0 Glyconutrients

Introduction Obesity and dyslipidemia represent major global health concerns, affecting more than 500 million individuals worldwide.1,2 These conditions are closely associated with dietary patterns characterized by low intake of dietary fiber and high consumption of energy-dense foods. Consequently, nutritional strategies aimed at increasing fiber intake have received considerable attention as potential approaches for improving lipid metabolism

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Objective To investigate the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LPs) against cataract. Methods An integrated strategy combining transcriptomic analysis, network pharmacology, machine learning, molecular docking, and in vivo validation was employed. Differentially expressed genes were identified from the GSE213546 dataset, and key targets were screened using WGCNA, protein–protein interaction analysis, and machine learning algorithms. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate interactions between major LPs components and core targets. A UVB-induced cataract model was established in 8-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats to validate the protective effects of laminarin by assessing lens opacity, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis-related markers. Results XDH, ANPEP, and SNCA were identified as key targets associated with cataract and LPs intervention. Major LPs components, including Laminarin, Fucoidan, and Alginate, showed stable binding affinities with these targets. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Laminarin treatment significantly reduced lens opacity, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, upregulated SMP30 and FoxO4 expression, and modulated apoptosis-related markers by decreasing Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 while increasing Bcl-2 levels. Conclusions These findings suggest that LPs may attenuate UVB-induced cataract by targeting XDH, ANPEP, and SNCA. In vivo evidence further indicates that this intervention enhances antioxidant defenses, as reflected by increased SOD activity and upregulation of SMP30 and FoxO4, while suppressing apoptosis, thereby contributing to protection against lens damage.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease manifested by hyperglycemia, leading to critical health challenges in the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and cardiovascular system. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), a traditionally used herbal plant for treating various diseases, contains abundant bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, acemannans, anthraquinones, chromones, anthrones, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds are responsible for its diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic etc. This review primarily focuses on diabetes treatment through enzyme inhibition and modulation of metabolic parameters, with additional emphasis on diabetic complications including, the wound healing efficacy of Aloe vera. This study aims to evaluate the potential of Aloe vera in managing diabetes and minimizing the chances of diabetes-related organ damage. It was done by inhibition of several enzymes, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, pancreatic lipase, sucrase, and maltase enzymes, both in vivo and in vitro. The previous research revealed that administrating various doses of Aloe vera-based extracts via orally and non-orally routes in streptozotocin-induced diabetes offered metabolic regulation of signaling pathways like blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, body weight, oxidative stress, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Moreover, clinical data have confirmed Aloe vera’s potential in diabetic wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration mechanisms like angiogenesis, fibrinogenesis, collagen synthesis, and inflammation to reduce lesion size. These therapeutic properties highlight the hypoglycemic nature of Aloe vera, promising its potential for future clinical use as an alternative for diabetes treatment. Graphical Abstract

Glucosamine HCl supports cartilage repair, reduces joint inflammation, and modulates gut microbiota in dogs. Evidence-based guide to this foundational joint-health compound for canine osteoarthritis.

Background: Rare sugar D-Allulose, a zero-calorie sweetener, markedly ameliorates obesity.

Background: Compelling research has indicated that habitual glucosamine use was related to lower risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. However, whether ...

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) represents a rich natural source of water, minerals, polysaccharides, vitamins, phenolic compounds and bioactive molecules that exert multiple health-promoting effects relevant to athletic performance. Its high content of water and minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium) supports hydration and electrolyte balance during physical activity. At the same time, polysaccharides, especially acemannan, contribute to tissue regeneration, muscle recovery, immune modulation and gastrointestinal protection. Antioxidant compounds reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, potentially improving recovery and limiting inflammatory damage. Aloe vera-based beverages, including leaf juices and fermented formulations, offer a practical and palatable vehicle for delivering these bioactives. In addition to supporting gut integrity and reducing symptoms such as reflux and heartburn, Aloe vera supplementation may enhance nutrient absorption and modulate glucose metabolism, contributing to better metabolic stability during exercise. The increasing commercial interest in natural functional beverages highlights the relevance of Aloe vera as a nutraceutical candidate for athletes. This review explores the multiple benefits of Aloe leaf derivatives, bridging traditional medicine and evidence-based applications for metabolic health (gastrointestinal comfort, hydration, antioxidant defence and post-exercise recovery). However, further clinical studies are needed to fully define dosage, efficacy and mechanisms of action.

Estrogen deficiency after menopause promotes visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance, thereby increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Background Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of drug-induced acute liver damage, underscoring the urgent need for accessible hepatoprotective therapies. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Aqueous Aloe vera gel extract on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in adult male Albino Wistar rats. Methodology Liver Damage was induced in Albino Wistar rats by oral administration of acetaminophen (750 mg/kg). The rats were divided into six groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (silymarin 50 mg/kg), and three treatment groups receiving Aloe vera gel extract at doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. Body and liver weight, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters and liver histology were assessed after 7 days of treatment. Results Treatment with Aloe vera gel extract demonstrated dose-dependent hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with the 1000 mg/kg dose exhibiting efficacy comparable to silymarin. Higher doses (1000 mg/kg) significantly increase both the body weight and weight of the liver (p = 0.0265 and p = 0.0061); decreased the white blood cell count (p = 0.0034) and also improved hematological parameters. The extract at 1000 mg/kg also enhanced antioxidant status by reducing MDA levels (p < 0.0001) while increasing SOD (p < 0.0001) and catalase activities. Histological examination also showed that higher doses of the aqueous Aloe vera gel extract restored liver histoarchitecture, with clearly defined nuclei and cell borders. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the aqueous Aloe vera gel extract mitigates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative mechanisms. At 1000 mg/kg, it restored hepatic histoarchitecture, haematological homeostasis, normalized liver function biomarkers, and suppressed oxidative stress, rivalling silymarin in efficacy. The observed improvements in liver histology, haematological parameters, and antioxidant biomarkers indicate Aloe vera’s therapeutic potential, likely mediated through its bioactive constituents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is recommended to understand its mechanism of action, long-term and potential clinical applications.

Obesity remains a significant public health concern, with recent studies revealing that the detrimental health effects often persist even in individuals who have successfully shed excess weight. D-allulose, a low-calorie monosaccharide, has shown potential in promoting weight loss and reducing chronic inflammation associated with metabolic disorders. However, it is still unclear whether D-allulose has long-term benefits once intake is stopped. This study examined the prolonged effects of D-allulose on obesity and metaflammation. Our findings demonstrated that obese mice treated with D-allulose for one month maintained significantly lower lipid accumulation, fasting blood glucose level, glycosylated protein levels, and reduced adipose tissue inflammation compared to the Model group, even 75 days after cessation of D-allulose intake. Further cellular analyses revealed that D-allulose attenuated the activation and expression of TLR4/MyD88/NFB pathway in macrophages triggered by inflammatory stimuli. Additionally, D-allulose administration was associated with reduced protein lactylation levels in macrophages, suggesting that D-allulose may exert lasting benefits through epigenetic regulation mechanisms. These results underscore the sustained efficacy of D-allulose in combating fat accumulation, blood glucose, and inflammation, presenting a promising therapeutic approach for mitigating the residual adverse effects of obesity in individuals who have achieved weight loss.

A New Randomized Trial Says Yes. For decades, patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been told that caffeine is a trigger for arrhythmias. Many clinicians have reinforced this idea, urging …

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are persistent pollutants that disrupt ecosystems, threaten public health, and exacerbate antimicrobial resistance in l…

Introduction Considering the shared physiological mechanisms between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and colorectal cancer (CRC), it is plausible that certain compounds may exert therapeutic effects on both diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal) has been traditionally used to manage these conditions. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which nopal exerts its effects on T2D and CRC. Methods Bioactive compounds of nopal, their molecular targets, and genes associated with T2D and CRC were identified from public databases. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, metabolic pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and molecular docking were conducted to investigate the shared molecular targets. Results Nopal contains bioactive compounds that interact with molecular targets common to both T2D and CRC. These shared targets are implicated in lipid metabolism, apoptosis, kinase activity, interleukin-related pathways (IL-2 and IL-3), inflammation, gastrin signaling, and other critical processes. Key molecular targets identified include HSP90AA1 and MAPK8, while the principal bioactive compounds of nopal are eriodictyol and aromadendrin. Discussion The identification of eriodictyol and aromadendrin as modulators of HSP90AA1 and MAPK8 elucidates a pleiotropic mechanism underlying the link between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. By modulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways, these bioactive compounds offer a promising foundation for developing dual-action therapies targeting both metabolic and oncogenic pathways in patients with comorbid conditions. Conclusion The bioactive compounds of nopal engage multiple biological pathways relevant to T2D and CRC, suggesting that this plant may serve as a promising pharmacological candidate for the management of these diseases.

Saccharina japonica (formerly known as Laminaria japonica) is a valuable marine resource with a triple significance: it serves not only as a food sour…

The microbiota–gut–organ axis is widely recognized as a pivotal mediator of systemic health, primarily through gut-derived immune, metabolic, and inflammatory signaling. Fucoidans, a class of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides predominantly composed of L-fucose and exclusively found in brown seaweeds, have been demonstrated to modulate gut microbiota composition and function, resulting in the enrichment of beneficial bacteria and the suppression of harmful species. They enhance the production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and specific bile acids, while suppressing harmful metabolites, including lipopolysaccharide, thereby ameliorating organ damage via key mechanisms such as the mitigation of oxidative stress and inhibition of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, fucoidan supplementation was found to restore intestinal barrier integrity. Using disease models including Parkinson’s disease, alcoholic liver disease, diabetic kidney disease, and obesity, the mechanisms through which fucoidans ameliorate extraintestinal diseases via the microbiota–gut–organ axis were elucidated. Microbiota-dependent mechanisms have been confirmed via experimental approaches such as fecal microbiota transplantation and specific bacterial strain supplementation. Fucoidans represent promising prebiotic agents for the restoration of microbial ecology and the treatment of extraintestinal diseases, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation.

Scientific Reports - Protective role of fucoidan against cognitive deficits and redox imbalance in a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer’s disease model in rats

Background Glucosamine is a commonly used ‘over the counter’ dietary supplement. Previous research has identified an association between glucosamine use and several positive health outcomes. However, a plausible biological mechanism for these associations has not yet been identified, meaning the causality of these relationships remains unclear. A protective effect of glucosamine on the vascular endothelium has been suggested as one such possible mechanism. Albuminuria is an early marker of endothelial dysfunction within the kidney and is associated with progression of kidney disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In order to provide insights into the potential biological mechanisms underlying a protective association of glucosamine use with health outcomes, we evaluated evidence for an association between glucosamine use and albuminuria in UK Biobank (N=436 200). Methods Univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression were performed to evaluate evidence for an association between self-reported glucosamine use and albuminuria (measured as urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR) categories). As a secondary analysis, we performed Mendelian randomisation (MR) to demonstrate the difficulties in inferring causality in this relationship using currently available data, using summary genetic data from UK Biobank and CDKGen (N=67 452). Results We found that people who used glucosamine were more likely to be in a lower uACR group (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.83, p<2.2×10−16). This association was robust to sensitivity analyses and was maintained after adjustment for age, sex and measures of obesity. In our MR analysis, we found little evidence for an association of genetically proxied glucosamine use on albuminuria (change in log uACR (mg/g) per SD change in genetic liability=1.11, 95% CI −3.01 to 5.23, p=0.60). Conclusions We found that detectable albuminuria was common in UK Biobank participants and we are the first to show that use of glucosamine supplements was associated with lower levels. Though this fits with a plausible biological role of the vascular endothelium in a potential protective effect of glucosamine use on many health outcomes, whether this relationship is causal or confounded remains unclear. We further discuss the inherent difficulties in using genetic instruments to proxy supplement use in MR analyses and highlight the need for a genome-wide association study of measured circulating glucosamine levels. Data may be obtained from a third party and are not publicly available. Data are available from the UK Biobank () for researchers who meet the criteria for access to deidentified UK Biobank data.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, resulting in numerous deaths worldwide. It is classified into small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80% of all cases. Current chemotherapeutic treatments, often limited by severe side effects and toxicity to healthy tissues, underscore the need for more effective and better-tolerated therapies. Natural compounds, such as fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, offer a promising avenue for developing such treatments due to their ability to eliminate tumor cells, delay tumor growth, and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, fucoidan has received much attention in cancer therapy owing to its various advantages, including its abundance in natural sources, unique structural features of sulfate groups capable of interacting with receptors involved in cancer suppression, and its ability to modulate multiple cancer pathways. This review provides an overview of key factors contributing to lung cancer development, introduces the chemical structure and classification of fucoidans, and comprehensively examines their antilung cancer mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, metastatic suppression, and immune modulation at the cellular level. Drug discovery and preclinical studies evaluating fucoidan in lung cancer therapy are summarized and discussed. Finally, current challenges and future research directions for fucoidan-based drug design are addressed, focusing on the steps necessary to translate promising preclinical findings into clinical applications.

Scientific Reports - Investigating fucoidan blend supplementation and resistance training in humans: a parallel randomized controlled trial design

D-allulose is a rare monosaccharide with established safety and documented biological functions, whereas its potential effects on ulcerative colitis r…

Glyphosate-Based Herbicide (GBHs) are widely used worldwide, this study investigated the ameliorative effect of Aloe Vera against GBHs hepatic toxicity in ra...

Acute kidney injury is a sudden loss of kidney function which manifests within a few hours to few days

Postprandial hyperglycemia remains a critical driver of diabetes progression. Fucoidan, a marine-derived sulfated polysaccharide with broad bioactivit…