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Aim:In this study polyphenols from pomegranate peel, and n-3 fatty acids with polyphenols from flax seed were evaluated for their anti depression properties in mice exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS).Methods: A total of 40 mice initially trained to consume 2% sucrose solution for 3 weeks were then divided into five groups of eight each. The first group was the normal control, the remaining four groups were exposed to CMS but were force fed with either: 10 mL water per kg bodyweight per day; imipramine (a standard antidepressant) 15 mg kg bodyweight; 30 mg per kg bodyweight polyphenol equivalent extract from pomegranate peel; or 30 mg polyphenols per kg bodyweight with omega-3 fatty acids present, for 50 days. At the end, blood and brain were analyzed for various biomarkers of depression. Results:The flax seed and imipramine groups had significantly increased sucrose consumption, decreased cortisol (blood), decreased epinephrine and norepinephrine concentration, decreased monoamine oxidase A and B activity, and decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Lipid peroxidation was completely inhibited. In contrast, pomegranate peel extract also completely inhibited lipid peroxidation in the brain, and reduced enzyme activity and hormone concentration but to a lesser extent than flax seed. Conclusion:Polyphenols from flax seed with omega-3 fatty acids were able to reduce all the CMS effects tested compared to polyphenols from pomegranate peel.

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One of the biggest challenges the Indian army has been confronting is maintaining its troops at tough high altitude battle field of more than 18,000 feet.  At such high altitude, troops are exposed to inclement weather, perilous altitude, difficult terrain and psychological problems arising out of being isolated from the main land miles away from their near and dear ones.  Under such circumstances if an army has to keep its soldiers physically fit and in high morale to fight against the enemy and protect the integrity of the nation, it has to be provided with palatable, healthy and adequate nutritious food.  Hence, it is essential to formulate health foods keeping in aid the real need of the soliders to alleviate such situations also. There are hundreds of phytochemicals reported to possess therapeutic effects. The health foods containing these phytochemicals can be classified in to six categories, viz. health promotion - to improve health on a regular basis, sickness prevention - to prevent seasonal climate related problems, disease control - to fight early symptoms of health problems, supporting - to complement the primary treatment and to combat adverse side effects of harsh drugs during sickness, recuperating - to revive and regain vitality after sickness, rejuvenating - to repair damages and body malfunctions to restore health