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Depression has long been recognized as a major public health problem. Fear and anxiety associated with the high morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 have increased risk factors for mental health decline. A high prevalence of psychiatric disorders has been documented in individuals who have been directly or indirectly exposed to life-threatening situations. Current evidence suggests decompensation of pre-existing psychiatric disorders, increasing levels of depression, anxiety, and worry, and increased suicide as sequelae of COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 are particularly vulnerable because psychopathologies can be exacerbated by coronaviruses, either through direct viral infection of the central nervous system or indirectly through an immune response. It, therefore, seems expedient to search for alternative methods of prevention, treatment, or supportive treatment of depression, especially since conventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies are only partially effective. Beneficial antidepressant effects have been observed after the application of spice plants as well as some mushrooms and herbs containing complex active components or phytochemicals. Their use in adjunctive therapy against depression, especially in the period of difficulties related to the functioning of COVID-19 oriented health care, seems to be an interesting alternative. The aim of the present study was to analyze the usefulness of Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. (synonym Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.), Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (synonym Bramia monnieri (L.) Drake), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr.&Maxim.) Maxim. (synonym Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms), Sedum roseum (L.) Scop. (synonym Rhodolia rosea L.), Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. and plant materials with psychedelic activity such as psilocybin and ayahuasca in reducing symptoms associated with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The berries of Barbary wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) are used in alternative medicine as a nutraceutical. However, it has been shown that specific therapeutic effects are observed only in the very high concentrations of defined active ingredients from strictly selected phytochemical species of Lycium. Therefore, this study was carried out to compare the antioxidant properties and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids in dried berries, juices, and capsules containing goji berry extract. To determine the antioxidative potential of the tested products, methanol extracts of DPPH radical were employed, while to determine the polyphenol content the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used. The flavonoid content was determined using Dowd colorimetric method. This study showed that the dried goji berries were characterized by the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids and having the highest antioxidant activity from all analyzed products. The significantly lower concentrations of studied components were observed in juices and the lowest in capsules. However, on a per-dose basis, the highest concentrations were observed for juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Health & Environmental Research / Bromatologia & Chemia Toksykologiczna is the property of Polish Pharmaceutical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health & Environmental Research / Bromatologia & Chemia Toksykologiczna is the property of Polish Pharmaceutical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health & Environmental Research / Bromatologia & Chemia Toksykologiczna is the property of Polish Pharmaceutical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clinical research showed that skin lesions caused by the deficiency of n-6 fatty acids in the diet can be inhibited by oral administration of oils rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Gamma--linolenic acid is effective in the treatment of sores, erythema and eczema. It also improves defensive functions of the skin against infections, has anti-inflammatory properties and increases the blood perfusion in skin cells. It improves nutrition, oxygenation of the skin and disposal of toxins. In consequence, the skin colour and appearance improve. The acid is important for skin hydration as its deficiency results in dry skin. The study discusses the influence of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the functional status of the skin, featuring gamma-linolenic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The properly balanced daily food ratio is necessary condition for having high physical capacity among people practicing sports. Very important is that intense physical activity increases the metabolic rate and demand for nutrients including vitamins. The aim: To determine the level of intake selected vitamins in daily food rations of men practicing karate. Material and method: The study involved 187 men practicing karate aged between 19 and 30 years, from the Wielkopolska and Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province. The analysis was based on classical 24-hour recall method with the use of the Microsoft Access 2007 software. The level of realization of the nutritional standards was evaluated using current nutrition standards for men with high physical activity aged between 19-30 years. Results: The average level of intake vitamin A in daily food rations of men practicing karate was 1026 ± 513 μg. This content covered of 114% standard Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The level of intake vitamin E was 8.31 ± 3.43 mg and covered 83.1% the standard Adequate Intake (AI). The analyzed daily food rations contained 180 ± 127 mg vitamin C and that was 100% more than the standard Recommended Daily Intake. The content of vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin, biotin and folic acid was respectively: 1.46 ± 0.50 mg, 1.81 ± 0.61 mg, 2.08 ± 0.73 mg, 18.0 ± 7.96 mg, 26.2 ± 21.6 μg and 235 ± 109 μg. The nutritional standards for these vitamins was implemented respectively in: 112% for vitamin B1, 139% for vitamin B2, 160% for vitamin B6, 113% for niacin, 87.3% for biotin and 58.8% for folic acid. Conclusions: The daily food rations of men practicing karate contain incorrect amount of selected vitamins. Men consumed too much vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6 and niacin. On the other hand intake of vitamin E, biotin and folic acid in their daily food rations was not sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the investigation was to compare the nutritional habits of different age groups for both genders in Wielkopolska region. Analysis of food intake was in the context of the risk of diet-related diseases. The results revealed that nutritional habits of investigated group are incompatible with commonly recognized DFRs. Difference between percentage of energy coming from carbohydrates, saccharose and protein was observed between males and females below 39. Other differences encompass nutritional density of protein for males and females aged less than 40 and general incompatibility in quantities of carbohydrates and fibre in male and female diet, regardless of age. Accordingly with the results presented above, the interference into nutritional habits of wielkopolska in considered necessary and regardless of age and gender.