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Iconic Coca-Cola and premium orange juice are the most consumed soft drinks and juices in the world. In the present study the obtention five samples of soft drink by mixing the two beverages in different proportion, 1:0.125, 1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2 was described. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics were described. The determined quality indicators were the following: the relative density, the soluble dry matter, the total acidity, the turbidity, the kinematic viscosity, the soluble dry matter/titratable acidity, the carbon dioxide, the vitamin C, the sensory analysis. Compared to the Coca-Cola and premium orange juice control samples, the consumer’s favorite was the sample with Coca Cola: premium orange juice - ratio 1:2. The values of the quality indicators of this innovative combination are in the range of known values for the non-alcoholic beverages, but the CO2 content is 1.52 g/100 cm3 and that of the ascorbic acid is 467 ppm. The 467 ppm increase in the vitamin C content as compared to Coca-Cola, which contains 0 ppm, can place this sample in the category of the nutraceutical beverages naturally enriched with vitamin C.

The current review paper portrays the important link of different nutrients like trace elements, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids with the immune system as well as information related to metabolic paradoxes. Optimum working of the metabolic system is essential because it gives various types of supplements to the human body and aid in chemical pathways. Here related data have been retrieved from two databases i.e., PubMed and Google scholar to grasp detailed knowledge about micronutrients and nutrients as well as their association in the metabolic system. Like protein play important role in the normal development of different immune components, amino acids including alanine, Arginine, and glutamic acid properly control the movement of neutrophils, macrophages, and cytokines. While fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory agent because they possess the ability to inhibit the expression of the MHC class. Apart from these, many essential molecules like uric acid, proteins, calcium, lanolin are also obtained as end products after catabolic and anabolic reactions, and it was found that the uric acid paradox has a cancer inhibitory role. Additionally, TGF and IL-6 paradoxes have a role in the development of tumors, the onset of diabetes, and low-grade inflammatory disorders respectively. However, the entire functioning of metabolic processes depends upon daily diet because humans get the important nutrient from the diet which further vital role in the immune system. Moreover, it was also observed that calcium paradox is related to heart disorders because high calcium accumulation leads to cardiac disorders. Thus, the complete knowledge about these essential components as well as metabolic paradoxes is very important due to their antagonistic role to plan better and improved therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

The Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) adapted to the conditions of arid areas where it offers to man and animals its nourishingand therapeutics properties The importance of this crop is related to its diversity of use and ecological role The juice obtained from thefruit pulp is characterised by a high pH 5.8 making its conservation difficult and its preservation requires thermal treatment at over 115°C which is harmful for the bioactive constituents and color compared to orange juice, processed at temperatures below100°C. The objective of this study aims to valuing this wealth of bioactive molecules of prickly pear and increase its consumption in the form of cocktails with orange juice. A stabilisation treatment by heat, weakly affects polyphenols rate which decreases from 10.5% for cocktail of 30%. The loss is 12% in the prickly pear juice. However, the vitamin C content decreases from 25 to 29% following thermal treatment at 85°C for 30 min for the orange juice and prickly pear juice. Thermal treatment of these juices showed that the antioxidant activity decreases. It is 16% in the presence of 30% of prickly pear juice. During storage the loss of vitamin C is 25% in the presence of 30% pear juice; the loss in polyphenol is low. Microbiological quality control showed the effectiveness of pasteurisation at 85°C. Valorisation in the form of natural cocktail juice is particularly interesting due to the contribution of bioactives compounds. It showed acceptable sensory quality.

This study aims to evaluate the organoleptic, physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological quality of four types of fruit juices, then to follow their characteristics after a treatment of pasteurization and during their conservation at various temperatures. The analyzed samples were of good organoleptic and physicochemical quality (pH, Brix, dry extract, vitamin C content, acidity and pulp content in the products) in accordance with the Algerian standards, while the microbiological quality of the juices was not significantly affected (p > 0.05) by the thermal treatments, Pasteurization and high storage temperature (50°C for 45 days) have significantly (p<0.05) affected the physicochemical and nutritional quality of the juices, for example, the acidity of our products has decreased from 0.39±0.02 % to 0.20±0.01 % and their vitamin C content from 792±0.05 mg.L-1 to 198±0 mg.L-1. In order to better preserve the quality of these foodstuffs, it is necessary to respect the conservation temperatures especially in hot countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction- Drug stability in healthcare establishments is a recurring problem in practice of hospital pharmacists. Apart from the expired drugs, instabilities are often confirmed by changes in appearance or color observed during drug’s period of validity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stability and hospital practices likely to induce instabilities of valid parenteral drugs. Materials and methods- Firstly, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out over three months in three hospital in western of Algeria. Bad conditions of storage, preparation and administration as well as instabilities have been identified on parenteral drugs with long expiry dates. Secondary, photostability test was carried out under normal conditions of administration after exposure to daylight of both ascorbic acid solution in slow infusion and amoxicillin solution for injection after reconstitution. Results- About 546 parenteral drugs examined, 131 non compliances were identified, including 43% related to poor storage at the pharmacy, 33% related to administration and 24% related to preparation or reconstitution. Among the non-conformities related to storage and those related to administration, exposure to light for photosensitive drugs was predominant at 54% and 53.8% respectively.In addition, photostability study showed reduction of 10% of ascorbic acid content from the 30th minute of infusion and a yellowing of amoxicillin solution after one hour of daylight exposition. Conclusion- These studies showed the importance of having a quality assurance system within the hospital, which will ensure the application of good hospital pharmacy practices and thus guarantee the drug’s stability and efficacy, particularly for liquid parenteral forms.

Maoberry (Antidesma bunius L.) is a tropical fruit locally referred to as "Mao-Luang" in Thailand. The fruit contains high amounts of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds with antioxidative potential, which has demonstrated medicinal value in terms of anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. In this term, this research purposed to determine the changes of predominant bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of pasteurized (85°C/1 min), pressurized (500 and 600 MPa/30°C/30 min), and ultra-sonicated (20 kHz/60% and 80% amplitude/30 min) maoberry juices during storageat 4°C for 30 days. The results displayed that ascorbic acid, phenolic acids (gallic and vanillic acids), anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-o-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside), flavonoids [(+)-catechin and (?)-epicatechin), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) radical inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value in pressurized and ultra-sonicated juices displayed higher reduction rate during storage than those in pasteurized juice. Nevertheless, at the final stage of storage, both juicesstill contained higher levels of antioxidant compounds and properties than inthermally treated juice. All the treated samples were shown to reduce initial microbial load of fresh maoberry juice to a non-detectable amount, while maintaining their quality during prolonged refrigerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global public health emergency due to the recent spread of COVID-19 throughout the world. Millions of people are affected daily and thousands died. Almost all countries are now paying attention to control this pandemic outbreak. Therefore, researchers are trying to identify the pathophysiology of the disease, appropriate prognosis, effective management and prevention of COVID-19. Based on current published evidence, this review article specifies the role of different nutrients in the possible prevention and management of COVID-19 and viral infections. Balanced nutrition including adequate vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, zinc and phytonutrients have shown promising immune-boosting roles in COVID-19 and other respiratory infections due to their potential antiinflammatory and antioxidants properties. These micronutrients act against COVID-19 infections both individually and synergistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juice, compote, fruit chips, obtains from hybrids apple fruits was made and analyzed. Juice from red-flesh apples has attractive anthocyanin color, high content of antioxidants and a higher acidity. Stewed fruit of red-apple apples fully corresponds to the necessary indicators for organoleptic and chemical composition, but it has an unusual color for apple compote. Chips from red-flesh apples are the most promising type of products. Along with the conservation of anthocyanin in the drying process, they have a perfectly acceptable sugar-acid index and a high content of anthocyanins.

The article talks about the effectiveness of Vitamin C in treating the Covid-19 virus. It mentions that vitamin C could play a key role in modulation and the efficiency of immune defenses of an individual; and vitamin C could be added to the therapeutic arsenal deployed in the face of the cytokine storm. It mentions products, developed in the context of other pathologies, however seem to present antiviral efficacy against Sars-CoV-2.

The development of the food industry leads to the expansion of the range of processed raw materials. Mahonia aquifolium today can be attributed to the non-traditional agricultural plants. However, the analysis of the chemical composition of the fruits showed that they contain significant amount of carbohydrates, vitamin C, various minerals, which recommend it for a wider use in the diet. Also due to the presence in the fruits of Mahonia aquifolium anthocyanins can extend of the use as raw material for natural anthocyanin dyes obtaining.

The aims of this work to study some physic-chemical parameters of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Cymbopogon schoenanthus, such as organoleptic properties, pH, density, refractive index and miscibility with ethanol ... etc. In addition, the study of biological activity devoted to antioxidant activity using DPPH and antibacterial activity in order to know the effectiveness of essential oils on some pathogenic bacterial strains, such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Salmonella enterica CIP 81-3 and Listeria innocua CLIP 74915. The extraction yield of essential oils is approximately 2% and has a liquid appearance, white yellow color and pink odor. Furthermore, the physical properties, we find the pH equal to 7.4, the estimated density is 0.8575, the refractive index is 1.482, and the miscibility with ethanol estimated at 1V / 3.2. That is to say, our EOs are basic and soluble. Regarding to the chemical analyzes, we find that the estimated acid number is 1.12, the ester number is 12.9, the iodine number is 0.14 and the saponification number is 14.25. Which means that essential oils have a small amount of free acids with a low ester index? The results of the antioxidant activity of these oils confirm that their estimated IC50 value is equal to 13.79 mg / ml and 0.03 mg / ml for ascorbic acid. This indicates that the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid is much stronger than the essential oil analyzed. Also for antibacterial activity, these oils influence the inhibition with respect to all the bacterial strains used at the 100% concentration and the maximum inhibitory effect was 17.2mm against the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yuzu is a citrus fruit cultivated mainly in northeast Asia. Due to the huge gastronomic interest emerging in recent years, some attempts to grow yuzu in Europe are being made. Juice and peel of yuzu cultivated in Switzerland have been characterised in this study. Peel constituted the major part of yuzu fruit followed by flesh, juice and seeds. The fruit degree of maturity was investigated by measuring pH, total titratable acidity and total soluble solids of the juice. The analyses were pursued by determining the content of vitamin C, malic and citric acids amounting to 0.560, 6.18 and 44.7 g/L, respectively. Four flavanones: naringin, hesperidin, naringenin, and hesperetin were identified and quantified in both juice and peel. The most abundant flavanone was hesperidin with 47 ?g/mL and 640 ?g/g dry matter (DM) in juice and peel, respectively. For the first time yuzu grown in Switzerland have been analysed and the obtained values have been compared with literature for other citrus fruits. Yuzu juice showed higher contents of citric and malic acid. Yuzu cultivated in Switzerland contained nearly twice as much vitamin C as yuzu juices from different regions of Japan. The content of vitamin C of yuzu was as high or higher than in most other citrus fruits. Large differences in the content of flavanones in yuzu juice from different regions of Japan were reported, in general the values noted were lower than those in the present study.

Global warming affected increasing the risk of ducks to be more succeptable to heat stress which leads to decrease welfare and production. This research aimed to study duck welfare and productivity under probiotic and antioxidants administration at commercial farms. The method used was experiment with Completely Randomized Designed (CRD) based on factorial pattern. The treatment was dose of natural/homemade and commercial probiotics combined with vitamin C at 400 mg kg–1 and 600 mg kg–1 feed. Thus there were four treatment combinations. Each treatment was replicated five times, totally were 20 flocks of duck. Each flock had 50 laying females so there were 1 000 ducks. The treatment was conduced for 2 mo. The parameters observed included, i) duck welfare based on Heterophyl/Lymphocyte (H/L) ratio; ii) egg production consisted of (a) duck day production, and (b) egg weight. This study concluded that administration of combination between homemade probiotic and vitamin C at 600 mg kg–1 feed significantly (p < 0.05) increased duck welfare and egg production but did not affect egg weight.

Scaevola taccada is a coastal plant. This plant lives in gravel sandy soil and can prevent erosion that occurs on the beach. In the Riau Islands, it is still very rare, not even a few do not know the benefits of this plant, especially the fruit. The study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of young, old, and mixed fruit extracts of S. taccada using the DPPH method which was stated to be IC50. The research methods include extraction, phytochemical test, antioxidant test and vitamin C test. The yield of pulp and water extract of young fruit was 55% and 41.4%, pulp and water extract of old fruit was 33.33% and 42.9%, respectively. Phytochemical bioactive analysis was found to be positive for saponin parameters, indicated by the presence of stable foam for 30 minutes. Antioxidant activity using DPPH method obtained IC50 19,524 young fruit extract, IC50 50,664 old fruit extract, and IC50 35.518 mixed fruit. Analysis of Vitamin C in old S. taccada fruit yielded 5.28 mg, young fruit yielded 20.24 mg, and mixed fruit yielded 35.20 mg. The conclusion of this study is the presence of antioxidants and vitamin C in Scaevola taccada fruit.

The present study intends to contribute to the mechanization of cashew apple juice filtration process in Benin. Its aim is to evaluate the technical performances of a filter-press in order to improve cashew apple juice quality. Four treatments were tested, combining two types of juices (raw and clarified) with two types of filtration media (nylon and cotton) available on the market. Therefore, the raw flow of filtration, the residual humidity rate of filtration cakes, the filtrate yield, the filtrate particles content, the particles reduction report, the particles reduction rate, the percentage of extracted cake, and the hourly capacity of the filter-press were assessed. Physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of juices produced from the various treatments were determined. The filtration of the clarified juice with cotton cloth showed the best performances concerning the average filtrate yield obtained which was 56.77% with particles content of 1.046 g/l in the clarified and filtered juice and 212.157 kg/hour capacity of the equipment. The juice produced through that treatment had on average a Brix value of 11, a pH of 3.954 and a titratable acidity of 0.58%. Its vitamin C content was 73.225 mg/100g for a tannins content of 2.05 mg/100ml and respective average values in magnesium and potassium of 90.8 and 1174.9 mg/l, respectively. The absence of the mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds showed that raw and clarified filtered juices are healthy. The clarified juice filtered with cotton cloth obtained the best scores for its clarity and color accepted. The study concludes that the filtration of cashew apple clarified juice with the filter-press and cotton cloth, is the best treatment according to the equipment capacity, the average yield performance obtained and the lowest particles content of the juice produced. This process must be perfected and transferred to cashew apple juice producers in Benin to improve the quality of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to know the uses and some nutritional potentials of Sclerocarya birrea. The African plum tree called Sclerocarya birrea is a fruit tree of the Anacardiaceae family, which provides populations some consumable fruits during the lean season. Although it is present in Sudano-Sahelian regions of Senegal, its favorite repartition zone is the Ferlo. Sclerocarya birrea is being rehabilitated in the framework of the implementation of the African Union program called the "Green Wall". Unfortunately, no scientific studies have mentioned the nutritional content of fruits coming from this area. In the context of the reconstitution of the vegetation cover, knowledge of the relations between man and his environment is important. Thus, the present study is undertaken with the aim of knowing the uses of Sclerocarya birrea and its fruits attibutes. According to that, ethnobotanical surveys have gathered knowledge on the species' uses in the Ferlo area (Senegal). Samples of ripe fruits harvested were analyzed using standard and conventional assay techniques. The results revealed that the populations of the Ferlo are well acquainted with Sclerocarya birrea and that its medicinal use is by far the most important (79%). In medicinal use, the most commonly used plant organs are barks and leaves. The results obtained on the pulp of the fruit showed that it is a good source of vitamin C, sugars, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium and total polyphenols. The almond oil has characteristics that remain within the accepted food standards. These results are marked by a high variability in the physicochemical composition, which appears to be linked to variations in edaphic and climatic conditions. The analysis shows that the fruit of Sclerocarya birrea is an excellent source of nutrients and can validly fill certain nutritional deficiencies of indigenous peoples. The fruit also has potential for transformation that needs to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lucrari Stiintifice, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole Si Medicina Veterinara Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi, Seria Horticultura is the property of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (Editura Ion Ionescu de la Brad) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the modern food grains are nominated as the main sources of soluble fiber in time that vegetables are the main sources of insoluble fiber, among which are the peas. The Romanian market has been flooded with a wide range of plant products frozen or preserved by sterilizing, whose culinary use is growing. But the quality of these products has decreased, the material may be affected by the storage modules to suppliers or customers and product type. Our study followed the evolution of the nutritional characteristics of three varieties of peas grown in the Galati region subjected to freezing or sterilization, and their behavior during food processing.

Résumé Introduction La néphropathie, induite par les produits de contraste (NIPC), est une complication fréquente et grave en milieu de cardiologie interventionnelle. Objectif Le but de notre étude était de comparer l’incidence de NIPC selon deux protocoles d’hydratation accélérés : le premier par du sérum bicarbonaté seul et le deuxième associant le sérum bicarbonaté à la vitamine C orale. Méthodes Il s’agit d’une étude multicentrique prospective, randomisée menée entre octobre 2012 et mai 2013, incluant 160 patients. Résultats L’âge moyen de notre population d’étude était de 60,8 ± 9,3 ans (36 à 83 ans). Les deux groupes de l’étude étaient comparables à l’état de base en termes de facteurs de risques cardiovasculaires, de la médication concomitante, et du taux de créatinémie basale. La NIPC était estimée à 6,3 % dans le groupe vitamine C et à 10 % dans le groupe témoin, avec une différence non significative ( p = 0,38). L’analyse de sous-groupes selon le protocole utilisé n’a pas montré de différence significative quant à l’incidence de NIPC. Cependant, une forte tendance à un moindre taux de NIPC a été notée dans le sous-groupe vitamine C en cas d’utilisation de dose toxique de produit de contraste. De même, aucune NIPC n’a été notée dans le sous-groupe de patients âgés de plus de 75 ans sous vitamine C. Conclusion Selon notre étude, l’acide ascorbique administré par voie orale dans le cadre d’un protocole de réhydratation accéléré ne permet pas de réduire l’incidence de NIPC. Introduction Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common and severe complication in interventional cardiology. Objective The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in two accelerated hydration protocols: the first one by the serum bicarbonate and the second combining the serum bicarbonate and oral vitamin C. Methods This is a multicenter prospective, randomized study conducted between October 2012 and May 2013, including 160 patients. Results The mean age of our study population was 60.8 ± 9.3 years (36–83 years). The two study groups were comparable in terms of cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant medication, and baseline serum creatinine. The CIN incidence was 6.3% in the vitamin C group and 10% in the control group ( P = 0.38). No significant difference was observed in terms of CIN incidence between the different subgroups analyzed. Conclusion According to our study, ascorbic acid administered orally as part of an accelerated hydration protocol does not reduce the incidence of CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in a cold store of a company in Tulcea and watched for a long time how storage affects the quality of frozen product "green peas" by storage conditions, in fact, the air temperature of storage. To reduce some of the drawbacks of frozen storage of bulk product it is blanched. Blanching operation greatly influences the quality of stored frozen peas, considerably reducing the surface microflora of the product and produces the thermal inactivation of enzymes. It was found that insufficient blanching treatment leads to changes in aroma and taste of the product, especially due to enzyme activity and pyruvate-decarboxilase and lypoxidasa, with the formation of volatile compounds like aldehydes and ketones, which cause taste and smelly of herbal products.Vitamin C content of green peas sustains a continuous degradation during storage, both due to variations in temperature and it’s sudden, but also because the pH, if blanching was incomplete.

Lipids are important constituents of the human epidermis. Either free and organized into broad lipid bilayers in the intercorneocytes spaces, or covalently bound to the corneocyte envelope, they play a crucial role in permeability barrier function. This article presents the structures of various human skin ceramides, their role in the maintenance of skin barrier function and homeostasis, and their qualitative and quantitative changes in some cases of dry skin or atopic xerosis. Moreover, we show that reconstructed human skin models could provide valuable tools to assess in vitro the biological interest of active compounds on epidermal lipogenesis. Based on such in vitro studies, we assume that the association of vitamin C and some exogenous sphingolipid could enhance the endogenous ceramide content deficient in some cases of atopic dry skin.

Copyright of Phytothérapie is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The studies have proved that the camel colostrum has a particular interest for both the camel calf and nomads and southern populations because it satisfies their requirements given its high content of basic nutrients (proteins, lipids, and lactose) as well as vitamin C. It is also characterized by its powerful natural protective system (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins and proteose-peptones3), thus distinguishing it from bovine colostrum. The purpose of this work is the characterization of this bio-product by performing physicochemical analyzes on a sample taken in Zone of Taïbat Ouargla and compares them with those of a sample of bovine colostrum. The results have revealed that the pH of camel colostrum is 6.50 ± 0.13, acidity Dornic is 14.5 ± 0.01, so less acid that bovine colostrum, the density is higher than that of bovine colostrum of the order of 1.049 ± 0.001, the total dry matter content is slightly reduced compared to that of bovine colostrum estimated to 120 ± 0.032 g / l, the quantity of lipids is much lower than that of bovine colostrum and estimated to 40 ± 0.00 g/l, and the ashes of the order of 6.5 ± 0.0057 g / l. This colostrum is essentially characterized by very high rates of vitamin C and proteins. The value of vitamin C is more than 2,5 that found in bovine colostrum (the average value is estimated to be 84.48 ± 8.01 mg / l) and the value of protein is evaluated in the order of 55.5 ± 3.5 g / l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L’argousier, Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Éléagna-cées), est un arbuste épineux dioïque à petites baies orange. C’est une plante pionnière qui pousse spontanément sur les contreforts himalayens, en Russie, et jusque dans les Alpes méridionales françaises. L’argousier suscite un grand intérêt à différents titres, et de façon variable selon les pays. La teneur exceptionnelle de la baie en vitamine C et autres antioxydants lui confère un intérêt nutritionnel ; c’est dans ce sens que sont commercialisés des produits comme le jus ou le sirop d’argousier. Le fruit est aussi remarquable par son caractère oléagineux : de la pulpe et/ou de la graine on extrait une huile dont les propriétés sont connues depuis longtemps au Tibet ou en Russie. L’huile de graine est particulièrement riche en acide gras (AG) poly insaturés, alors que l’huile de pulpe est surtout composée d’AG saturés et mono-insaturés, les deux étant riches en vitamine E. L’expérience populaire et les recherches contemporaines confirment l’intérêt de l’huile d’argousier en matière de protection et de régénération de la peau et des muqueuses. Différentes recherches, notamment chinoises, explorent le potentiel médical de l’argousier dans d’autres directions (protection cardiovasculaire...). Par ail-leurs, l’argousier a un grand intérêt écologique ; il est planté à grande échelle pour lutter contre l’érosion des sols notamment en Chine et au Canada. Sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L. of the Elaeagnaceae family) is a spiny, dioecious shrub with small orange berries. It is a pioneer plant that naturally grows on the Himalayan foothills, in Russia, and as far as the southern French Alps. Sea buckthorn has created great interest on multiple levels and to varying degrees, depending on the country. The high content of vitamin C and other antioxidants in its berries makes it an attractive source of nutrition; as such, a number of products, such as sea buckthorn juice and syrup, have appeared on the market. In addition, its fruit is noteworthy for its oilproducing properties: the oil extracted from the seeds or pulp has properties long recognized in Tibet and Russia. Sea buckthorn seed oil is especially rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the plant’s pulp oil mainly consists of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids; both types of oil contain high levels of vitamin E. Anecdotal and historical evidence and modern research have confirmed the effectiveness of sea buckthorn oil in protecting and regenerating the skin and mucous membranes. Various studies, notably in China, are exploring the therapeutic potential of sea buckthorn in other areas of healthcare (for instance, the prevention of cardiovascular disease). Moreover, sea buckthorn has demonstrated high ecological value; it has been planted on a large scale to combat soil erosion, particularly in China and Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background. Scurvy is the clinical manifestation of vitamin C deficiency. It is historically linked to the era of great maritime expeditions. But it is remerging in Western countries as in France. Situation. Nowadays, scurvy mainly affects homeless populations of large occidental cities and the isolated and malnourished inhabitants of developing countries. The clinical presentations of scurvy are numerous and often misleading and its evolution without treatment is always lethal. After years of wanderings and research, the physiopathological mechanisms of scurvy were finally understood, due to the will of outstanding personalities who took the risk to brave the established superstitions in order to apply a strict medical approach. Perspectives. Scurvy must still be prevented in at risk-populations. Indeed a pocket meal enriched with vitamin C is distributed to homeless people in Paris. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scurvy occurs in individuals who eat inadequate amounts of fresh fruit or vegetables, often because of dietary imbalances related to advanced age or homelessness. Asthenia, vascular purpura, bleeding, and gum abnormalities are the main symptoms. In 80% of cases, the manifestations of scurvy include musculoskeletal symptoms consisting of arthralgia, myalgia, hemarthrosis, and muscular hematomas. Vitamin C depletion is responsible for structural collagen alterations, defective osteoid matrix formation, and increased bone resorption. Imaging studies may show osteolysis, joint space loss, osteonecrosis, osteopenia, and/or periosteal proliferation. Trabecular and cortical osteoporosis is common. Children experience severe lower limb pain related to subperiosteal bleeding. Laboratory tests show nonspecific abnormalities including anemia and low levels of cholesterol and albumin. The finding of a serum ascorbic acid level lower than 2.5 mg/l confirms the diagnosis. Vitamin C supplementation ensures prompt resolution of the symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. – Hypovitaminosis C is frequent in populations at risk (men who live alone, old people, homelessness, patients with psychiatric diseases, foodfaddists,…) and is underestimated in the general population.Strong points. – Scurvy occurs after 3 months without consumption of ascorbic acid, and is due to lack of consumption fresh fruits and vegetables. Clinical manifestations are weakness, myalgia and arthralgia, vascular purpura and hemorrhagic syndrome, and later the stomatologic manifestations: gingivorragia and loss of teeth. Biological signs are nonspecific: anemia, hypocholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia. Clinical suspicion must be confirmed by a low level of ascorbic acid (<2.5 mg/l), but this value needs to be interpretated according to the presence of an acute phase response. Leucocyte ascorbic acid level reflects total body store and is more reliable, but not available in practice. Treatment consists in administration of 1 g vitamin C per day during 15 days.Perspectives. – Vitamin C depletion (serum ascorbic acid level between 2 and 5 mg/l) may occur long-term complications such as increase cardiovascular and neoplasic risks or cataract. The new recommended dietary allowance of vitamine C (110 mg per day for an adult) takes into account of these risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Characterisation and antioxidative scavenging activities of anthocyanins in plants of Burkina Faso. Nine anthocyanins were isolated from three plants and their structures elucidated using chemical, GC, MS and NMR methods. Adenium obesum flowers anthocyanins were identified as cyanidin 3-O-(4-O-α-l-rhamnosyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside. The cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, the cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, the pelargonidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and the pelargonidine 3-O-(6-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated and identified from the flowers of Jatropha integuerrima. From flower chalices of H. sabdariffa, four compounds were established as cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, cyanidin 3-O-(2-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, delphinidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and delphinidin 3-O-(2-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside. The DPPH assay allowed us to determine that the antioxidative activities of the crude extract of H. sabdariffa and the Cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside of J. integuerrima were similar to those of ascorbic acid used as reference. To cite this article: É. Palé et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxygen free radicals (OFR) production and consumption are balanced in health. In acute inflammatory disease, OFR may overwhelm host defence mechanisms, a condition known as oxidative stress. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in inflammatory situations and critical illness such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, burns, trauma, and renal failure. Deficiencies in anti-oxidant defences include depletion of glutathione, vitamins A, C and E and selenium. Preventing the initiation or controlling the progression of local or systemic disease processes that complicate the course of critically ill patients with anti-oxidant therapies is an actual strategy. This review will present trials with single or multiple anti-oxidant therapies in critical situations. These studies strongly suggest that patients should benefit from anti-oxidant therapy. To date, data to support routine use of anti-oxidants in critical illness are limited. The choice of anti-oxidants dosage and appropriate target populations must be better defined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction. – This study compares the antioxidant vitamin intakes of endurance athletes engaged in an extreme running competition to the recommended dietary allowances. The daily energy intake and the macronutrients distribution have been also measured. Synthesis of facts. – The intake of vitamin E is insufficient for 95% of the athletes and 22% of them have a low intake of vitamin C, β-carotene and retinol equivalent. The total energy intake is also low (145.4±10.6 kJ/kg per day). Conclusion. – The athletes of our study did not have a sufficient intake of antioxidant vitamins that could be partially explained by a low total energy intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Scurvy is a clinical syndrome resulting from ascorbic acid deficiency. Although presently rare in the developed world, it continues to occur within certain susceptible populations, particularly the elderly and those with dietary habits with low vitamin C intake., Cases: Two men aged 87 and 69 were referred with multifactorial, progressive ulceration of the lower limbs, without scarring, in a context of arterial disease and other associated comorbidities. In both cases, the level of vitamin C was undetectable. An improvement in the necrotic component and in the purpura was promptly observed after vitamin C supplementation., Conclusions: Diagnosis of scurvy can be challenging. This report highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for scurvy in atypical necrotic ulcerations of lower extremities with poor response to standard therapy especially in populations at high risk of vitamin C deficiency. Early diagnosis can improve patient prognosis., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)