Modelling of influential parameters on a continuous evaporation process by Doehlert shells

The modelling of the parameters that influence the continuous evaporation of an alcoholic extract was considered using Doehlert matrices. The work was performed with a wiped falling film evaporator that allowed us to study the influence of the pressure, temperature, feed flow and dry matter of the feed solution on the dry matter contents of the resulting concentrate, and the productivity of the process. The Doehlert shells were used to model the influential parameters. The pattern obtained from the experimental results was checked allowing for some dysfunction in the unit. The evaporator was modified and a new model applied; the experimental results were then in agreement with the equations. The model was finally determined and successfully checked in order to obtain an 8% dry matter concentrate with the best productivity; the results fit in with the industrial constraints of subsequent processes

Acacia gum improves the gut barrier functionality in vitro

The Leaky Gut Syndrome - impairment of the gut wall functionality - is involved in many inflammatory diseases, among them IBS. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of arabinogalactan (AG) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on gut wall modulation using a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME(R)) inoculated with faecal material from an IBS donor-coupled with co-cultures of enterocytes and macrophages (transwell approach using Caco-2 and THP1 cells). AG and FOS showed a different fermentation profile (more proximal for FOS and distal for AG) and both fibres exerted a potential positive effect on gut barrier (increased TEER parameter) and inflammation (modulation of cytokines IL-8, IL-6, IL-10 and NF-kappa B) in their main area of fermentation. AG could be an interesting nutritional supplement for the treatment of those conditions characterized by inflammation and increased permeability in the distal colon

<i>Helianthus annuus</i> Seed Extract Affects Weight and Body Composition of Healthy Obese Adults during 12 Weeks of Consumption: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed extract, standardized for 40% chlorogenic acids on weight and body composition of obese adults. Fifty subjects were randomly assigned to sunflower extract or isocaloric placebo groups, receiving respectively 500 mg/day of treatment for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention, a significant decrease in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference was observed, especially for obese female subjects above 30 years. Those changes were associated with modified body composition related to fat mass loss. A decrease in blood cholesterol was also observed, supporting the potential action of sunflower extract on lipid metabolism. It was concluded that consumption of sunflower extract has a beneficial effect on body weight, fat mass, and lipid profile, providing evidence for its use as a natural anti-obesity herbal extract