WE DO GOOD AND WRITE ABOUT IT: OUR PUBLICATIONS

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is fundamental in order to avoid disorders to the heart and blood vessels. In prevention, and alongside pharmacological therapy, the use of natural substances is extremely helpful for pre- and mild hypertensive subjects. Our study was therefore focused on the effects, both in vitro and in humans, of a grape seed extract, Enovita (GSEe), a highly standardized extract in polyphenols of Vitis vinifera L. The in vitro cells model was chosen to explore the extract properties related to vascular inflammation/vasodilation. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in healthy volunteers was further performed to investigate GSEe benefits. GSEe resulted in a benefit of modulating endothelial functionality and blood pressure with an overall positive modulation on mood related to stress perception.

Skin health, skin appearance and skin beauty are influenced by collagen composition of the dermis. Natural aging affects the structural integrity of the collagen network. Not only collagen peptides, but also micronutrients can beneficially affect skin appearance. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a food supplement with collagen hydrolysate and micronutrients on skin beauty. The test product was assessed for its capability to reduce wrinkles and to improve skin hydration and collagen structure.

In a randomized, double blind cross over study, we compared the area under the curve (AUC), Cmax, and Tmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF after intakes of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na salt (Arcofolin®) and folic acid. In conclusion, a single oral dose of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF-Na caused higher AUC 0-8 h and Cmax of plasma (6S)-5-Methyl-THF compared to folic acid. The Na- and Ca- salts of (6S)-5-Methyl-THF are not likely to differ in their pharmacokinetics.

Nutraceuticals containing hydroxytyrosol have been shown to exert a wide range of beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system like lipid modification and cholesterol reduction. The aim of this randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study was to investigate the effects of a pure, synthetic form of hydroxytyrosol (HTEssence®) on the lipid profile in subjects with elevated LDL-cholesterol level.

Montmorency sour cherries are characterised by their high polyphenol content. However, there are major differences in the cherry preparations available.

Choline is required for numerous biological processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and it is an important prerequisite for structural integrity and the functioning of cells. This study in healthy volunteers aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics of free choline and of selected choline metabolites between the single dose intake of phosphatidylcholine, present in SuperbaBoostTM krill oil, and choline bitartrate salt.