In Vitro Eradication of Planktonic, Saliva and Biofilm Bacteria Using Lingonberry Extract as a Photosensitizer for Visible Light Plus Water-Filtered Infrared-A Irradiation.

Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (aPDT) with visible light plus water-filtered infrared-A irradiation (VIS-wIRA) and natural single- or multi-component photosensitizers (PSs) was shown to have potent antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the antimicrobial effects of aPDT-VIS-wIRA with lingonberry extract (LE) against bacteria that play a role in oral health. Planktonic bacterial cultures of the Gram-positive T9, DSM20523, ATCC 35037 and PSM 203513, the Gram-negative 14F2 FG-15-7B, ATCC 25586, and DSM, the anaerobic ATCC 25586 and DSM 2008, and the total mixed bacteria from pooled saliva and supra- and subgingival plaques of volunteers were all treated and compared.

Screening of Thymoquinone Content in Commercial Products to Identify a Promising and Safe Study Medication.

(1) Background: Thymoquinone (TQ) is the leading compound accounting for the pharmacological effects of Nigella sativa seed oil, also known as black seed oil. This study aimed to analyze the TQ content of commercial black seed oils and black seed oil-containing capsules to obtain information on the quality of the products and to find a promising and safe study medication for a putative clinical study. (2) Methods: Six black seed oils and five black seed oil-containing capsules were analyzed.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Treatment with Mother Juices and Their Single Compounds as Photosensitizers.

The potent antimicrobial effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with visible light plus water-filtered infrared-A irradiation and natural compounds as photosensitizers (PSs) have recently been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the antimicrobial effects of aPDT with mother juices against typical cariogenic oral pathogens in their planktonic form and determine its eradication potential on total human salivary bacteria from volunteers. Mother juices of pomegranate, bilberry, and chokeberry at different concentrations were used as PSs.

Activity of preparations from Spilanthes oleracea, propolis, Nigella sativa, and black garlic on different microorganisms involved in oral diseases and on total human salivary bacteria: A pilot study.

Due to continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need for alternative treatment options to reduce the levels of oral pathogens for the maintenance of oral as well as overall health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of tinctures of Spilanthes oleracea and propolis, Nigella seed oil, and an ethanolic extract of black garlic on microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration assay were used in this study.

Understanding drug interactions with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): impact of hyperforin content.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review herb-drug interaction studies with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) with a focus on the hyperforin content of the extracts used in these studies.

Methods: PUBMED was systematically searched to identify studies describing pharmacokinetic interactions involving St John's wort.

Fast and comprehensive analysis of secondary metabolites in cocoa products using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography directly after pressurized liquid extraction.

Fast methods for the extraction and analysis of various secondary metabolites from cocoa products were developed and optimized regarding speed and separation efficiency. Extraction by pressurized liquid extraction is automated and the extracts are analyzed by rapid reversed-phase ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography methods. After extraction, no further sample treatment is required before chromatographic analysis.

The Impact of Cocoa Flavanols on Cardiovascular Health.

The aim of the study was to review the effect of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health, with emphasis on the doses ingested, and to analyze a range of cocoa products for content of these compounds. PubMed was searched from 2010 to locate systematic reviews (SR) on clinical effects of chocolate consumption. Thirteen SRs were identified and reviewed, and provided strong evidence that dark chocolate did not reduce blood pressure.

Efficacy and safety of pomegranate medicinal products for cancer.

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate potent effects of pomegranate preparations in cancer cell lines and animal models with chemically induced cancers. We have carried out one systematic review of the effectiveness of pomegranate products in the treatment of cancer and another on their safety. The PubMed search provided 162 references for pomegranate and cancer and 122 references for pomegranate and safety/toxicity.

A critical evaluation of the clinical evidence for pomegranate preparations in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

This study attempts a critical evaluation of the clinical evidence behind the use of dietary pomegranate preparations in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A search of PubMed on August 10, 2014 identified 228 references, which yielded extractable data from 24 clinical studies of pomegranate preparations. Hand searching identified two further studies.

Quantification of anthocyanins in elderberry and chokeberry dietary supplements.

Elderberry and chokeberry food supplements may be 'functional food' in patients with metabolic syndrome or influenza but, for this, adequate amounts of co-active ingredients must be consumed in the daily dose. This study aimed to quantify the anthocyanin content in three elderberry and six chokeberry products to assess their usefulness as functional food. Analyses were carried out using an established HPLC procedure.

Comparisons of home and daytime ambulatory blood pressure measurements.

Background: Home (HBPM) and ambulatory (ABPM) blood pressure measurements have their advantages and disadvantages in diagnosing and managing hypertension. We studied HBPMs and ABPMs in volunteers taking part in a survey.

Methods: Of 366 respondents, 270 provided a total of 5997 triplicate HBPMs (Part 1); 175 also provided data on ABPMs, of which the measurements obtained between 6 am and 10 pm were used in this study (Part 2).

Pomegranate juice and prostate cancer: importance of the characterisation of the active principle.

Two exploratory clinical studies investigating proprietary pomegranate products showed a trend of effectiveness in increasing prostate-specific antigen doubling time in patients with prostate cancer. A recent clinical study did not support these results. We therefore analysed a lot of the marketed pomegranate blend for co-active pomegranate compounds.

Proanthocyanin content in cranberry CE medicinal products.

The CE marking is a statutory marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area. Medicinal products with a CE label are not regulated by the European Medicines Agency but are licensed according to the directives of the European Community. We have analysed the proanthocyanin (PAC) content of four cranberry CE products by both a photometric (DMAC method using 4-dimethylamino-cinnamic-aldehyde as colouring reagent) and a high-performance liquid chromatography assay and have compared the daily dosages recommended for the products by their manufacturers with benchmark doses obtained from the literature.

Prevention of urinary tract infections with vaccinium products.

Cranberries exert a dose-dependent inhibition of the adherence of E. coli fimbriae to uroepithelial cells. This was demonstrated in vitro but also ex vivo in vitro with urine from cranberry consumers.