This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of Opuntia humifusa stem and fruit extract (OHCE) in a diabetic animal model over 50 days, alongside in silico molecular docking of its major flavonoid, taxifolin. OHCE administration markedly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and improved insulin secretion and homeostasis model assessment-beta-cell function values. It also reduced the levels of key serum and hepatic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, including glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and pyruvate carboxylase, while higher-dose administration additionally inhibited serum α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and liver protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Molecular docking demonstrated that taxifolin, a flavonoid previously reported in O. humifusa, exhibits high binding affinity toward these target enzymes, providing mechanistic evidence for its efficacy. Overall, these findings indicate that OHCE may be a promising multifunctional antidiabetic food ingredient capable of improving glycemic control and pancreatic islets.
Concerns regarding respiratory diseases have increased, particularly due to emerging communicable diseases and fine dust. Preemptive prevention of respiratory diseases using functional foods is needed. Korean pears ( Pyrus pyrifolia ), an ancient functional food, were shown in our previous pilot study to detoxify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from fine dust and to modulate proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, we conducted an expanded clinical trial over 8 weeks, with three visits (0, 4, and 8 weeks designated as V1, V2, and V3), in Korean adults with mild respiratory symptoms ( N = 119) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pear extracts. Internal exposure to fine dust was assessed by measuring urinary PAH metabolites—2-naphthol (2-NT) and 1-hydroxypyrene—using HPLC/FLD. The primary endpoints were proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Respiratory symptoms were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Cough Symptom Score (CSS). Fine dust levels and PAH metabolites were higher at V2 than at V1 or V3. Pear extracts reduced urinary 2-NT levels at V2. In addition, they decreased IgE and IL-5 levels and improved quality of life in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, as assessed by the SGRQ and CSS. Safety biomarkers, including ALT, AST, BUN, etc. , remained within normal ranges throughout the trial. Thus, this clinical trial demonstrates the functional effects of Korean pear extracts on respiratory quality of life, proinflammatory cytokines — particularly IL-5 and IgE — and the detoxification of fine dust-related PAH exposure.
Natural orange extract rich in citrus flavanones was evaluated for its effects on gastrointestinal discomfort and gut health in a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-four healthy adults aged 18–65 years with gastrointestinal discomfort received either natural orange extract (500 mg/day) or placebo once daily. Supplementation significantly improved digestive and total Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores compared with placebo at Days 45 and 90 (both p < 0.0001), with a greater proportion of participants achieving normal stool consistency by Day 45 (89.3%; p = 0.0210). No significant between-group differences were observed in inflammatory biomarkers, although trends toward increased short-chain fatty acid production and improved gut microbial diversity were noted with supplementation. These findings suggest that natural orange extract may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and stool consistency while supporting gut microbiome health. Larger studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Concerns regarding respiratory diseases have increased, particularly due to emerging communicable diseases and fine dust. Preemptive prevention of respiratory diseases using functional foods is needed. Korean pears (Pyrus pyrifolia), an ancient functional food, were shown in our previous pilot study to detoxify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from fine dust and to modulate proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, we conducted an expanded clinical trial over 8 weeks, with three visits (0, 4, and 8 weeks designated as V1, V2, and V3), in Korean adults with mild respiratory symptoms (N = 119) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pear extracts. Internal exposure to fine dust was assessed by measuring urinary PAH metabolites—2-naphthol (2-NT) and 1-hydroxypyrene—using HPLC/FLD. The primary endpoints were proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Respiratory symptoms were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Cough Symptom Score (CSS). Fine dust levels and PAH metabolites were higher at V2 than at V1 or V3. Pear extracts reduced urinary 2-NT levels at V2. In addition, they decreased IgE and IL-5 levels and improved quality of life in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, as assessed by the SGRQ and CSS. Safety biomarkers, including ALT, AST, BUN, etc., remained within normal ranges throughout the trial. Thus, this clinical trial demonstrates the functional effects of Korean pear extracts on respiratory quality of life, proinflammatory cytokines — particularly IL-5 and IgE — and the detoxification of fine dust-related PAH exposure.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a range of metabolic abnormalities, such as overweight, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and immune-inflammatory responses. The aggregation of these risk factors elevates the likelihood of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a low-molecular-weight polymer consisting mainly of D-glucosamine units. It is produced from chitin, the second most abundant natural polymer, through deacetylation and subsequent hydrolysis. Owing to its broad biological activities, COS has emerged as a promising natural candidate for the management of MetS. Gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining energy homeostasis and is closely associated with the development of MetS. Recent studies show that COS, a potential prebiotic, can alleviate obesity-induced MetS by modulating gut microbiota. However, comprehensive evidence on the use of COS for treating and preventing MetS remains lacking. This article critical reviews experimental evidence on the beneficial effects of COS.
