participants. Methods: WOL (final concentration 25 or 120 mu g/mL) was added to living human skin explants, and HIF-1 alpha, HES1, Filaggrin, and Claudin 1 expression levels were evaluated by fluorescent immunostaining on day 9 or 10 of culture. Senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were administered WOL at 103 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, and CD271, NG2, and CK15 expression in the skin were evaluated using fluorescent immunostaining. In a clinical trial, 50 healthy Japanese individuals (aged 40-69 years) were divided into a WOL intake group (WOL 250 mg/day) and a placebo group, and skin age and moisture were evaluated after 12 weeks. Results: The ex vivo and in vivo studies showed that WOL treatment increased markers associated with epidermal and dermal stem cell activity and differentiation. In the clinical trial, skin age was lower in the WOL group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance in the overall cohort. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in skin age among participants without regular exercise habits. Conclusion: WOL may influence markers associated with epidermal and dermal stem cell activity and may support improvement in skin aging outcomes, particularly in healthy individuals who do not exercise regularly. Novelty: This is the first study to demonstrate that WOL increases the expression of markers associated with epidermal and dermal stem cells and shows potential for improving skin age, particularly in individuals without regular exercise habits.
Background: Fruits are important dietary sources of biologically active compounds associated with antioxidant protection, metabolic regulation, and maintenance of physiological homeostasis. However, the biochemical composition of fruit pulp varies substantially among species and geographic regions, thereby influencing nutritional quality and potential functional food applications. Comparative cross-country analyses integrating standardized biochemical indicators remain limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a harmonized comparative evaluation of dry matter, vitamin C concentration, and energy value in the pulp of 11 fruit crops cultivated in Armenia, using corresponding datasets from Russia and the United States, in order to identify fruit species with promising functional and antioxidant-related characteristics. Methods: Fruit samples from 11 commonly cultivated fruit crops were collected from 10-12-year-old trees grown in the foothill zone of the Ararat Valley, Armenia, during 2007-2025. Dry matter content, vitamin C concentration, and energy value were determined using standardized biochemical and calorimetric methods. Comparative datasets from Russia and the United States were obtained from harmonized literature sources and standardized nutrient databases. All values were normalized to uniform units (per 100 g fresh weight) prior to analysis. Statistical evaluation included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), relative error assessment, and least significant difference (LSD) testing at p < 0.05. Results: Significant interspecific differences were identified among the studied fruit crops. Cornelian cherry demonstrated the highest average vitamin C concentration (80.77 mg/100 g fresh weight) and elevated energy value, indicating strong antioxidant-associated functional potential. Pomegranate exhibited the highest average energy value (72.0 kcal/100 g fresh weight) despite relatively low dry matter content. Cherry plum showed the highest dry matter accumulation, whereas apple, pear, and peach demonstrated comparatively low vitamin C concentrations. The biochemical parameters of fruits cultivated in Armenia were generally comparable with those reported for Russia and the United States, suggesting relative cross-regional stability of key nutritional indicators. Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrate pronounced interspecific variability in biochemical composition and support the identification of fruit species with promising functional food potential. Cornelian cherry, pomegranate, quince, and cherry plum may serve as valuable raw materials for functional food development due to their favorable biochemical and antioxidant-related characteristics. Within the Functional Food Center (FFC) framework, the present study contributes to the early-stage identification and characterization of biologically relevant food materials and provides a foundation for future investigations focused on bioavailability, biomarkers, and physiological health outcomes. Novelty of the Study: This study provides a harmonized cross-country comparison of dry matter, vitamin C concentration, and energy value in 11 fruit crops cultivated in Armenia, Russia, and the United States. Its novelty lies in identifying fruit species with promising functional food potential, particularly cornelian cherry, pomegranate, quince, and cherry plum, within the early-stage FFC framework for bioactive food material characterization. [GRAPHICS]
Background: The inner beauty functional food market has expanded rapidly in Asia, yet the influence of skin-related label expression types on consumer decision-making remains empirically understudied. Most prior research focuses on nutritional labeling in conventional food categories, leaving a gap regarding beauty-health crossover products where skin-efficacy claims serve as the primary consumer interface. Objective: This study investigated (1) the effect of five label skin expression types on product trust and purchase behavior, and (2) the mediating role of product trust in the relationship between label expression types and purchase behavior among Korean consumers of inner beauty health foods. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 502 Korean adults who had experience consuming inner beauty health foods. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified five label expression sub-factors: function-emphasis, result-oriented, science-based, emotional, and visual label credibility. Multiple regression and PROCESS Macro Model 4 mediation analyses were performed using SPSS 28.0. Results: All five expression types significantly predicted product trust (adjusted R2 = .645, F = 182.68, p < .001). Four of ffive types (function-emphasis, science-based, emotional, and visual label credibility) significantly predicted purchase behavior (adjusted R2 = .689, F = 222.81, p < .001). Product trust fully or partially mediated all five label expression-purchase behavior pathways (all 95% CI excluding zero via 5,000-sample bootstrapping). Conclusion: This study contributes to the functional food labeling literature by empirically examining a five-factor typology of skin-related label expression types in the context of inner beauty health food products. The findings suggest that different label expression strategies may be associated with consumer trust formation and purchase-related responses, with product trust serving as a significant mediating mechanism. These results provide practical implications for future label communication and marketing strategies in the inner beauty health food market. Novelty of the study: This is the first study to empirically classify and validate a five-factor label skin expression typology for inner beauty functional foods and to demonstrate the mediating pathway from label expression to purchase behavior via product trust.
Background: Age-related declines in joint function and walking ability represent an important issue, as they are associated with limitations in daily activities and reduced quality of life. Therefore, many people are interested in dietary components that support joint health. Objective: Proteoglycan (PG) is a glycosylated protein and a key component of the extracellular matrix in articular cartilage. Previous studies have shown that PG supplementation leads to significant improvements in knee pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PG intake on knee joint and walking function in healthy individuals. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in healthy participants with age-related joint discomfort, reduced walking ability, and decreased muscle strength. 58 participants aged 40 to 74 years (mean age: 55.0 years) were randomly assigned to receive either PG-containing capsules or placebo capsules for 12 weeks. The PG capsule contains 10 mg PG with an approximate molecular weight of 450,000. Changes in subjective symptom questionnaires and walking performance, assessed using a 6-meter walk test, were analyzed. Results: After 12 weeks of PG intake, significant differences between groups were observed in the changes from baseline in visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and while kneeling, as well as in walking speed. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that PG supplementation may help alleviate age-related functional declines in walking and knee pain. Novelty of the Study: While previous studies have demonstrated that PG supplementation improves knee pain, evidence regarding its influence on functional mobility in healthy adults remains limited. This study is among the first randomized controlled trials to examine the impact of PG supplementation on walking pace in individuals without diagnosed joint disease, supporting its application as a functional food ingredient for proactive joint health management.
Background: Apigenin (API) is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent and slow the progression of pathogenesis. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the lung-protective effect of API in benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-induced lung injury. Methods: Biochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammation in different experimental groups. Furthermore, lung tissue architecture and fibrosis were examined through histopathological analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to assess interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. Results: The BaP-administration group showed decreased antioxidant enzyme levels and increased levels of inflammatory markers. These adverse effects on lung tissue were reversed by API treatment. Moreover, API significantly reduced lung tissue alterations, including congestion, inflammation, hemorrhage, and fibrosis, compared to the BaP administered group. Moreover, lung tissue from the control group showed no IL-6 protein expression, whereas BaPtreated rats exhibited strong cytoplasmic IL-6 expression. In the BaP + API-treated group, a marked reduction in IL-6 immunoreactivity was observed compared to the BaP-treated group. The findings of this study demonstrate that API possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and restores lung tissue architecture. Conclusion: These results suggest that apigenin could serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for lung-associated pathogenesis. Therefore, these findings indicate that apigenin may act as an auspicious natural therapeutic agent for lung-related pathogenesis. Novelty of the Study: This study demonstrates that apigenin (API) protects against BaP-induced lung injury. API administration was associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, as demonstrated by the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and improved lung tissue architecture. These results reveal the potential of API as a natural therapeutic agent and deliver a basis for its future application in functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting lung health.
Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) frequently have xerostomia (dry mouth) and hyposalivation. Whether xerostomia and hyposalivation are more common in DM patients than non-DM individuals is unclear. Aim of the study: We aimed to detect the diabetic effects on the sublingual salivary gland and investigate the therapeutic potential of Vildagliptin (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), alone and in combination, in protecting sublingual salivary glands in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Forty male albino rats were randomly allocated into control, diabetic untreated, diabetic + Vildagliptin, diabetic + omega-3, and diabetic + combination groups. After 8 weeks, biochemical markers of oxidative stress including: Glutathione (GSH); Malondialdehyde (MDA); Nitric Oxide (NO); Superoxide Dismutase (SOD); Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and inflammation markers as Interleukins ((IL-1 beta, IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and histological outcomes (acinar integrity, mucin content, apoptosis) were analyzed. Results: Induction of diabetes in rats caused structural changes in the sublingual gland associated with fibrotic, apoptotic and inflammatory changes, treatment of diabetes with vildagliptin enhanced the previous changes, but the combination therapy (vildagliptin plus omega 3) significantly reduced oxidative stress, suppressed inflammation, and preserved gland structure compared to monotherapies. Conclusion: The synergistic efficacy of Vildagliptin-omega-3 in mitigating diabetic salivary gland damage, proposing a novel therapeutic strategy. Novelty of the Study: Although Omega-3 and vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, are both well-known for their metabolic and antioxidant advantages, this study is the first to show how they integrate to protect salivary gland architecture from diabetes-related damage via dual mechanisms (antioxidative and antiapoptotic). This provides a novel therapeutic approach for treating diabetic xerostomia (dry mouth) with glycemic control.
Background: Epidemiological studies indicate chronic global underconsumption of dietary omega-3 fatty acids with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Omega-3 supplements are frequently used to address this deficit. However, whole fish contains an array of other fatty acids with additional putative health benefits. The health outcomes of omega-3 supplementation trials have been highly variable, in contrast to trials assessing regular fish consumption. Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the biological impact (bioimpact) of a whole salmon oil (OmeGo) compared to a commonly used, concentrated omega-3 oil. OmeGo is produced from fresh salmon using a patented protease hydrolysis process, leaving the salmon oil's natural food matrix intact. This could feasibly improve the oil's bioavailability and bioimpact. Methods: In this randomized, active-controlled interventional study, 84 healthy subjects were randomized to receive OmeGo or an omega-3 supplement for 14 weeks to assess changes in red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) quantified as the omega-3 index (O3I). Inflammatory biomarkers and sleep quality, two important determinants of well-being, were also assessed. Results: Despite OmeGo containing 2.5-fold less EPA and DHA, the increase in O3I from baseline was 1.7-fold greater than the active comparator, corresponding to a 4.3-fold greater increase in O3I per 100mg of EPA+DHA (p = 0.001). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) all decreased to a greater extent in the OmeGo group, with between-group differences reaching statistical significance for hsCRP (p < 0.01) and TNF-alpha (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a fish oil retaining its intact food matrix and natural omega-3 fatty acids levels is more bioavailable and better replicates the health benefits of regular fish consumption compared to a commonly used concentrated EPA/DHA supplement.
Background: Aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive cellular and molecular deterioration, including oxidative stress accumulation, telomere attrition, and cellular senescence. Active medicinal-food homologous complex nutrients (AMCN) are bioactive compounds derived from natural sources with potential anti-aging effects, but their mechanisms remain poorly understood. Objective: To investigate the anti-aging effects of AMCN and their underlying molecular mechanisms using a zebrafish aging model. Methods: Zebrafish were subjected to an aging model and treated with varying concentrations of AMCN. Aging biomarkers were assessed, including beta-galactosidase activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), telomerase protein concentration, and telomere length. Results: AMCN treatment significantly decreased beta-galactosidase staining intensity as well as ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner. Telomerase protein concentration was elevated, and telomere length was partially restored, particularly at moderate and higher AMCN concentrations. Novelty of Study: This study demonstrates, for the first time in a whole-organism vertebrate model, that active medicinal-food homologous complex nutrients (AMCN) exert coordinated, multi-target anti-aging effects in a zebrafish model by reducing oxidative stress, attenuating cellular senescence, and preserving telomere integrity. By establishing a functional association between redox regulation and telomere maintenance, this study provides mechanistic evidence supporting the role of AMCN in modulating key processes involved in aging. The use of zebrafish as a translational vertebrate model enables in vivo evaluation of these effects and enhances the physiological relevance of AMCN, supporting their application in the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods aimed at mitigating age-related decline and maintaining physiological homeostasis. These findings highlight AMCN as a promising multi-component dietary intervention targeting interconnected hallmarks of aging. Conclusions: AMCN exerts protective effects against aging-related cellular dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing senescence, and maintaining telomere stability. These results provide scientific support for the potential use of AMCN as a functional dietary intervention to promote healthy aging and prevent age-related functional decline.
Background: Feiolix (R), a freeze-dried feijoa fruit powder contains ellagitannins, abscisic acid, and xyloglucans, each of which may independently and synergistically support metabolic health. Objective: To examine the dose-response effects of Feiolix (R) on metabolic parameters in high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce diabetes, followed by daily oral gavage of Feiolix at five doses (0.7-11.6 mg/20 g body weight), metformin control, non-diabetic control, or continued high-fat diet for an additional 16 weeks. Results: A biphasic xenohormetic dose-response pattern was observed. The low dose (1.5 mg) demonstrated significant efficacy, significantly reducing fasting blood glucose (-10.1 mg/dL, p<0.0001 vs high-fat diet control) and triglycerides (- 14.7 mg/dL, p<0.0001) with performance comparable to metformin and normal controls. Surprisingly, the mid-range 3.5 mg dose was less effective than the 1.5 mg dose for glucose and triglyceride management. The highest 11.6 mg dose showed comprehensive benefits across all metabolic parameters, significantly reducing fasting blood glucose (-30.1 mg/dL), triglycerides (-29.5 mg/dL), total cholesterol (-47.3 mg/dL), and LDL cholesterol (-20.7 mg/dL), while also promoting weight loss and improving liver histology. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that feijoa exhibits xenohormetic effects with metabolic benefits at low doses (300 mg human equivalent) and enhanced comprehensive benefits at high doses (2300 mg human equivalent), supporting its potential as a natural intervention for metabolic dysfunction management. Novelty of the Study: This study provides evidence that freeze dried feijoa powder (Feiolix (R)) can act as functional food ingredient with potential therapeutic application to improve metabolic health.
