Diabetes is a global pandemic where alternative means of combating the disease have been the focus of research in recent years. Herbal remedies for diabetes have proven to be a valuable alternative ...therapy given the fact that many of the existing synthetic drugs are incapable of curbing the disease progression. This review article serves as an appraisal of highlighting the variety and diversity of herbal remedies that are present around the world by looking at only 2 countries-Croatia and Sri Lanka-located in Europe and Asia, respectively. The following herbs were selected for review: from Croatia: (1) Cichorium intybus, (2) Olea europaea, (3) Taraxacum campylodes, (4) Urtica dioica, and (5) Vaccinium myrtillus; and from Sri Lanka: (1) Acacia catechu, (2) Allium sativum, (3) Aloe vera, (4) Cinnamomum zeylanicum, (5) Gymnema sylvestre, and (6) Zingiber officinale. The botanical origins, bioactive compounds, evidence-based studies on antidiabetic properties, as well as uses and applications of these herbs in various ailments, are included herein. A plethora of scientific evidence on the antidiabetic potency of these herbs exists to date, through which it is apparent that they could be promoted as alternative therapies for diabetes.
Dobrobit životinja predstavlja procjenu stanja životinja kojima reagiraju na podražaje iz okoline. Precizna procjena dobrobiti podrazumijeva multidisciplinaran pristup, a suvremen evaluacijski ...protokol uključuje mjerenja na životinjama i mjerenja koja uključuju smještaj, hranidbu i upravljanje farmom. Svrha ovoga istraživanja bila je odrediti varijabilnost biokemijskih i hematoloških pokazatelja, kao i tjelesnu kondiciju, s obzirom na različite bodovne razrede dobrobiti. Istraživanje je provedeno na 145 krava holsteinske pasmine, nasumično odabranih na šest komercijalnih farma mliječnih krava. Kontrolni popis procjene dobrobiti mliječnih krava sastojao se od 70 pitanja prema protokolu CReNBA. Biokemijski pokazatelji u krvi i mliječnoj plazmi određeni su automatskim kemijskim analizatorom Beckman Coulter AU400 (Beckman Coulter, SRNj). Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da niže koncentracije albumina, triglicerida, željeza i kalcija u krvi imaju krave na lošije ocijenjenim farmama s obzirom na menadžment farme i infrastrukturu. S obzirom na pokazatelje infrastrukturnih karakteristika farme, menađmenta i ukupnu ocjenu farme, koncentracija albumina u mliječnom serumu bila je veća (P<0.05)u krava s lošijom ocjenom. Sedimentacija eritrocita bila je brža na lošije ocijenjenim farmama s obzirom na infrastrukturu farme i ukupnu ocjenu dobrobiti.
Animal welfare (AW) is a term denoting how the animals are coping with the conditions in which they live. A precise welfare assessment assumes a multidisciplinary approach, and modern evaluation protocol incorporates both the animal-based and non-animal-based measures. Due to the different welfare score classes, this study’s objective was to determine the variability of biochemical and hematological parameters, as well as the body condition score. The study was conducted involving 145 Holstein cows, randomly chosen from the six commercial dairy cow farms. The dairy cows’ welfare assessment checklist consisted of seventy items, pursuant to the CReNBA protocol. The biochemical parameters in blood and the milk plasma were determined using the Beckman Coulter AU400 (Beckman Coulter, FRG) automatic clinical chemistry analyzer. The obtained results indicate that the lower albumin, triglyceride, iron, and calcium values were detected in the cows bred on the farms that were ranked lower concerning the farm management and farm infrastructure levels. In the milk plasma, the concentration of albumins was higher (P<0.05) on the farms that were ranked lower concerning the farm management, infrastructure level, and total score scale. Iron concentration was higher (P<0.05) in the cows from the farms ranked lower concerning farm infrastructure and on the farms that were ranked higher concerning the animal level. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was higher on the farms with worse marks on the farm infrastructure level and total AW score.
Coumarin is a natural product with aromatic and fragrant characteristics, widespread in the entire plant kingdom. It is found in different plant sources such as vegetables, spices, fruits, and ...medicinal plants including all parts of the plants-fruits, roots, stems and leaves. Coumarin is found in high concentrations in certain types of cinnamon, which is one of the most frequent sources for human exposure to this substance. However, human exposure to coumarin has not been strictly determined, since there are no systematic measurements of consumption of cinnamon-containing foods. The addition of pure coumarin to foods is not allowed, since large amounts of coumarin can be hepatotoxic. However, according to the new European aroma law, coumarin may be present in foods only naturally or as a flavoring obtained from natural raw materials (as is the case with cinnamon). In this paper, the overview of the current European regulations on coumarin levels in food is presented, along with the most common coumarin food sources, with a special emphasis on cinnamon-containing food. Human exposure to coumarins in food is also reviewed, as well as the methods for determination and separation of coumarin and its derivatives in food.
Substantial metabolic and oxidative stress and a decrease in immune function have been associated with increased sensitivity to several diseases in dairy cows during the transition period (before and ...after calving). We investigated the effect of supplementation with linseed (LS), rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), alone, or in combination with an organic source of selenium, on the plasma metabolic parameters during the transition (10 ± 3 days before to 42 days after calving). A portion of the total mixed ration (TMR) from the control group (C) was replaced with n-3 PUFA-rich LS in both experimental groups (LS and LS + Se), keeping the diets iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous. In addition, in the LS + Se group, inorganic sodium selenite was replaced by organic selenium. On day 42, we found (a) higher (P < 0.05) LDL level and Sodium ion concentration in the LS group than in the LS + Se and C groups; (b) lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of triglycerides and lactate in the LS and LS + Se groups than in the C group; and (c) higher (P < 0.05) urea concentration in the LS + Se group than in the C and LS groups. In conclusion, n-3 PUFA supplementation acted positively on lipid profile and no adverse effect on plasma metabolic parameters were found.
Prirodni zeolit klinoptilolit je mikroporozni alumosilikatni mineral čvrste anionske rešetke, otvorene trodimenzionalne strukture u čijim porama su izmjenjivi kationi. Dodatak zeolita u obroku sve se ...više primjenjuje u hranidbi životinja. Cilj pokusa bio je ustanoviti utjecaj dodatka mikroniziranog zeolita klinoptilolita na zdravlje vimena i sastav mlijeka krava različitih laktacija u uvjetima robotizirane mužnje. Krave su hranjene parcijalnim obrokom za krave u mužnji (PMR) s dodatkom 200 g po kravi mikroniziranog zeolita klinoptilolita (Zeotex®, Mevex, Hrvatska) i koncentratom na robotskoj jedinici za hranjenje, tijekom 42 dana pokusa. Značajno (P<0,05) manji broj somatskih stanica utvrđen je u mlijeku krava 1. i 2. laktacije nakon 42 dana konzumacije zeolita u odnosu na početak pokusa. Udio mliječne masti u mlijeku krava 1. laktacije bio je značajno (P<0,05) veći nakon 42 dana konzumacije zeolita u odnosu na početak i 21. dan pokusa. Značajno (P<0,05) veća koncentracija ureje u mlijeku utvrđena je nakon 21 dan konzumacije zeolita okusa u odnosu na početak pokusa kod krava nižih laktacija. Značajno (P>0,05) smanjenje broja somatskih stanica nakon 42 dana primjene zeolita u obroku mliječnih krava potvrđuje sposobnost zeolita da pozitivno utječe na zdravlje vimena. Smanjenje broja somatskih stanica samo kod krava u 1. i 2. laktaciji daje naslutiti ograničenu sposobnost zeolita prema kroničnim infekcijama vimena kod krava viših laktacija. Značajno (P<0,05), ali prolazno povećanje ureje u mlijeku 21. dana pokusa, vjerojatno je odraz prilagodbe mikropopulacije buraga na novonastale uvjete hranidbe dodatkom zeolita. Povećanje udjela mliječne masti kod krava u prvoj laktaciji govori u prilog pozitivnog djelovanja zeolita na poboljšanje kvalitete mlijeka.
Natural zeolite clinoptilolite is a microporous aluminosilicate mineral of an open three-dimensional solid anionic lattice structure with pores of exchangeable cations. The addition of zeolite in the diet is increasingly being used in animal nutrition. The aim of the experiment was to establish the effect of micronized clinoptilolite zeolite on udder health and milk composition of cows of different lactations under conditions of robotic milking. Cows were fed a partial mixed ration (PMR) for milking cows with the addition of 200 g per cow of micronized clinoptilolite zeolite (Zeotex®, Mevex, Croatia) and concentrate on a robotic feeding unit for 42 days of the experiment. Significantly (P <0.05) lower number of somatic cells was found in the milk of 1st and 2nd lactation cows after 42 days of zeolite supplementation compared to the beginning of the experiment. The content of milk fat in the milk of lactating cows was significantly (P <0.05) higher on the 42nd day of the experiment compared to the beginning and the 21st day of the experiment. Significantly (P <0.05) higher urea concentration in milk was found on the 21st day of the experiment compared to the beginning of the experiment in lower lactating cows. A significant (P> 0.05) reduction in the number of somatic cells after 42 days of zeolite application in the diet of dairy cows confirms the ability of zeolite to positively affect udder health. The decrease in the number of somatic cells in cows of only 1st and 2nd lactation suggests a limited ability of zeolites to chronic udder infections in higher lactating cows. Significant (P <0.05), but transient increase in urea in milk on day 21 of the experiment, is probably a reflection of the adaptation of the rumen micropopulation to the new feeding conditions with the addition of zeolite. The increase in the content of milk fat in cows in the first lactation speaks in favor of the positive effect of zeolite and the improvement of milk quality.
This study investigated the biochemical and hematological parameters (at the beginning, after 90 days, and at the end of the experiment) of the pure genotype Black Slavonian (BS) pigs and crossbreeds ...of Black Slavonian and Duroc (BSxD) pigs, fed the same diet and kept under the same extensive free-range conditions during 200 days of the experiment. In the study, BS and BSxD pigs showed differen- ces in blood protein levels, hinting at dietary disparities. Glucose and triglyceride levels differed between the two groups, affecting energy availability and fat depo- sition. BS pigs showed higher white blood cell counts, while BSxD pigs exhibited more rapid metabolic activity. Alkaline phosphatase activity declined over time, with variations between the groups. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations decrea- sed with pig growth, reflecting changes in metabolic demands. Hemoglobin, hema- tocrit, and red blood cell counts varied between the groups. MCV and MCH values in BSxD pigs indicated rapid red blood cell production. Platelet counts fluctuated with age. This study offers insights into the influence of genetic characteristics and growth rates impact biochemical and hematological parameters of pigs kept under free-range conditions, aiding swine population management.
The National food consumption survey on adolescents and adults from 10 to 99 years of age was conducted in the period from January 2018 to June 2023. Following the EU Menu methodology developed by ...the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this survey aimed to facilitate cross‐country comparisons on dietary habits. The survey encompassed all seasons and days of the week to provide insight into the diverse patterns of food consumption. Alongside dietary data, information concerning socioeconomic factors, health status, physical activity, and food supplement usage was collected. Trained interviewers conducted the fieldwork using 24–hour recall and food diaries to record dietary intake. Data gathering and analysis were conducted using NutriCro® software. Before the main data collection, a pilot study conducted from October to November 2021 confirmed the feasibility of the data collection methodology. The study involved a nationally representative sample of 1913 participants (261 adolescents, 783 adults up to 65 years of age, and 522 individuals from 65 to 74 years of age (elderly) and 260 individuals aged 75 to 99 years (very elderly). The overall participation rate was 24.8%. The collected data offer valuable insights into the dietary habits of the studied population groups, serving as a crucial resource in various analyses, especially contributing to national food safety initiatives.
The National food consumption survey on children aged from three months to nine years of age in Croatia was implemented from 2017 to 2022. It is the first harmonized food consumption survey among ...children in Croatia following the EU Menu methodology designed by EFSA to collect comparable among countries data. Data were collected in all seasons and days of the week in order to cover seasonal and day‐to‐day variation in food consumption. In addition to food consumption, data on socio‐economic factors, anthropometry, health status, physical activity and food supplement consumption were also collected. Fieldwork was carried out by trained interviewers. Dietary intake was recorded through food diaries collected by participants and checked by the interviewers before being integrated in the specially designed NutriCro® software. During the first interview, data reported through other questionnaires were also entered by the interviewers in the database through the software. Prior to the main fieldwork, a pilot study was conducted from February to March 2019, which resulted in several adaptations of the tools used for data collection. Ultimately, 1820 children were included in the study with an overall response rate of 22.76%. Collected data provide insight into the nutrition of this most vulnerable population group, which is of paramount importance for national programs on food safety.
Selen je esencijalni element uključen u brojne fiziološke procese te je potrebno i u domaćih i u divljih životinja putem hrane osigurati njegov unos. Oblik selena utječe na njegovu bioraspoloživost i ...dostupnost u sintezi selenoproteina. Upravo je stoga neophodan, jer kao dio enzimskih sustava sudjeluje u metabolizmu štitaste žlijezde, ključan je u reprodukciji i dijelom je važnog antioksidacijskog sustava. Cilj istraživanja bio je ustvrditi utjecaj dodatka organskog oblika selena (Selplex®, Alltech, SAD) u krmnu smjesu za jelene u količini od 0,5 mg/ kg suhe tvari na hematološke i biokemijske pokazatelje u jelena lopatara. Istraživanje je provedeno na 40 jelena lopatara tijekom dvije godine istraživanja, na po dvadeset svake godine. Životinje smo podijelili na mlade (do 1 godine starosti) i odrasle (2-9 godina).
Krmna smjesa ponuđena je tijekom 60 dana na kraju ljetnog perioda godine. Utvrđen je trend povećanja ukupnih proteina, globulina i imunoglobulina G klase u odraslih jedinki hranjenih s većim udjelom selena u hrani, ali bez statističke značajnosti. Koncentracija LDL kolesterola bila je značajno (P<0,05) veća u odraslih jelena hranjenih s većom koncentracijom selena. Pad koncentracije željeza u jelena kojima je dodavan selen znakom je da su životinje uistinu dobile veću količinu selena u obroku nego prve godine. S obzirom da nije bilo značajnih razlika u rezultatima hematoloških i biokemijskih pokazatelja, moguće je preispitati normative za potrebne koncentracije selena kao dodatka u krmnu smjesu za jelene.
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