Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 585 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Abd Wahab MS, Wan Ismail WNS, Ali AA, Ibrahim N, Othman N, Mohd Nor Hazalin NA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 01;19(17).
    PMID: 36078618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710901
    Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students' practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students' participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students' readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  2. d'Arqom A, Nasution MZ, Kadir SZSA, Yusof J, Govindaraju K
    F1000Res, 2023;12:3.
    PMID: 37469719 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129045.2
    Background: Increasing dietary supplement (DS) consumption was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including during the post-Delta wave period. This study aimed to measure the practice of DS consumption and respondents' knowledge of DS. Methods: An internet-based survey was distributed from October-December 2021 and obtained 541 valid and completed responses. Descriptive analysis was performed to present the practice of DS consumption, including frequency, duration, aim, preferable dosage form etc. Level of knowledge on DS principles, side effects and regulation were also measured. Inferential analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of the respondents' DS practice and level of knowledge. Results: Data from 541 valid responses showed that 77.63% of respondents consumed DS in the last 3 months, with only 59.52% reporting also consuming DS before the COVID-19 pandemic. One half of the respondents had good knowledge about DS; however, some knowledge regarding side effects and possible drug-supplement interaction needed improvement. Their DS consumption practice was affected by their economic status and history of contracting COVID-19. Nevertheless, the level of knowledge was not affected by the sociodemographic factors and DS supplement experience. Conclusions: Taken together, the practice of self-consumption of DS in Indonesia is increasing; hence, knowledge of DS is necessary to avoid detrimental effects that might occur in the future. Increasing access to information on better labelling and educating consumers about DS are important actions to consider.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  3. Khoo EJ, Duenas DM, Wilfond BS, Gelinas L, Matheny Antommaria AH
    Pediatrics, 2023 Feb 01;151(2).
    PMID: 36660851 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-055702
    When incentives are offered to parents and their children to partake in research, there are concerns that parents may be unduly influenced by the incentives, and the children may be exploited. We present a case from a low- and middle-income country and consider the ethical issues that arise when the children are asked to participate in a multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of a nutritional supplement on growth. The first commenter, from Malaysia, notes that their residents might not share Americans' expectations regarding children's role in the consent process from a cultural perspective, which may alter the analysis of the concerns. The authors of the second commentary emphasize the use of incentives that benefit the child participant rather than their parent or are provided directly to the child participant to address the concerns. The third commentator discusses the importance of minimizing the study's risks and balancing the benefits and the risks, which attenuates the concerns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  4. Farzinebrahimi R, Mat Taha R, Rashid KA, Ali Ahmed B, Danaee M, Rozali SE
    PMID: 27298625 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6429652
    Leaf, seed, and tuber explants of C. latifolia were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP and IBA, alone or in combinations, to achieve in vitro plant regeneration. Subsequently, antioxidant and antibacterial activities were determined from in vitro and in vivo plant developed. No response was observed from seed culture on MS media with various concentrations of PGRs. The highest percentage of callus was observed on tuber explants (94%) and leaf explants (89%) when cultured on MS media supplemented with IBA in combination with BAP. A maximum of 88% shoots per tuber explant, with a mean number of shoots (8.8 ± 1.0), were obtained on MS medium supplemented with combinations of BAP and IBA (2.5 mg L(-1)). The best root induction (92%) and mean number (7.6 ± 0.5) from tuber explants were recorded on 2.5 mg L(-1) IBA alone supplemented to MS medium. The higher antioxidant content (80%) was observed from in vivo tuber. However, tuber part from the intact plant showed higher inhibition zone in antibacterial activity compared to other in vitro and in vivo tested parts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  5. Jairoun AA, Shahwan M, Zyoud SH
    Sci Rep, 2020 11 02;10(1):18824.
    PMID: 33139833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76000-w
    A specific safety concern is the possibility that a dietary supplement could be contaminated with heavy metals. This research was undertaken to investigate the daily exposure levels of heavy metals in dietary supplements available in the UAE and to explore the factors associated with the contamination of dietary supplements with heavy metals. A total of 277 dietary supplement samples were collected from the UAE market and prepared for the analysis of selected heavy metal contamination. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the presence of heavy metals. The average daily intake of cadmium was 0.73 μg [95% CI 0.61-0.85], compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 6 μg; the daily intake of lead was 0.85 μg [95% CI 0.62-1.07], compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 μg; and the daily intake of arsenic was 0.67 μg [95% CI 0.57-0.78], compared to the acceptable daily intake of 10 μg. Although the dietary supplements available in the UAE have low levels of heavy metal contamination, numerous individuals are consuming a number of different dietary supplements every day and thereby may experience a cumulative level of toxic exposure. Dietary supplements formulations (Categories), dosage forms and country of origin are strong determents of heavy metal contamination in dietary supplements products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements/adverse effects*; Dietary Supplements/analysis*
  6. Ahmed N, Nounou MI, Abouelfetouh A, El-Kamel A
    Med Princ Pract, 2019;28(2):167-177.
    PMID: 30517949 DOI: 10.1159/000495986
    OBJECTIVES: Nutraceuticals are advertised and sold with the label claim of being natural and safe herbal products. Due to the absence of clear regulations and guidelines for safety assessments of these products, nutraceuticals are commonly adulterated in order to increase sales. The objective of the current study was to design a comprehensive evaluation system to assess the safety, efficacy, authenticity according to label claim, and pharmaceutical quality of herbal slimming products in between 2015 and 2017.

    METHODS: We designed a comprehensive assessment system to evaluate the safety, authenticity according to label claim, and pharmaceutical quality of slimming nutraceuticals. Six different popular products were evaluated (Zotreem Plus®, Zotreem Extra®, Malaysian Super Slim®, AB Slim®, Chinese Super Slim®, and Metabolites®). The pharmaceutical evaluation included analyzing the samples via high-performance liquid chromatography to determine any possible adulterants. Additionally, the products' physical properties were assessed via pharmacopeial tests. Finally, a microbial evaluation and a cross-sectional observational retrospective prevalence study were conducted to assess the products' safety and efficacy. -Results: The tested products were found to be adulterated with unreported active pharmaceutical ingredients such as sibutramine, sildenafil, phenolphthalein, and orlistat. Furthermore, they contained heterogeneous amounts of adulterants and exhibited an unsatisfactory pharmaceutical and microbial quality. Finally, the observational survey conducted on users showed that high percentages of participants suffered from common side effects such as depression, diarrhea, and hypertension.

    CONCLUSIONS: These products threaten the health of consumers. There is a need to raise awareness of the lethal consequences of illegal nutraceuticals.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements/adverse effects; Dietary Supplements/analysis*
  7. Naz A, Butt MS, Sultan MT, Qayyum MM, Niaz RS
    EXCLI J, 2014;13:650-60.
    PMID: 26417290
    Presently, functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining immense importance in the prevention of various maladies through dietary regimen module. Consumption of fruits and vegetables based diet has pursuit a range of bioactive components, especially phytochemicals targeting life threatening ailments. In this context, lycopene is an extensively studied antioxidant potentially present in watermelon, tomato, pink guava etc. Watermelon is one of the unique sources having readily available cis-isomeric lycopene. The distinctive aroma of watermelon is imparted by medium- and short-chain fatty acids along with geranial, ß-ionone and neral. Its consumption has been escalated owing to rich nutritional profile and allied health benefits. It is effective in reducing the extent of cancer insurgence, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and macular diseases. The structural characteristics, physiochemical properties and therapeutic effects of lycopene are the limelight of the manuscript. However, further research investigations are still needed to address the health enhancing potential of watermelon lycopene.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  8. Muthupalaniappen L, Jamani N, Muhammad M, Adawiyah J, Aziz N
    Malays Fam Physician, 2010;5(2):99-100.
    PMID: 25606196 MyJurnal
    A 24-year-old lady presented with four days history of fever, non-pruritic rash, ankle pain and swelling. She had consumed herbal supplement five days before the onset of symptoms. Examinations revealed erythematous maculo-papular lesions of varying sizes on sun exposed areas. Patient was suspected to have Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus (DILE) and subsequently symptoms subsided rapidly on withholding the herbal medication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  9. Choong YK, Lan J, Lee HL, Chen XD, Wang XG, Yang YP
    PMID: 26186395 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.07.054
    Many macrofungus sclerotia are well-known medicinal herbs, health food and nutritional supplements. However, the prevalent adulterant commercial products are major hindrances to their incorporation into mainstream medical use in many countries. The mushroom sclerotia of Lignosus rhinocerotis, Poria cocos, Polyporus umbellatus, Pleurotus tuber-regium and Omphalia lapidescens are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, IR macro-fingerprint method was used in the identification of these sclerotia. The results showed that the spectrum of L. rhinocerotis (LR) was comparable with P. cocos with 94.4% correlation, except that the peak at 1543cm(-1) of LR appeared in lower intensity. The spectrum of P. umbellatus and P. tuber-regium was also correlated (91.5%), as both spectra could be clearly discriminated in that P. umbellatus spectrum has small base peaks located at the range of 1680-1500cm(-1). O. lapidescens was not comparable with all the other sclerotia as its spectrum was totally different. Its base peak was broad and derivated equally along the range. The first IR has revealed the dissimilarity among five mushrooms sclerotia. The second derivative and 2DIR further enhanced the identification in detail.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  10. Loh HH, Norlela S, Nor Azmi K
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Jun;70(3):208-9.
    PMID: 26248787 MyJurnal
    The purpose of this case study is to report the use of oral Bovril (a food supplement which contains arginine) as an alternative test for growth hormone stimulation test. We performed oral Bovril test in 3 patients -- one with suspected growth hormone deficiency in whom insulin tolerance test could not be performed (subject A), one sex-matched control (subject B), and one with confirmed growth hormone deficiency (subject C). 14g/m(2) of oral Bovril was mixed with 150ml of warm water and was given to all three subjects. Blood for growth hormone was taken at baseline, and every 30 minutes till 150 minutes after ingestion of oral Bovril. The ingestion of oral Bovril showed a positive response in subjects A and B, with highest growth hormone levels of 28.4mIU/L and 42.0mIU/L respectively at 150 minutes. Subject C had suppressed growth hormone throughout the test. Oral Bovril is readily available and is a safe alternative for standard growth hormone stimulation test.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  11. Oppenheimer SJ
    Parasitol. Today (Regul. Ed.), 1989 Mar;5(3):77-9.
    PMID: 15463183
    Iron deficiency is common in the developing world; consequently, programmes of presumptive therapy and mass supplementation have been introduced in several countries. In this article Stephen Oppenheimer suggests caution, as recent evidence suggests that these practices may actually increase the likelihood of the subject developing patent malaria in endemic areas. This may be especially significant in infants, who are less likely to be immune to malaria, and in pregnant women, who are often routinely given iron supplements and in whom malaria may damage the foetus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  12. Shahudin NN, Sameeha MJ, Mat Ludin AF, Manaf ZA, Chin KY, Jamil NA
    Nutrients, 2020 Sep 30;12(10).
    PMID: 33007799 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102994
    The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is significant even in tropical countries such as Malaysia. Sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for most people due to limited intakes of food containing vitamin D and supplements. This study explored the perception of barriers towards sun exposure and strategies to overcome these barriers among vitamin D insufficient women workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Twenty-five female indoor workers with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/L participated in seven focus group discussions (FGDs). Barriers towards sun exposure were lack of accurate knowledge of vitamin D, health concern towards sun exposure, time constraints, desire to have fair and beautiful skin, sedentary lifestyle, indoor workplace, weather, lack of social support, living arrangement, safety concerns, and religious or cultural practices. The improvement strategies were classified into lifestyle changes and workplace opportunity for sun exposure. Public education on safe sun exposure to produce an optimal level of vitamin D is necessary. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of sunlight exposure program at workplace for the high-risk vitamin D deficiency group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  13. Kaka A, Haron W, Yusoff R, Yimer N, Khumran AM, Sarsaifi K, et al.
    Reprod Fertil Dev, 2017 Mar;29(3):490-495.
    PMID: 28442061 DOI: 10.1071/RD15089
    This study was conducted to investigate the effect of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) supplementation in BioXcell extender on the quality of frozen-thawed bull semen. Twenty-four ejaculates were collected from three bulls (eight from each bull). Ejaculates with motility ≥70% and normal morphology ≥80% were extended into BioXcell extender to which 0 (control), 3, 5, 10 or 15ngmL(-1) DHA was added. The supplemented semen samples were incubated at 37°C for 15min for DHA uptake by spermatozoa. Later, samples were cooled for 2h at 5°C and packaged into 0.25-mL straws, frozen in liquid nitrogen for 24h and subsequently thawed for evaluation. Results are presented as percentages ± s.e.m. Supplementation with DHA at 3ngmL(-1) significantly improved sperm functional parameters including sperm motility, normal morphology, viability, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity when compared with other supplemented groups and the control. Lipid peroxidation increased as the incorporation of DHA supplementation increased. In conclusion, 3ngmL(-1) concentration of DHA resulted in superior quality of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa and is suggested as the optimum level of DHA to be added into BioXcell extender.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  14. Sabapathy S, Nair H
    Plant Cell Rep, 1995 May;14(8):520-4.
    PMID: 24185524 DOI: 10.1007/BF00232787
    Regeneration of plantlets from shoot apex-derived callus and "calloid" cultures of a local taro [Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum cv. Keladi Birah] cultivar, was expedited by treatment with high levels of spermine. The total time taken, from culture of primary shoot apices on modified Linsmaier and Skoog medium supplemented with trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and kinetin, to complete plantlet regeneration, was reduced by 2-16 weeks, when the callus and "calloid" cultures were treated with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM spermine. Furthermore, the number of plantlets produced per gram callus increased from 25 to 55. On media supplemented with arginine and ornithine, no callus was initiated from expiants and no plantlets differentiated from pre-established callus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  15. Eugene M. Obeng, Chan, Yi Wei, Siti Nurul Nadzirah Adam, Clarence M. Ongkudon
    MyJurnal
    Cellulases have been vital for the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass into reduced sugars to produce biofuels and other essential biochemicals. However, the sugar yields achievable for canonical cellulases (i.e. endoglucanases, exoglucanases and β-glucosidases) have not been convincing in support of the highly acclaimed prospects and end-uses heralded. The persistent pursuit of the biochemical industry to obtain high quantities of useful chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass has resulted in the supplementation of cellulose-degrading enzymes with other biological complementation. Also, chemical additives (e.g. salts, surfactants and chelating agents) have been employed to enhance the stability and improve the binding and overall functionality of cellulases to increase product titre. Herein, we report the roadmap of cellulase-additive supplementations and the associated yield performances.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  16. Hanapi Mat Jusoh, Normah Haron, Nurul Syamimi Zailani
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Clinacanthus nutans is used as natural nutraceuticals for prevention and treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study is to (i) determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant scavenging capacities of C. nutans in free and bound phenolic acid and (ii) study the relationship between TPC and antioxidant scavenging capacities of C. nutans. Methods: The total phenolic contents were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Free and bound phenolic were examined by using spectrophotometer while antioxidant capacity were evaluated using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity assay. Results: Insoluble phenolic acids showed the highest amount of total phenolic content in C. nutans extracts (6.09+ 0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g DW) and exhibited highest antioxidant activity (73.3+0.82 %) as compared to free and soluble phenolic extracts. The IC50 values for free phenolic, soluble bound and insoluble bound phenolic extracts were 0.69+0.02 mg/mL, 0.64+0.04 and 0.60+0.006 mg/mL, respectively. There were positive correlation between insoluble bound phenolic content of C. nutans extracts with antioxidant radical scavenging capacity (R2 = 0.893). Conclusions: These results indicate that different phenolic acid forms affect the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Natural compounds such as phenolics from C. nutans could be a good source of antioxidant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  17. Toopkanloo SP, Tan TB, Abas F, Alharthi FA, Nehdi IA, Tan CP
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2020 Dec 05;10(12).
    PMID: 33291386 DOI: 10.3390/nano10122432
    This study used highly lipophilic agents with an aim to increase the oxidant inhibitory activity and enhance photothermal stability of a novel mixed soy lecithin (ML)-based liposome by changing the composition of formulation within the membrane. Specifically, the development and optimization of the liposome intended for improving Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value and %TEAC loss was carried out by incorporating a natural antioxidant, quercetin (QU). In this context, a focus was set on QU encapsulation in ML-based liposomes and the concentration-dependent solubility of QU was investigated and calculated as encapsulation efficiency (EE). To explore the combined effects of the incorporation of plant sterols on the integrity and entrapment capacity of mixed phospholipid vesicles, conjugation of two types of phytosterols (PSs), namely β-sitosterol (βS) and stigmasterol (ST), to mixed membranes at different ratios was also performed. The EE measurement revealed that QU could be efficiently encapsulated in the stable ML-based liposome using 0.15 and 0.1 g/100 mL of βS and ST, respectively. The aforementioned liposome complex exhibited a considerable TEAC (197.23%) and enhanced TEAC loss (30.81%) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light (280-320 nm) over a 6 h duration. It appeared that the presence and type of PSs affect the membrane-integration characteristics as well as photodamage transformation of the ML-based liposome. The association of QU with either βS or ST in the formulation was justified by their synergistic effects on the enhancement of the EE of liposomes. Parallel to this, it was demonstrated that synergistic PS effects could be in effect in the maintenance of membrane order of the ML-based liposome. The findings presented in this study provided useful information for the development and production of stable QU-loaded ML-based liposomes for food and nutraceutical applications and could serve as a potential mixed lipids-based delivery system in the disease management using antioxidant therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  18. Alhabeeb H, Kord-Varkaneh H, Tan SC, Găman MA, Otayf BY, Qadri AA, et al.
    PMID: 33356450 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1863905
    BACKGROUND: Inconsistencies exist with regard to the influence of omega-3 supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, which could be attributed to many factors, such as the duration and dose of omega-3 supplementation, and individuals' baseline 25(OH)D levels. Therefore, to address the inconsistencies, we conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis to accurately determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on 25(OH)D levels in humans.

    METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception up to January 2020. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the influence of omega-3 supplementation on serum 25(OH)D levels using the random-effects model.

    RESULTS: Our pooled results of 10 RCTs demonstrated an overall significant increase in 25(OH)D levels following omega-3 intake (WMD = 3.77 ng/ml, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.25). In addition, 25(OH)D levels were significantly increased when the intervention duration lasted >8 weeks and when the baseline serum 25(OH)D level was ˂20 ng/ml. Moreover, omega-3 intake ≤1000 mg/day resulted in higher 25(OH)D levels compared to omega-3 intake >1000 mg/day.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, omega-3 supplementation increased 25(OH)D concentrations, particularly with dosages ≤1000 mg/day and intervention durations >8 weeks.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
  19. Alrosan M, Tan TC, Easa AM, Gammoh S, Alu'datt MH
    PMID: 33455424 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1871589
    The application of protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been widely used in various industries, such as food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical. A deeper understanding of PPI is needed, and the molecular forces governing proteins and their interaction must be explained. The design of new structures with improved functional properties, e.g., solubility, emulsion, and gelation, has been fueled by the development of structural and colloidal building blocks. In this review, the molecular forces of protein structures are discussed, followed by the relationship between molecular force and structure, ways of a bind of proteins together in solution or at the interface, and functional properties. A more detailed look is thus taken at the relationship between the various influencing factors on molecular forces involved in PPI. These factors include protein properties, such as types, concentration, and mixing ratio, and solvent conditions, such as ionic strength and pH. This review also summarizes methods tha1t are capable of identifying molecular forces in protein and PPI, as well as characterizing protein structure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dietary Supplements
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links