Ecdysteroids represent a large class of polyhydroxylated steroids which, due to their anabolic properties, are marketed as dietary supplements. Some ecdysteroids also act as important hormones in arthropods, where they regulate molting, development, and reproduction and many of these insects are miniature organisms that contain submicroliter levels of circulating biofluids Analysis of ecdysteroids is further complicated by their very low abundance, large fluctuations during development, and difficult access to a pooled sample, which is important for quantitative measurements. In this work, we propose a new method that overcomes the described difficulties and allows validated quantification of four ecdysteroids in minimal amounts of biological material. After methanolic extraction, detectability of the ecdysteroids is increased 16- to 20-fold by conversion to their 14,15-anhydrooximes. These are further purified by pipette tip solid phase extraction (PT-SPE) on a three-layer sorbent and subjected to HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Full validation was achieved using hemolymph from larvae of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus as a blank matrix and by the determination of ecdysteroids in a single Drosophila larva. The LLOQs for the four target ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone, ecdysone, makisterone A, and 2-deoxyecdysone) were 0.01; 0.1; 0.05; 0.025 pg·mL-1 (20; 200; 100; 50 fmol·mL-1) respectively, with very good accuracy, precision (RSD < 15%) and recoveries (96% - 119.9%).The general suitability of the new method was demonstrated by quantification of ecdysteroids in various biological materials including human serum.

A randomized, double-blind and controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intake of 250 mL of lactose-free skimmed milk enriched with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) alone or combined with tryptophan vs. non-enriched milk (control) on the subjective quality of sleep in healthy adults with sleep problems. The duration of supplementation was 90 days. Fifty-two eligible subjects were assigned to the study arms of ashwagandha 250 mg, ashwagandha 250 mg plus tryptophan 175 mg, ashwagandha 600 mg, and control with 13 subjects in each group. It was hypothesized that ashwagandha plus tryptophan could be superior to ashwagandha alone for improving sleep-related variables. Changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep quality were significantly higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls (p = 0.014). Improvements in the subscales of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were found in all groups, but between-group differences were not significant. In the index of insomnia severity, decreases were higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls especially in the group of ashwagandha 600 mg. Daytime somnolence was also reduced in the three experimental groups. Changes in anxiety levels and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire were not observed. The study products did not elicit changes in body composition and were well tolerated and safe. The data did not support the hypothesis, as the combination of ashwagandha and tryptophan did not show greater benefits in improving sleep quality than ashwagandha alone. However, the results from the three experimental groups containing ashwagandha were more favorable compared to the placebo group.

UNASSIGNED: : The effects of carnosine synthesis on the structural and microstructural determinants of meat quality have not been studied to date. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with carnosine synthesis precursors on the characteristics and microstructure of breast muscle fibers in slow-growing Korat chickens (KR).
UNASSIGNED: : Slow-growing KR were fed a non-supplemented commercial diet (control group) or a commercial diet supplemented with 1.0% β-alanine, 0.5% L-histidine, or a combination of both 1.0% β-alanine and 0.5% L-histidine. At 10 weeks, KR were slaughtered, and the breast muscle was collected. Samples were fixed and extracted to study the microstructure, fat level, and porosity of the meat using X-ray and scanning electron microscopy, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of genes related to myofiber differentiation.
UNASSIGNED: : L-histidine supplementation significantly altered myofiber diameter and muscle fiber density and compactness by regulating muscle fiber-type differentiation via carnosine synthase (CARNS1) and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) expression, as well as myogenic differentiation antigen (MyoD) and myogenic regulatory factor 5 (Myf5) expression. While excess L-histidine potentially stimulated CARNS1 to modify muscle fiber arrangement and tenderness in breast meat, dietary β-alanine supplementation alone or in combination with L-histidine supplementation induced a relatively less remarkable but not significant (p<0.05) effect on the breast meat characteristics studied.
UNASSIGNED: : Interestingly, the combination of β-alanine and L-histidine supplementation had no effect on meat microstructure, meat porosity, and fat content in comparison with the control group. Thus, this combination had the best selectivity for improving meat quality. However, further studies are required to clarify the effects of carnosine levels on meat processing.

Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), is a medical condition characterized as a persistently raised blood pressure of the pulmonary artery. Effective interventions to treat hypertension typically involve two approaches: lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy. One specific lifestyle intervention which aims to increase calcium uptake through dietary supplementation, has recently gained popularity because of its potential to be low-cost and population based. Research suggests that this intervention may be effective given that calcium has been found to have an inverse relationship with blood pressure and hypertension. That said, studies have shown that there may be potential risks to patient health through adverse events such as kidney stone formation and increased cardiovascular events. Association between calcium supplementation and adverse events could have an impact on population health and prevent widespread adoption of the intervention. Because of the need to establish the effectiveness of this intervention assessed against any possible harms, it is now necessary to review the current evidence and evaluate its implications for clinical practise.

Phosphatidylserine (PtdS) is classified as a glycerophospholipid and a primary anionic phospholipid and is particularly abundant in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in neural tissues. It is synthesized from phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine by exchanging the base head group with serine, and this reaction is catalyzed by PtdS synthase-1 and PtdS synthase-2 located in the endoplasmic reticulum. PtdS exposure on the outside surface of the cell is essential for eliminating apoptotic cells and initiating the blood clotting cascade. It is also a precursor of phosphatidylethanolamine, produced by PtdS decarboxylase in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. Furthermore, PtdS acts as a cofactor for several necessary enzymes that participate in signaling pathways. Beyond these functions, several studies indicate that PtdS plays a role in various cerebral functions, including activating membrane signaling pathways, neuroinflammation, neurotransmission, and synaptic refinement associated with the central nervous system (CNS). This review discusses the occurrence of PtdS in nature and biosynthesis via enzymes and genes in plants, yeast, prokaryotes, mammalian cells, and the brain, and enzymatic synthesis through phospholipase D (PLD). Furthermore, we discuss metabolism, its role in the CNS, the fortification of foods, and supplementation for improving some memory functions, the results of which remain unclear. PtdS can be a potentially beneficial addition to foods for kids, seniors, athletes, and others, especially with the rising consumer trend favoring functional foods over conventional pills and capsules. Clinical studies have shown that PtdS is safe and well tolerated by patients.

UNASSIGNED: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in young adults to examine the dose-dependent (600 mg versus 1200 mg), acute effects of consumption of an Ilex guayusa tea extract (GLE) on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, as well as its acute cardiovascular effects.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty-five adults (mean ± SD, age = 28 ± 7 y; 9 M/16 F) completed familiarization and then three randomly ordered experimental visits where they consumed either 600 mg (GLE600) or 1200 mg (GLE1200) GLE or placebo (PLA). Following supplement consumption, participants completed a mood state survey, assessments of perceived jitteriness, energy, and focus, and neurocognitive and motor-cognitive testing. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and QT interval length were determined before and after supplementation.
UNASSIGNED: GLE600 significantly improved total mood disturbance (mean ± SE difference = -6.9 ± 2.6 au, p = 0.034), fatigue-inertia (-2.84 ± 0.89 au, p = 0.008), perceived energy (+13.00 ± 4.49 au; p = 0.02), motor speed (+4.52 ± 1.42 au, p = 0.008), and psychomotor speed (+7.20 ± 2.16 au, p = 0.005) relative to PLA. GLE1200 also improved psychomotor speed (+5.08 ± 2.16 ms, p = 0.045) and uniquely increased motor-cognitive performance as reflected by a decrease in reaction time (-0.106 ± 0.04 ms, p = 0.026) during a neurocognitive hop test. The effect of GLE on jitteriness was both dose- and sex-dependent. Jitteriness increased with increasing GLE dose in women only (p < 0.001). Both GLE600 and GLE1200 similarly increased systolic and diastolic BP by 4-5 mmHg (p ≤ 0.022). Neither GLE600 nor GLE1200 acutely influenced QTc length (p = 0.31).
UNASSIGNED: The goal of GLE supplementation should be considered when selecting a dosing strategy. Lower dosages of GLE (e.g. 600 mg) appear to optimize cognitive and mood-related outcomes while limiting side-effects such as jitteriness in women, and higher dosages may be necessary (e.g. 1200 mg) to promote improvements in motor-cognitive performance.

Athletes are increasingly relying on natural supplements to improve athletic performance. Echinacea, a common herbal supplement, has been studied for its potential erythropoietin-enhancing effects, with mixed results in the literature. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether echinacea supplementation has erythropoietic or ergogenic effects in athletes. A search strategy was developed to identify trials studying the impact of echinacea supplementation on erythropoiesis and maximal oxygen uptake. The database search yielded 502 studies, 496 of which were excluded in the two-reviewer screening process. Six studies with a total of 107 athletes were included in the analysis. For hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, there were small, positive effect sizes when comparing the difference in pre- and post-intervention levels between the echinacea and placebo groups, at 0.38 (p = 0.02, 95% CI -0.04-0.80, I2 = 70%) and 0.34 (p < 0.01, 95% CI -0.10-0.78, I2 = 86%), respectively, though they did not reach statistical significance. There was also no statistically significant change in erythropoietin (effect size -0.29, p = 0.05, 95% CI -0.75-0.17, I2 = 67%) or maximal oxygen uptake (effect size -0.20, p = 0.95, 95% CI -0.60-0.21, I2 = 0%). Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.

The objective of this exploratory study was to assess if microencapsulated arginine influences the physicochemical quality of beef. The study included three genetic groups: Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford crossbreed. Two encapsulation systems were used with carnauba wax, at ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, carnauba wax:core (arginine), respectively. A control treatment was also included with no arginine addition. Encapsulated arginine with a 3:1 ratio increased redness by 19.66 at 28 d aged beef compared to the control and 2:1 ratio with values of 18.55 and 16.77, respectively (p = 0.01). Encapsulated arginine at a 3:1 ratio showed the lowest meat shear force values with 24.32 N at 28 d of ageing (p < 0.001). The Angus breed also had a low value of 24.02 N (p < 0.001). Finally, the highest values of intramuscular fat were observed with the inclusion of arginine in a 3:1 ratio. The fat value reached 2.12% with a 3:1 ratio (p = 0.002), while in the Angus breed it was 1.59%. The addition of carnauba wax-encapsulated arginine can improve meat quality. It enhances red color, tenderness, and marbling in bovine meat.

The present study evaluated the effects of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid-rich linseed supplementation on the reproductive performance, endocrine profile, and biochemical profile of ewes reared in subtropical climates. Forty-eight acyclic and clinically healthy Marwari sheep, aged 1.5-2.5 years with no parity, were divided into four groups (n = n = 12 in each). Ewes in the control group (group I) were fed only a basal feed, whereas ewes in the treatment groups II, III, and IV were fed the basal diet along with 10%, 15%, and 20% linseed, respectively, daily on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted during the typical breeding season (October-November) of the sheep. The estrus induction rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups than in the control group. The estrus induction interval was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group III. The conception rate in group I was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, ewes in the control group had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) lambing rate than all treatment groups. Serum progesterone concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the control and the treatment groups on days 15, 30, 45, and 60 of supplementation. On treatment days 15 and 30, the serum estrogen concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups compared to that in group I. In all treatment groups, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) increased significantly (p < 0.05) from day 15 onward. In conclusion, by providing 15% dietary linseed supplementation to ewes, their reproductive performance can be improved in subtropical climates. Future studies are recommended to further elucidate the role of linseed supplementation in sheep reproduction in subtropical climates.

UNASSIGNED: To investigate the acute effects of ingesting a beverage containing guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed powder on performance during field tests related to physical capacities that are determinants of soccer performance, such as lower limb power, sprint, agility, and the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise.
UNASSIGNED: The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design, with a beverage containing guarana or placebo administered in a double-blind manner. Twenty-seven under-17 soccer players of a professional soccer club performed a battery of tests 60 min after the ingestion of guarana (3 g of the fruit seed powder) or placebo. Trials were performed with a 7-day washout period. The battery of tests included a countermovement jump test, sprints of 10 and 20 m, an Illinois agility test, and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1).
UNASSIGNED: Guarana ingestion did not improve countermovement jump, sprints, or agility (p > 0.05). However, guarana ingestion increased the distance covered in the YYIR1, compared with placebo ingestion (p = 0.01).
UNASSIGNED: Acute ingestion of guarana improves the capacity to perform intermittent exercise in soccer players but seems to be ineffective to improve lower limb power, sprint, and agility.