Alongside recognizing the importance of extending lifespan, an emerging focus has appeared on improving health in longevity, defined as healthspan. Aging is a process for all animal species; however, due to the time limitation in aging studies, Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model used for studying aging. In the current study, we evaluated various markers of muscle functions and determined that bending or pharyngeal pumping rate can represent worms' healthiness. A new concept named 'dynamic-scaled value' was developed, rescaling health markers to the corresponding markers in the control group at the same survival rate. Using these dynamic-scaled values of bending or pumping rates, we determined the health status of various treatments, including whether health improvement over aging depended on lifespan extension. Co-treatment of cranberry juice with Lactobacillus plantarum significantly improved health status during the mid-late life stage, while cranberry juice alone did not improve compared to the control. The dynamic-scaled value can be used as a complementary indicator to the quality-adjusted values to determine the health status. In addition, the dynamic-scaled values would allow us to compare results from others based on adjustments using their respective controls and relatively simple measurements to obtain the results.

Helicobacter pylori poses a major threat to human health, primarily due to its tumorigenic potential and ability to cause tissue damage. Because of its strong association with gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, H. pylori is classified as a class I carcinogen. Its eradication has become a challenge due to increasing antibiotic resistance rates. This implies the need to investigate nutritional factors for their anti-H. pylori effects. This study aimed to encompass data regarding anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-adhesive, anti-ulcer, anti-urease and anti-cancer properties of seven non-antibiotic agents against H. pylori. We assessed articles in English using Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar, focusing mostly on recent publications. There are data pointing to the strong anti-adhesive action of cranberry, green tea and Arthrospira (Spirulina) spp. The anti-ulcer effect of green tea, Nigella sativa and microalgae was demonstrated in rat models. Cranberry, microalgae, honey and curcumin inhibit the urease activity of H. pylori. Propolis, green tea and curcumin interfere with the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, while the last two as well as Arthrospira spp. inhibit cyclooxygenase-2. There are in vivo clinical trials indicating that cranberry, Nigella sativa, broccoli and curcumin can improve the success of eradication regimens, while honey showed a preventive effect. Additional trials are needed to determine the precise dose regimens and whether the natural or encapsulated product is more effective. Potential side effects and drug-drug interactions should be taken into account.

Urolithiasis (UL) is a multifactorial condition whose global prevalence has been increasing in recent years, and it is closely associated with dietary factors. Diet is one of the key elements linked to the development of UL, due to the intake of many nutrients that cause metabolic alterations associated with the crystallization process and the risk of developing urinary stones. Despite the crucial role of diet, few studies have implemented dietary interventions. In this sense, dietary modifications play a fundamental role in the prevention, control and management of UL. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize the main beneficial effects of dietary interventions in population with UL. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Redalyc databases for intervention studies published up to July 2025, which reported dietary interventions aimed at preventing and controlling UL. The risk of bias and quality of studies were assessed. A total of 26 articles were included, focusing on dietary interventions such as controlling sodium, oxalate, calcium, citrate, and protein intake, as well as low-calorie diets. Additionally, foods such as lemon, orange, melon, lime, cranberry, apple juices, milk, vinegar, black seed, green bean extract, probiotics, and synbiotic were also explored, which promoted significant changes in serum and urinary parameters related to UL. This review compiles evidence on dietary intervention strategies that lead to significant improvements in biochemical parameters in populations with UL (PROSPERO CRD42022361702).

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of salivary pellicle modification with polyphenol-rich solutions containing fluoride on enamel erosion and abrasion. Human enamel specimens (n = 14/group) were assigned to five pellicle-modifying groups: GSE+F (grape seed extract +500 ppm F-); CRA+F (cranberry extract +500 ppm F-); NaF (sodium fluoride solution -5 00ppm F-); Sn+F (commercial solution, SnCl2/NaF/AmF); and DW (deionized water, negative control). The specimens were submitted to 5 cycles, each one consisting of pellicle formation (120mcl, 30 min, 37degreeC, no agitation), followed by pellicle modification with the experimental solutions (5 ml, 2 min, 25C, 70 rpm), and subsequent salivary pellicle formation (120 mcl, 60 min, 37degreeC, no agitation). The specimens were then submitted to erosion (1% citric acid, 10 ml, 1 min, pH 3.6, 70 rpm, 25C). Subsequently, they were submitted to abrasion with a fluoride-based toothpaste slurry in a toothbrushing machine (50 strokes, 200 g load, 2 min exposed to slurry). The enamel surface was evaluated with an optical profilometer at baseline and after the 5 cycles to assess the surface loss. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis followed by a multiple comparisons test (alpha = 0.05). Significant differences were found between the tested solutions (p <0.001). The highest surface loss was verified in the DW group (p < 0.001). The other tested solutions (GSE+F, CRA+F, Sn+F, NaF) promoted significant enamel protection against the erosive-abrasive challenges with no differences between them. In conclusion, the modification of salivary pellicle with both polyphenol-rich, commercial solution and fluoride solutions were able to protect the enamel surface from erosion and abrasion

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common clinical problem among premenopausal women, often managed with prophylactic antibiotics that contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Cranberry extract, rich in proanthocyanidins, has emerged as a promising non-antibiotic alternative for UTI prevention, though existing evidence remains inconsistent due to variability in study designs and formulations. 

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of standardized cranberry extract supplementation in reducing recurrence rates of urinary tract infections in premenopausal women. 

Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted over ten months in tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 160 premenopausal women with a history of recurrent UTIs were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg cranberry extract standardized to 36 mg PACs or placebo once daily for six months. Primary outcomes included the mean number of recurrent UTI episodes and time to first recurrence. Secondary outcomes assessed antibiotic use, adherence, and patient satisfaction. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05. 

Results: The cranberry group reported a significantly lower mean number of UTI episodes (0.6 vs. 1.2), longer time to first recurrence (142.3 vs. 97.6 days), and reduced antibiotic use (0.7 vs. 1.4 courses) compared to placebo. Recurrence occurred in 27.5% of the cranberry group versus 57.5% in placebo. Adherence exceeded 90% in both groups, with higher satisfaction in the cranberry arm. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Cranberry extract supplementation effectively reduced UTI recurrence and antibiotic dependence among premenopausal women. These findings support its role as a safe, non-antibiotic preventive strategy.

BACKGROUND: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a small, red fruit that has been widely recognized for its potential health benefits. The cranberry is rich in antioxidant-rich bioactive chemicals and nutritious components like essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; for example, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, potassium, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acid, etc. Cranberries are thought to offer a variety of health advantages because they are high in Polyphenols (PPs), which have significant antioxidant activity. 

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of cranberries on behavioural and neurochemical abnormalities induced by Quinolinic Acid (QA) treatment through Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection in Wistar rats, as well as to identify the synaptic plasticity and cognition by modulating signaling cascades, such as the ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which offer an adjunct treatment to slow or enhance the effects of conventional treatment. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of thirty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to several experimental groups. QA (240 nM in normal saline) was administered via ICV. Thereafter, cranberry (0.5g/kg p.o.) with QA, and high-dose cranberry group (2g/kg p.o.) with QA were administered to the animals for 21 days. The dosage of QA and cranberries was chosen based on earlier experimental research. 

RESULT: The study found that cranberries significantly decrease cognitive deficits and motor impairments caused by Quinolinic Acid (QA) in rats. QA treatment affected cognitive function, as demonstrated by the Novel object recognition and the Morris water maze tests, and caused substantial disturbances in motor activity, as demonstrated by rotarod and footprint analyses. QA-treated rats also exhibited higher oxidative and nitrosative stress, lower Glutathione (GSH) levels, higher nitrite and lipid peroxidation, cholinergic dysfunction, and abnormalities in mitochondrial complexes I, II, and IV in the striatum and hippocampus regions. Cranberry (2 g/kg p.o.) significantly enhanced memory, learning, and motor coordination. Cranberry supplementation enhanced GSH levels, decreased MDA concentration, and improved mitochondrial function and cholinergic activity. According to a histological study, cranberries can protect against neuronal degeneration and inflammation. 

CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that cranberries may have neuroprotective properties, presumably through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-excitotoxic processes that promote brain plasticity, neurogenesis, and neurotransmitter systems. This establishes the potential of cranberries as a prospective natural treatment for cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative illnesses, suggesting the need for additional research to understand the underlying mechanisms and human application better.

Large-fruited cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and unique A-type proanthocyanidins, which exhibit strong antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Cranberry pomace, a by-product generated during juice and concentrate production, remains underutilized despite being abundant in dietary fiber and non-extractable polyphenols (NEPPs). In this study, cranberry pomace was characterized phytochemically and applied as a functional ingredient in biscuits at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% substitution of wheat flour. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, DPPH•) were significantly higher in pomace compared to whole fruit values reported in the literature, which can be attributed to the concentration of polymeric proanthocyanidins and flavonols in skins and seeds. Biscuits enriched with pomace exhibited a dose-dependent increase in TPC and antioxidant capacity, with the 15% variant showing up to 6-fold higher polyphenol content and over 30-fold higher ABTS•+ activity after in vitro digestion compared to control. Digestion also released NEPP bound to the fiber matrix, improving bioaccessibility. Moreover, extracts from digested biscuits reduced oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and inhibited COX-1, COX-2, and AChE activities, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. These findings highlight cranberry pomace as a sustainable, high-value ingredient for functional foods, aligning with circular economy strategies.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share features such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Fruit- and vegetable-derived polyphenols may modulate these mechanisms. 

Background: To evaluate effects of fruit- and vegetable-based polyphenol interventions on metabolic and renal outcomes in adults with MetS or CKD/ESRD. 

Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials comparing polyphenol-rich whole foods or supplements versus control. Data on lipids, blood pressure, glucose, endothelial function, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, and cardiovascular events were extracted and narratively synthesized. 

Results: Twenty-eight RCTs (n = 20-108) were included. In MetS, bergamot extract (six months) reduced LDL by 22% and triglycerides by 23% (p < 0.01). Grape powder (60 g/day for four weeks) lowered triglycerides and improved HDL function. Freeze-dried blueberry (45 g/day for six weeks) enhanced endothelial function (p < 0.05). Blood pressure reductions occurred with grape polyphenols; glycemic improvements were limited to polyphenol-rich diets and high-dose resveratrol. In CKD, fruit and vegetable diets (up to five years) slowed eGFR decline and increased plasma bicarbonate to levels comparable to sodium bicarbonate. Long-term interventions (five years) reported zero cardiovascular events versus six in controls (p < 0.01). Isolated supplements (e.g., cranberry, resveratrol) showed minimal effects on renal function. No serious adverse events were reported. 

Conclusion: Whole-food polyphenol interventions improve lipid profiles, endothelial function, and slow renal decline in MetS and CKD populations. Glycemic benefits are modest. Standardized, long-term RCTs are needed to refine dietary guidelines.

Purpose: Procyanidins have strong potential for antioxidation and decreasing hepatic fat accumulation thus preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Procyanidin A2 (PCA2), predominately found in cranberries, avocado, peanut red skins and litchi fruit pericarp, is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, literatures about its metabolic profile by gut microbiota and effects on lipid metabolism are limited. Therefore, the metabolites of PCA2 by human intestinal microbiota as well as their antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential were investigated. 

Methods: PCA2 was incubated with human intestinal microbiota and the metabolites produced were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential of PCA2 and its microbial metabolites (MPCA2) were evaluated and compared. 

Results: The metabolism of PCA2 resulted in the formation of 14 metabolites, and the highest antioxidant capacity values were reached after 6 h incubation. In addition, PCA2 and MPCA2 were effective in reducing oxidative stress and lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid (OA) in HepG2 cells. They significantly promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and thus stimulated hepatic lipolysis by up-regulating of the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT-I) and suppressed hepatic lipogenesis by down-regulation of the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) reductase, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1c (SREBP-1c).

Conclusion: Our results indicated that PCA2 and MPCA2 were effective to prevent OA-induced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, implying that microbial metabolites may play a crucial role in the realization of human health effects of PCA2.

Following an application from Givaudan, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Italy, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Pacran® and defence against bacterial pathogens in the lower urinary tract. The Panel considers that the food Pacran®, a powder obtained from cranberries, is sufficiently characterised. Defence against bacterial pathogens in the lower urinary tract is a beneficial physiological effect. The applicant identified two human intervention studies which investigated the effect of Pacran® on the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) as being pertinent to the claim. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that one human intervention study showed a beneficial effect of Pacran® consumed daily at doses of 500 mg for 6 months on the incidence of symptomatic, culture-confirmed UTI in women with a history of recurrent UTI, whereas such an effect was not consistently observed in another study under similar conditions. The Panel also took into account that limited evidence has been provided for a mechanism by which Pacran® could exert the claimed effect. The Panel concludes that the evidence provided is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of Pacran® and the defence against bacterial pathogens in the lower urinary tract.