With the extension of average life expectancy, diseases accompanied by cognitive and memory impairments, such as dementia, are increasing. The risk of dementia has been suggested to decrease with an increase in the intake of milk and dairy products. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of consuming test food containing lactononadecapeptide (LNDP) on memory and attention in healthy elderly Japanese subjects aged 65 years or older over 24 weeks. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial was conducted, and memory function was evaluated using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test and the total score of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Based on the results of the ROCF test and SDMT, the repeated intake of the test food significantly improved memory function in elderly subjects. Therefore, the repeated intake of test food containing LNDP may improve memory and attention in elderly Japanese individuals with mild cognitive decline.
Bacteriophages are abundant viruses that naturally inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract, interacting closely with bacterial communities. While their therapeutic potential against bacterial infections has been recognized, clinical evidence remains limited. Here, we review recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials evaluating oral bacteriophage administration for gastrointestinal applications, including treatment of bacterial diarrhea and supplementation in individuals with mild gastrointestinal distress. These studies demonstrate that phage therapy is safe and well-tolerated, with minimal impact on overall gut microbiota composition. There is also some evidence of reduced target bacterial populations and symptom improvement during prolonged use. Additionally, combining phages with probiotics shows promise in enhancing gastrointestinal health. These findings suggest bacteriophages may serve as safe adjuncts or supplements for maintaining gut health and preventing infections, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms and long-term effects within the human microbiome.
Ageing is characterised by a progressive decline in physiological function driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. Natural products contain diverse bioactive compounds capable of regulating these interconnected processes through convergent molecular pathways. This review synthesises current evidence across six major classes of natural bioactives, including polyphenols, terpenoids, polyamines, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and bioactive peptides, and examines their roles within metabolic, redox, inflammatory, and epigenetic networks. Individually, these compounds enhance mitochondrial function, modulate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)–mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling, activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–antioxidant response element (ARE) antioxidant pathway, suppress nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, and improve cellular stress resilience. When used in combination, they exhibit synergistic interactions that amplify antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits, resulting in measurable improvements in lifespan and healthspan. Quantitative analyses demonstrate that rationally designed combinations achieve approximately 20–35 percent greater efficacy than single agents, reflecting coordinated multi-target reinforcement rather than simple additive effects. Overall, these insights highlight the mechanistic rationale, experimental evidence, and translational potential of synergistic natural bioactives as promising strategies for promoting healthy ageing and mitigating age-related decline.
Food spoilage caused by microbial contamination has remained a major challenge in meat preservation, especially in regions with limited refrigeration infrastructure. The potential of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a natural antimicrobial preservative for beef, which is culturally significant and a highly consumed meat product worldwide, was investigated. The CNSL was extracted using ethanol and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results revealed a high abundance of phenolic lipids, cresols, cardanol and resorcinol derivatives, with active O-H and C-O functional groups. The antimicrobial efficacy against Pseudomonas, Clostridium spp. and Proteus spp., which are major bacteria implicated in meat spoilage, was assayed by applying different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%) of CNSL to the meat samples and evaluating microbial loads over a 14-day storage period. Results indicate a significant reduction in total viable counts and pathogenic bacteria, with optimal preservation observed at 2.0% CNSL. The study demonstrates that CNSL exhibits potential to act as an effective natural preservative and sets the foundation for its application in sustainable meat preservation strategies.
Probiotics have gained widespread attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health and modulating the immune system. This article critically examines whether probiotics can be a universal remedy for all diseases, as often claimed in scientific literature and popular media. The objective is to evaluate the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of probiotics in preventing and treating various medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic syndromes, allergies, and mental health issues. While some studies suggest promising outcomes in specific contexts, the evidence remains inconsistent and often limited to specific strains and conditions. Importantly, this review highlights that probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution and their effects can vary widely depending on individual physiology, dosage, and microbial composition. The article also addresses safety concerns, regulatory challenges, and the need for more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials. By analyzing existing data and expert opinions, this work aims to separate fact from hype and provide a balanced perspective on probiotics’ true potential and limitations in modern medicine.
