Insights & Discussion
Gold kiwifruit extracts contained different bioactive materials which showed selective cytotoxic activity against human oral tumor cells and displayed anti-HIV, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities.
The methodology involved stepwise extraction of gold kiwifruit with hexane, acetone, methanol, and 70% methanol; the extracts were then fractionated using silica gel and ODS column chromatographies to examine their biological activities. Different fractions like H1, H2 (from the hexane extract), A1, A2 (from the acetone extract), and M2 (from the methanol extract) were tested, as well as more hydrophilic fractions from the 70% methanol extract.
In the discussion of the results, fractions H1, H2, A1, A2 and M2 displayed notable cytotoxic activity against human oral tumor cell lines, with these showing more sensitivity compared to human gingival fibroblasts. The hydrophilic fractions from the 70% methanol extract demonstrated higher anti-HIV activity, radical generation, and oxygen scavenging activity. However, the antibacterial activity of these fractions was generally lower than that of the more lipophilic (hexane, acetone, methanol) extracts, indicating no distinct antimicrobial action. Interestingly, all fractions were inactive against Helicobacter pylori.
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Pumpkin seeds are recognised for their medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits, including anti-diabetic, heart disease prevention, anti-cancer, and antioxidant qualities.
2024 The Natural Products Journal Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita spp.) as a Nutraceutical Used In Various Lifestyle Disorders Wal A, Singh MR, Gupta A, Rathore S, Rout RR, Wal P
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The review article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin seeds. The methodology includes an examination of the various known substances in the seeds, such as phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. The study then delves into the different benefits and therapeutic uses of these components stretching from medicinal to nutritional to cosmetic applications.
The results of this research are diverse and impressive, with implications for several major health sectors. Their potential anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties could suggest a significant role in the management and prevention of diabetes. Meanwhile, the seeds' potential in cardiovascular disease prevention could help to address one of the most pressing global health issues. Moreover, potential anti-cancer properties imply that these seeds could even have a part to play in cancer prevention. The review also described potential additional qualities, such as antidepressant, anti-helminthic (parasite-removing), and antioxidant effects.
Morinda citrifolia root extracts display significant antibacterial activity against various bacteria, with the highest impact against Campylobacter spp.
2024 PLOS One In vitro antibacterial activity of Morinda citrifolia extracts against eight pathogenic bacteria species Obeng-Boateng F, Kpordze SW, Addy F
Antibacterial Campylobacter Noni
The study investigates the antibacterial properties of various forms of Morinda citrifolia (root, leaf, and fruit- fresh, dried, and fermented). These were extracted through distilled water and varied concentrations of ethanol(60%, 80%, 100%). The antibacterial assessments were conducted using the agar well diffusion method, utilizing Ciprofloxacin as a positive control. While all forms of the plant showed some degree of antibacterial performance, the root extracts were found to have the most significant influence.
The analysis of the results reveals a variance in antibacterial activity amongst the different extracts and the concentration of the solvents used. Among the solvents, the 100% ethanol extracts showed the most significant zones of inhibition. Certain bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecium, Campylobacter spp., and Bacillus cereus, were found to be more sensitive to the plant extracts. In contrast, Shigella spp. and Klebsiella spp. demonstrated resistance to most of the extracts. The study concludes a promising potential for antibacterial applications of M. citrifolia extracts.
Fruits, especially kiwifruits, and rye bread can enhance bowel movements and help manage chronic constipation better than conventional dietary methods.
2023 Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Foods, drinks and diets and their effect on chronic constipation in adults Van Der Schoot A, Katsirma Z, Whelan K, Dimidi E
Review Article Constipation Fruits Kiwifruit
An exhaustive analysis was conducted incorporating a multitude of studies, including randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled trials, identified through electronic databases till 12th July 2023. The effect of various foods, drinks, and diets on characteristics such as stool output, gut transit time, symptoms, quality of life, adverse events, and compliance in adults with chronic constipation was inspected. The study also examined the response to different treatments and included a variety of foods such as kiwifruit, high-mineral water, prunes, rye bread, mango, fig, cereal, oat bran, yoghurt, water supplementation, prune juice, and high-fibre or no-fibre diets.
The synthesized data revealed that the consumption of fruits, particularly kiwifruits, and rye bread led to a higher stool frequency when compared to standard treatments like psyllium or white bread. High-mineral water also proved more effective regarding response to treatment than low-mineral water. On the other hand, no distinctive difference was identified for prunes when set against psyllium as a treatment option. Overall, the study insightfully suggests dietary modifications as a means to manage chronic constipation, emphasizing the potential of fruits such as kiwifruits and rye bread.
Kiwifruit polysaccharides may alleviate the toxic effects of acrylamide by improving gut health and enhancing bile acid metabolism.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Effects of kiwi fruit (Actinidia chinensis) polysaccharides on metabolites and gut microbiota of acrylamide-induced mice Chen M, Chen X, Wang K, Cai L, Liu N, Zhou D, et al.
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In this study, the team explored the potential protective effects of kiwifruit polysaccharides on disorders induced by acrylamide (a toxic ingredient found in high-temperature, carbohydrate-rich food) on gut microbiota and systemic metabolism. They measured changes in gut microbiota and serum metabolites in mice subjected to acrylamide-induced toxicity, focusing primarily on the effects on mice's bodily features, liver health, and liver enzyme activity.
The results revealed that treatment with kiwifruit polysaccharides not only improved the mice's overall health and liver function but also restored the balance in their gut microbiota by increasing microbial diversity and the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, it was found that the polysaccharides had a significant impact on amino and bile acid-related metabolic pathways, proving their potential in protecting against toxicity. A strong correlation was also found between certain bacteria and the critical metabolites of bile acid metabolism, providing a deeper understanding of the protective mechanisms of kiwifruit polysaccharides.
Consuming two medium-sized green kiwifruits an hour before bed can improve sleep quality and recovery stress balance among elite athletes.
2023 Nutrients The Impact of Kiwifruit Consumption on the Sleep and Recovery of Elite Athletes Doherty R, Madigan S, Nevill A, Warrington G, Ellis JG
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The study began with an initial assessment, after which all participants were instructed to consume two medium-sized green kiwifruits an hour before bedtime over a 4-week span. Data was collected through baseline and post-intervention questionnaires, as well as daily sleep diary entries throughout the study duration.
There was a notable positive effect of kiwifruit consumption on essential aspects of sleep and recovery in professional athletes. After the intervention period, improvements were observed in sleep quality and recovery stress balances. Additionally, there was an increase in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and a decrease in the number of times participants woke after falling asleep. The study concludes that kiwifruits positively influence sleep and recovery in high-performing athletes.
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