No abstract

Most probiotic strains commercially available today are lactic acid bacteria. Within this functional group, Streptococcus thermophilus is a thermophilic species widely used as starter culture for a huge number of dairy products. Besides being rapid acidifiers, many S. thermophilus strains are able to produce and release folate during growth but, unfortunately, they are seriously impaired during passage through the human gastrointestinal tract. In this work, we studied eight S. thermophilus strains isolated from dairy environments in Italy, which already had shown good technological properties, to evaluate their possible probiotic potential and cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro. All strains were also evaluated for some health-related properties such as susceptibility to most common antibiotics, hemolytic activity, resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, bile salts hydrolytic activity, production of folate, adhesion to HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and production of biogenic amines. Results revealed that two fast acidifying S. thermophilus strains were found to possess in vitro probiotic properties along with anticancer activity and production of folate. These properties resulted similar and, in some cases, superior to those of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a well-known commercial probiotic strain. These findings encourage further in vivo studies to evaluate the actual health benefits of these strains on the human host.

Skin aging has become a recurring concern even for younger people, mainly owing to increased life expectancy. In this context, the use of nutricosmetics as supplements has increased in recent years. Moreover, numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in improving the signs of skin aging. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on human skin through a systematic review followed by a meta‐analysis of clinical trials focusing on the process of skin aging. A literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine databases. Eligible studies were randomized, double‐blind, and controlled trials that evaluated oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen as an intervention and reported at least one of the following outcomes: skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and firmness. After retrieving articles from the databases, 19 studies were selected, with a total of 1,125 participants aged between 20 and 70 years (95% women). In the meta‐analysis, a grouped analysis of studies showed favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. The findings of improved hydration and elasticity were also confirmed in the subgroup meta‐analysis. Based on results, ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.

No abstract

Extração e aplicação do óleo essencial da casca da laranja como um ingrediente Andressa Neuhaus Ferronatto, Rochele Cassanta Rossi