Publications by authors named "Aida Moreira da Silva"

White crowberries () are a fruit from an endemic shrub found in Southern European Atlantic costal dunes. Although this shrub and its fruits never became a formal commercial crop for a number of reasons, it has a long-lasting relevance and tradition, much associated with summer, beach and holidays. The main goal of this study was to conduct a thematic analysis of the words and small expressions people associate with white crowberries.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * A study explored the effects of replacing traditional salt with powdered halophyte plant ( ) in a group of 30 healthy young individuals, focusing on biochemical profiles and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 activity.
  • * Results showed that replacing salt improved lipid profiles, with decreases in total cholesterol and HDL-c, and indicated a potential regulatory effect on MMP-9, highlighting the need for further research on MMPs in individuals with health issues.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Bioactive phytoconstituents have been increasingly investigated for their potential human health benefits. Corema album (L.) D.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Previous research links high salt intake to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues, prompting this study to explore Sarcocornia as a healthier salt alternative.
  • Thirty healthy participants were divided into a control group using regular salt and an intervention group using Sarcocornia powder for one month, with various cardiovascular measurements taken before and after the intervention.
  • Results showed that the intervention group had a significant decrease in sodium excretion and cardiovascular parameters, such as blood pressure, compared to the control group, supporting Sarcocornia's effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risks associated with excessive salt consumption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the anticancer properties of a hydroethanolic extract from leaves of a shrub found on the Atlantic coast, which is considered beneficial for human health.
  • It focuses on its effects on triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive subtype with low survival rates due to high metastasis and relapse risks.
  • The extract demonstrates the ability to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, damage DNA, and interfere with key signaling pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option against this type of cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Salt is the primary source of sodium in the human diet, and it is associated with hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. A growing interest in halophyte plants and food products containing this type of ingredient have been observed, to reduce the NaCl daily intake. In the present work, was incorporated as a food ingredient into crackers to replace the salt (NaCl) and to evaluate its impact on physical properties, water activity, nutritional composition, mineral profile, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study reports an evaluation of the biological properties of the edible berries from , an endemic shrub of the Portuguese coastline, aiming at its use as a nutraceutical. Different methanolic extracts were obtained from the pulp and seed of fresh berries: pulp extract, seed residue, and seed oil (extracted and characterized for the first time). For each of these, the antioxidant activity was assessed, by different methods, as well as the antimicrobial ability.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF