Fruits play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by offering essential nutrients and aiding in illness prevention. Several fruits are reutilised in the production of value-added products like jams to extend their shelf life and for off-season consumption. In this regard, we sought to formulate a novel and nutritionally dense mixed fruit jam by combining black persimmon (Diospyros lotus L.) and black currants (Ribes nigrum L.) due to their high phytochemical profiles and potential as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Jam was developed by using a conventional thermal process in six treatments with different ratios (%) of black persimmon–black currant, T0 (0:100), T1 (20:80), T2 (40:60), T3 (60:40), T4 (80:20), and T5 (100:0), respectively, and evaluated comprehensively for proximate, mineral, and phytochemical analyses, and sensory evaluation (color, aroma, taste, flavour, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability). The proximate composition of jam formulations showed that carbohydrates were the most abundant component, ranging from 56.2% to 73.33%, with protein content between 2.21 and 11.24%, while the mineral analysis indicated a significant presence of potassium (20.21-608.66 mg/100g), along with other essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, demonstrating jam’s conservation ability to preserve nutrients. Through comprehensive in vitro analyses, we found that jam formulation T3 exhibited excellent physicochemical properties with higher total soluble solids (74°brix), titratable acidity (1.63%), optimal pH (3.29), and impressive phytochemical profile, having significantly high levels of phenols (8.9mg/g), flavonoids (1.59mg/g), tannins (35.44%), TPC (3.99g GAE/100g), TFC (0.98g CE/100g), and ascorbic acid (190.64mg/g) as compared to controls (T0 and T5). Interestingly, T3 also possessed good anti-oxidant potential, displaying DPPH radical scavenging activity (37.99%) and FRAP (388.98μmol of Fe²⁺/g). Sensory assessment showed that T3 received the highest acceptability score. In conclusion, our study highlights that black persimmon–black currant jam enriched with phenols and anti-oxidants could hold significant market potential, offering consumers a delicious and potentially health-promoting product.

Introduction: Malnutrition in older adults in Peru increases their risk of anemia and osteoporosis. To address this challenge, we proposed including ingredients that provide essential nutrients in preparations intended for this age group. Nostoc commune (Cushuro) is a nutritious food that grows at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, and its consumption promotes local production and sustainability. Additionally, its polysaccharide content provides a gelling effect. In this context, the effect of incorporating Cushuro on the nutritional value of a compote for older adults was evaluated.
Methodology: Two formulations of quinoa, mango, and passion fruit compote were prepared with the same proportion of ingredients except for their Cushuro content: Formulation 1 (with Cushuro) and Formulation 2 (without Cushuro). A proximal analysis and calcium and iron evalutations were performed using validated methods.
Results: The micronutrient results were obtained from a 250 g sample of compote. Formulation 1 contained 136.7 kcal, of which protein represented 1.34%, carbohydrates 11.8%, and fats 0.09%, with 41.2 mg of iron and 567.1 mg of calcium. Formulation 2 contained 153.4 kcal, of which protein represented 4.56%, carbohydrates 9.92%, and fats 0.14%, with 30.7 mg of iron and 391.1 mg of calcium. Both formulations reached the calcium and iron requirements for older adults that correspond to a snack (10% of the total caloric value). Additionally, Formulation 1 was classified as high in calcium and iron according to the Codex guidelines on nutritional labeling.
Conclusions: The inclusion of Nostoc commune (Cushuro) in compotes offers nutritional benefits. There were higher levels of calcium and iron in Formulation 1, reaching the 10% recommended for older adults.

Niosomes are a non-ionic surfactant-based vesicular system obtained via the hydration of non-ionic surfactants with cholesterol (to impart rigidity). Among various vesicular systems, the niosome provides stability, while the leakage of the drug can be avoided; so, they are considered as a suitable approach. The present study aimed to improve patient compliance in treating skin allergic reactions, and an attempt was made to create a niosomal nanogel loaded with ebastine. Thin-film hydration was used to prepare niosomes using cholesterol, Span 60, Tween 80, and ebastine; the procedure was optimized using a Box–Behnken design. A dispersion method was used, to prepare niosomal gels with carbopol 934 as the gelling agent for a more effective therapeutic result. Ebastine-loaded niosomal nanogels were prepared and evaluated for drug excipient compatibility using FTIR, which revealed that the formulation was compatible. The percentage drug entrapment efficiency was found to be 84.19 %, zeta potential was -27 mV, and vesicle size was between 100 and 300 nm. Nanogels were also evaluated to determine the pH of the gel, their in vitro drug release, and their stability;acceptable results were found. This study shows the successful development of ebastine-loaded niosomal nanogels, with improved penetration, good homogeneity, and stability. It can be concluded that ebastine-loaded niosomal
nanogels could be an effective treatment for skin allergic reactions when applied transdermally.

Abstract

Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Persoon (HE) is a mushroom that is used to treat a variety of medical conditions including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and peripheral nerve injury. However, there is a lack of research into its effects against autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to explore the inhibitory activity of HE extracts against some bacterial triggers of MS and selected autoimmune diseases. Thus, this study aims to be the first to our knowledge to explore the anti-microbial properties of HE extracts on bacteria that have been shown to be the triggers for MS development.

Methods

HE was extracted using methanol, deionised water, ethyl acetate, hexane and chloroform, and these extracts were tested for biological activities. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Acinetobacter baylyi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, triggers for the development of MS, and Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, triggers for the development of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatic fever, using disc diffusion assays, at concentrations of 24.8, 18.5, 4.2, 5.5 and 5.5 mg/mL respectively, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were quantified using liquid micro-dilution assays. The toxicity of of the HE extracts was evaluated using the Artemia nauplii lethality assay.

Results

All extracts showed only mild anti-microbial activity except methanol extract against P. mirabilis at 24.8mg/mL showed a 10 mm zone of inhibition. Methanol extracts also showed mild antibacterial activity against P.aeruginosa in the micro-dilution assay at 2.3 mg/mL. The assessment of toxicity using the Artemia nauplii lethality assay showed HE to be non-toxic.

Conclusion

This preliminary study of HE against some pathogenic bacteria shows inhibitory potential against some bacterial triggers of MS and lack of toxicity, thus highlighting its potential in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Further studies will confirm the effects of these extracts against other aspects of MS progression.

Background and aim: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare malabsorptive condition and represents the most common mechanism of intestinal failure. The aim of our study is to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional status (NS) of SBS patients by analyzing a consecutive cohort of seven patients at the Gastroenterology Department, University of Palermo.

Methods: NS was assessed using anthropometric measurements, the handgrip test (HT), and bioimpedance analysis from March 2023 to October 2023.

Results: A total of 43% of the patients were underweight. Based on the modified EWGSOP 2010 criteria, 42% had a phase angle (PA) <4.45, indicating non-severe sarcopenia. According to the HT and the skeletal muscle index (SMI), 71% were sarcopenic. A total of 72% of the patients received enteral nutrition (EN) and/or parenteral nutrition (PN), while 14% had never undergone nutritional therapy (NT) and another 14% had previously received PN.

All patients needed essential vitamin support; some required additional electrolytes, magnesium, or a glutamine and essential amino acid mixture to support muscle and plasma protein synthesis in protein malnutrition. Immunonutrition was adopted in in 57.1% of cases.

Follow-Up: After six months, 60% of patients showed improvement in PA and SMI values, as well as in muscle strength. A total of 40% experienced slight weight loss; among these, 50% had worsened PA despite maintaining or increasing SMI and HT values. Weight loss was attributed to non-adherence to nutritional guidelines. Changes in nutritional assessment over time led to adjustments in the dosage and frequency of nutritional bag administration, with many patients reducing infusion volumes due to improved intestinal absorptive capacity.

Discussion and Conclusions: An adequate macro- and micronutrient intake is crucial for SBS patients. Inadequate NT can contribute to sarcopenia, with malabsorption episodes exacerbating muscle catabolism. Frequent monitoring of electrolytes, use of PN and EN, and fluid balance is essential. Most SBS patients are malnourished and sarcopenic; timely NT and medication can lead to clinical improvement and enhanced intestinal absorption, reducing infusion volume needs.

Introduction: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal brain development and is linked to the offspring’s behavioral development. This study investigated the impact of the adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern, namely the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), during pregnancy on children's behavioral problems at age 4. We also sought to evaluate whether there was a sex-specific influence.

Methods: This study involved 220 mother–child pairs from a randomized clinical trial in Tarragona. Maternal adherence to the MedDiet was scored based on the consumption of the following nine food items: fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fish, olive oil, meat, dairy products, and alcohol. Positive scores were given for the first six items and negative for the last three, with higher scores indicating a greater adherence. The final score ranged from 0 to 18. The children's behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 (CBCL 1½-5), a parent-reported questionnaire with 99 items on emotional, behavioral, and social problems. Higher scores indicated greater behavioral problems. Multivariable analyses accounting for potential influential factors during pregnancy were fitted to assess the association between the MedDiet and the children’s behavioral problems.

Results: A greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy was associated with lower scores for externalizing problems, such as attention problems, aggressive behavior, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems, as well as for depressive problems in children. Sex-stratified analyses showed a beneficial association with externalizing problems in both girls and boys. However, regarding depression problems, a beneficial association was only observed in boys.

Conclusion: Adhering to a plant-based diet, such as the MedDiet, during pregnancy may mitigate future behavioral problems in offspring. This study underscores the importance of this dietary pattern as a healthy pattern to provide a favorable fetal nutritional environment, ensuring proper development.

Plants of the Vaccinium genus are low-branched, deciduous shrubs that belong to the Ericaceae family. They produce berries rich in various phenolic compounds, including quercetin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, tannins, ellagitannins, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. The most abundant bioactive compounds in these berries are anthocyanins, which give the fruits their distinctive dark blue color. These metabolites comprise anthocyanin aglycones, sugar moieties, and acyl groups.

This study aimed to systematically review clinical research on the effects of berry fruits on drug-metabolizing enzyme activity.

This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. We conducted electronic searches in academic databases such as Cochrane, Ebsco, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The primary inclusion criteria for all databases included the following: 1. keywords (Vaccinium, blueberry, bilberry, cranberry) and (“drug interactions” or “medicines interactions”), 2. publication years (1993–2022), 3. language (English), 4. publication type (article). Three reviewers independently conducted the search and selection process. Initial searches yielded 249 results. Two independent researchers then reviewed titles, abstracts, and full papers, excluding those not meeting the inclusion criteria through discussion. A total of 31 original studies were selected for review.

The positive health benefits of berry fruits have increased the production and consumption of dietary supplements rich in blueberry extract. However, high doses of berry extracts from the Vaccinium genus may cause adverse effects, including potential interactions with other drugs. Blueberry extracts can influence drug behavior and efficacy by altering the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which convert lipophilic drugs and other xenobiotic compounds into polar products for more straightforward elimination from the body. Such interactions between berry fruit compounds and medications can pose risks to patients.

Introduction

Dairy is an integral part of the diet of children and adolescents, but plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDA) are becoming increasingly popular as part of a sustainable diet. As PBDA have a different nutrient profile than dairy, the potential impact of replacing dairy with PBDA was analysed using model analyses, in terms of nutrient adequacy and ecological indicators.

Methods

Using 7,676 three-day-weighing-dietary records from 1,072 DONALD study participants (3≤19 years; 2000-2022), changes in total daily energy and nutrient intake (as % of German dietary reference intake (DRI)) and estimated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and land use (LU) per 1000 kcal/day were calculated. For this purpose, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the current dairy intake were replaced by the same amount of PBDA. Energy and nutrient content of PBDA (total and fortified) were calculated according to current consumption patterns. Differences to the current intake were analysed using analyses of variance (ANOVA α=0.05).

Results

The substitution of dairy with PBDA showed a significant reduction in GHGE (up to 19.3%) and LU (up to 11.9%). Intakes of protein, vitamin B2 and B12 decreased with increasing substitution levels. Protein intake exceeded DRI even in 100% substitution models, but Vitamin B2 and B12 reached DRI only in models with fortified PBDA. Calcium intake was below the DRI in the current diet (median 76%) and was further reduced with increasing levels of substitution irrespective of fortification. Iron intake improved to almost the level of DRI.

Conclusions

Substituting dairy with PBDA reduced ecological substantially GHGE and LU. Protein is no nutrient of concern; sufficient intake of Vitamin B2- and B12-fortified products are advisable. The initially low calcium intake deteriorated further with substitution of dairy by PBDA. Potential health consequences need to be investigated further.

We are constantly looking for novel approaches that either enhance biological functioning or improve our state of physical health and mental well-being. The possibility of contracting a wide range of diseases, including neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, is mostly driven along by environmental factors, ageing process conditions, and an inadequate nutrition diet. Mainstream medication, despite being extensively used for symptomatic treatment, has restricted therapeutic effectiveness. Around 25 centuries ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" and anticipated the connection between foods for health and their unique and special therapeutic benefits; the market was introduced to nutraceuticals. Nutraceutical refers to a combination of nutrient and pharmaceutical. The plant-based nutrition therapies work in a physiological fashion without having a serious negative impact. Multiple studies have clearly highlighted the part that nutraceuticals play in combating neurodegeneration, and experts have convincingly proved the therapeutic efficacy of plant-based nutraceuticals in neurodegenerative disorders. Vitamin C, Resveratrol, and Lycopene are some of the compounds that have shown therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration. Nutraceuticals have already shown promising outcomes in the healthcare industry, and their consumption is rising steadily in the global market. The aim of this article is to emphasize the significance of these plant-based nutrition supplements and assist consumers in selecting superior and healthier options alongside standard neuroprotective drugs to tackle such conditions in a much better and more efficient way.

Introduction. Plant-based diets are growing in popularity worldwide, driven by health and environmental concerns. This has led to a greater demand for plant substitutes for animal-based foods (e.g., meat analogues), emphasizing the need for an up-to-date food composition database (FCDB) for vegetables and plant-based foods. Our aim is to update the Food Composition Database for Epidemiological Studies in Italy (BDA, https://bda.ieo.it), focusing on the Vegetables and plant-based foods group, and to use this updated tool to assess the nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets followed by a sample of adults accessing the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. In this work, we present some preliminary results of the BDA update.

Methods. The BDA is compiled according to international standards (www.eurofir.org) and involves the use of data from pre-existing sources: national and international FCDBs, scientific articles, nutritional labels, analyses from food industries and laboratories. When no data are available, the recipe approach is implemented.

Results. The Vegetables and plant-based foods group comprises 6 sub-groups and 23 food categories, currently including 175 items. Efforts will be needed to update the composition data of pre-existing food items, and to add others by consulting the latest consumption data and verifying the availability of foods in the Italian market. For each food item, data on 89 components will be compiled: edible part, energy (kcal, kJ), water, 17 macronutrients, 13 minerals, 15 vitamins, 21 fatty acids, 18 amino acids and alcohol. This new BDA update will be integrated into a web application to measure dietary intake.

Conclusions. The BDA project aims to offer an inclusive FCDB in terms of items and components. This update will serve as a valuable resource for epidemiological studies focused on plant-based diets. The dietary assessment results will support the development of recommendations to promote the consumption of nutritionally balanced plant-based diets.