Current Issue : October-December Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 4 Articles : 5 Articles
Background: Muscle function determines overall health and is often impaired in metabolic syndrome and cancer, largely due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive mill wastewater (OMWW) is rich in bioactive polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol and verbascoside) that may hinder these potential pro-sarcopenic mechanisms, representing a potential nutraceutical to limit muscle health decline. Objective: To evaluate the effects of short-term supplementation with an OMWW-derived polyphenol extract (Oliphenolia®, OMWWOL) on muscle-related parameters and antioxidant biomarkers in adults at metabolic risk while maintaining dietary habits. Methods: This exploratory, hypothesis-driven secondary analysis was based on a single-arm longitudinal pilot study assessing patients at baseline (T0), after 30 days of supplementation (T1), and 30 days post-discontinuation (T2). Anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, and biochemical assessments were performed. Results: Supplementation was associated with modest increases in skeletal muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, and wrist, arm, and calf circumferences. Fat mass decreased progressively, while total body water percentage and hydration status improved. Ferritin levels rose at T2, alongside increases in protein thiols (PSH) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), suggesting improved iron status and reduced oxidative stress. Body weight and BMI decreased, as expected in a dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome, while muscle health showed a tendency toward improvement. Conclusions: Although the findings require cautious interpretation, short-term OMWW-OL supplementation was associated with modest but consistent directional changes in muscle-related and metabolic indicators in adults at metabolic risk. The results support hypothesis generation and highlight the need for larger studies to further explore the potential role of OMWW-OL in the context of cancer-associated sarcopenia....
Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common fragility fractures often associated with underlying osteoporosis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of nutraceutical supplementation in addition to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on pain and early fracture healing. Methods: Sixty female patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received PEMF therapy alone, while Group B received PEMF plus nutraceutical supplementation. The primary outcome was pain reduction (NRS). Secondary outcomes included biochemical markers and ultrasound-based callus formation. Results: At T1, Group B showed a trend toward greater pain reduction compared with Group A (mean difference −0.57; p = 0.007) and higher bone alkaline phosphatase levels (p = 0.0002). A higher proportion of patients reached minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in Group B (60% vs. 30%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Nutraceutical supplementation in addition to PEMF was associated with improved short-term outcomes; however, due to the absence of a non-PEMF control group, the independent effect of PEMF cannot be determined....
Background: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a biomarker associated with alcohol-related hepatic stress and oxidative imbalance. Although alcohol abstinence is the primary determinant of GGT normalization, adjunctive strategies may support biochemical improvement in real-world settings. Methods: This non-randomized cohort study included 197 of 1957 screened participants (10.1%), stratified according to baseline GGT into 55–99 U/L (n = 95) and ≥100 U/L (n = 102). Participants in the higher baseline subgroup underwent a multimodal intervention consisting of nutraceutical supplementation (silymarin, essential phospholipids, and a polyherbal antioxidant formulation) combined with structured psychological support aimed at promoting alcohol abstinence. The primary outcome was the change in GGT between baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants achieving GGT reduction and the magnitude of change according to baseline severity. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT07603726. Results: Among participants with baseline GGT ≥ 100 U/L, GGT levels decreased from a median of 133.73 to 97.41 U/L (p < 0.001), whereas in the 55–99 U/L subgroup, median GGT changed from 67.49 to 66.51 U/L without reaching statistical significance (p = 0.072). Participants in the higher baseline subgroup demonstrated greater GGT reductions (median ΔGGT: −35.25 vs. −2.58 U/L), a higher proportion achieving GGT reduction (91.2% vs. 70.5%), and higher odds of GGT reduction at followup in exploratory analysis (OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.91–9.75). Conclusions: In this real-world cohort, reductions in GGT levels were observed, particularly among individuals with elevated baseline values (≥100 U/L) who underwent the multimodal intervention. These findings support monitoring GGT dynamics in routine clinical practice, where GGT remains a practical and accessible biomarker due to its widespread availability, low cost, and sensitivity to oxidative and alcohol-related hepatic stress....
Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nutraceutical strategies targeting inflammatory pathways are of increasing interest, particularly those based on omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of two omega-3-based nutraceutical formulations, Omega 3 Plus and Omega 3 Orange, in primary human monocytes. Primary human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of a healthy donor and cultured under standardized conditions. Cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of the test formulations and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/mL) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the AlamarBlue assay. The release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was quantified using ELISA. Both formulations were well tolerated at concentrations up to 2.5%, with no significant cytotoxic effects. LPS stimulation induced a robust increase in inflammatory mediator release. Pre-treatment with Omega 3 Plus and Omega 3 Orange resulted in a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (up to ~70% reduction). MCP-1 was moderately reduced, whereas IL-8 was only minimally affected. Notably, Omega 3 Orange exhibited a pronounced inhibition of PGE2 production (up to ~95%), while Omega 3 Plus reduced PGE2 levels by approximately 80%. Neither formulation induced IL-10 production in unstimulated cells. These findings demonstrate that both omega-3-based nutraceutical formulations exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in primary human monocytes, primarily through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2. The strong suppression of PGE2 is consistent with a possible modulation of pathways involved in prostaglandin synthesis. These results support the potential application of such formulations in inflammation-associated conditions and warrant further mechanistic and clinical investigation....
Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by complex interactions between lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, there is growing interest in nutraceutical compounds with multi-target effects. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating properties. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the effects of TQ on the key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Methods: A narrative review of preclinical studies, including in vitro and in vivo experimental models, was conducted to assess the biological activity of TQ and its potential anti-atherosclerotic effects. Results: TQ exhibits multi-target activity by modulating several molecular pathways associated with atherogenesis. It reduces oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and decreasing reactive oxygen species production. TQ also suppresses inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and COX-2, leading to decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, it influences lipid metabolism by lowering total cholesterol and LDL-C levels while improving lipid profiles. TQ has also been shown to inhibit foam cell formation, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammation. Additionally, nanocarrier-based formulations of TQ may improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Conclusions: Current preclinical evidence suggests that TQ may play a significant role in the prevention and modulation of atherosclerosis through its multi-mechanistic action. However, the lack of welldesigned clinical trials, limited bioavailability, and insufficient data on long-term safety highlight the need for further research to establish its clinical efficacy and optimal therapeutic use....
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