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Natural Products, Micronutrient and Nutraceuticals to Improve Mood Disorders and Enhance Cognitive Function

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 June 2022) | Viewed by 83131

Special Issue Editor

INRAE, Nutrition and Neurobiology, Integrated, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
Interests: nutrition; neuroscience; lipid metabolism; lipids inflammatory; biomarkers fatty acids; phospholipids

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emotional and cognitive dysfunctions are increasing in our society, leading to neuropsychiatric disorders. Among the preventive strategies that are encouraged, nutrition is a crucial environmental contributing factor to which the individuals are exposed throughout their life.

Epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical data suggest that poor dietary habits largely contribute to emotional and cognitive dysfunctions that are exacerbated with age, whereas dietary supplementation may help to improve mood disorders and enhance cognitive functions. The use of certain nutrients as medicinal supplements influences specific molecular systems and mechanisms that maintain mental function. Evidence supports the beneficial effects of several micronutrients such as polyphenols, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals on brain health. However, there is still no consensus about optimal strategies for dietary intervention in mental health. We have to define how micronutrients and nutraceuticals affect the signaling pathways involved in brain functions and the conditions for therapeutic applications in humans to influence life quality and to delay the onset and progression of mental health disease.

Here, we invite experts to contribute to this Special Issue with original research or review articles that investigate the effects of natural products, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals on mental health (mood and cognitive aspects) that may participate in the development of novel predictive, personalized, and preventive participatory approaches.

Dr. Corinne Joffre
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Mood disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Mental disease
  • Dysfunction

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 3407 KiB  
Article
Ganoderma Lucidum Triterpenoids Improve Maternal Separation-Induced Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors in Mice by Mitigating Inflammation in the Periphery and Brain
by Xue Mi, Gui-Rong Zeng, Jie-Qing Liu, Zhou-Song Luo, Ling Zhang, Xiao-Man Dai, Wen-Ting Fang, Jing Zhang and Xiao-Chun Chen
Nutrients 2022, 14(11), 2268; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14112268 - 28 May 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3144
Abstract
Although early life stress (ELS) can increase susceptibility to adulthood psychiatric disorders and produce a greater inflammatory response in a stressful event, targeted preventive and therapeutic drugs still remain scarce. Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids (GLTs) can exert anti-inflammatory effects in the periphery and central [...] Read more.
Although early life stress (ELS) can increase susceptibility to adulthood psychiatric disorders and produce a greater inflammatory response in a stressful event, targeted preventive and therapeutic drugs still remain scarce. Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids (GLTs) can exert anti-inflammatory effects in the periphery and central nervous systems. This study employed a combined model of “childhood maternal separation + adulthood sub-stress” to explore whether GLTs may alleviate anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in male and female mice by mitigating inflammation. Male and female pups were separated from their mothers for four hours per day from postnatal day 1 (PND 1) to PND 21; starting from PND 56, GLTs were administered intraperitoneally once daily for three weeks and followed by three days of sub-stress. Results showed that maternal separation increased the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in both male and female mice, which disappeared after the preemptive GLTs treatment (40 mg/kg) before adulthood sub-stress. Maternal separation up-regulated the pro-inflammatory markers in the periphery and brain, and activated microglia in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. All the abnormalities were reversed by GLTs administration, with no adverse effects on immune organ indices, liver, and renal function. Our findings suggest that GLTs can be a promising candidate in treating ELS-induced psychiatric disorders. Full article
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17 pages, 650 KiB  
Article
Neurocognitive Effects of Cocoa and Red-Berries Consumption in Healthy Adults
by Joaquín García-Cordero, Alicia Pino, Constanza Cuevas, Verónica Puertas-Martín, Ricardo San Román and Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 1; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14010001 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5920
Abstract
In recent decades, the elderly population has increased at higher rates than any other population group, resulting in an increase in age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment. To address this global health problem, it is necessary to search for new dietary [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the elderly population has increased at higher rates than any other population group, resulting in an increase in age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment. To address this global health problem, it is necessary to search for new dietary strategies that can prevent the main neurocognitive problems associated with the ageing process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R) and to stablish the possible improvement in cognitive performance by using a battery of neurocognitive tests that included the Verbal Learning Test Spain-Complutense, the Spatial Recall Test 10/36 BRB-N, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III and IV, the STROOP Task and the Tower of London Test. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was performed in 60 healthy volunteers between 50 and 75 years old who consumed a cocoa powder, a red berries mixture or a combination of both for 12 weeks. After the intervention, we observed a reduction in the time needed to start (p = 0.031) and finish (p = 0.018) the neurocognitive test known as the Tower of London in all groups, but the decrease in time to finish the task was more pronounced in the intervention with the combination of cocoa-red berries group. We failed to show any significant difference in BDNF and NGF-R sera levels. However we found a negative correlation between BDNF and the number of movements required to finish the TOL in women (p = 0.044). In conclusion, our study showed an improvement in executive function, without any change in neurotrofin levels, for all intervention arms. Full article
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17 pages, 2966 KiB  
Article
Saffron Extract-Induced Improvement of Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice Is Associated with Modulation of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission
by Camille Monchaux De Oliveira, Line Pourtau, Sylvie Vancassel, Camille Pouchieu, Lucile Capuron, David Gaudout and Nathalie Castanon
Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 904; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13030904 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5137
Abstract
Depressive disorders represent a major public health concern and display a continuously rising prevalence. Importantly, a large proportion of patients develops aversive side effects and/or does not respond properly to conventional antidepressants. These issues highlight the need to identify further therapeutic strategies, including [...] Read more.
Depressive disorders represent a major public health concern and display a continuously rising prevalence. Importantly, a large proportion of patients develops aversive side effects and/or does not respond properly to conventional antidepressants. These issues highlight the need to identify further therapeutic strategies, including nutritional approaches using natural plant extracts with known beneficial impacts on health. In that context, growing evidence suggests that saffron could be a particularly promising candidate. This preclinical study aimed therefore to test its antidepressant-like properties in mice and to decipher the underlying mechanisms by focusing on monoaminergic neurotransmission, due to its strong implication in mood disorders. For this purpose, the behavioral and neurobiochemical impact of a saffron extract, Safr’Inside™ (6.5 mg/kg per os) was measured in naïve mice. Saffron extract reduced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. This behavioral improvement was associated with neurobiological modifications, particularly changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, suggesting that Safr’Inside™ may share common targets with conventional pharmacological antidepressants. This study provides useful information on the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron extracts to improve management of mood disorders. Full article
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12 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Exogenous Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Salt Supplementation on Metrics of Safety and Health in Adolescents
by Matthew Stefan, Matthew Sharp, Raad Gheith, Ryan Lowery and Jacob Wilson
Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 854; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13030854 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4377
Abstract
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet that will induce a state of ketosis, but because of its restrictive nature, it may be difficult to adhere to, especially in adolescents. Supplementing with exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salts may induce a state of [...] Read more.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet that will induce a state of ketosis, but because of its restrictive nature, it may be difficult to adhere to, especially in adolescents. Supplementing with exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salts may induce a state of temporary ketosis without any undesirable side effects, thereby promoting the benefits of ketosis and minimizing adherence requirements to a ketogenic diet. To date, beta-hydroxybutyrate supplementation in healthy adolescents has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the safety of exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salt supplementation in a healthy adolescent population. In the present study, 22 healthy male and female adolescents consumed 3.75 g of beta-hydroxybutyrate salts or maltodextrin placebo twice daily for 90 days. Comprehensive blood safety analysis, bone densitometry, happiness and emotional intelligence surveys, and blood pressure were assessed at Pre, Day 45, and Day 90. There were no significant differences detected in subjects supplementing with beta-hydroxybutyrate salts, indicating that exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salts had no detrimental impact on fasting blood safety metrics, bone density, happiness, emotional intelligence, or blood pressure. We conclude that supplementing with exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salts is safe and well-tolerated by healthy adolescents. Full article
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24 pages, 2911 KiB  
Article
Fish Hydrolysate Supplementation Containing n-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Peptides Prevents LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation
by Mathilde Chataigner, Marie Martin, Céline Lucas, Veronique Pallet, Sophie Layé, Alexis Mehaignerie, Elodie Bouvret, Anne-Laure Dinel and Corinne Joffre
Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 824; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13030824 - 02 Mar 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2840
Abstract
Neuroinflammation constitutes a normal part of the brain immune response orchestrated by microglial cells. However, a sustained and uncontrolled production of proinflammatory factors together with microglial activation contribute to the onset of a chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to neuronal damage and cognitive as [...] Read more.
Neuroinflammation constitutes a normal part of the brain immune response orchestrated by microglial cells. However, a sustained and uncontrolled production of proinflammatory factors together with microglial activation contribute to the onset of a chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to neuronal damage and cognitive as well as behavioral impairments. Hence, limiting brain inflammatory response and improving the resolution of inflammation could be particularly of interest to prevent these alterations. Dietary n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and low molecular weight peptides are good candidates because of their immunomodulatory and proresolutive properties. These compounds are present in a fish hydrolysate derived from marine-derived byproducts. In this study, we compared the effect of an 18-day supplementation with this fish hydrolysate to a supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in mice. In response to peripherally injected LPS, the fish hydrolysate supplementation decreased the hippocampal mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-1β (p = 0.0008) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001), whereas the DHA supplementation reduced only the expression of IL-6 (p = 0.004). This decline in proinflammatory cytokine expressions was associated with an increase in the protein expression of IκB (p = 0.014 and p = 0.0054 as compared to the DHA supplementation and control groups, respectively) and to a modulation of microglial activation markers in the hippocampus. The beneficial effects of the fish hydrolysate could be due in part to the switch of the hippocampal oxylipin profile towards a more anti-inflammatory profile as compared to the DHA supplementation. Thus, the valorization of fish byproducts seems very attractive to prevent and counteract neuroinflammation. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 596 KiB  
Review
Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health
by Scott C. Forbes, Dean M. Cordingley, Stephen M. Cornish, Bruno Gualano, Hamilton Roschel, Sergej M. Ostojic, Eric S. Rawson, Brian D. Roy, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Panagiotis Giannos and Darren G. Candow
Nutrients 2022, 14(5), 921; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14050921 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 48362
Abstract
While the vast majority of research involving creatine supplementation has focused on skeletal muscle, there is a small body of accumulating research that has focused on creatine and the brain. Preliminary studies indicate that creatine supplementation (and guanidinoacetic acid; GAA) has the ability [...] Read more.
While the vast majority of research involving creatine supplementation has focused on skeletal muscle, there is a small body of accumulating research that has focused on creatine and the brain. Preliminary studies indicate that creatine supplementation (and guanidinoacetic acid; GAA) has the ability to increase brain creatine content in humans. Furthermore, creatine has shown some promise for attenuating symptoms of concussion, mild traumatic brain injury and depression but its effect on neurodegenerative diseases appears to be lacking. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current body of research pertaining to creatine supplementation on total creatine and phophorylcreatine (PCr) content, explore GAA as an alternative or adjunct to creatine supplementation on brain creatine uptake, assess the impact of creatine on cognition with a focus on sleep deprivation, discuss the effects of creatine supplementation on a variety of neurological and mental health conditions, and outline recent advances on creatine supplementation as a neuroprotective supplement following traumatic brain injury or concussion. Full article
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41 pages, 2053 KiB  
Review
Perinatal Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Brain Development, Role in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
by Maud Martinat, Moïra Rossitto, Mathieu Di Miceli and Sophie Layé
Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1185; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13041185 - 02 Apr 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7374
Abstract
n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids that are provided by dietary intake. Growing evidence suggests that n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are paramount for brain functions. They constitute crucial elements of cellular membranes, especially in the brain. They are [...] Read more.
n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids that are provided by dietary intake. Growing evidence suggests that n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are paramount for brain functions. They constitute crucial elements of cellular membranes, especially in the brain. They are the precursors of several metabolites with different effects on inflammation and neuron outgrowth. Overall, long-chain PUFAs accumulate in the offspring brain during the embryonic and post-natal periods. In this review, we discuss how they accumulate in the developing brain, considering the maternal dietary supply, the polymorphisms of genes involved in their metabolism, and the differences linked to gender. We also report the mechanisms linking their bioavailability in the developing brain, their transfer from the mother to the embryo through the placenta, and their role in brain development. In addition, data on the potential role of altered bioavailability of long-chain n-3 PUFAs in the etiologies of neurodevelopmental diseases, such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, are reviewed. Full article
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17 pages, 5460 KiB  
Review
Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Maike Wolters, Annkathrin von der Haar, Ann-Kristin Baalmann, Maike Wellbrock, Thomas L. Heise and Stefan Rach
Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1070; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13041070 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4330
Abstract
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been suggested to affect depressive disorders. This review aims to determine the effect of n-3 PUFAs on depressive symptoms in people with or without diagnosed depression. Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled [...] Read more.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been suggested to affect depressive disorders. This review aims to determine the effect of n-3 PUFAs on depressive symptoms in people with or without diagnosed depression. Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the association between n-3 PUFAs and depressive symptoms or disorders as outcomes. A random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was performed. Twenty-five studies (7682 participants) were included. Our meta-analysis (20 studies) indicated that n-3 PUFA supplementation lowered depressive symptomology as compared with placebo: SMD = −0.34, 95% CI: −0.55, −0.12, I2 = 86%, n = 5836, but a possible publication bias cannot be ruled out. Subgroup analyses indicated no statistically significant difference by treatment duration of <12 vs. ≥12 weeks, presence of comorbidity, or severity of depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, beneficial effects were seen in the subgroups of studies with longer treatment duration and with no depression and mild to moderate depression. Subgroup analysis by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) dosage revealed differences in favor of the lower EPA dosage. Sensitivity analysis including studies with low risk of bias seems to confirm the overall result. Supplementation of n-3 PUFA appears to have a modest beneficial effect on depressive symptomology, although the quality of evidence is still insufficient. Full article
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