The Effect of Dried Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. Extract on Obesity Management with Regard to PPAR-γ2 (Pro12Ala) Gene Polymorphism in Obese Subjects Following an Energy Restricted Diet

Purpose: Obesity is a multi-factorial health problem which results from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of dried licorice extract with a calorie restricted diet on anthropometric indices and insulin resistance with nutrigenetic approach. Methods: For this pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 72 eligible subjects were randomly allocated to Licorice or placebo group. They received a low-calorie diet either with a 1.5 g/day of Licorice extract or placebo for 8 weeks. Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric indices and dietary intake in genotype subgroups at the baseline. Findings indicated that supplementation with Licorice extract did not change anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters significantly compared to a hypocaloric diet alone. However, from the nutrigenetic point of view, significant changes in anthropometric indices and QUICKI were observed in the Pro12Pro genotypes compared to the Pro12Ala at the end of the study (p<0.05 in all variables). Moreover, no interactive effect of the Licorice supplement and Pro12Ala genotype was found. Conclusion: In obese subjects, the Pro/Pro polymorphism of the PPAR-γ2 gene seems to induce favourable effects on obesity management. Further studies are needed to clarify whether PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms or other obesity genes can affect responses to obesity treatment

Berberine as a Natural Modifier of Gut Microbiota to Promote Metabolic Status in Animal Studies and Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

As a phytochemical, berberine can modulate metabolic parameters via altering gut flora. However, findings are conflicting. In the present systematic review, we aimed to summarize the effects of berberine on gut microbiota in the models of metabolic disorders in both animal studies and clinical trials. Publications in five electronic databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically up to 31 May 2021 to find relevant articles with English language. Out of 4102 studies (including 2125 duplicates), 35 studies were included. In animal studies, various effects of berberine on beneficial and harmful microbiota were reported. However, findings also indicated that berberine can decrease the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. Three out of five studies showed positive effects of berberine on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), particularly butyrate. In three animal studies, Lipopolysacaride (LPS) concentrations decreased with berberine administration. In clinical trials (n=3) positive effects on microbiota and metabolic status were also reported. However, the quality of clinical trials was mainly low.The present systematic review showed that berberine can modulate key metabolic parameters through improving the balance of intestinal microbiome, decreasing the abundance of harmful microbiota and LPS concentrations, and increasing the production of SCFAs, particularly butyrate in animal models. However, there are limited high-quality evidence regarding the effects of berberine on gut flora in clinical trials. Although berberine can be an effective prebiotic supplement to modulate metabolic parameters, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm this potential

The Effects of Oral Consumption of Honey on Key Metabolic Profiles in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nondiabetic Individuals: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Objectives. Although several clinical trials have revealed the beneficial effects of honey on metabolic profiles, the results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the effects of oral consumption of honey on key metabolic profiles in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nondiabetic individuals. Methods. In total, four electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane library, were searched from 2000 to 31 July 2019 to identify all English language studies that would meet the eligibility criteria. Clinical trials which have examined the effects of oral consumption of any types of honey on anthropometric indices, glycemic status, lipid profiles, and blood pressure in both diabetic and nondiabetic adult subjects were included in the study. Results. Of the 7769 possible relevant studies (including 3547 duplicates) identified in the initial search, finally, 13 clinical trials were included in the systematic review. All studies except three had a parallel design. Of 13 studies, 8 trials did not have placebo/control groups. The included studies examined the impact of oral consumption of honey on glycemic status (n = 12), anthropometric indices (n = 6), lipid profiles (n = 10), and blood pressure (n = 3). Based on the Jadad scale, 5 studies had acceptable methodological quality, and the remaining (n = 8) had low methodological quality. Conclusion. The current systematic review showed that oral consumption of honey might have no significant effects on the modulation of metabolic profiles in nondiabetic subjects. In addition, a high intake of honey might increase glucose levels and worsen other metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design and limited clinical trials, results, however, should be interpreted with great caution

Changes of Insulin Resistance and Adipokines Following Supplementation with Glycyrrhiza Glabra L. Extract in Combination with a Low-Calorie Diet in Overweight and Obese Subjects: a Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

Purpose: Adipose tissue is a highly active endocrine organ which plays a key role in energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dried licorice extract along with a calorie restricted diet on body composition, insulin resistance and adipokines in overweight and obese subjects. Methods: Sixty-four overweight and obese volunteers (27 men, 37 women) were recruited into this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to the Licorice (n=32) or the placebo group (n=32), and each group received a low-calorie diet with either 1.5 g/day of Licorice extract or placebo for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, anthropometric indices, body composition and dietary intake were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: A total of 58 subjects completed the trial. No side effects were observed following licorice supplementation. At the end of the study, waist circumference, fat mass, serum levels of vaspin, zinc-α2 glycoprotein, insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased in the intervention group, but only the reduction in serum vaspin levels in the licorice group was significant when compared to the placebo group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Supplementation with dried licorice extract plus a low-calorie diet can increase vaspin levels in obese subjects. However, the anti-obesity effects of the intervention were not stronger than a low-calorie diet alone in the management of obesity

Ramadan fasting and type 1 diabetes: a scoping review protocol

Introduction Ramadan fasting is globally observed and a great majority of the residents of Islamic countries and elsewhere fast during Ramadan all across the world every year. Many patients with type 1 diabetes fast during Ramadan according to (or against) medical and jurisprudence advice. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of scientific evidence regarding the risks patients with diabetes who fast may be confronted with. The current scoping review protocol aims at systematic analysis and mapping of existing literature in the field and highlighting scientific gaps.Methods and analyses This scoping review will be conducted based on the Arksey and O'Malley’s methodological framework with consideration of later modifications and amendments. Three major scientific databases, namely PubMed, Scopus and Embase up to February 2022 will be systematically searched by expert researchers in collaboration with a medical librarian. Considering the fact that Ramadan Fasting is a cultural-dependent subject, which may be studied in the Middle Eastern and Islamic Countries in languages other than English, local Persian and Arabic Databases will also be included. Grey literature will be sought too, and unpublished works such as conference proceedings and academic degree dissertation will be considered. Subsequently, one author will screen and record all abstracts, and two reviewers will independently screen and retrieve eligible full texts. A third reviewer will then be designated to resolve potential discrepancies. Standardised data charts and forms will be used for information extraction and reporting of the outcomes.Ethics and dissemination No ethical considerations apply to this research. Results will be published and presented in academic journals and scientific events

<span style="font-size:15.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-bidi-font-weight: bold" lang="EN-US">Different types of <i>Mizaj</i> (temperament) in relation with body composition in overweight and obese women: Avicenna’s opinion </span>

240-243The aim of the present study was to determine different types of Mizaj and their association with body composition in overweight and obese women. In this cross-sectional study, 135 overweight and obese women aged 18-30 yrs old were recruited from April to June 2013 in Tabriz-Iran. Weight, height and body composition (fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW)) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Determination of Mizaj type (Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi, Balghami) was performed with face to face interview by traditional medicine specialist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16.0. P<0.05 was considered significant. Mean age and BMI of participants were 25.5±3 yrs and 33±4.3kg/m2, respectively. Frequencies of subjects with Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi and Balghami temperaments were 31, 14, 47.4 and 7.4%, respectively. Most participants had Mizaj of Dam. No significant differences were observed in body weight and BMI values among different types of Mizaj (p>0.05 in both variables), but comparison percentage of FM among women, indicated significant differences between %FM in women with Mizaj of Sauda and Dam (P<0.01). However, further studies are needed to clarify association between type of Mizaj with weight and body composition. </span

The roles of quercetin in diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders; special focus on the modulation of gut microbiota: A comprehensive review

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid that can affect the balance between anti-oxidant defense system and oxidative stress. A number of studies showed the positive effects of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders through different pathways such as gut flora. However, findings are conflicting. In addition, it seems no studies have summarized all potential mechanisms of quercetin in diabetes mellitus, so far. Therefore, the aims of the present comprehensive review were to provide an overview on biological and biochemical characteristics of quercetin and investigate the effect of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by focusing on its effects on the modulation of gut microbiota. For this purpose, findings of In vitro, animal studies, clinical trials, and review studies with the English language published until January 2021 were summarized. They were identified through electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and Google Scholar. Findings showed that quercetin can be an effective component for improving glycemic status and other metabolic disorders related to diabetes mellitus based on In vitro and animal studies. However, environmental factors, food processing and using nanoformulations can affect its efficacy in human studies. Several potential mechanisms, including the modulation of gut flora are proposed for its actions. However, due to limited clinical trials and contradictory findings, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to make a decision on the efficacy of supplementation with quercetin as a complementary therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and modulating gut flora

The roles of quercetin in diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders; special focus on the modulation of gut microbiota: A comprehensive review

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid that can affect the balance between anti-oxidant defense system and oxidative stress. A number of studies showed the positive effects of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders through different pathways such as gut flora. However, findings are conflicting. In addition, it seems no studies have summarized all potential mechanisms of quercetin in diabetes mellitus, so far. Therefore, the aims of the present comprehensive review were to provide an overview on biological and biochemical characteristics of quercetin and investigate the effect of quercetin on diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by focusing on its effects on the modulation of gut microbiota. For this purpose, findings of In vitro, animal studies, clinical trials, and review studies with the English language published until January 2021 were summarized. They were identified through electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and Google Scholar. Findings showed that quercetin can be an effective component for improving glycemic status and other metabolic disorders related to diabetes mellitus based on In vitro and animal studies. However, environmental factors, food processing and using nanoformulations can affect its efficacy in human studies. Several potential mechanisms, including the modulation of gut flora are proposed for its actions. However, due to limited clinical trials and contradictory findings, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to make a decision on the efficacy of supplementation with quercetin as a complementary therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and modulating gut flora

The effects of supplementation with green tea on energy expenditure rate and thermal energy expenditure in adult individuals : a systematic review of clinical trials

As there is no systematic review on the effects of green tea on energy expenditure (EE) and thermal energy expenditure (TEE), the authors aimed to systematically examine whether green tea can affect EE and TEE in adult subjects. Five electronic databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane library plus three Chinese databases were searched from 1999 to 30th Jun 2019 to find eligible clinical trials. Of 1016 publications, 6 clinical trials were included. In most studies, changes in EE following the consumption of green tea were not significant. However, fat oxidation increased in some studies after the intervention. No serious side effects were reported in any of the clinical trials following the supplementation with green tea. Green tea may increase EE and fat oxidation in adult individuals. However, the benefits of green tea for energy expenditure-related parameters including heart rate, carbohydrate oxidation, TEE, and RQ remain uncertain. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the effects of green tea on EE and related parameters

The effects of Fenugreek on controlling glucose in diabetes mellitus : an overview of scientific evidence

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) from Fabaceae has been used as herbal medicine to treat various disorders worldwide since antiquity. Recent evidence from preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of fenugreek to control hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. Antihyperglycaemic properties of fenugreek are mainly attributed to its bioactive constituents, mainly 4-hydroxyisoleucin, galactomannan, diosgenin and trigonelline. The potential mechanisms underlying antidiabetic activity of fenugreek and its substances are associated with β cell regeneration, increasing insulin secretion, improving the insulin-signalling pathway in adipocytes and liver cells, modulating enzymes related to glucose metabolism and inhibiting glucose resorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Given the large body of evidence, fenugreek and its bioactive constituents have a strong potential to be used as complementary medicines for controlling glucose in diabetes mellitus. This review aims to discuss the effect of fenugreek in the management of hyperglycaemia from preclinical and clinical studies and the underlying mechanisms of actions