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PubMed2006

Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and minimally refined cereals is associated with lower risk for chronic degenerative diseases. Since oxidative stress is common in chronic degenerative disease, it has been assumed that dietary antioxidants may explain this protective effect. Every dietary plant contains numerous types of antioxidants with different properties. Many of these antioxidants cooperate in oxidative stress reduction in plants, and we hypothesize that many different antioxidants may also be needed for the proper protection of animal cells. To test this hypothesis, it is useful to identify dietary plants with high total antioxidant content. Several nuts are among the dietary plants with the highest content of total antioxidants. Of the tree nuts, walnuts, pecans and chestnuts have the highest contents of antioxidants. Walnuts contain more than 20 mmol antioxidants per 100 g, mostly in the walnut pellicles. Peanuts (a legume) also contribute significantly to dietary intake of antioxidants. These data are in accordance with our present extended analysis of an earlier report on nut intake and death attributed to various diseases in the Iowa Women's Health Study. We observed that the hazard ratio for total death rates showed a U-shaped association with nut/peanut butter consumption. Hazard ratio was 0.89 (CI = 0.81-0.97) and 0.81 (CI = 0.75-0.88) for nut/peanut butter intake once per week and 1-4 times per week, respectively. Death attributed to cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases showed strong and consistent reductions with increasing nut/peanut butter consumption. Further studies are needed to clarify whether antioxidants contribute to this apparent beneficial health effect of nuts.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Identification and characterization of anthocyanins by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry in common foods in the United States: vegetables, nuts, and grains.

Anthocyanins in common foods in the United States, other than fruits and berries, were identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with diode array detection. Of all of the 40+ vegetables, nuts, and grains screened, seven vegetables, one nut, and one grain were found to contain anthocyanins; the number of anthocyanins detected varied from two in pistachio nuts to 34 in red radishes. The individual anthocyanins were identified by comparing their mass spectrometric data and retention times with those of standards, published data, and reference food samples. In all of the samples analyzed, except for sorghum, only six common anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin) were found as their glycosides. Anthocyanins in certain vegetables such as red cabbage and red radish were highly conjugated with sugars and acylated groups, and thus, their structures were very complicated. Eight different either aliphatic or aromatic acylated groups (acetoyl, coumaroyl, malonoyl, p-hydroxybenzoyl, feruoyl, caffeoyl, sinapoyl, and oxaloyl) were identified in the anthocyanins. In addition to glucose, six other sugar moieties (galactose, xylose, rhamnose, rutinose, sambubiose, and laminaribiose) were observed. Three varieties of sorghum were found to contain 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and their derivatives as major anthocyanins. A number of new anthocyanins were identified in the foods studied. This paper presents complete HPLC profiles and MS spectrometric data, obtained under the same experimental conditions, for common vegetables, pistachio nuts, and sorghum that contain anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins↗
PubMed2000

Mycoflora and mycotoxins in Brazilian black pepper, white pepper and Brazil nuts.

A wide range of field and storage fungi were isolated from black pepper, white pepper and Brazil nut kernels from Amazonia. A total of 42 species were isolated from both peppers. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were isolated more frequently from black than from white pepper. Other potential mycotoxigenic species isolated included: A. ochraceus, A. tamarii, A. versicolor, Emericella nidulans and Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. citrinum, P. islandicum and P. glabrum. Species isolated from pepper for the first time were Acrogenospora sphaerocephala, Cylindrocarpon lichenicola, Lacellinopsis sacchari, Microascus cinereus, Petriella setifera and Sporormiella minima. Seventeen species were isolated from Brazil nut kernels. A. flavus was the dominant species followed by A. niger. P. citrinum and P. glabrum were the only penicillia isolated. Species isolated for the first time included Acremonium curvulum, Cunninghamella elegans, Exophiala sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudoallescheria boydii, Rhizopus oryzae, Scopulariopsis sp., Thielavia terricola and Trichoderma citrinoviride. Considerably more metabolites were detected from black than white pepper in qualitative analyses. Chaetocin, penitrem A, and xanthocillin were identified only from black pepper, and tenuazonic acid was identified from both black and white pepper. Aflatoxin G2, chaetoglobosin C, and spinulosin were identified from poor quality brazil nuts. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were also only detected in poor quality brazil nuts at concentrations of 27.1 micrograms kg-1 and 2.1 micrograms kg-1 respectively (total 29.2 micrograms kg-1).

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed2000

Radionuclides in pinon pine (Pinus edulis) nuts from Los Alamos National Laboratory lands and the dose from consumption.

One of the dominant tree species growing within and around the eastern portion of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM, lands is the pinon pine (Pinus edulis). Pinon pine is used for firewood, fence posts, and building materials and is a source of nuts for food--the seeds are consumed by a wide variety of animals and are also gathered by people in the area and eaten raw or roasted. This study investigated the (1) concentration of 3H, 137Cs, 90Sr, totU, 238Pu, 239,240Pu, and 241Am in soils (0- to 12-in. [31 cm] depth underneath the tree), pinon pine shoots (PPS), and pinon pine nuts (PPN) collected from LANL lands and regional background (BG) locations, (2) committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE) from the ingestion of nuts, and (3) soil to PPS to PPN concentration ratios (CRs). Most radionuclides, with the exception of 3H in soils, were not significantly higher (p < 0.10) in soils, PPS, and PPN collected from LANL as compared to BG locations, and concentrations of most radionuclides in PPN fromLANL have decreased over time. The maximum net CEDE (the CEDE plus two sigma minus BG) at the most conservative ingestion rate (10 lb [4.5 kg]) was 0.0018 mrem (0.018 microSv); this is far below the International Commission on Radiological Protection (all pathway) permissible dose limit of 100 mrem (1000 microSv). Soil-to-nut CRs for most radionuclides were within the range of default values in the literature for common fruits and vegetables.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The effects of nuts on coronary heart disease risk.

Epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated beneficial effects of nut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality in different population groups. Clinical studies have reported total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effects of heart-healthy diets that contain various nuts or legume peanuts. It is evident that the favorable fatty acid profile of nuts (high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids) contributes to cholesterol lowering and, hence, CHD risk reduction. Dietary fiber and other bioactive constituents in nuts may confer additional cardioprotective effects.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed2006

Assessing Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeding damage in macadamia nuts by using a biological stain.

Damage caused by southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), to macadamia nuts, Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche, is normally determined after nuts are harvested and processed, which may be many months after damage occurred in the field. We developed a method using ruthenium red dye to stain stink bug feeding probes and indirectly assess feeding activity in macadamia nuts. By using the staining method, feeding probes were easily detected on the husk, shell, and kernel. Husk probing was highly correlated (0.80-0.90) with feeding and damage to the kernel. Failure rate to detect kernel damage from stained husk probes was generally <6%. The staining method was equally effective for immature and mature nuts; therefore, N. viridula feeding activity can be monitored throughout the season to evaluate pest management tactics and forecast outbreak populations.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Modulation of phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and adhesion of neutrophils by areca nut extracts.

BACKGROUND: A higher prevalence of periodontal diseases among areca chewers than non-areca chewers has been demonstrated. Neutrophils, representing the first line of the host defense mechanism against microbial infection, play important roles in maintaining periodontal health. This study determined the possible effects of areca nut on phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and adhesion of human neutrophils. METHODS: Aqueous extracts of ripe areca nut without husk (rANE) and fresh and tender areca nut with husk (tANE) were examined for their effects on neutrophil phagocytosis using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of rANE and tANE on chemotaxis and adhesion of neutrophils to human aortic endothelial cells were examined using fluorescence-labeled neutrophils. RESULTS: Both rANE and tANE inhibited the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of internalized fluorescent bacteria in neutrophils decreased after ANE treatment. However, exposure of neutrophils to rANE and tANE stimulated the chemotaxis activity of neutrophils to N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and enhanced adhesion of neutrophils to human aortic endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of neutrophils with rANE was more effective than incubation with tANE. CONCLUSIONS: Components of areca nut inhibited phagocytosis activity of neutrophils but enhanced chemotaxis and adhesion of neutrophils. Alterations in functions of neutrophils may lead to signs of clinical diseases associated with areca chewing. The components in ANEs that are responsible for these observations remain to be elucidated.

Areca↗
PubMed2006

Enhancing effects of areca nut extracts on the production of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

BACKGROUND: The habit of chewing areca quid (AQ) has been implicated in oral pathogenesis, including periodontal disease. Little is understood about the roles of AQ in the cytokine secretion by immune cells. The study examined the effects of areca nut, the major ingredient of AQ, on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the immunocompetent cells. The possible role of oxidative stress of areca nut was also examined. METHODS: Extracts of ripe areca nut (rANE) and tender areca nut (tANE) were examined for their cytotoxic effects on human PBMC using the trypan blue exclusion test. The production of IL-6 and IL-8 by ANE-treated PBMC was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Effects of an antioxidant, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), on ANE-induced cytokine secretion were also studied. RESULTS: At the experimental conditions, 20 micro g/ml rANE decreased cell viability significantly, whereas no significant effect of tANE (< or =80 micro g/ml) was observed. Both rANE (< or =20 micro g/ml) and tANE (< or =160 micro g/ml) significantly increased the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by PBMC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The altered mRNA expression of IL-6 by rANE and tANE was also observed. Moreover, the stimulating effects of rANE on cytokine expression in PBMC could be attenuated by PDTC, suggesting that the oxidative stress of rANE may play a role. CONCLUSIONS: Markedly enhancing effects of ANE on PBMC-released inflammatory cytokines might cause a sustained cytokine-rich inflammatory milieu in oral cavity of AQ chewers. These excessive cytokines from ANE-treated immune cells may impair periodontal health.

Areca↗
PubMed2000

[Nuts, seeds and grains from an allergist's point of view].

The incidence of allergic reactions to nuts, seeds and grains is increasing. Reactions to nuts are typically observed as part of a pollen-associated food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome). Nevertheless, anaphylactic reactions such as shock with lethal outcome may occur. With the increasing use and consumption of eastern and Asian cuisine, with foodstuffs such as sesame, paranuts or cashew nuts, these allergies are more frequent than they were formerly. Peanut allergy has become an epidemic problem in the United States. In this article allergic reactions to nuts, seeds and grains are discussed. Illustrative cases are presented.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2004

Association of nut and seed intake with colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

A link between unsaturated fatty acids or phytonutrients and reduced risk of colorectal cancer has been suggested. However, the effects of higher intake of dietary sources of these nutrients, such as the nuts and seeds food group, are less clear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nut and seed intake on colorectal cancer risk within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, a large prospective cohort study involving 10 European countries. Total nut and seed intake was determined from country-specific dietary questionnaires. The data set included 478,040 subjects (141,988 men, 336,052 women) with a total of 855 (327 men, 528 women) colon and 474 (215 men, 259 women) rectal cancer cases. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, stratified by center and controlled for fruit intake, dietary fiber, energy, height, weight, sex, age, physical activity, and smoking, was used. The data show no association between higher intake of nuts and seeds and risk of colorectal, colon, and rectal cancers in men and women combined, but a significant inverse association was observed in subgroup analyses for colon cancer in women at the highest (>6.2 g/d) versus the lowest (nonconsumers; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.95) category of intake and for the linear effect of log-transformed intake (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.98), with no associations in men. It is not evident from this data why there may be a stronger association in women or why it may be limited to the colon, suggesting that much further research is necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

A possible protective effect of nut consumption on risk of coronary heart disease. The Adventist Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Although dietary factors are suspected to be important determinants of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, the direct evidence is relatively sparse. METHODS: The Adventist Health Study is a prospective cohort investigation of 31,208 non-Hispanic white California Seventh-Day Adventists. Extensive dietary information was obtained at baseline, along with the values of traditional coronary risk factors. These were related to risk of definite fatal CHD or definite nonfatal myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Subjects who consumed nuts frequently (more than four times per week) experienced substantially fewer definite fatal CHD events (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36 to 0.76) and definite nonfatal myocardial infarctions (relative risk, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.85), when compared with those who consumed nuts less than once per week. These findings persisted on covariate adjustment and were seen in almost all of 16 different subgroups of the population. Subjects who usually consumed whole wheat bread also experienced lower rates of definite nonfatal myocardial infarction (relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.89) and definite fatal CHD (relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.33) when compared with those who usually ate white bread. Men who ate beef at least three times each week had a higher risk of definite fatal CHD (relative risk, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.78), but this effect was not seen in women or for the nonfatal myocardial infarction end point. CONCLUSION: Our data strongly suggest that the frequent consumption of nuts may protect against risk of CHD events. The favorable fatty acid profile of many nuts is one possible explanation for such an effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Anaphylaxis to piñon nuts.

A 21-year-old white male developed life threatening systemic anaphylaxis within seconds of ingesting a small amount of a cookie containing piñon nuts. Skin testing, ELISA, and basophil histamine release studies demonstrated piñon nut-specific IgE. Electrophoresis of the piñon nut extract demonstrated 30 bands, three of which (in the 66 to 68,000 dalton range) bound IgE in the patient's serum in an immunoblot. Ingestion challenge was not performed due to the severity of the patient's reaction. Although used for centuries in certain cultures, piñon nuts are now being eaten more frequently in the American diet. Physicians should be aware of the potential for anaphylactic reactions following ingestion of this food.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Specific IgE antibodies for nuts in infants].

An introduction of several foodstuffs containing nuts into the diet in Poland increased the incidence of allergy. Therefore, an incidence of nuts-specific IgE antibodies in infants have been determined. The study involved 163 infants aged between 1 and 12 months with the symptoms of food allergy and matched control group. Specific IgE antibodies against food allergens such as cow milk, eggs, wheat flour, corn, soya, cod-fish, hazel- and peanuts have been assayed. Specific IgE antibodies against cow milk have been found in 105 (64.4%) infants, soya in 85 (52.1%), eggs in 64 (39.2%), wheat flour in 45 (27.6%), hazelnuts in 68 (41.7%), and peanuts in 47 (28.8%) infants. According to the parents, these infants have never been given any foodstuff containing nuts but such foodstuffs have been eaten by their mothers during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Therefore, pregnant and breast-feeding women should be warned against eating nuts and introducing them to infant diet too early.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Healthful new oil from macadamia nuts.

Fatty acid profiles were obtained for macadamia nut oil and several other cooking oils. Macadamia nut oil contained the highest level (79%) of monounsaturated fatty acids. Macadamia nut oil is low (4%) in the omega-6 fatty acid 18:2n-6 and saturated fatty acids. Fatty acid profiles for popcorn cooked in several oils were obtained for comparison because of public awareness and concern over high levels of saturated fat found in popcorn sold in theaters. The nutritional implications of using macadamia nut oil are discussed.

Fatty Acids↗
PubMed2000

Stabilization of lysosomal membrane and cell membrane glycoprotein profile by Semecarpus anacardium linn. nut milk extract in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma.

Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 14 days exerted an in vivo stabilizing effect on lysosomal membrane and glycoprotein content in rat hepatocellular carcinoma. This was demonstrated in normal rats and in animals whose biomembranes were rendered fragile by induction of hepatocellular carcinoma with aflatoxin B(1) and subsequent treatment with Semecarpus anacardium nut extract. In this condition, the discharge of lysosomal enzymes increased significantly with a subsequent increase in glycoprotein components. The nut extract administration reversed these adverse changes to near normal in treated animals. The possible reason for this reversal is discussed. Such stabilization of biomembranes by Semecarpus anacardium nut extract may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers involving abnormal fragility of lysosomes and glycoprotein content providing the extract demonstrates safety in a full toxicity study.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2007

Effect of chewing betel nut on measurements of salivary progesterone and estradiol.

The measurement of steroids in saliva is both simple and non-invasive and has been widely used in field and clinical-based research. The observance of particular cultural practices by some populations, however, may hamper accurate hormonal analyses. The present study evaluated the effects of one such practice-the chewing of betel nut-on the accurate measurement of salivary progesterone and estradiol. A time series experiment was conducted among Bangladeshi women who are regular users of betel nut. Salivary steroids were analyzed by radioimmunoassay in samples collected prior to and then 30, 60, 120, and 240 min following betel quid use. Results show no significant difference between basal steroid levels and those obtained 60, 120, and 240 min after chewing betel nut. We conclude that with specific collection protocols that take into account time since chewing, salivary steroid analyses can be undertaken in populations among whom the practice of chewing betel nut is endemic.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Interactions of an Arg-rich region of transcription elongation protein NusA with NUT RNA: implications for the order of assembly of the lambda N antitermination complex in vivo.

The E. coli NusA transcription elongation protein (NusA(Ec)), identified because of its requirement for transcription antitermination by the N protein, has an Arg-rich S1 RNA-binding domain. A complex of N and NusA with other host factors binding at NUT sites in the RNA renders RNA polymerase termination-resistant. An E. coli haploid for nusA944, having nine different codons replacing four normally found in the Arg-rich region, is defective in support of N action. Another variant, haploid for the nusAR199A allele, with a change in a highly conserved Arg codon in the S1 domain, effectively supports N-mediated antitermination. However, nusAR199A is recessive to nusA944, while nusA(Ec) is dominant to nusA944 for support of N-mediated antitermination, suggesting a competition between NusA944 and NusAR199A during complex formation. Complex formation with the variant NusA proteins was assessed by mobility gel shifts. NusAR199A, unlike NusA(Ec) and NusA944, fails to form a complex with N and NUT RNA. However, while NusAR199A, like wild-type NusA, forms an enlarged complex with NUT RNA, N, RNA polymerase, and other host proteins required for efficient N-mediated antitermination, NusA944 does not form this enlarged complex. Consistent with the in vivo results, NusA944 prevents NusAR199A but not NusA(Ec) from forming the enlarged complex. The simplest conclusion from these dominance studies is that in the formation of the complete active antitermination complex in vivo, NusA and N binding to the newly synthesized NUT RNA precedes addition of the other factors. Alternative less effective routes to the active complex that allows bypass of this preferred pathway may also exist.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Potency of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract against aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis: reflection on microsomal biotransformation enzymes.

The effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on host detoxification system in aflatoxin B(1) induced hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a vital mechanism in cancer treatment, was studied in male albino rats. Oral administration of nut extract (200 mg kg(-1)body weight per day for 14 days) is found to be highly effective in inducing phase I and phase II biotransformation enzymes. The obtained results have shown an overall decrease of liver microsomal cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, and aniline hydroxylase with a subsequent decrease of phase II enzymes, glutathione-S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase in cancer-bearing animals. The Semecarpus anacardium nut extract affords anticancer activity by enhancing both phase I and phase II enzymes to near normal levels. We propose that, much of the anticarcinogenic potency of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract on aflatoxin B(1)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is mediated through the induction of hepatic biotransformation enzymes.

Aflatoxin B1↗