Exploring the impact of mulberry fruits on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of current evidence

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordData availability: No data was used for the research described in the article.Background Mulberries are rich in nutrients including a wide range of polyphenols that possess different bioactive properties. This systematic review illustrates mulberry's potential as a promising plant food for mitigating the perturbations associated with metabolic syndrome. Methods A systematic search was conducted on 1st March 2023 in Scopus and PubMed. A total of 15 eligible studies (in vitro and in vivo) studies evaluating the effect of mulberries on metabolic syndrome-related factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure were included. Results Predominantly, the studies have centred around its anti-visceral-obesity and lipid-reducing effects. The interventions in these studies spanned 8–12 weeks, employing modest oral doses—ranging from 10 to 800 of mg/kg of body weight per day—of mulberry extracts, powders, or freeze-dried fruits. The favorable effects of mulberry are predominantly ascribed to its rich polyphenolic content, which interacts with diverse metabolic pathways. In terms of its anti-visceral-obesity effect, these polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, exhibit the capacity to modulate fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis, enhance mitochondrial function, and attenuate reactive oxygen species accumulation. In vivo, constituents such as resveratrol, rutin, and anthocyanins demonstrate efficacy in inhibiting lipid synthesis, accumulation, and oxidation, leveraging their free radical scavenging ability, while concurrently orchestrating metabolic modulation in tandem with prebiotic agents. Conclusions Based on these data, it can be inferred that the utilization of white mulberry holds greater promise in the management of ailments like hypertension and dyslipidemia. Conversely, black mulberry displays efficacy in addressing diabetes and obesity

In vitro antidiabetic and antihypercholesterolemic activities of camel milk protein hydrolysates derived upon simulated gastrointestinal digestion of milk from different camel breeds

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordMilk protein hydrolysates derived from 4 camel breeds (Pakistani, Saheli, Hozami, and Omani) were evaluated for in vitro inhibition of antidiabetic enzymatic markers (dipeptidyl peptidase IV and α-amylase) and antihypercholesterolemic enzymatic markers (pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase). Milk samples were subjected to in vitro simulated gastric (SGD) and gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) conditions. In comparison with intact milk proteins, the SGD-derived milk protein hydrolysates showed enhanced inhibition of α-amylase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, pancreatic lipase, and cholesterol esterase as reflected by lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration values. Overall, milk protein hydrolysates derived from the milk of Hozami and Omani camel breeds displayed higher inhibition of different enzymatic markers compared with milk protein hydrolysates from Pakistani and Saheli breeds. In vitro SGD and SGID processes significantly increased the bioactive properties of milk from all camel breeds. Milk protein hydrolysates from different camel breeds showed significant variations for inhibition of antidiabetic and antihypercholesterolemic enzymatic markers, suggesting the importance of breed selection for production of bioactive peptides. However, further studies on identifying the peptides generated upon SGD and SGID of milk from different camel breeds are needed.United Arab Emirates UniversityZCHS (Zayed Center of Health Science

Muscle dysmorphia and associated psychological features of males in the Middle East: A systematic review

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. Availability of data and material: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this article.Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a preoccupation with muscularity and is linked to excessive exercise and dieting, and using anabolic steroids. There is a global interest in the study of MD, however, the literature has yet to collect and synthesize the evidence base in the Middle East. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to understand the status of MD and its associated psychological features of males in the Middle East. A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed on February 4th, 2023 to identify the cross-sectional survey-based studies conducted in the ME using well-established assessments directly related to MD and its associated psychological features in males. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Instrument for Cross-Sectional Surveys of Attitudes and Practices. A total of ten eligible studies were included in this review. These studies were conducted in Turkey (n = 5), Iran (n = 2), Lebanon (n = 1), Kuwait (n = 1), and North Cyprus (n = 1). Participants in the included studies were mainly bodybuilders (n = 1958, 55.4%) and university students (n = 1510, 42.7%). Results suggest that disordered eating attitudes, obsession with healthy eating, perfectionism, vulnerable narcissistic disposition, low self-esteem, muscle dissatisfaction, need frustration, and low family income may contribute to or trigger MD symptoms in bodybuilders and male university students in the Middle East. Healthcare professionals should be mindful of the associated psychological correlates in treating MD symptoms in men living in the Middle East. Registration: The protocol of this systematic review was registered at the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/N58UZ)

Lactobacillus reuteri-fortified camel milk infant formula: Effects of encapsulation, in vitro digestion, and storage conditions on probiotic cell viability and physicochemical characteristics of infant formula

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. Lactobacillus reuteri fortified camel milk infant formula (CMIF) was produced. The effect of encapsulation in different matrices (sodium alginate and galacto-oligosaccharides) via spray drying, simulated infant gastrointestinal digestion (SIGID), and storage conditions (temperature and humidity) on the viability of L. reuteri in CMIF and the physicochemical properties of CMIF were evaluated. Compared with free cells, probiotic cell viability was significantly enhanced against SIGID conditions upon encapsulation. However, L. reuteri viability in CMIF decreased after 60 d of storage, predominantly at higher storage humidity and temperature levels. At the end of the storage period, significant changes in the color values were observed in all CMIF, with a reduction in their greenness, an increase in yellowness, and a wide variation in their whiteness. Moreover, pH values and caking behavior of all CMIF stored at higher temperature (40°C) and humidity [water activity (aw) = 0.52] levels were found to be significantly higher than the samples stored under other conditions. Over 30 d of storage at lower humidity conditions (aw = 0.11 and 0.33) and room temperature (25°C), no significant increase in CMIF lipid oxidation rates was noted. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that, compared with the other storage conditions, CMIF experienced fewer changes in functional groups when stored at aw = 0.11. Microscopic images showed typical morphological characteristics of milk powder, with round to spherical-shaped particles. Overall, camel milk fortified with encapsulated L. reuteri can be suggested as a promising alternative in infant formula industries, potentially able to maintain its physicochemical characteristics as well as viability of probiotic cells when stored at low humidity levels (aw = 0.11) and temperature (25°C), over 60 d of storage.United Arab Emirates University (Al Ain

Qualitative analysis of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) glucosinolates: Investigating the use of mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

This is the final version. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. Data Availability: No data was used for the research described in the article.Glucosinolates are phytochemicals with important health and nutritional benefits. This study reports the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy to characterise and differentiate between broccoli varieties and systems of production (organic vs. non-organic) depending on their glucosinolate content and infrared fingerprint. Broccoli samples (n = 53) from seven varieties were analysed using MIR spectroscopy and HPLC. Differences in the MIR spectra of the individual broccoli varieties were observed in the carbohydrate fingerprint region (950–1100 cm-1) and between 1340 and 1615 cm-1 assigned to specific glucosinolates. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the MIR fingerprint spectra enabled the differentiation between samples with relatively high (200–500 mg/100 g DW) and low (< 200 mg/100 g DW) glucobrassicin content. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and PCA-LDA were used to classify broccoli varieties according to the system of production (organic vs. non-organic) and variety (common vs. Tenderstem® broccoli). The classification rates indicated that > 70 % of the samples were correctly classified as organic and non-organic, while > 90 % of the samples were correctly classified as common broccoli and Tenderstem®. This study demonstrates that MIR spectroscopy could be used as a potential tool to classify and monitor broccoli samples according to their variety and system of production.PepsiCoQUEX Institut

Molecular docking studies on α-amylase inhibitory peptides from milk of different farm animals

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordMilk-derived peptides have emerged as a popular mean to manage various lifestyle disorders such as diabetes. Fermentation is being explored as one of the faster and efficient way of producing peptides with antidiabetic potential. Therefore, in this study, an attempt was made to comparatively investigate the pancreatic α-amylase (PAA) inhibitory properties of peptides derived from milk of different farm animals through probiotic fermentation. Peptide's identification was carried out using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and inhibition mechanisms were characterized by molecular docking. Results obtained showed a PAA-IC50 value (the amount of protein equivalent needed to inhibit 50% of enzymes) between 2.39 and 36.1 µg protein equivalent for different fermented samples. Overall, Pediococcus pentosaceus MF000957-derived fermented milk from all animals indicated higher PAA inhibition than other probiotic derived fermented milk (PAA-IC50 values of 6.01, 3.53, 15.6, and 10.8 µg protein equivalent for bovine, camel, goat, and sheep fermented milk). Further, molecular docking analysis indicated that camel milk-derived peptide IMEQQQTEDEQQDK and goat milk-derived peptide DQHQKAMKPWTQPK were the most potent PAA inhibitory peptides. Overall, the study concluded that fermentation derived peptides may prove useful in for managing diabetes via inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzyme PAA.United Arab Emirates Universit

Effect of Soy Protein Supplementation on Muscle Adaptations, Metabolic and Antioxidant Status, Hormonal Response, and Exercise Performance of Active Individuals and Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and material: Not applicable.Background Protein supplements are important to maintain optimum health and physical performance, particularly in athletes and active individuals to repair and rebuild their skeletal muscles and connective tissues. Soy protein (SP) has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to animal proteins. Objectives This systematic review evaluates the evidence from randomised controlled clinical trials of the effects of SP supplementation in active individuals and athletes in terms of muscle adaptations, metabolic and antioxidant status, hormonal response and exercise performance. It also explores the differences in SP supplementation effects in comparison to whey protein. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, as well as a manual search in Google Scholar and EBSCO, on 27 June 2023. Randomised controlled trials that evaluated the applications of SPs supplementation on sports and athletic-related outcomes that are linked with exercise performance, adaptations and biomarkers in athletes and physically active adolescents and young adults (14 to 39 years old) were included, otherwise, studies were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane’s revised risk of bias tool. Results A total of 19 eligible original research articles were included that investigated the effect of SP supplementation on muscle adaptations (n = 9), metabolic and antioxidant status (n = 6), hormonal response (n = 6) and exercise performance (n = 6). Some studies investigated more than one effect. SP was found to provide identical increases in lean mass compared to whey in some studies. SP consumption promoted the reduction of exercise-induced metabolic/blood circulating biomarkers such as triglycerides, uric acid and lactate. Better antioxidant capacity against oxidative stress has been seen with respect to whey protein in long-term studies. Some studies reported testosterone and cortisol fluctuations related to SP; however, more research is required. All studies on SP and endurance performance suggested the potential beneficial effects of SP supplementation (10–53.3 g) on exercise performance by improving high-intensity and high-speed running performance, enhancing maximal cardiac output, delaying fatigue and improving isometric muscle strength, improving endurance in recreational cyclists, increasing running velocity and decreasing accumulated lactate levels; however, studies determining the efficacy of soy protein on VO2max provided conflicted results. Conclusion It is possible to recommend SP to athletes and active individuals in place of conventional protein supplements by assessing their dosage and effectiveness in relation to different types of training. SP may enhance lean mass compared with other protein sources, enhance the antioxidant status, and reduce oxidative stress. SP supplementation had an inconsistent effect on testosterone and cortisol levels. SP supplementation may be beneficial, especially after muscle damage, high-intensity/high-speed or repeated bouts of strenuous exercise

Comparison of fatty acid profile and mineral content of black mulberry (Morus nigra), white mulberry (Morus alba) and red mulberry (Morus rubra) grown in Bahrain

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials: Data available within the article or its supplementary materials.Mulberries are a rich source of many nutrients and have various health-promoting benefits. Nevertheless, their growth conditions can influence their nutritional composition and thus their benefits. Thus, this study examines the fatty acid profile and mineral content of three mulberry varieties: black (Morus nigra L.), white (Morus alba L.), and red (Morus rubra L.) grown in Bahrain for the first time. Fatty acid analysis, using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), revealed that linoleic acid (C18:2n6) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were the primary fatty acids present in mulberry fruits, while minor fatty acids varied among the cultivars. Black mulberries exhibited a composition of 33.08 % saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and 66.92 % unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), while red mulberries had 34.48 % SFAs and 66.52 % UFAs, and white mulberry had 27.15 % SFAs and 72.85 % UFAs. The mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) revealed variations in the content of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) among the mulberry varieties. Black mulberries displayed the highest levels of Mg (706.67 mg/100 g), Fe (31.33 mg/100 g), Na (1406 mg/100 g), K (4161.33 mg/100 g), and Ca (1008.67 mg/100 g). Mulberries reported moderate levels of Mg (442.33 mg/100 g), Fe (45.6 mg/100 g), Na (635.68 mg/100 g), K (3278 mg/100 g), and Ca (583.1 mg/100 g). These findings indicate that black mulberries exhibit a superior mineral content across all parameters, whereas red mulberry has lower levels among the three varieties

Phytochemical and nutritional properties of sumac (Rhus coriaria): a potential ingredient for developing functional foods

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordSumac (Rhus coriaria) is a flowering plant that is widely consumed for its promoting health benefits and used in food preparations as a spice in the Mediterranean region. It is a high shrub or small tree with imparipinnate leaves, villus and red fruits with one-seeded drupe, and small greenish-white flowers. The nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential of sumac makes it a remarkable functional food. In this review, the phytochemical and nutritional properties of sumac as an under valorized functional food have been discussed. Flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and organic acids have been reported as dominant phytochemicals in sumac, which are well known for their pharmacological properties that attract many consumers to commonly choose sumac in their diet as well as food preparations. The remarkable volatile compounds present in sumac give it a unique aroma that increases its acceptance by consumers and potential use in the food industry. Sumac has been evaluated for a broad range of nutritional and pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-infertility, and neuroprotective potential. This review has also briefly outlined the safety concerns concerning the use of sumac in terms of toxicology and interactions