6533b7d6fe1ef96bd12665bf

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Targeting aging with functional food: Pasta with opuntia single-arm pilot study

Angelo ZinelluCiriaco CarruAnna AielloCalogero CarusoAldo NicosiaCaterina Maria GambinoSonya VastoGiulia AccardiDanilo Di BonaGiuseppe Di MiceliGiuseppina CandorePaolo Ruisi

subject

0301 basic medicineGerontologyAdultMaleAgingMediterranean dietLongevityPsychological interventionAnti-Inflammatory AgentsPilot Projects030204 cardiovascular system & hematologyBiologyAntioxidantsOpuntia Ficus Indica03 medical and health sciencesYoung Adult0302 clinical medicineFunctional foodFunctional FoodMediterranean dietDiabetes MellitusHumansLongitudinal StudiesObesityHealthy agingAgedCell ProliferationInflammationMetabolic Syndromeage-related diseaseoxidative streLife spanTraditional medicinePlant ExtractsPerspective (graphical)food and beveragesOpuntiaMiddle AgedHealthy VolunteersOxidative Stress030104 developmental biologyPhenotypenutritionDiabetes Mellitus Type 2Cardiovascular DiseasesDietary SupplementsFemaleGeriatrics and Gerontology

description

Interventions to extend life span represent the new perspective in aging investigation. Healthy dietary habits are important modifiable factors that can favor a healthy aging phenotype. Many studies have demonstrated benefits for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus resulting from the traditional Mediterranean foods. Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI), widespread in the Mediterranean basin, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, products containing extracts from OFI fruits or cladodes have been used to control obesity and other metabolic parameters, such as glycemia and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of pasta with 3% of OFI cladode extracts added to show its beneficial effect in human health. We performed a single arm longitudinal intervention study in 42 healthy volunteers, administrating 500 g/week of this functional pasta for 30 days. Our pasta had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with putative effect on the aging process and related metabolic diseases. We also demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect. The results are preliminary, but it is possible to speculate that our pasta could be considered an effective food for the prevention of age-related metabolic disorders.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2018-06-01
10.1089/rej.2017.1992http://hdl.handle.net/10447/298407