Nutrients

Research

19 pages, 3535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutraceutical Capsules LL1 and Silymarin Supplementation Act on Mood and Sleep Quality Perception by Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Pilot Clinical Study

by Aline Boveto Santamarina, Victor Nehmi Filho, Jéssica Alves de Freitas, Lucas Augusto Moysés Franco, Joyce Vanessa Fonseca, Roberta Cristina Martins, José Antônio Orellana Turri, Bruna Fernanda Rio Branco da Silva, Arianne Fagotti Gusmão, Eloísa Helena Ribeiro Olivieri, José Pinhata Otoch and Ana Flávia Marçal Pessoa

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183049 - 10 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1363

Abstract

Stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and sleep disturbance worsen cognitive function in mood disorders, prompting a rise in the development of integrative health approaches. The recent investigations in the gut–brain axis field highlight the strong interplay among microbiota, inflammation, and mental health. Thus, this study [...] Read more.

Stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and sleep disturbance worsen cognitive function in mood disorders, prompting a rise in the development of integrative health approaches. The recent investigations in the gut–brain axis field highlight the strong interplay among microbiota, inflammation, and mental health. Thus, this study aimed to investigate a new nutraceutical formulation comprising prebiotics, minerals, and silymarin’s impact on microbiota, inflammation, mood, and sleep quality. The study evaluated the LL1 + silymarin capsule supplementation over 180 days in overweight adults. We analyzed the fecal gut microbiota using partial 16S rRNA sequences, measured cytokine expression via CBA, collected anthropometric data, quality of life, and sleep questionnaire responses, and obtained plasma samples for metabolic and hormonal analysis at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Our findings revealed significant reshaping in gut microbiota composition at the phylum, genus, and species levels, especially in the butyrate-producer bacteria post-supplementation. These changes in gut microbiota were linked to enhancements in sleep quality, mood perception, cytokine expression, and anthropometric measures which microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids might enhance. The supplementation tested in this study seems to be able to improve microbiota composition, reflecting anthropometrics and inflammation, as well as sleep quality and mood improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 3628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lindera obtusiloba Blume Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Promoted by N^ε-(carboxymethyl)lysine

by Jin-Ah Lee, Min Ji Gu, Yu Ra Lee, Yoonsook Kim, Inwook Choi, Donghwan Kim and Sang Keun Ha

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142330 - 19 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1117

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major issue because it is closely associated with metabolic diseases. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated as risk factors for steatosis during NAFLD progression. AGEs influence NAFLD progression through a receptor-independent pathway involving AGE cross-link [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major issue because it is closely associated with metabolic diseases. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated as risk factors for steatosis during NAFLD progression. AGEs influence NAFLD progression through a receptor-independent pathway involving AGE cross-link formation and a receptor-dependent pathway that binds to receptors like receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). The objectives of this study are to examine the effect of Lindera obtusiloba Blume (LO) on NAFLD promoted by Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), one of the most common dietary AGEs. The anti-glycation effects of LO were evaluated by inhibiting the AGEs formation and AGEs-collagen cross-links breaking. The efficacy of LO against NAFLD promoted by CML was assessed using both in vitro and in vivo models. NAFLD was induced in mice by feeding a high-fat diet and orally administering CML over a period of 12 weeks, and the effects of LO on lipid metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms were investigated. LO showed the effect of inhibited AGEs formation and breakage, and collagen cross-linking. Fed a high-fat diet with administered CML by gavage, LO administration resulted in a reduction in body weight, fat mass, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. LO reduced hepatic CML accumulation and RAGE expression in mice fed a high-fat diet and orally administered CML. LO alleviated hepatic steatosis accompanied by lipid accumulation and histological damage by suppressing the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, carbohydrate response element binding protein, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β. LO alleviated the MAPK/NF-κB expression by attenuating CML and RAGE expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LO alleviates the progression of NAFLD by lowering the levels of AGEs by downregulating CML/RAGE expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Gymnema sylvestre and Berberine on Adipokines, Body Composition, and Metabolic Parameters in Obese Patients: A Randomized Study

by Cindy Bandala, Jazmín Carro-Rodríguez, Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez, Itzel Peña-Montero, Modesto Gómez-López, Ana Paola Hernández-Roldán, Juan Carlos Huerta-Cruz, Felipe Muñoz-González, Iván Ignacio-Mejía, Brayan Domínguez and Eleazar Lara-Padilla

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2284; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142284 - 16 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3810

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and berberine (BBR) are natural products that have demonstrated therapeutic potential for the management of obesity and its comorbidities, as effective and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. Although their anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic properties have been widely studied, comparative research on [...] Read more.

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and berberine (BBR) are natural products that have demonstrated therapeutic potential for the management of obesity and its comorbidities, as effective and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. Although their anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic properties have been widely studied, comparative research on their impact on the gene expression of adipokines, such as resistin (Res), omentin (Ome), visfatin (Vis) and apelin (Ap), has not been reported. Methodology: We performed a comparative study in 50 adult Mexican patients with obesity treated with GS or BBR for 3 months. The baseline and final biochemical parameters, body composition, blood pressure, gene expression of Res, Ome, Vis, and Ap, and safety parameters were evaluated. Results: BBR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) body weight, blood pressure and Vis and Ap gene expression and increased Ome, while GS decreased fasting glucose and Res gene expression (p < 0.05). A comparative analysis of the final measurements revealed a lower gene expression of Ap and Vis (p < 0.05) in patients treated with BBR than in those treated with GS. The most frequent adverse effects in both groups were gastrointestinal symptoms, which attenuated during the first month of treatment. Conclusion: In patients with obesity, BBR has a better effect on body composition, blood pressure, and the gene expression of adipokines related to metabolic risk, while GS has a better effect on fasting glucose and adipokines related to insulin resistance, with minimal side effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Functional Food Properties of Forest Onion (Eleutherine bulbosa Merr.) Phytochemicals for Treating Metabolic Syndrome: New Insights from a Combined Computational and In Vitro Approach

by Happy Kurnia Permatasari, Nuril Farid Abshori, Rony Abdi Syahputra, Urip Harahap, Nurlinah Amalia, Dian Aruni Kumalawati, Nelly Mayulu, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Trina Ekawati Tallei, Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata, Elvan Wiyarta, Adriyan Pramono, Bonglee Kim, Apollinaire Tsopmo, Lluis Serra-Majem and Fahrul Nurkolis

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101441 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1667

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a global health problem. The use of functional foods as dietary components has been increasing. One food of interest is forest onion extract (FOE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of FOE on lipid and glucose metabolism in silico [...] Read more.

Metabolic syndrome is a global health problem. The use of functional foods as dietary components has been increasing. One food of interest is forest onion extract (FOE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of FOE on lipid and glucose metabolism in silico and in vitro using the 3T3-L1 mouse cell line. This was a comprehensive study that used a multi-modal computational network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking in silico and 3T3-L1 mouse cells in vitro. The phytochemical components of FOE were analyzed using untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Next, an in silico analysis was performed to determine FOE’s bioactive compounds, and a toxicity analysis, protein target identification, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were carried out. FOE’s effect on pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition was determined. Finally, we determined its effect on lipid accumulation and MAPK8, PPARG, HMGCR, CPT-1, and GLP1 expression in the preadipocyte 3T3-L1 mouse cell line. We showed that the potential metabolites targeted glucose and lipid metabolism in silico and that FOE inhibited pancreatic lipase levels, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase in vitro. Furthermore, FOE significantly (p < 0.05) inhibits targeted protein expressions of MAPK8, PPARG, HMGCR, CPT-1, and GLP-1 in vitro in 3T3-L1 mouse cells in a dose-dependent manner. FOE contains several metabolites that reduce pancreatic lipase levels, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and targeted proteins associated with lipid and glucose metabolism in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Betulinic Acid Increases the Lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster via Sir2 and FoxO Activation

by Hye-Yeon Lee and Kyung-Jin Min

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030441 - 1 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Betulinic acid (BetA), a triterpenoid derivative found abundantly in the plant kingdom, has emerged as a promising candidate for promoting longevity. Many research studies have shown its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activities, making it an interesting subject for investigating its potential influence [...] Read more.

Betulinic acid (BetA), a triterpenoid derivative found abundantly in the plant kingdom, has emerged as a promising candidate for promoting longevity. Many research studies have shown its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activities, making it an interesting subject for investigating its potential influence on lifespan. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BetA on longevity and the mechanisms associated with it using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as the organism model. The results showed that 50 μM BetA supplementation extended the mean lifespan of fruit flies by 13% in males and 6% in females without any adverse effects on their physiology, such as fecundity, feeding rate, or locomotion ability reduction. However, 50 μM BetA supplementation failed to increase the lifespan in mutants lacking functional silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) and Forkhead box O (FoxO)-null, implying that the longevity effect of BetA is related to Sir2 and FoxO activation. Our study contributes to the knowledge in the field of anti-aging research and inspires further investigations into natural compounds such as BetA to enhance organismal healthspan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A 14-Day Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Crossover Intervention Study with Anti-Bacterial Benzyl Isothiocyanate from Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) on Human Gut Microbiome and Host Defense

by Simon P. Pfäffle, Corinna Herz, Eva Brombacher, Michele Proietti, Michael Gigl, Christoph K. Hofstetter, Verena K. Mittermeier-Kleßinger, Sophie Claßen, Hoai T. T. Tran, Corinna Dawid, Clemens Kreutz, Stefan Günther and Evelyn Lamy

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030373 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Despite substantial heterogeneity of studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in terms of changing their composition and/or diversity. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from the food and medicinal plant nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus [...] Read more.

Despite substantial heterogeneity of studies, there is evidence that antibiotics commonly used in primary care influence the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota in terms of changing their composition and/or diversity. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) from the food and medicinal plant nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is known for its antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of infections of the draining urinary tract and upper respiratory tract. Against this background, we raised the question of whether a 14 d nasturtium intervention (3 g daily, N = 30 healthy females) could also impact the normal gut microbiota composition. Spot urinary BITC excretion highly correlated with a weak but significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli. A significant increase in human beta defensin 1 as a parameter for host defense was seen in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) upon verum intervention. Pre-to-post analysis revealed that mean gut microbiome composition did not significantly differ between groups, nor did the circulating serum metabolome. On an individual level, some large changes were observed between sampling points, however. Explorative Spearman rank correlation analysis in subgroups revealed associations between gut microbiota and the circulating metabolome, as well as between changes in blood markers and bacterial gut species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 3344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Obesity Effect of Combining White Kidney Bean Extract, Propolis Ethanolic Extract and CrPi₃ on Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

by Doaa Salah Eldin Abdelfattah, Mervat A. Fouad, Aliaa N. Elmeshad, Mohamed A. El-Nabarawi and Sammar Fathy Elhabal

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020310 - 20 Jan 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4731

Abstract

Obesity has been associated with the occurrence and prevalence of various chronic metabolic diseases. The management of obesity has evolved to focus not only on reducing weight, but also on preventing obesity-related complications. Studies have shown that bioactive components in natural products like [...] Read more.

Obesity has been associated with the occurrence and prevalence of various chronic metabolic diseases. The management of obesity has evolved to focus not only on reducing weight, but also on preventing obesity-related complications. Studies have shown that bioactive components in natural products like white kidney bean extract (WKBE), propolis ethanolic extract (PEE), and chromium picolinate (CrPi₃) showed anti-obesity properties. However, no studies have examined the outcomes of combining any of these nutraceutical supplements. We compared the effects of HFD supplemented with WKBE, WKBE+PEE, or WKBE+PEE+CrPi₃ against control and obese groups using Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 45% high-fat diet as an in vivo model. Nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, liver function, kidney function, and gut health were among the comparable effects. Our findings showed that combining the three nutraceutical supplements had a synergetic effect on reducing weight gain, food utilization rate, abdominal fat, serum lipids, arterial and hepatic lipids, risk of cardiovascular disease, and blood glucose level, in addition to improving renal function and gut microbiota. We attributed these effects to the α-amylase inhibitor action of WKBE, flavonoids, and polyphenol content of PEE, which were potentiated with CrPi₃ resulting in a further reduction or normalization of certain parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 5362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid on Human Fibroblasts In Vitro: A Preliminary Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential

by Rebeca Illescas-Montes, Manuel Rueda-Fernández, Anabel González-Acedo, Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez, Enrique García-Recio, Javier Ramos-Torrecillas and Olga García-Martínez

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010023 - 20 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Background: Pomegranate is a fruit that contains various phenolic compounds, including punicalagin and ellagic acid, which have been attributed to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties, among others. Objective: To evaluate the effect of punicalagin and ellagic acid on the viability, migration, cell cycle, [...] Read more.

Background: Pomegranate is a fruit that contains various phenolic compounds, including punicalagin and ellagic acid, which have been attributed to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties, among others. Objective: To evaluate the effect of punicalagin and ellagic acid on the viability, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts (CCD-1064Sk). MTT spectrophotometry was carried out to determine cell viability, cell culture inserts were used for migration trials, and flow cytometry was performed for antigenic profile and cell cycle analyses. Cells were treated with each phenolic compound for 24 h at doses of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁹ M. Results: Cell viability was always significantly higher in treated versus control cells except for punicalagin at 10⁻⁹ M. Doses of punicalagin and ellagic acid in subsequent assays were 10⁻⁶ M or 10⁻⁷ M, which increased the cell migration capacity and upregulated fibronectin and α-actin expression without altering the cell cycle. Conclusions: These in vitro findings indicate that punicalagin and ellagic acid promote fibroblast functions that are involved in epithelial tissue healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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24 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assessment of Supplementation with Different Biomolecules in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19

by Anabel González-Acedo, Francisco Javier Manzano-Moreno, Enrique García-Recio, Concepción Ruiz, Elvira de Luna-Bertos and Víctor Javier Costela-Ruiz

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3070; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183070 - 11 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Consequences of the disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have led to an urgent search for preventive and therapeutic strategies. Besides drug treatments, proposals have been made for supplementation with biomolecules possessing immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. The objective [...] Read more.

Consequences of the disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have led to an urgent search for preventive and therapeutic strategies. Besides drug treatments, proposals have been made for supplementation with biomolecules possessing immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to review published evidence on the clinical usefulness of supplementation with vitamin D, antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C), melatonin, lactoferrin and natural products found in food (curcumin, luteolin, ginger, allicin, magnesium and zinc) as supplements in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In general, supplementation of conventional treatments with these biomolecules has been found to improve the clinical symptoms and severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with some indications of a preventive effect. In conclusion, these compounds may assist in preventing and/or improving the symptoms of COVID-19. Nevertheless, only limited evidence is available, and findings have been inconsistent. Further investigations are needed to verify the therapeutic potential of these supplements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

69 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyphenols: Secondary Metabolites with a Biological Impression

by Ecem Bolat, Sümeyye Sarıtaş, Hatice Duman, Furkan Eker, Emir Akdaşçi, Sercan Karav and Anna Maria Witkowska

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152550 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2228

Abstract

Polyphenols are natural compounds which are plant-based bioactive molecules, and have been the subject of growing interest in recent years. Characterized by multiple varieties, polyphenols are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Currently, many diseases are waiting for a cure or a solution [...] Read more.

Polyphenols are natural compounds which are plant-based bioactive molecules, and have been the subject of growing interest in recent years. Characterized by multiple varieties, polyphenols are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Currently, many diseases are waiting for a cure or a solution to reduce their symptoms. However, drug or other chemical strategies have limitations for using a treatment agent or still detection tool of many diseases, and thus researchers still need to investigate preventive or improving treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to elucidate polyphenols, their bioactivity effects, supplementation, and consumption. The disadvantage of polyphenols is that they have a limited bioavailability, although they have multiple beneficial outcomes with their bioactive roles. In this context, several different strategies have been developed to improve bioavailability, particularly liposomal and nanoparticles. As nutrition is one of the most important factors in improving health, the inclusion of plant-based molecules in the daily diet is significant and continues to be enthusiastically researched. Nutrition, which is important for individuals of all ages, is the key to the bioactivity of polyphenols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 1598 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methylsulfinyl Hexyl Isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) from Wasabi Is a Promising Candidate for the Treatment of Cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Obesity

by Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, Michał Malesza, Ida Malesza, Tomasz Hadada, Jakub Winkler-Galicki, Teresa Grzelak and Edyta Mądry

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152509 - 1 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2514

Abstract

Methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) isolated from Eutrema japonicum is a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal and stomach cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, its neuroprotective properties, improving cognitive function [...] Read more.

Methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) isolated from Eutrema japonicum is a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal and stomach cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, its neuroprotective properties, improving cognitive function and protecting dopaminergic neurons, make it an excellent candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. 6-MSITC acts on many signaling pathways, such as PPAR, AMPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1-ARE, ERK1/2-ELK1/CHOP/DR5, and MAPK. However, despite the very promising results of in vitro and in vivo animal studies and a few human studies, the molecule has not yet been thoroughly tested in the human population. Nonetheless, wasabi should be classified as a “superfood” for the primary and secondary prevention of human diseases. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art research on 6-MSITC and its potential clinical uses, discussing in detail the signaling pathways activated by the molecule and their interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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Other

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18 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Isoflavonoid and Vitamin D Synergism on Bone Mineral Density—A Systematic and Critical Review

by Miłosz Miedziaszczyk, Adam Maciejewski, Ilona Idasiak-Piechocka, Marek Karczewski and Katarzyna Lacka

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5014; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245014 - 5 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal plant compounds, which bind to α and β estrogen receptors, thereby causing specific effects. The best-known group of phytoestrogens are flavonoids, including isoflavonoids—genistein and daidzein. They play a role in the metabolism of bone tissue, improving its density and preventing [...] Read more.

Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal plant compounds, which bind to α and β estrogen receptors, thereby causing specific effects. The best-known group of phytoestrogens are flavonoids, including isoflavonoids—genistein and daidzein. They play a role in the metabolism of bone tissue, improving its density and preventing bone loss, which contributes to reducing the risk of fractures. Vitamin D is found in the form of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and is traditionally recognized as a regulator of bone metabolism. The aim of this review was to evaluate the synergistic effect of isoflavonoids and vitamin D on bone mineral density (BMD). The MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched independently by two authors. The search strategy included controlled vocabulary and keywords. Reference publications did not provide consistent data regarding the synergistic effect of isoflavonoids on BMD. Some studies demonstrated a positive synergistic effect of these compounds, whereas in others, the authors did not observe any significant differences. Therefore, further research on the synergism of isoflavonoids and vitamin D may contribute to a significant progress in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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