Insights & Discussion
Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruits have shed some light on their biological effects, such as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities and inhibition of foam cell formation in macrophages.
The nutritional jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.) fruit belonging to the Rhamnaceous family grows mostly in Europe, southern and eastern Asia, and Australia, especially the inland region of northern China. Jujube has a long history of usage as a fruit and remedy. The main biologically active components are vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and polysaccharides. Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruits have shed some light on their biological effects, such as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities and inhibition of foam cell formation in macrophages. A stronger focus on clinical studies and phytochemical definition of jujube fruits will be essential for future research efforts. This review may be useful for predicting other medicinal uses and potential drug or food interactions and may be beneficial for people living where the jujube fruits are prevalent and health care resources are scarce.
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Carrot and carotene consumption could diminish the risk of a wide range of negative health consequences, including multiple types of cancer.
2023 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Carrot and carotene and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of the evidence Yi X, Li J, Liao D, Peng G, Zheng X, Xu H, et al.
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An umbrella review methodology was adopted to identify connections between carrot and carotene intake and various health outcomes. We turned to databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase to find the needed data. The analysis included the collected evidence from both interventional and observational studies that focused on carrots, carotene, and any related health impact. To estimate the summary effect size for each correlation, both random and fixed effects models were employed.
The study reviewed a total of 1329 studies and utilized the data from 30 meta-analyses with 26 health outcomes that fit the eligibility requirements. These featured outcomes related to various types of cancer, fractures, age-related cataract, sunburn, and Alzheimer's disease. The associations were analyzed between the health outcomes and the intake of carrots, intake of carotene, and serum carotene levels.
The ethanol extract from adzuki beans significantly reduces lung metastasis and invasion of melanoma cells, showing potential for functional food development.
2023 Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry Potential Ability of Hot Water Adzuki (Vigna angularis) Extracts to Inhibit the Adhesion, Invasion, and Metastasis of Murine B16 Melanoma Cells ITOH T, UMEKAWA H, FURUICHI Y
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The methodology of the study involved extracting the 40% ethanol eluent from the fraction of hot-water extract from adzuki beans adsorbed onto a type of resin. This extract, dubbed EtEx.40, was then tested on B16-BL6 melanoma cells, examining specifically its effects on adhesion, migration, and invasion into extracellular matrix components and their invasion into reconstituted basement membrane (colloquially referred to as matrigel), while ensuring it did not affect cell proliferation in vitro.
The results illustrated a significant difference in the presence of tumor colonies when treated with EtEx.40. The extract showed a considerable inhibitory effect on the experimental lung metastasis, as well as the invasion of the melanoma cells. Furthermore, the adhesion and migration of the melanoma cells into the extracellular matrix components were also reduced. The results demonstrated a strong antimetastatic role of the ethanol extract of adzuki beans.
Purple carrot roots, rich in bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, may be effective in preventing metabolic syndrome and cancer by reducing inflammation and metabolic changes.
2022 Applied Sciences Delving into the Nutraceutical Benefits of Purple Carrot against Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer: A Review Rasheed H, Shehzad M, Rabail R, Kowalczewski P, Kidoń M, Jeżowski P, et al.
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The methodology employed in the research deeply studies the role of purple carrot’s main bioactive compounds against metabolic syndrome and cancer. The main focus lies on anthocyanin, a phenolic compound present in purple carrot roots. This natural food source was shifted towards as a healthier nutritional approach instead of dietary supplements. The research leans on the effectiveness of these compounds in evading or delaying the onset of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancer by inhibiting inflammatory effects.
The discussion primarily surrounds the role of bioactive compounds found in purple carrots, specifically anthocyanin, in their potential prevention of metabolic syndrome and cancer. The study focused on how these components could disrupt the onset of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and similar health issues. The results suggest that these compounds were successful in decreasing metabolic changes and inflammation. It has been suggested that purple carrots' inherent components might serve as a major tool in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome and cancer.
Compounds found in green tea, especially EGCG, show significant anti-cancer activity and hold promise as potential anticancer drugs or adjuvants to standard chemotherapy.
2022 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Green Tea Catechins: Nature’s Way of Preventing and Treating Cancer Farhan M
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The study used a combination of epidemiological and laboratory studies to examine the effects of catechins in green tea on combating cancer. The researchers focused their attention on the four main catechin derivatives found in green tea: epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate—the latter found to be most potent. Attention was given to the quantity of hydroxyl groups and the presence of certain structural groups in these compounds, and how these factors affected antioxidant activity.
The study centered around the effects of catechins on tumor survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. By doing this, the researchers could observe the influence of the identified compounds on the various processes that lead to the development and spread of cancer. The main point of observation was the capacity of catechins to neutralize reactive oxygen species, a key facet in their anti-cancer activity.
The jujube tree bears fruit endowed with substantial nutritional value and contains numerous phytochemical components with reported antioxidant, anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties.
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The research implemented an analysis of the jujube tree, its fruit, and its long history of usage in traditional medicine, focusing primarily on its use in traditional Persian and Chinese medicines. The varied geographical distribution of the tree was studied, especially its presence in tropical and subtropical regions across Europe and Asia. Researchers took into account the tree’s resilience to soil salinity and alkalinity as part of its general characteristics.
The core of the study involved an in-depth investigation into the nutritional composition and pharmacological properties of the jujube fruit. The fruit's contents were categorized into proteins, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and carbohydrates. Furthermore, a range of phytochemical components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and carotenoids were identified.
Research noted both the fruit's nutraceutical and cosmeceutical potential. It also explored the medicinal properties of all elements of the plant, not just the fruit.
The physiological impacts of the jujube were also evaluated across various medical contexts, seeking to understand its impact on different organs and tissues, as well as its influence on various health conditions and concerns. Culminating in the identification of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective properties. Noteworthy, are also its health-promoting effects, with strong references to anti-aging properties.
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