Research: DELL’AGLI and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 233

Abstract

DELL’AGLI and COLLEAGUES,  (1)Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, Milano, Italy mario.dellagli@unimi.it conducted a systematic review of the literature to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence for or against the efficacy of plant food supplements (PFS) for inflammatory conditions.

Background

Plant food supplements (PFS) receive great acceptance by European consumers. However, quality and efficacy of these products remain a question of concern.

Methodology

The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence for or against the efficacy of PFS for coping inflammatory conditions by considering epidemiological and human intervention studies. The review, which consists of two parts, considers Olea europea L., Camellia sinensis L., Vitis vinifera L., and Matricaria recutita L., which are herbal material frequently used also as food. The search retrieved 1251 publications. By applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the final number of papers was 91.

Results

Vitis vinifera L. showed promising results, but other trials should be performed in order to assessing the efficacy. Surprisingly, it was impossible to draw conclusions for the anti-inflammatory effect of Camellia sinensis L. as green tea. No studies were found on the leaves of Olea europea L. whereas more human trials are needed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of olive oil. Only one study for Matricaria recutita L. was selected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is advisable to conduct further studies with more homogeneous population and larger number of subjects by avoiding the heterogeneity of the herbal preparations considered.

References

Dell'Agli M(1), Di Lorenzo C, Badea M, Sangiovanni E, Dima L, Bosisio E, Restani  P. Plant food supplements with anti-inflammatory properties: a systematic review (I).  Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 53(4):403-13. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.682123. 2013.

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