Search

BackgroundFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb with wide applications in Indian folklore. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. However, systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited.ResultsForty-eight healthy menstruating women aged 20 to 48 were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. FHE did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It offered significant (P 1) when monitored by the validated Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scale. Further, hormone analysis indicated an enhancement in estradiol (P = 0.040), free testosterone (P = 0.025), and total testosterone (P = 0.012) in FHE group in comparison to placebo. There were no significant changes in progesterone (P = 0.174) and FSH (P = 0.879) upon FHE supplementation. The hematological and biochemical safety parameters were also at par with the safety of the extract.ConclusionThus, the supplementation of FHE may be considered as a natural alternative for sexual issues in women.Trial registrationCTRI/2018/09/015614dated 05/09/2018.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, anti-thrombotic, and antiviral effects along with its protective effects against respiratory infections have generated a great interest in vitamin C (vitC) as an attractive functional/nutraceutical ingredient for the management of COVID-19. However, the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of vitC have been shown to be complex and exhibit dose-dependent non-linear kinetics. Though sustained-release forms and liquid liposomal formulations have been developed, only marginal enhancement was observed in bioavailability. Here we report a novel surface-engineered liposomal formulation of calcium ascorbate (CAAS), using fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel in powder form, and its pharmacokinetics following a randomized, double-blinded, single-dose, 3-way crossover study on healthy human volunteers (n = 14). The physicochemical characterization and in vitro release studies revealed the uniform impregnation of CAAS liposomes within the pockets created by the sterically hindered galactomannan network as multilaminar liposomal vesicles with good encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and their stability and sustained-release under gastrointestinal pH conditions. Further human studies demonstrated >7-fold enhancement in the oral bioavailability of ascorbate with a significant improvement in pharmacokinetic properties (Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, and AUC), compared to the unformulated counterpart (UF-CAAS) when supplemented at an equivalent dose of 400 mg of CAAS as tablets and capsules.

A 6-week, randomized, open-label, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of a low-dose curcumagalactomannosides (CGM) (400 mg once daily) in OA subjects. The treatment was compared with a standard combination of 500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride (GLN) and 415 mg chondroitin sulphate (CHN), supplied as a single oral dose twice a day. Out of 84 subjects randomized, 72 subjects who have completed the study were evaluated for the safety and efficacy of the treatments at baseline and subsequent visits (day 28 and 42), by measuring walking performance, VAS, KPS, and WOMAC scores. CGM exhibited 47.02, 21.43, and 206% improvement in VAS, KPS, and walking performance, respectively, compared to the baseline. Similarly, there was 31.17, 32.93, 36.44, and 35% improvement in the pain, stiffness, physical function, and total WOMAC scores. CGM also caused a substantial reduction in the serum inflammatory marker levels. The results indicate that a short-term supplementation of a low dosage CGM exerted superior beneficial effects than a high-dosage CHN-GLN combination in alleviating the pain and symptoms of OA subjects. Further clinical trials of extended duration in a larger population is required to substantiate the efficacy of CGM in the long-term management of OA.

Objective: A combination of curcumagalactomannosides (CGM) (400 mg) with glucosamine hydrochloride (GLN) (500 mg) was evaluated against a standard dietary supplement combination chondroitin sulfate...

Capsaicinoids from pungent red chilies (Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens) have received significant attention as a natural supplement for the management of obesity. However, the consumption of chili extract at physiologically relevant dosage of capsaicinoids is a challenge owing to its pungency and gastrointestinal discomforts. The present study reports the systemic absorption, safety and influence of a novel, food-grade, and sustained-release formulation of capsaicinoids-rich red chili extract using fenugreek dietary fiber (Capsifen®). Twenty-four healthy overweight subjects were randomized into placebo (n = 12) and Capsifen (n = 12) groups and supplemented with 200 mg × 1/day of Capsifen (4 mg capsaicinoids/day) for 28 days. Influence of Capsifen on eating behavior and appetite was followed by Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Council of Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ), respectively. Consumption of Capsifen did not reveal any adverse events or deviations in hematology and biochemical parameters related to safety. However, a significant decrease in body weight (2.1%), w/h ratio (4%) and body mass index (BMI) (2.2%) were observed among Capsifen group when compared to placebo. The TFEQ and appetite analysis revealed a significant improvement in uncontrolled eating and reduction in appetite among Capsifen subjects. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis confirmed the absorption of capsaicinoids from CAP supplementation. The study further demonstrated the safety and tolerability of Capsifen at the investigational dosage. Thus, the significant reduction in anthropometric parameters such as body weight, w/h ratio, and BMI along with the improvement in eating behaviour as well as appetite, indicated the potential body weight management effect of Capsifen.

The present study investigated the role of free curcuminoids bioavailability on the relative radioprotective efficacy of natural unformulated curcuminoids.A food-grade bioavailable formulation of curcuminoids as curcumagalactomannosides (CGM) and unformulated curcuminoids (UC) were employed for the study. Swiss albino mice were randomized into Normal control, Radiation control, Radiation + UC, and Radiation + CGM groups and irradiated with γ-radiation of 6, 8, 10 and 12 Gy. Survival rate, hematological and biochemical parameters, bone marrow cellularity, chromosomal aberrations and histopathology of intestine were followed as a measure of the relative efficacy.The present study demonstrated the positive role of the bioavailability of curcuminoids in the amelioration of radiation-induced damages in mice since CGM treatment exerted better survival rate and radioprotective effect as compared with UC, despite the relatively low concentrations of curcuminoids in CGM (39% w/w).

Despite the promising health beneficial effects (thermogenic, lipolytic, hypotriglyceridemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer) of capsaicinoids-rich red chili pepper, commonly known as cayenne pepper (Capsicum annum or Capsicum frutescence), its consumption at physiologically relevant dosage is always hampered by the pungency and stomach discomforts. The present study examined the safety of a pungency-masked and sustained release food-grade formulation of capsaicinoids-rich red chili pepper extract using fenugreek derived galactomannan soluble dietary fiber (Capsifen®). The safety was assessed by oral acute (300, 2000, 5000 mg/kg b. wt. for 14 days) and subchronic (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. wt.) toxicity studies in Wistar rats. None of the group of animals belonging to both acute and subchronic treatments did produce any adverse events in feeding behavior, urine analysis, and in hematology/biochemical parameters when compared to the control. However, a decrease in body weight was observed among 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. wt. treated groups. The terminal autopsy did not reveal any alterations in relative organ weight except for the high dose treated group, where an increase in liver and kidney weight was observed. Histopathology of all the animals was normal. Thus, the Low-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of Capsifen was determined for 500 mg/kg b. wt. /day.

Fisetin, a polyphenol found in several fruits and vegetables, has shown potential health benefits in many pre-clinical studies for neuroprotection, cardioprotection, chemoprevention, diabetes, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the clinical effectiveness of fisetin may be limited by its poor bioavailability when ingested. Using a novel green technology of Hybrid-FENUMAT™, a food-grade fisetin formulation (FF-20) was developed through encapsulation of fisetin micelles into fenugreek galactomannan (FG) hydrogel scaffold to improve its physical characteristics and bioavailability. This is the first human pharmacokinetic study of fisetin following a single-dose, comparative, double-blinded, cross-over protocol, supplementing with FF-20 and unformulated fisetin (UF). Fifteen healthy volunteers were given a single dose of 1000 mg UF or 1000 mg FF-20 (delivering 192 mg fisetin) with a 10-d washout period between each dose. Blood samples were taken at 0⋅5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 12 h after both days of supplementation to quantify fisetin and geraldol, an active metabolite. The plasma concentration of fisetin when individuals consumed FF-20 was 26⋅9-fold greater than UF as determined by the area under the curve over 12 h [AUC0–12 h (FF-20) = 341⋅4 v. AUC0–12 h (UF) = 12⋅67]. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was also more than twenty-three times higher when supplemented with FF-20 (238⋅2 ng/ml) compared to UF (9⋅97 ng/ml). The encapsulation also reduced the amount of conversion of fisetin to geraldol. No adverse events were reported during the study. Therefore, the encapsulation of fisetin into FG dietary fibre hydrogel scaffold could improve its delivery and bioavailability in human subjects.

Simultaneous oral delivery of bioactive molecules with enhanced bioavailability is of great significance, especially when delivered from single beadlets. Here, we report the formulation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic properties of two poorly bioavailable lipophilic phytonutrients with synergistic effects, curcuminoids and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), following their co-delivery using fenugreek dietary fiber (Galactomannans)-based hydrogel beadlets (CGM-BSW). These beadlets are capable of extensive swelling and sustained-release of self-emulsified colloidal particles (150 – 200 nm) containing curcuminoids and AKBA allowing for improved absorption. The results of our double-blinded 4-way crossover, 4-sequence study (n = 14) demonstrated that a single dose of 250 mg of these beadlets enhanced the absorption of unconjugated curcuminoids (24.8-fold) and AKBA (6.9-fold) compared to their unformulated counterparts. The absorption of CGM-BSW formulated curcuminoids was also 5.6-fold higher than that of those formulated with turmerones (UCT). UPLC-ESI-QQQ-MS/MS was used to quantify both the curcuminoids and AKBA concentration in the plasma samples and this data was used to determine their pharmacokinetic characteristics.

A novel highly bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan (CGM) formulation was shown to have improved blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability of free curcuminoids in animal models; however, this has not been established in humans. The present study was conducted to determine the functional effects of CGM on brain waves in healthy individuals, owing to its BBB permeability.A total of 18 healthy volunteers aged 35-65 were randomly assigned to consume 500 mg CGM, Unformulated curcumin (UC) or Placebo capsules twice daily for 30 days. Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, audio-visual reaction time tests and a working memory test were conducted at baseline and after 30 days.Supplementation of CGM resulted in a significant increase in α- and β-waves (The observed increase in α and β waves and reduction in

Introduction Insomnia, the inability to get sleep or sleep well at night, is a universal health problem. In the present single-arm, open-label, pilot study, the safety and efficacy of a thymoquinone-rich (5% w/w) black cumin oil (Nigella sativa) (BCO) was investigated for the first time, among healthy subjects characterized with significant sleep problems. Methods Fifteen subjects were selected for the study and were provided with softgel capsules of BCO (200 mg × 1/day, after dinner) for 28 days. Polysomnographic analysis was performed to assess sleep quality, sleep efficiency and sleep latency (primary outcomes) at the beginning (visit 2) and after 7 days of supplementation (visit 3). Sleep quality index, anxiety and stress (secondary outcomes) were also measured at the beginning and at the end of the study period using the validated questionnaires PSQI, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale-A (HAM-A), along with cortisol and safety parameters. Results The results suggested a significant improvement in primary outcomes such as total sleep time, sleep latency and sleep efficiency with an increase of 82.49 % in Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM 3) and 29.38 % increase in rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep). The secondary outcome measurements also showed a significant reduction (P Conclusion Supplementation of BCO was safe and found to significantly improve the sleep quality and ameliorate stress and anxiety. [Clinical Trial Reg No: CTRI/2018/03/012,391 dated 07/03/2018]

Capsaicinoids from pungent red chilies (

The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of a standardized fenugreek extract (FHE) on perimenopausal discomforts and its influence on hormonal balance and safety. Healthy women characterized with perimenopausal symptoms (n = 48), as assessed by MRS questionnaire, were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. Both inter and intra-group comparison revealed a significant improvement in somatic, psychological, and urogenital scores in FHE group, especially for hot flashes (25.9%), night sweats (26.5%), depression (31.8%), and insomnia (21.6%). Further hormone analysis revealed an enhancement in serum estradiol (18.9%), free testosterone (38.2%), and progesterone (19.9%) concentrations and a significant decrease in FSH (38.2%) and SHBG (21.1%) concentrations toward establishing a hormonal balance among FHE-group; without significant changes in other clinical safety parameters. Thus, FHE supplementation offered a significant reduction in vasomotor effects and depression in perimenopausal women, without any adverse effects PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fenugreek is a popular kitchen spice and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of health conditions including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hepatotoxicity, gastritis, and also for a variety of hormone-related health conditions such as sexual functions, lactation, osteoporosis, PCOS, and post/perimenopausal discomforts. Fenugreek is rich in alkaloids, steroidal saponins, flavonoids and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The present randomized-controlled study investigated the plausible application of a standardized hydro-ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds (FHE) having a unique 3:1 ratio for protodioscin to trigonelline in the management of perimenopausal discomforts. It was observed that FHE at a dosage of 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days significantly reduced the discomforts, especially vasomotor symptoms and depression, and helped to attain a hormonal balance without any adverse effects or deviations in clinical safety parameters. Thus, FHE could be a potential natural agent for the management of post and perimenopausal discomforts and has to be explored in future studies.

Acetaldehyde, the major cytotoxin formed by the metabolism of alcohol, is responsible for liver injury, extracellular matrix alterations, inflammation, and hangover in heavy drinkers. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of a standardized polyphenolic extract of clove buds (Clovinol) in ameliorating the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by the accumulation of acetaldehyde after binge drinking. We used a randomized, double-blinded crossover study with 16 male social drinkers. The subjects were randomized into two groups of eight subjects and received either placebo or Clovinol in a single hard shell gelatin capsule (250 mg × 1) per day. The dosage of alcohol was 1 g/kg body weight/day. After 2 weeks of washout period, the treatment regime was reversed. Blood samples were drawn at 0, 0.5, 2, 4, and 12 h after treatment with either placebo or Clovinol, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Hangover severity score was determined by using a validated questionnaire as reported earlier. Results showed faster elimination of blood acetaldehyde with significant decreases in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and significant enhancement in glutathione and superoxide dismutase as compared with placebo along with an overall reduction of 55.34% in hangover severity in Clovinol-treated subjects. This study demonstrated the efficacy of clove bud polyphenols for alleviating alcohol-related side effects among social drinkers at the studied dose.

Intestinal delivery with enhanced bioavailability is of great significance for stomach irritating and pungent bioactive molecules. The present study reports the development of a pungency-masked food-grade microbeadlets for the sustained-intestinal delivery of red chili extracted capsaicinoids using fenugreek galactomannans. Capsaicinoids encapsulated microbeads (CapF) of about 250 to 400 µm were prepared by a gel-phase homogenization, fluid-bed granulation followed by galactomannan coating, and characterized by NMR, FTIR, DSC, PXRD, and SEM as stable, directly compressible, free flowing amorphous beadlets with a tap density of 0.64 ± 0.2 g/mL. Swelling studies, in vitro release kinetics and particle size analysis indicated the intestinal delivery of soluble capsaicinoids. Pharmacokinetic studies on Wistar rats revealed enhanced bioavailability (19-fold) of CapF when the area under plasma concentration verses time was compared with that of unformulated capsaicinoids. CapF was safe upon gastric mucosa irritation test and demonstrated significant (P

Albeit the fact that asafotida is a popular kitchen spice and Indian folklore medicine for gut disorders, its consumption at physiologically relevant dosage is greatly challenged by the unpleasant flavor characteristics. Herein we report a green approach to derive stable powder formulations of asafoetida gum with minimized taste and odor suitable for dietary applications and gut health-related disorders. Employing a water based ultrasound mediated gel-phase dispersion of asafoetida gum on fenugreek derived soluble galactomannan fibre matrix. Microencapsulated particles (1 ± 0.3 μm) of asafoetida was prepared as water dispersible free flowing powder (Asafin). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), accelerated stability and in vitro dissolution studies confirmed the stability, sustained release and microencapsulated structure of Asafin. Further investigations revealed significant (pÂ

Toxicity of the pesticide carbofuran (CF) can be alleviated by curcumin, if not for its poor bioavailability. Hence, we investigated the effect of a bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan complex (CGM) on CF-induced neurotoxicity in rats in comparison to that of unformulated standard curcumin (CS). The CF (5 mg/kg b.wt/day) treatment for 90 days produced chronicity model which were treated with either CS or CGM (100 mg/kg b.wt and 250 mg/kg b.wt/day) for another 30 days. Improvement in CF-induced behaviour was evident in endurance, motor co-ordination and pain response on both CS (p

Background Fenugreek is a popular spice which has been evaluated for hormone related disorders. Methods The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of a unique extract of fenugreek (FHE), at a dose of 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days on hormone balance and postmenopausal discomforts. Postmenopausal women (n = 48) having characteristic postmenopausal symptoms, as assessed by MRS questionnaire, were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) groups. Results The FHE-treated participants reported the feel of well-being within two weeks of supplementation and further improvement was observed in somatic, psychological and urogenital scores towards the end of the study period. There were 2.9, 4.2 and 7.2 times reduction respectively in hot flashes, night sweats and pain on leg muscles and joints with significant improvement in irritability and vaginal dryness when compared to placebo. Hormone analysis revealed significant increase in estradiol, free testosterone, progesterone and decrease in FSH, SHBG and CTX-1 concentrations, though within the safe range, indicating the trend towards attaining a hormonal balance. Conclusion Supplementation of FHE regulated various hormones in postmenopausal women and offered a significant reduction in vasomotor effects and leg pain without showing any significant variations in hematological and biochemical parameters.

Despite the various reports on enhanced bioavailable formulations of curcumin, systemic oral bioavailability of unconjugated curcuminoids remains a challenge. Considering the differences in plasma bioactivity and membrane permeability of free curcuminoids over conjugated metabolites, herein we report a randomised double-blinded crossover study (n = 50) to investigate the relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of free curcuminoids following the oral administration of high (1000 mg) and low (250 mg) doses of a food-grade formulation of curcumin with fenugreek dietary fibre as curcumagalactomannosides (CGM), which was reported to exhibit improved blood-brain – barrier permeability in rats. CGM administration provided over 45.5-fold enhancement in free curcuminoids bioavailability with improved pharmacokinetics when compared to unformulated standard curcumin. Further investigations with and without enzymatic hydrolysis of plasma collected over 5 h post-administration of CGM at 1000 mg dose revealed higher free curcuminoids in plasma (74 ± 8%) as compared to conjugated curcuminoids (26 ± 12%) indicating a significant distribution of free curcuminoids over conjugated curcumin metabolites.

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for human body. Carbohydrates increase resting muscle glycogen levels and help in delaying muscle fatigue. But, higher intake of high glycemic carbohydrates may lead to complications, if not balanced by physical activities. Our earlier studies have indicated that a proprietary powder preparation of coconut inflorescence sap (COCOZEN™, abbreviated as ‘CSP’ meaning ‘coconut sap powder’) contains relatively higher levels of micronutrients and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective and ergogenic activities. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of CSP (15 g/day for 90 days) on healthy and nonathletic subjects (n = 20). The study was performed in two phases. In the first phase, glycemic index (GI) was measured using glucose as a reference standard. In the second phase, CSP was supplemented at (15g × 1)/day dosage for 90 days and monitored the anthropometric parameters, adverse events, blood sugar levels (fasting and postprandial), blood pressure, and other routine hematological and biochemical parameters. It was observed that CSP possess a GI of 52.47 and is safe with an acceptable sensory attribute. It did not contribute any side effects or deviations in blood sugar or other hematological and biochemical parameters, except in Hb and lipid profile which showed significant (p

Despite the availability of various synthetic drugs for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), the side effects and their cost have always created a great interest in the search for novel natural alternatives for the management of gut disorders. The present contribution reports the safety and efficacy of the kitchen spice asafoetida (

Despite the availability of various synthetic drugs for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), the side effects and their cost have always created a great interest in the search for novel natural alternatives for the management of gut disorders. The present contribution reports the safety and efficacy of the kitchen spice asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) in FD for the first time. In the double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 43 subjects diagnosed to have moderate to severe discomforts of nonulcer FD were randomized to receive hard-shell capsules (250 mg × 2/day) of either placebo (n=22) or a food-grade formulation of asafoetida (Asafin) (n=21) for 30 days. When evaluated by a set of validated indexing tools (GSRS, GDSS, and NDI), almost 81% in the Asafin group showed significant (p < 0.01) improvement in the overall score and quality of life as compared to the placebo. At the end of the study, 66% of subjects in the Asafin group remained symptoms-free. Although the symptoms score improved significantly in both the groups (from -5.67 to -25.29 in Asafin group versus -1.55 to -6.0 in the placebo; p ≤ 0.001), the relative percentage of subjects in the Asafin group with more than 80% reduction in various symptoms were: bloating (58%), appetite (69%), postprandial fullness (74%) motion sickness (75%), and digestion (77%) as compared to less than 10% nonspecific improvement in the placebo group. All the subjects remained safe with no adverse events or variations in haematological and biochemical parameters. The study was registered at http://ctri.nic.in/ (CTRI/2018/ 01/011149).

Considering the recent interest in free (unconjugated) curcuminoids delivery, the present study investigated the efficacy of a novel food-grade free-curcuminoids delivery system (curcumin-galactomannoside complex; CGM) in improving the hepatic function markers (inflammation and oxidative stress) in chronic alcoholics. The double-blinded, placebo-controlled study randomized 48 subjects with elevated serum transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, who were allocated to two groups (n=24) and to receive either placebo or CGM at (250 mg × 2)/day for 8 weeks. While liver function markers (transaminases and GGT) in the placebo group showed an increase (~ 9.5%), CGM group indicated a significant decrease in transaminases (31%) and GGT (29%) from the baseline levels. The beneficial effect of CGM was also clear from the significant increase (p CTRI/2018/03/012385.

Background Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming has caused emergence of new pathogenic strains. The situation has warrented the development of safe and alternative growth promoters and immunity enhancers in livestock. Herbal additives in animal and bird feed is a centuries-old practice. Thus, the present study investigated the efficacy of a standardized formulation of lipophilic turmeric extract containing curcumin and turmerones, (TF-36), as a natural growth promoter poultry feed additive. Methods The study was designed on 180 one-day old chicks, assigned into three groups. Control group (T0) kept on basal diet and supplemented groups T0.5 and T1 fed with 0.5% and 1% TF-36 fortified basal diet for 42 days. Each dietary group consisted of six replicates of ten birds. Body weight, food intake, food conversion ratio, skin colour, blood biochemical analysis and antioxidant status of serum were investigated. Results Body weight improved significantly in T1 with a 10% decrease in FCR as compared to the control. TF-36 supplementation in T1 enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity significantly (p

Despite the various attempts to overcome the poor oral bioavailability of curcuminoids isolated from dried turmeric, no attempt has so far been reported on fresh turmeric derived curcuminoids. Herein, we report a novel preparation of curcuminoids from fresh turmeric rhizomes (FTC) as amorphous water soluble stable powder and its enhanced absorption and pharmacokinetics in comparison with 95% pure curcuminoids isolated from dried turmeric (DTC). While the oral administration of FTC at 250 mg/kg body weight was found to offer significant levels of plasma curcumin in Wistar rats for longer duration, an equivalent dose of curcuminoids as DTC failed to produce detectable plasma levels. Dose dependent human studies (100, 250 and 1000 mg doses of FTC) also showed significant (p

Though kitchen spices constitute an important source of dietary antioxidants, their consumption at a physiologically relevant dose is very often hampered by their unpleasant flavour characteristics. The present paper describes a novel approach to derive stable de-flavoured spice extracts with minimised taste and odour profiles which are suitable for impregnation into a variety of food and beverage matrices at physiologically relevant doses. A popular kitchen spice, clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum L), having strong flavour and pungency characteristics was selected in the present study to derive a de-flavoured extract with a standardised polyphenolic profile (Clovinol) and was incorporated into various foods. The antioxidant efficacy of Clovinol on healthy human volunteers who check and answer official emails involving responsibility was investigated by analysing their endogenous antioxidant enzymes and the extent of lipid peroxidation upon consumption of Clovinol either as capsules or in a different food/beverage at 250 mg per serving per day for 30 days. It was observed that Clovinol can be conveniently incorporated in various food matrices without flavour issues and the consumption of such food/beverage items may support an effective detoxification process with an average elevation of 33 ± 3% in catalase, 66 ± 8% in SOD, 56 ± 5% in GPx and 167 ± 21% in GSH levels, and 81 ± 11% attenuation in membrane lipid peroxidation level.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Safety evaluation of a standardized extract of fenugreek seeds (FenuSMART). • Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies of FenuSMART on Wistar rats. • Mutagenicity study of FenuSMART., The present study investigated the safety of a saponin-rich standardized extract of fenugreek seeds (FenuSMART®; FHE), that has been clinically shown to be effective in ameliorating the postmenopausal discomforts and establishing hormonal balance. The safety was assessed by oral acute (2500 mg/kg b. wt. for 14 days) and subchronic (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b. wt. for 90 days) toxicity studies on Wistar rats and mutagenicity studies employing Salmonella typhimurium strains. Administration of FHE did not produce any toxicologically significant changes in clinical/behavioral observations, ophthalmic examinations, body weight, organ weight, feed consumption, urinalysis, hematology and clinical biochemistry parameters when compared to the untreated control group of animals. Highest dose recovery group (1000 mg/kg b. wt.) of animals also showed no mortality or adverse events; with hematological and biochemical parameters at par with those of controls. Terminal autopsy revealed no alterations in relative organ weight or any treatment-related histopathology changes. FHE also showed no mutagenicity upon Ames test employing TA-98, TA-100 and TA-102 Salmonella typhimurium strains with or without metabolic activation. Based on the results of the study, the no observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of FHE was determined as 1000 mg/kg b. wt./day, the highest dose tested.

Considering the significance of natural antioxidants to preserve meat, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a deflavored and decolorised extract of rosemary (StabilRose™) for the production and preservation of naturally colored fresh meat. Oxidative rancidity of meat and color degradation of paprika oleoresin were exploited as model systems and compared with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The results showed similar efficacy for 3% carnosic acid extract and BHA, with further enhancement in efficacy with respect to the carnosic acid content. A synergetic antioxidant effect of carnosol on carnosic acid content was also noticed to an extent of 1:1 (w/w) ratio, and further increase in carnosol content showed no improvement in the antioxidant efficacy. Finally, stabilized paprika and optimized rosemary extract containing carnosic acid and carnosol in 1:1 (w/w) ratio was successfully applied to produce naturally colored meat suitable for storage at 4 ± 1 °C.