J Med Food [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Tamarixetin Improves Metabolic Dysfunction by Inhibiting the p300-Mediated Epigenetic Activation of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4.
Song JH, Lee J, Kim HJ … +4 more , Lee JI, Lee YG, Choi HK, Hwang JT
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42376872 · Publisher ↗
Excessive lipid accumulation is a hallmark of metabolic disorders which includes obesity and insulin resistance; however, effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. Tamarixetin (Tx), a naturally occurring flavonoid...
Excessive lipid accumulation is a hallmark of metabolic disorders which includes obesity and insulin resistance; however, effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. Tamarixetin (Tx), a naturally occurring flavonoid with diverse pharmacological properties, has not been fully characterized in the context of lipid metabolism. In this study, we explored the metabolic benefits and molecular mechanisms of Tx in a Western diet (WD)-induced obesity model. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that Tx reversed WD-induced gene expression patterns, notably suppressing and inducing expression. Mechanistically, docking analysis suggested that Tx interacts with the acetyl-CoA-binding region within the p300 histone acetyltransferase domain, thereby attenuating H3K9 acetylation at the Pdk4 promoter. This epigenetic inhibition of led to activation of the p38/AMPK signaling cascade, upregulation of and , and enhanced insulin sensitivity . Collectively, our findings identify Tx as a novel epigenetic modulator that simultaneously suppresses lipogenic gene expression and restores metabolic signaling. Given its natural origin and multifaceted mode of action, Tx emerges as a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in metabolic disorders.
Standardized Extract Alleviates Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice.
Byun SH, Park K, Moon S … +8 more , Lee TH, Lee SH, Jiang HH, Han EH, Han JE, Jung SY, Kim DH, Ryu JH
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319360 · Publisher ↗
Cognitive dysfunction has become a major health issue in the global aging society. For treating cognitive dysfunction or dementia, several small molecules or innovative drugs, including a monoclonal antibody against the...
Cognitive dysfunction has become a major health issue in the global aging society. For treating cognitive dysfunction or dementia, several small molecules or innovative drugs, including a monoclonal antibody against the amyloid β protein, have been prescribed. However, their adverse effects require the exploration of alternative treatments. (Asteraceae) has been used as traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation. Recent reports suggest it has potential neuroprotective effects; however, evidence regarding its cognitive benefits and underlying mechanisms remains limited. We examined the memory-enhancing effects of an ethanolic extract of . (EAA) (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg, once per each behavioral test) in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction and explored its mode of action on memory-related signaling pathways. Memory-related performance was assessed using the Y-maze, novel object recognition, Morris water maze, and passive avoidance tests. Next, Western blotting was used to evaluate changes in signaling molecules, such as CaMKII, ERK, CREB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. EAA administration significantly improved cognitive performance across all tests. It restored the phosphorylation levels of CaMKII, ERK, and CREB, respectively, as well as the expression level of BDNF, after 12 h of treatment. Moreover, it enhanced long-term potentiation without altering basal synaptic transmission within the hippocampus. In summary, EAA facilitated cognitive enhancement during a cholinergic impaired state, attributable to its influence on synaptic plasticity and activation of the CaMKII-ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling cascade.
Biological Effects of Bovine Lactoferrin on Keratinocyte Proliferation and Migration (Bovine Lactoferrin and Wound Healing Response).
Azevedo ML, Cardoso LM, Anselmi C … +1 more , Lund RG
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319358 · Publisher ↗
Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein present in various exocrine secretions, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including cell proliferation, immune modulation, and antimicrobial effects. This stud...
Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein present in various exocrine secretions, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including cell proliferation, immune modulation, and antimicrobial effects. This study investigates the bioactivities of commercially available Lf derived from bovine milk. Commercial Lf, with a purity exceeding 95%, was analyzed using chemical and cell-based assays. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the protein's identity through characteristic peaks. Cell viability assays demonstrated noncytotoxic effects, while cell morphology analysis and proliferation assays revealed that Lf stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Wound healing assays showed that Lf promotes wound closure, with optimal effects observed at lower concentrations. However, antimicrobial assays revealed that Lf alone did not exhibit activity against and . These findings highlight the importance of purity and concentration in determining the biological activity of Lf. Further studies are warranted to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential applications of bovine Lf in therapeutic contexts.
Antidiarrheal Activity of Fermented Soybean Powder by DKU_09 Strain in Mice with Castor Oil-Induced Diarrhea.
Kim SK, Kim MK, Oh CH … +1 more , Ban JY
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319356 · Publisher ↗
Diarrhea is characterized by excessive intestinal secretion and motility, often linked to inflammatory activation. Although synthetic antidiarrheal drugs are effective, their prolonged use can cause side effects, undersc...
Diarrhea is characterized by excessive intestinal secretion and motility, often linked to inflammatory activation. Although synthetic antidiarrheal drugs are effective, their prolonged use can cause side effects, underscoring the need for safe, natural alternatives.This study investigated the antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory activities of DKU_09-fermented soybean (FS) powder in a mouse model of castor oil-induced diarrhea.Male ICR mice were orally administered FS (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg) for 7 days before the induction of diarrhea with castor oil. Diarrheal onset, frequency, fecal water content, and gastrointestinal (GI) transit were recorded. Inflammatory mediators in the small intestine were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, while serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Pretreatment with FS significantly delayed the onset of diarrhea (FS200: 132.0 ± 9.8 min vs. castor oil-treated control [DC]: 76.9 ± 5.6 min, < .05) and reduced diarrheal frequency (FS200: 32.9 ± 5.4% vs. DC: 51.9 ± 6.1%, < .05). FS normalized the accelerated GI transit and markedly suppressed intestinal inflammation. The expression of , , , and () mRNA was significantly decreased by FS, accompanied by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation (ERK, JNK, and p38). Serum IgG and IgA levels were unaffected, indicating that the effects were localized to intestinal tissue.Soybeans fermented by DKU_09 exert potent antidiarrheal effects through suppression of the NF-κB/Cox-2/PGE and MAPK signaling pathways, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation and motility. These findings suggest that the FS used in the present study may serve as a safe and natural functional food for the management of acute diarrhea.
Method Validation for Phenylalanine Analysis in Unconventional Food Plants.
Minighin EC, Gomides MF, da Cunha MRR … +6 more , Dias LTS, Costa K, Vieira ALS, Pedrosa MW, Labanca RA, de Araújo RLB
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42312547 · Publisher ↗
Dietary restriction of high-protein foods is the primary treatment strategy for phenylketonuria, a disease considered an inborn error of metabolism associated with phenylalanine. The diet of these patients is monotonous,...
Dietary restriction of high-protein foods is the primary treatment strategy for phenylketonuria, a disease considered an inborn error of metabolism associated with phenylalanine. The diet of these patients is monotonous, consisting mainly of certain types of fruits and vegetables, and is often supplemented with the use of phenylalanine-free formulas. Considering that Brazil is one of the countries with the most incredible biodiversity in the world, Non-Conventional Food Plants (NCPPs) become food options that can be regularly introduced into the diet of phenylketonuric patients. In the present study, a method for quantifying phenylalanine in NCPPs was validated using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. The phenylalanine content was determined in 15 NCPPs samples from the Brazilian Cerrado. The validated method demonstrated selectivity for the amino acid phenylalanine, with linearity in the range of 1-10 nmol/mL, indicating no matrix effect, and provided proven recovery, repeatability, and precision. The detection and quantification limits were 0.0011 mg/100 g and 0.0035 mg/100 g, respectively. The phenylalanine content ranged from 20.28 to 235.58 mg/100 g. It was observed that leafy vegetables had a higher phenylalanine content than the taro stem (20.28 mg/100 g), the chayote fruit (32.67 mg/100 g), the sepal of the sorrel plant (38.21 mg/100 g), and the nasturtium flower (116.24 mg/100 g). These data suggest that these vegetables can be incorporated into the diet of phenylketonuric patients, thereby contributing to dietary diversity and making it less monotonous and more palatable.
Pilot Study of Gallic Acid Cream as a Potential Treatment for Plaque Psoriasis.
Greenway RR, Coulter AA, Zhang D … +1 more , Greenway FL
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257840 · Publisher ↗
Gallic acid, a catechin polyphenol in tea, completely inhibited angiogenesis in assays of human tissue at 10 M. Psoriasis is a skin disease caused by excessive secretion of angiogenenic factors by keratinocytes and strom...
Gallic acid, a catechin polyphenol in tea, completely inhibited angiogenesis in assays of human tissue at 10 M. Psoriasis is a skin disease caused by excessive secretion of angiogenenic factors by keratinocytes and stromal skin cells. In a double-blind pilot study, six subjects with bilateral plaque psoriasis were treated with 10 M gallic acid in a cream base or with a cream base placebo over 8 weeks, four times a day, and treatments were randomly assigned to either the left or the right side. The gallic acid cream was well tolerated, but it did not reduce the psoriasis more than the placebo. One subject wanted to extend treatment for an additional 8 weeks. At the end of 16 weeks, the subject had complete resolution of the psoriatic plaque treated with gallic acid cream. In contrast, the plaque treated with placebo cream was not reduced and stayed equivalent to week six. Gallic acid is inexpensive and does not cause side effects. A longer trial evaluating 10 M gallic acid cream for the treatment of psoriasis seems indicated.
A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Extract for Fat-Mass Reduction in Adults with Overweight/Obesity.
Park SH, Lee JE, Bae SG … +7 more , Kim J, Baek KS, Gwon Y, Youn SJ, Choi Y, Choi YJ, Shin SM
J Med Food · 2026 May · PMID 42187323 · Publisher ↗
Salacia reticulata has long been used in traditional medicine for metabolic disorders, but clinical evidence for obesity-related outcomes remains limited. We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controll...
Salacia reticulata has long been used in traditional medicine for metabolic disorders, but clinical evidence for obesity-related outcomes remains limited. We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of a standardized extract (SLE) on body-fat outcomes. Adults with overweight and/or obesity were randomized to receive SLE capsules or a matching placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The coprimary endpoints were changes from baseline to week 12 in total body fat mass (g) and body fat percentage (%) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The primary efficacy analysis was conducted in the full analysis set (mITT) using analysis of covariance with baseline values and sex as covariates. Per-protocol set analyses were performed as supportive sensitivity analyses. Among randomized participants, the mITT included 66 participants in the SLE group and 67 in the placebo group, and baseline characteristics were comparable. After 12 weeks, total body fat mass decreased in the SLE group, whereas little change was observed in the placebo group. The between-group difference favored SLE (ANCOVA-adjusted LS mean difference, -482.30 g; 95% CI, -907.05 to -57.54 g). The corresponding between-group comparison was statistically significant (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, = .0158). Body fat percentage also decreased in the SLE group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant (ANCOVA-adjusted LS mean difference, -0.30%; 95% CI, -0.73 to 0.12%; Wilcoxon rank-sum test, = .1453). Several secondary body-composition outcomes, including trunk, android and gynoid fat measures, showed directionally favorable changes in the SLE group. In this 12-week trial, SLE was associated with a modest reduction in total body fat mass, whereas the second coprimary endpoint, body fat percentage, did not differ significantly between groups. These mixed coprimary findings provide only preliminary clinical evidence and should be interpreted with caution, particularly given the study's retrospective trial registration.
Hydrolyzed Keratin Peptide Enhances Hair Condition and Promotes Hair Regeneration.
Kim S, Kim JY, Leem JW … +8 more , Jo HJ, Leem JW, Kang HY, Han EH, Lee BG, Jiang HH, Roh E, Jung SK
J Med Food · 2026 May · PMID 42187264 · Publisher ↗
Growing interest in hair health has increased the demand for safe and effective hair growth agents. Keratin, a structural protein abundant in hair, skin, and nails, is essential for maintaining hair integrity and resilie...
Growing interest in hair health has increased the demand for safe and effective hair growth agents. Keratin, a structural protein abundant in hair, skin, and nails, is essential for maintaining hair integrity and resilience. This study evaluated the effects of orally administered hydrolyzed keratin peptide on hair growth in male and female C57BL/6 mice and its cellular impact on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and HaCaT keratinocytes. Oral administration of hydrolyzed keratin peptide promoted the telogen-to-anagen transition and increased expression of proliferation markers (, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen []) in both sexes, while upregulating growth factors and antioxidant enzymes in male mice. , hydrolyzed keratin peptide enhanced HFDPC proliferation by activating and improving cellular antioxidant capacity in both HaCaT keratinocytes and HFDPCs. These findings suggest that hydrolyzed keratin peptides are a promising functional food ingredient for promoting hair health through both proliferative and antioxidant mechanisms.
Immuno-Enhancing Effects and Minimum Effective Dose of the Co-Extracted Herbal Formulation JI-HK601 via NK Cell Activation.
Lee SE, Kim YH, Sim YB … +1 more , Ko SG
J Med Food · 2026 Aug · PMID 42117486 · Publisher ↗
This study compared the immunomodulatory effects of the co-extracted herbal formulation JI-HK601 with those of an individual extracts mixture (IEM) and evaluated the minimum effective dose of JI-HK601 through immune fun...
This study compared the immunomodulatory effects of the co-extracted herbal formulation JI-HK601 with those of an individual extracts mixture (IEM) and evaluated the minimum effective dose of JI-HK601 through immune function analyses in mice. To assess safety, both extracts were administered orally at a dose of 400 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Measurements of body weight, spleen index, and peripheral blood cell profiles revealed no significant differences compared to the normal control group, suggesting that neither extract induced systemic toxicity or abnormal immune organ responses under the tested conditions. Immunological assessments indicated that JI-HK601 enhanced natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity to a greater extent than IEM, suggesting a greater functional improvement in NK cell responsiveness. In subsequent dose-response studies of JI-HK601, no toxicity was observed at any dose, whereas increases in T-cell proportion and NK cell activity were noted at 400 mg/kg. Analysis of T-cell transcription factors showed selective upregulation of T-box transcription factor 21 (T-bet), a key regulator of T helper type 1 (Th1) differentiation. These results indicate that JI-HK601 preferentially stimulates Th1-associated immune pathways while enhancing innate cytotoxic function. Overall, the findings demonstrate that JI-HK601 strengthens NK cell activity and promotes Th1-related cellular immunity while maintaining a favorable safety profile across the evaluated dose range. Thus, these results provide foundational data for assessing the potential use of JI-HK601 as an immune-enhancing ingredient in functional foods and complementary and alternative medicine.
Polyphenols Alleviate Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice via the IRS/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway.
Sun N, Chen X, Chen T … +2 more , Ye M, Zong S
J Med Food · 2026 Aug · PMID 42104905 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluated the antihyperglycemic effects and mechanisms of polyphenols (LPs) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. LP was obtained via ethanol extraction, purified using XAD-4 resin, and characterized by LC...
This study evaluated the antihyperglycemic effects and mechanisms of polyphenols (LPs) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. LP was obtained via ethanol extraction, purified using XAD-4 resin, and characterized by LC-MS/MS. Diabetic mice were administered low- or high-dose LP (50 or 100 mg/kg), metformin, or their combination for 6 weeks. Metabolic parameters, organ indices, serum and liver biomarkers, histopathology, and signaling pathways were assessed. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified LP as flavonoid-, tannin-, and phenolic acid-enriched fractions. LP treatment significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, as evidenced by reduced fasting blood glucose, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and restored homeostasis model assessment indices. Furthermore, LP alleviated hepatic injury, attenuated oxidative stress, and ameliorated dyslipidemia, with histopathological analysis confirming protective effects on pancreatic islets and liver tissues. Mechanistically, LP activated the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β pathway by enhancing IRS-2/Akt phosphorylation and suppressing GSK-3β expression. This is the first study to characterize the bioactive polyphenols from and demonstrate their multitarget efficacy against diabetic hyperglycemia through coordinated modulation of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism.
Effects of Bromelain in Maternal Deprivation and Social Isolation Models of Schizophrenia in Male BALB/c Mice.
Ayilara GO, Owoyele BV
J Med Food · 2026 May · PMID 42090305 · Publisher ↗
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in several parts of the pineapple plant, including the stem, fruit, leaves, and peel. Its use was recommended to slow down the progression of neurological disorders such as Parkins...
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in several parts of the pineapple plant, including the stem, fruit, leaves, and peel. Its use was recommended to slow down the progression of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Although studies have examined the beneficial effects of bromelain (Br) in neurological disorders, its detailed benefits in schizophrenia are still poorly understood. We, thus, modeled schizophrenia using two developmental methods. In the first experiment, postweaning social isolation (SI) method where male mice were weaned at postnatal day (PND) 21 and isolated in individual cage for 5 weeks was used to induce schizophrenia. The second experiment used a maternal deprivation (MD) model, where mothers were separated from their pups for 24 h at PND 9. In both experiments 1 and 2, Br was administered orally from PND 21 to PND 56. At PND 56, there were behavioral assessments of nest building, anxiety, depression, and locomotion, while oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and astrocyte expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were assessed at the end of the behavioral studies. Our study found that both SI and MD caused anxiety, depression, and hyperlocomotion. This was accompanied by oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and neuroinflammation was observed only in the hippocampus. While SI rearing caused poor nest-building capacity, MD rearing did not impact nest-building capacity of the mice. The study found that administration of 50 mg/kg of Br reversed oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and significantly reduced anxiety level, hyperlocomotion, and depression in the mice. Mice administered Br also had a better nest-building capacity. Br may, therefore, benefit individuals at ultra-high risk and patients with schizophrenia, alleviating the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disease, without the side effects reported in the use of psychotic drugs.
Effects of KABP051 Probiotic on Body Composition, Microbiome and Mood in Healthy Overweight Adults.
Talbott S, Stephens B, Talbott J … +2 more , Oddou M, Fumiki A
J Med Food · 2026 May · PMID 42065141 · Publisher ↗
Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized,...
Obesity and mental health disorders are among the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Interestingly, an altered microbiome profile has been associated with both conditions. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a specific probiotic strain ( KABP051) on body composition and gut microbiome balance, together with measures of mood state, in a population of healthy overweight subjects. Sixty healthy, moderately stressed, nondepressed and overweight or obese volunteers were supplemented for 12 weeks with probiotic ( KABP051; 1 billion colony forming units/day) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose). The KABP051 group experienced significantly greater improvements compared with placebo on body composition measurements, including a reduction in body weight and waist circumference, which decreased in 1.97 ± 0.77 (mean ± SE) kg and 2.15 ± 0.81 (mean ± SE) cm versus placebo at the end of the intervention (both < .05, mixed model for repeated measures [MMRM] and analysis). Microbiome composition improved in KABP051 group, with significant increase in the relative abundance of spp. versus placebo. Body fat percentage, profile of mood states fatigue, and confusion sub-scores showed a global trend toward improvement compared with placebo, with the change at 12 weeks being significant in the three measurements in analysis ( = .015, = .014, and = .016, respectively). No serious adverse events were registered during the intervention period. These results suggest that a specific strain of probiotic bacteria ( KABP051) may have both metabolic and psychobiotic effects and may be beneficial for enhancing weight loss and body composition, improving energy (less fatigue) and mood levels while embarking on a healthy lifestyle regimen. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06808061.
Modulation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Response in the Eyes of CKD Animals Supplemented with Larch Arabinogalactan.
Alves Reis PH, Destro IP, Lamy IB … +7 more , Petri G, Silvestri EF, Trufelli IDR, Alves BDCA, Lima VL, da Veiga GL, Fonseca FLA
J Med Food · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053149 · Publisher ↗
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a systemic condition associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, affecting organs beyond the kidneys. Although rarely emphasized, the eyes may also be affected but underlying molecu...
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a systemic condition associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, affecting organs beyond the kidneys. Although rarely emphasized, the eyes may also be affected but underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. The gut-kidney and gut-eye axes are emerging as therapeutic targets with prebiotics like ResistAid®-a Larch Arabinogalactan (LAG) supplement with antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects-showing promise through gut microbiota modulation. This study assessed ResistAid®'s effects on ocular gene expression in a CKD rat model. Twenty four Wistar rats were assigned to Sham (S), Sham + Treatment (ST), Nephrectomized (N), Nephrectomized + Treatment (NT) ( = 6 each). CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. The treatment was administered via gavage for 30 days at a dose of 5.35 mg/day, adapted from human recommendations. At day 30, blood and tissues were collected. Expression of antioxidant enzymes () and other genes () was analyzed by qPCR. Biochemical and well-being assessments were also conducted. Nephrectomy, regardless of treatment, increased and expression in eye and blood; Specific to NT animals, ocular , and expressions were markedly elevated when compared with N animals and blood and ocular expressions were not elevated, differing from N animals. No significant changes were observed between the S and ST groups. CKD induces systemic oxidative and inflammatory responses. ResistAid® partially mitigated these effects in blood and eye, suggesting systemic and local benefits, possibly via gut microbiota modulation.
Melphalan's Effect on Testicular Prepubertal Rats: Induction of Autophagy and Apoptosis, Modulated by the Potential of Chrysin.
Ebadi AH, Moghimian M, Abtahi-Evari SH … +3 more , Saadatian Z, Hosseini SH, Soltani M
J Med Food · 2026 Apr · PMID 42043784 · Publisher ↗
Melphalan, a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, is known to cause gonadotoxicity, particularly affecting spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. This study investigated the protective effects of chrysin, a flavo...
Melphalan, a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, is known to cause gonadotoxicity, particularly affecting spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. This study investigated the protective effects of chrysin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, on melphalan-induced testicular damage in immature male rats. Forty-eight prepubertal Wistar rats were divided into six groups receiving melphalan (0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), chrysin (50 or 75 mg/kg/day, orally), or combinations thereof. Treatment spanned 30 days, covering the prepubertal to pubertal transition. Melphalan exposure significantly reduced testosterone levels, disrupted spermatogenesis, and increased oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde and decreased glutathione peroxidase levels. Gene expression analysis revealed marked upregulation of autophagy (LC3β, Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12) and apoptosis (BAX, caspase-3) markers, alongside downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene BCL2. Histological analysis showed severe damage to seminiferous tubules and reduced Johnsen scores. Chrysin coadministration, particularly at 75 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated these effects by restoring antioxidant capacity, reducing expression of cell death-related genes, and improving testicular structure and hormone levels. These findings demonstrate that chrysin mitigates melphalan-induced gonadotoxicity through modulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways. Chrysin's dose-dependent protective effects highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent to preserve reproductive function in individuals undergoing chemotherapy during prepuberty.
Therapeutic Effect of Maxim Twig Extract in Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Cholestasis in Mice.
J Med Food · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029933 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Cinnamyl Alcohol Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression via PIGR-Mediated Regulation of Chondrocyte Senescence and Cartilage Homeostasis.
Zhu Q, You Q, Deng J … +4 more , Tang H, Hu Y, Liao Y, Miao Y
J Med Food · 2026 May · PMID 41996083 · Publisher ↗
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by inflammation-driven chondrocyte senescence and extracellular-matrix degradation. However, the molecular mechanisms linking inflammatory stress to chondrocyte aging remain poorly un...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by inflammation-driven chondrocyte senescence and extracellular-matrix degradation. However, the molecular mechanisms linking inflammatory stress to chondrocyte aging remain poorly understood. Here, we identify cinnamyl alcohol (CA) as a natural small-molecule compound that attenuates OA progression through polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR)-mediated signaling . CA reduced inflammatory cytokine production, suppressed senescence-associated secretory phenotype gene expression, and preserved cartilage homeostasis in lipopolysaccharide- or interleukin-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. In a destabilization-of-the-medial-meniscus mouse model, intra-articular CA administration markedly alleviated cartilage degeneration and matrix loss. Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and mass-spectrometry-based proteomic profiling, we identified PIGR as a convergent target of CA, validated by limited proteolysis (drug affinity responsive target stability) and loss-of-function assays. PIGR silencing abolished CA's antisenescent and cartilage-protective effects, confirming its essential role. Mechanistically, CA restored PIGR expression to modulate inflammatory signaling and maintain chondrocyte phenotype stability. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized CA-PIGR axis that couples inflammatory stress to cartilage aging and suggest CA as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for OA management.
Red Ginseng Oil Enhances Lipid Metabolism and Liver Function in HepG2 Cells and Hypercholesterolemic Rats.
Park SJ, Lee M, Park SH … +5 more , Kim H, Park J, Kwon HO, Kim JH, Lee J
J Med Food · 2026 Jul · PMID 41989206 · Publisher ↗
Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, necessitating the development of effective and safe lipid-lowering interventions. This study evaluated the antihypercholesterolemic effects of KGC11...
Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, necessitating the development of effective and safe lipid-lowering interventions. This study evaluated the antihypercholesterolemic effects of KGC11, a red ginseng oil obtained via supercritical fluid extraction, using both HepG2 cells and a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat model. KGC11 treatment significantly improved serum and hepatic lipid profiles, reduced markers of liver injury, and enhanced fecal cholesterol excretion. At the molecular level, KGC11 modulated the expression of key genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase), esterification (acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase), transport (CETP, LPL), and catabolism (LCAT, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase). Collectively, these findings suggest that KGC11 may serve as a safe, food-derived functional ingredient with potential benefits for the management of hypercholesterolemia and related metabolic disorders. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and to confirm its clinical efficacy.
Inulin, Containing Frutco-Oligosaccharides, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale Scores in College Students.
Herkes S, Lukaszuk JM, Walker DA … +2 more , Shokrani M, Stark M
J Med Food · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989194 · Publisher ↗
This study was conducted to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) inulin on anxiety symptoms in college students. Forty million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety. Previous studies have viewe...
This study was conducted to determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) inulin on anxiety symptoms in college students. Forty million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety. Previous studies have viewed gut microbiota and its potential link to anxiety in both humans and mice. However, no previous studies focused on the effect of FOS inulin on college students. Fourteen subjects received 4.9 g per day of FOS inulin as the treatment (TX) or no supplement as the control (CON) for 28 days. Both the TX and CON groups were given the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) on days 1 and 28. Both groups were also given a 3-day food log at the beginning of the experiment and otherwise maintained their regular diet. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in median GAD-7 scores in both groups ( = .017, = .637 and = .042, = .587 for the TX and CON groups, respectively). However, when comparing the GAD-7 scores between groups, no statistically significant results were found. FOS inulin supplementation did not alleviate anxiety symptoms in college students participating in this study.
Coffee Berry Pulp Extract Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Reduces Triglyceride Levels in High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet-Fed Mice.
Kim MJ, Lee SB, Park DG … +6 more , Jo HH, Park S, Kim JI, Hong JY, Kim YJ, Han BK
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 41961587 · Publisher ↗
This study examined the effects of coffee berry pulp (CBP) extract on hepatic lipid accumulation and blood lipid levels in mice fed on a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the follo...
This study examined the effects of coffee berry pulp (CBP) extract on hepatic lipid accumulation and blood lipid levels in mice fed on a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the following four groups and fed their respective diets for 15 weeks: normal diet, HFHF diet, and HFHF diet supplemented with 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight CBP extract. CBP inhibited weight gain and normalized blood glucose and insulin levels. CBP supplementation also inhibited lipid and lipoprotein accumulation in the liver, thereby effectively regulating triglyceride (TG) levels in both the blood and liver. Analysis of liver lipid metabolism revealed that CBP suppressed the increased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1C induced by HFHF and downregulated both mRNA and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Liver X receptor regulation occurred at the mRNA level, and the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/phosphorylated AMPK ratio was modulated at the protein level. Among the lipid catabolic enzymes, adipose TG lipase expression was specifically modulated by CBP treatment. These findings suggest that CBP supplementation modulates key hepatic lipid regulators and reduces blood and liver TG accumulation. Although CBP shows promise in regulating TG synthesis and storage in a mouse model, further studies, including clinical validation, are required to confirm its potential as a treatment for human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
"Clinical Efficacy of the Probiotic Weissella cibaria CMU in Adults with Gingivitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial".
J Med Food · 2026 Jun · PMID 41954142 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
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