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A growing literature indicates several health benefits of theanine, a major nonprotein derivative amino acid special to tea, and a nonedible mushroom. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific evidence regarding the anticarcinogen and anticancer effects of natural theanine. A systematic search for the relevant articles published until January 2021 on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge was conducted. Out of 377 initial records, 14 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies met our inclusion criteria. Most of the included in vitro and ex vivo studies reported beneficial effects of theanine on the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, migration, and invasion in various cancer cell lines. The in vivo studies also supported the potential impacts of theanine on cancer incidence or progression. Theanine exerted its anticancer function by inhibiting EGFR, VEGFR, Met, and Akt/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3, and ERK/NFκB pathways, as well as activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and caspase-independent programmed cell death. In conclusion, the results indicated moderate apoptotic, antimetastatic, antimigration, and anti-invasion effects, along with the mild antiproliferative influence of theanine on cancer. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the effectiveness of theanine on the prevention and suppression of cancer and shed light upon the attributable mechanisms in the in vivo condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was conducted to assess the ability of probiotic bacteria and yeasts strains to reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in gastrointestinal simulated conditions. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic and immunosuppressive agents. Acute exposure to a high level of aflatoxins leads to aflatoxicosis, which cause rapid death due to liver failure. It is anticipated that consumption of probiotic microorganisms capable of binding aflatoxins can reduce the risk of AFB1 on human health to a certain extent. Methods: For this purpose, the bacteria (1 × 1010 cfu/mL) and yeasts count (2 × 108 cells/mL) and AFB1 concentration (10 ppb) were adjusted. Then, the samples were incubated in the simulated medium, human gastric secretions and small intestine. The concentration of residual AFB1 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 16 software. Results: The native isolated bacteria and yeasts in the simulated gastrointestinal tract condition showed a significant effect on AFB1 reduction (P <0.05). The AFB1 reduction ability of native probiotic microorganisms was strain dependent. The highest binding ability in bacteria belonged to Lactobacillus rhamnosus (31.14%) and at yeasts belonged to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (30.46%). Conclusion: The use of probiotic strains is the appropriate biological method to reduce AFB1 in the human gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic bacteria could help to decrease the harmful effects of AFB1 in humans through enhancing the food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are a source material in food, pharmacy, and cosmetics industries for producing various products including high-protein nutritional supplements, synthetic pharmaceuticals, and natural colors. A promising algal source for such productions is Chlorella vulgaris which contains a considerable protein content. Similar to other microalgae, its desirability is minimal nutrient requirements since they are unicellular, photosynthetic, and fast-growing microorganisms. Another propitious option to be produced by C. vulgaris is biodiesel, since it is rich in oil too. Besides, algal well thriving in presence of increased amount of carbon dioxide makes them a practicable alternative biofuel resource without some problems of the traditional ones. At the same time, C. vulgaris is also a promising source for nutraceuticals such as amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. This review aims to discuss the conditions need to be observed for achieving a favorable growth efficiency of the C. vulgaris , as well as targeted productions such as biomass, antioxidant, and biofuel. Additionally, different approaches to induce any specific production are also considered comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]