Nutrimentum et Curae

Potential Modulation of Phytochemical Bioavailability by Furanocoumarins from Citrus × paradisi

2025-05-13T15:37:38+02:00

The in vivo efficacy of dietary phytochemicals, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, is often limited by poor bioavailability due to cytochrome P450 3A4 mediated metabolism. This review explores the potential of furanocoumarins from grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) to modulate the bioavailability of these compounds by inhibiting CYP3A4. A narrative review of the literature was conducted. The PubMed database was searched up to December 2024 using the keywords "phytochemistry," "grapefruit juice," "furocoumarins," "bioavailability," and "CYP3A4". Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed English language articles with full-text availability directly addressing phytochemical bioavailability or grapefruit juice effects. The literature indicates that furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice are potent inhibitors of intestinal CYP3A4, significantly affecting the metabolism of various drugs. While extensive research exists on drug-food interactions, studies on the interaction between furanocoumarins and food-derived phytochemicals are limited. The significant inhibitory effect of grapefruit juice on CYP3A4 suggests a potential for modulating the bioavailability of dietary polyphenols metabolized by this enzyme. Further research is warranted to explore specific polyphenol-CYP3A4 interactions to optimize phytochemical bioavailability for therapeutic benefits, while also considering potential risks in individuals taking CYP3A4-metabolized drugs.

Momordica charantia for Diabetes: Exploring Mechanisms & Clinical Implications

2025-03-27T12:53:21+01:00

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is said to be a chronic disorder, known to cause persistent hyperglycemia. This leads to diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, dyslipidemia, nephropathy and retinopathy. Since the incidence and prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally, there is an urgent requirement of adjunct therapies.

Recently, Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is attaining popularity among clinicians and researchers because of its potential anti-diabetic properties. This is due to its inbuilt bioactive compounds like polypeptide-p, charantin and vicine.

The current review examines the mechanisms and possible benefits of bitter gourd in treating diabetes along with its safety profile and efficacy. It was found that the bioactive compound present in M.charantia helps to regulate the blood glucose level by its mechanism like increased insulin release and sensitivity. Also, it exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in diabetes. This helps to mitigate the diabetes related complications.

Despite many evidences, challenges remain in creating a drug profile on standard formulations, optimal dose and its long-term safety. This limits its clinical application.

Further well designed and large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate its drug profile, efficacy and safety in treatment of diabetes as an adjunct therapy.

Comparative in vivo evaluation of the nutritional intake and digestibility of two infant flours based on corn enriched with Parkia biglobosa Pulp and cashew nut flour

2025-06-03T00:33:28+02:00

Introduction. Infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire, characterized by protein and micronutrient deficiencies, persists despite the availability of underutilized local resources such as cashew and Parkia biglobosa pulp. Industrial flours, although nutritious, remain inaccessible to disadvantaged households due to their high cost, limiting access to suitable complementary foods. In the absence of affordable and safe solutions, this study evaluates the impact of enriching infant flours with local ingredients on nutritional intake and digestibility.

Methodology. An in vivo study was conducted on three groups of Wistar rats fed for 28 days with two enriched flours (FCF and NCF) based on corn, néré pulp, and cashew almond flour;

A non-enriched control flour (CF). Analyzed parameters include: Growth: Food consumption (TDMI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), total protein intake (TIP), protein efficiency ratio (PER); Biochemical: Total proteins, creatinine, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL and Safety: Relative organ weights (liver, kidneys).

Results. No significant differences were observed between enriched flours and the control flour for TDMI, WG, or FCR. However, FCF and NCF flours showed higher protein intake (TIP: 2.71 ± 0.01 g/d vs. 2.31 ± 0.2 g/d for CF) and improved PER (1.83–2.13 vs. 2.008–2.13), reflecting enhanced protein quality. Lipid profiles (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol) and protein markers (albumin) were also optimized with enriched flours. Organ weights remained normal, confirming the safety of the formulations.

Conclusion. Enriching infant flours with néré pulp and cashew almond flour significantly improves their nutritional quality, particularly protein intake and lipid profiles, without health risks. These findings offer promising prospects for developing affordable, tailored complementary foods to meet the needs of Ivorian infants

Retraction notice: Fermentative production, comparative characterization with carrots, and functional analysis of β-carotene produced from Rhodotorulla toruloids

2025-04-09T12:23:43+02:00

The article “Fermentative production, comparative characterization with carrots, and functional analysis of β-carotene produced from Rhodotorulla toruloids” by Bahaa Aldeen Abdalrahman Hadi, published in Nutr Cur 2025; 04: e157 – Doi: 10.57625/nec.2024.73, has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons.

We received an email asking to retract Dr. Bahaa Aldeen Abdalrahman Hadi’s article “Fermentative production, comparative characterization with carrots, and functional analysis of β-carotene produced from Rhodotorulla toruloids” because he was not the sole author of that research and there was no agreement on its publication. We launched an investigation and contacted Dr. Bahaa Aldeen Abdalrahman Hadi.

Dr. Bahaa Aldeen Abdalrahman Hadi admitted that the manuscript was co-authored and previously submitted to another journal; later, after acceptance, the authors withdrew the article due to disagreements among them. Subsequently, he submitted the manuscript to Nutrimentum et Curae after having fully revised it. Therefore, given the checks carried out, the Editor in Chief and the NEC staff decided to withdraw the manuscript.

This article has been retracted. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE AND SOME NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

2025-06-10T15:22:53+02:00

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) also known as sodium glutamate, is a white odourless crystalline powder that is derived from L -glutamic acid, a natural occurring amino acid in a variety of food products especially those rich in protein. Glutamate is a key component in determining the flavour of these foods. Monosodium glutamate adds a special taste to food, due to this special taste; many food producers use it for their products. Currently, people are busy with their technology-based busy work schedules in different sectors and in such a fast-paced life; they have minimal time for meal preparation, which makes most of them depend on “ready-made foods” or “junk foods”. Moreover, even when they prepare their own meals, they still make use of ready-made condiments, spices and seasonings containing MSG. Majority of such foods have harmful effects on human health. Widely using MSG in ready-made fast food significantly affects the appetite centre resulting in over-weight and different adverse impacts on humans and experimental animals. This paper helps to create global awareness on the harmful impact of MSG on human health and recommends the consumption of natural seasonings and spices as an alternative to MSG.