Insights & Discussion
Peppermint, particularly its component menthol, has been indicated to possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially improving management of chronic disorders like diabetes and cancer.
Researchers searched four databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) to identify articles relevant to peppermint and its anti-inflammatory effects. The search, conducted up to March 2023, led to the screening of 3805 records. From these, 14 articles were selected that met the study requirements. This extensive search and selection process aimed to cover as broad a range of reputable sources as possible, providing a holistic view of existing research on peppermint's potential anti-inflammatory capabilities.
In these studies, peppermint showed potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Its hypothetical mechanism of action includes the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase/unc-51 like kinase 1/nuclear factor-E2 associated factor 2 autophagy pathway. Concurrently, it might downregulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase-nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways, thereby enabling inflammation suppression. Other likely pathways include attenuating oxidative stress and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide. Additionally, it may induce the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. These combined pathways potentially lead to the overall reduction of inflammation. However, more human studies are required to confirm these beneficial effects.
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Goji berry leaves have stronger anti-colitis effects than mulberry leaves, ameliorating tissue damage and better regulating inflammatory responses and gut microbiota.
2023 Food & Function Goji berry leaf exerts a comparable effect against colitis and microbiota dysbiosis to its fruit in dextran-sulfate-sodium-treated mice Yu C, Chen Y, Ahmadi S, Wu D, Wu J, Ding T, et al.
Experimental Study Anti-Colitis Anti-Inflammatory Colitis
The research entailed a comparative study conducted on goji berry and mulberry leaves versus their respective fruits. To determine their anti-colitis effects, the experiment was administered to C57BL/6N mice that had been induced with colitis through dextran-sulfate-sodium. Through the utilization of measures such as ELISA and western blotting analysis, researchers were able to observe how each leaf versus its corresponding fruit ameliorated colitic symptoms, tissue damage, and was able to influence the overproduction of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The results showed that both the goji berry leaf and fruit significantly reduced symptoms of colitis and improved tissue damage while the mulberry leaf did not show similar improvements. The goji berry leaf exhibited the strongest performance in restraining the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and further repairing the damaged colonic barrier. It also effectively adjusted gut microbiota equilibrium by increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing harmful ones. The berries and leaves similarly restored certain dietary fibers to alleviate inflammation, but the mulberry leaf did not achieve this for butyrate. This is the first report to provide a comprehensive contrast of anti-colitis effects between the leaves and fruits of goji and mulberry.
Long-term consumption of green tea can potentially lessen the risk of depression in postmenopausal women by decreasing inflammation and boosting estradiol levels.
2023 Nutrients Long-Term Consumption of Green Tea Can Reduce the Degree of Depression in Postmenopausal Women by Increasing Estradiol Wan Z, Qin X, Tian Y, Ouyang F, Wang G, Wan Q
Cohort Study Anti-Inflammatory Depression Green Tea
In the study, researchers performed an analysis on a tea-producing village, incorporating 386 postmenopausal women in the investigation, who participated either as green tea consumers or non-drinkers (control group). The level of estradiol, inflammation markers, sleep quality, and depression symptoms were measured to uncover any correlations.
The results reflected significant disparities between the tea-drinking and control groups in terms of depression and insomnia levels, BMI, inflammation levels, and estradiol quantities. By appraising these outcomes, it was found that green tea intake could quell the likelihood of depression via its impact on sleep, inflammation, and estradiol levels. The risk of depression was consequently seen as reduced among postmenopausal women engaging in regular consumption of green tea.
Consumption of tea and coffee may possibly provide anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality.
2023 Pharmacological Research Coffee or tea: Anti-inflammatory properties in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention Surma S, Sahebkar A, Banach M
Review Article Anti-Inflammatory Cardiovascular Disease Coffee
The methodology of this narrative review examined the potential anti-inflammatory properties of consuming tea and coffee as a factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This was done by analyzing a plethora of studies and meta-analyses that explored the impact of diet on inflammation, with a keen focus on the consumption of these beverages. The studies looked at a variety of risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including inflammation biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, along with the impact of modern lipid-lowering treatments.
In discussing the results, it was noticed that inconsistent findings were produced from the analysed studies which made a conclusive determination challenging. However, a trend was observed where drinking tea and coffee seemed to raise adiponectin levels, reduce reactive oxygen species and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Despite these potential anti-inflammatory properties of tea and coffee being somewhat uncertain due to various confounding factors, their consumption is still recommended as part of a healthy diet.
Phenolic extracts from turmeric and ginger have significant anti-inflammatory effects and enhance wound healing in Wistar rats.
2023 Cosmetics Effect of Phenolic Compounds Extracted from Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Wistar Rats Bouchama C, Zinedine A, Rocha JM, Chadli N, El Ghadraoui L, Chabir R, et al.
Experimental Study Anti-Inflammatory Ginger Wound Healing
The study utilised the solid-liquid extraction method to obtain phenolic extracts from turmeric and ginger rhizomes. Using Wistar rats as a biological model, the researchers examined the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts by observing the decrease in edema volume in the rat's hind paw following treatment. Moreover, the healing process of purposefully induced burns on the rat's dorsal region was monitored to evaluate the healing activity.
In the discussion of the results, it was observed that the application of creams containing the mentioned extracts resulted in complete healing after 19 days, a marked improvement compared to the control group, which only achieved 60% healing. The extracts demonstrated different levels regarding tissue repair at day 14, showing their respective potency. The study also identified diverse molecular weight distribution of phenolic compounds within the extracts, suggesting potential influence on how they affect anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities.
Carrot's bioactive compounds can regulate immune response, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent damaging oxidative destruction, making it a potential preventive tool for various diseases.
2022 Journal of Functional Foods Critical review on the immunomodulatory activities of carrot’s β-carotene and other bioactive compounds Anjani G, Ayustaningwarno F, Eviana R
Review Article Anti-Inflammatory Carotene Carrot
In this literature review, mechanisms were proposed for how the antioxidant properties of carrot’s β-carotene and other bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acid, flavonoid, polyacetylene, and ascorbic acid could modulate the immune system. These proposals were centered around three main paths: anti-inflammatory response modulation, antioxidant response modulation, and overall immune response modulation (which involves both innate and adaptive responses).
In the discussion of results, it was revealed that the bioactive compounds in carrots have the ability to regulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and are also capable of reducing oxidative stress. This was shown by the decrease in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and an increase in antioxidant capacity, which collaboratively helps to minimize destructive oxidative destruction. Additionally, these compounds influenced immune components, specifically via the regulation of leukocytes, antigens, immunoglobulins, and histamine levels. As a result, carrots were defined as a functional food source capable of immune modulation and potential prevention and treatment for a range of diseases.
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