PurposeThe purpose of this study was to review the production technology and functional attributes of a tea based fermented beverage - Kombucha. Functional beverages are the drinks either nonalcoholic or having alcohol content below 0.5% and containing nontraditional ingredients. These ingredients can be minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, digestive fibers, probiotics and antioxidants, which are beneficial for human health. These beverages are considered to be most actively proliferating sector because of their ease of product formulations by incorporating desirable nutrients and bioactive compounds accompanied by easy distribution due to better shelf life. Design/methodology/approachThis review focuses on the therapeutic properties of Kombucha that can be useful in ameliorating the metabolic syndrome (MetS). FindingsOver 1.9 billion individuals worldwide are overweight, and 650 million are obese, as per World Health Organization report. Since Haller first proposed the term “metabolic syndrome” in 1977, many of its components, especially obesity and diabetes, have become much more common. This study reviews the findings related to prevalence of MetS syndrome and role of kombucha in controlling its important indicators/markers. Research limitations/implicationsThe research studies on the said topic is limited to cell lines or animal models. Practical implicationsA thorough understanding of outcomes of in vitro and in vivo trials along with salient findings of the human trials can be useful for its utilization as a dietary intervention for controlling MetS. Social implicationsKeeping in mind, the significance of ever increasing cases of MetS. Originality/valueAn attempt has been made to highlights the significant findings available from the clinical trials on human subjects regarding uses of kombucha as dietary intervention.
PurposeAlpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions. Key outcomes assessed include changes in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and other related mediators in response to ALA treatment. Design/methodology/approachThis systematic review aimed to comprehensively analyze the available evidence on drug interactions between ALA and prostaglandin pathways and highlight their potential therapeutic implications. A comprehensive search of multiple scientific databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, was conducted from database inception until 31 August 2025 using keywords related to ALA and prostaglandins. FindingsThe findings consistently show that ALA inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, leading to a reduction in prostaglandin production. This inhibition contributes to ALA’s anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties by modulating downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK, TNF and PI3K-Akt. ALA also reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and markers, such as TNF-α, interleukin-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, in immune cells. Originality/valueThe findings underscore the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish definitive conclusions regarding ALA’s efficacy and safety in this context.
PurposeLuteolin, a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid, has attracted increasing attention as a potential therapeutic and chemosensitizing agent in gastric cancer. This study aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the available preclinical evidence on the anticancer effects and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of luteolin in gastric cancer. Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to December 31, 2025. Eligible preclinical studies, in vitro and in vivo, investigating the effects of luteolin on gastric cancer models were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the findings were narratively synthesized. FindingsA total of 27 preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Across the included in vitro studies, luteolin consistently reduced gastric cancer cell viability and proliferation, induced apoptosis and caused cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 and/or G2/M phases. Luteolin suppressed migration and invasion, decreased epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. In vivo, luteolin inhibited tumor growth, reduced metastatic burden without overt toxicity and enhanced the chemosensitivity of gastric tumors to conventional agents in combination settings. Originality/valueThe available evidence from preclinical in vitro and in vivo models supports the anticancer potential of luteolin in gastric cancer and highlights its capacity to modulate multiple cellular and molecular targets. Nonetheless, these findings are derived exclusively from preclinical studies, and well-designed clinical trials are required before any definitive therapeutic conclusions can be drawn.
Purpose - This study aims to determine the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia and to document the double burden of malnutrition in a region experiencing rapid socioeconomic transition. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study analyzed electronic medical records from primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,191 participants aged 6-18 years were enrolled between August 2023 and November 2024. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) percentile criteria. Findings - Among 437 children (6-13 years), combined overweight/obesity prevalence was 26.3%. Among 754 adolescents (14-18 years), it was 32.9%. Female children showed significantly higher overweight rates than males (19.3% vs 14.8%, p < 0.001). A high underweight prevalence (23.1%) was observed among adolescents, indicating the double burden of malnutrition. Research limitations/implications - The cross-sectional design and recruitment from PHC attendees preclude causal inference and limit generalizability to the wider population. Practical implications - These findings provide essential baseline data for developing integrated, culturally sensitive interventions that address both undernutrition and overnutrition within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. Social implications - The coexistence of underweight, overweight and obesity within the same population reflects the complex nutritional transition in developing nations and calls for comprehensive multilevel public health strategies. Originality/value - This study provides the first systematic assessment of the double burden of malnutrition in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia using WHO criteria, filling a regional gap in national data and supporting targeted policy development.
Purpose-Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, are highly prevalent in Qatar. This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among adults in the Qatar Biobank (QBB) cohort and examine their associations with anthropometric and biochemical markers of CMDs. Design/methodology/approach-This cross-sectional study included adults aged >= 18 years from the Qatar Precision Health Initiative (QPHI)-QBB data. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally adapted food-frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns, and multivariable regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between identified dietary patterns and CMDs indicators. Findings-Participants with CMDs had significantly higher visceral adiposity (p = 0.004), glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, CRP and insulin levels (all p <0.001) compared to CMDs-Free individuals, despite similar sociodemographic characteristics. The fast food and meat-heavy pattern was positively associated with waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.01), waist size (p < 0.05), insulin (p <0.05) and inversely with HDL (p < 0.05). The fruit and vegetable-based pattern showed no significant associations. The traditional rice and meat pattern was associated with HDL (p <0.05) and vitamin D (p < 0.05). The dairy and bread-based pattern was associated with central adiposity (p < 0.05), while the dessert and snack pattern showed no significant associations. Research limitations/implications-The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and further investigate the role of dietary patterns in the development of CMDs in Middle Eastern populations. Practical implications-The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier dietary patterns, particularly increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, while reducing fast food and energy-dense dietary habits. These insights may inform nutrition interventions and public health strategies to reduce CMD risk in Qatar. Originality/value-This study provides valuable evidence on culturally relevant dietary patterns and their associations with cardiometabolic health in Qatar using QBB data. The findings contribute to the limited literature on dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk in Middle Eastern populations and may inform region-specific dietary guidelines and preventive health policies.
