The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and pharmacokinetics of liposomal vitamin C in powder form obtained by a method devoid of organic solvents. The powder and liposome morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), respectively. Additionally, the carrier particle size, size distribution (STEP-Technology^®; L.U.M. GmbH, Berlin, Germany), and zeta potential value were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters of liposomal and non-liposomal vitamin C (AUC, C_max, C_10h, and C_24h) were compared in a randomized, single-dose, double-blind, cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05843617) involving healthy adult volunteers (n = 10, 1000 mg dose). The process of spray drying used to transform liquid suspensions of the liposomes into powder form did not adversely affect the quality of the carrier particles obtained. Compared to non-encapsulated vitamin C, oral administration of the liposomal formulation resulted in significantly better absorption of ascorbic acid into the bloodstream, which equated to a higher bioavailability of the liposomal product (30% increase in AUC, p < 0.05). The duration of elevated vitamin C blood levels was also longer (C_24h increase of 30%, p < 0.05). Although the results obtained are promising and suggest higher bioavailability for the liposomal form of vitamin C, the limited sample size necessitates further research with a larger cohort to confirm these findings.

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis, is commonly managed through lifestyle interventions and medications such as metformin. Although metformin is generally well‐tolerated, it may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects and, in rare cases, precipitate lactic acidosis, necessitating cautious use in individuals with renal dysfunction. Additionally, concerns regarding its impact on hepatic function have led to its discontinuation in cirrhotic patients. This study explores the potential synergistic benefits of a polyphenol‐rich blend containing black currant, chokeberry, and black elderberry extracts alongside metformin in managing type 2 diabetes. In vitro results highlighted distinct effects of AMPK pathway modulation, showcasing reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels alongside a notable enhancement in glucose uptake. The blend, when combined with metformin, significantly reduced insulin levels and fasting glucose concentrations in an in vivo model. Furthermore, hepatic analyses unveiled a modulation in cellular pathways, suggesting a potential influence on lipid metabolism, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, a decrease in cellular stress response, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, collectively implying a potential reduction in liver fat accumulation. The findings suggest a potential complementary role of polyphenols in enhancing the efficacy of metformin, possibly allowing for reduced metformin dosage and mitigating its side effects. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish the safety and efficacy of this nutraceutical approach in managing type 2 diabetes.

Previous studies have highlighted the beneficial properties of plants rich in polyphenols, such as Lonicera caerulea var. Kamtschatica Sevast. (LCK), Aronia melanocarpa (AM), and Echinacea purpurea (EP). These plants have demonstrated antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and potential antiviral effects. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the ELA blend, a polyphenol-rich blend containing EP, LCK, and AM, on the cellular mechanisms involved in viral infection. To assess the effects of the ELA blend, various experiments were conducted using A549 cells and a mucociliary tissue 3D model called EpiAirway™. Inflammation and oxidative stress induced by LPS were evaluated through measurements of SOD activity, ELISA, and qPCR analysis. Additionally, antiviral assays were performed in a cell-present environment to examine the blend's effectiveness against HCoV-OC43. The results showed that the ELA blend-treated group exhibited reduced expression of IL1B, CXCL8, ICAM1, MCP1, and RELA in both A549 cells and EpiAirway™. Moreover, the blend enhanced the expression of CAT, HMOX1, SOD1, and SOD2 in A549 cells. The antiviral activity of the ELA blend was also investigated, i.e. its influence on viral replication cycle, to determine the potential as an antiviral preparation. At the highest non-cytotoxic concentration, the ELA blend demonstrated a 87.5 % reduction in viral titer when administered simultaneously with HCoV-OC43. It emphasize potential ability of the preparation to block viral entry to the host cells. At the same time, ELA blend did not express virucidal activity, i.e. inactivation of free viral particles, against HCoV-OC43. In conclusion, ELA blend displayed antiviral activity and exhibited immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that ELA blend has potential for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.

Radiation is widely used in cancer therapy but also damages healthy tissues through oxidative stress or inflammation. In addition to cancer patients, many professionals are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Natural compounds, particularly polyphenols, have been increasingly investigated as potential radioprotective agents to minimize side effects in both patients and occupationally exposed individuals. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of a polyphenol-rich extract blend derived from chokeberry, elderberry, blackcurrant, and evening primrose in female Balb/c mice exposed to acute IR. The animals were pre-treated with the blend (100 mg/kg) for 7 days prior to whole-body IR at 6 Gy. Hematological parameters, immune cell viability, TNF-α level, gene expression, lipid peroxidation, and tissue morphology were assessed by hematology analysis, flow cytometry, ELISA, qRT-PCR, MDA assay, and histology. IR significantly reduced leukocyte (3.22-fold; p < 0.0001) and platelet counts (1.37-fold; p < 0.0001), increased TNF-α levels (53.93%; p < 0.0001), and elevated oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with the blend restored hematological parameters, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and normalized genes regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Histology confirmed preserved liver and kidney structures compared with irradiated controls. These findings highlight the polyphenol-rich extract blend as a promising natural radioprotective agent by modulating immune responses, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving tissue integrity.

Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica, known as blue honeysuckle or haskap berry, is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The research specifically investigates the effects of an L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract that has been standardized to contain a minimum of 15% anthocyanins on inflammation and oxidative stress at the cellular level. In vitro studies using A549 human lung epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated the extractʼs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and reduced the production of IL-8 in A549 cells. It also downregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes (RELA and PTGS2) while upregulating antioxidant genes (CAT, HMOX1, and SOD2). In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Additionally, the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species formation and nitric oxide production, demonstrating its potential to modulate oxidative stress. Furthermore, in vitro assays indicated that L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract could hinder the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the hACE2 receptor, suggesting antiviral potential.These findings suggest that L. caerulea var. kamtschatica extract exerts significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, indicating its potential as a functional food ingredient or dietary supplement to combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a prevalent health issue, causing considerable morbidity. Despite the availability of conventional treatments, there is an increasing interest in natural products due to their potential antiviral and immunomodulatory benefits. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an ELA blend (E—Echinacea purpurea, L—Lonicera cerulea, A—Aronia melanocarpa) in preventing and alleviating the symptoms of URTIs. Additionally, the study examines the blend’s antiviral and immunomodulatory effects both in vitro and through a clinical trial. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 61 participants prone to URTIs, with a 60-day treatment and follow-up period. A placebo group later received the ELA blend for 60 days. The ELA blend significantly reduced the incidence of URTIs during the observation period (2 vs. 8; p = 0.044) and, in particular, throat-related symptoms (8 vs. 16; p = 0.038). Analyses of PBMCs showed that baseline production of the cytokines IFN-γ (p = 0.020), IL-1β (p = 0.004), IL-2(p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p < 0.001) increased after ELA blend treatment. Moreover, the ELA blend modulated cytokine production in response to PHA-L stimulation, decreasing IFN-γ (p = 0.008) and IL-2 (p = 0.012) while increasing IL-1β (p = 0.005). Following R848 stimulation, the ELA blend enhanced the production of INF-α (p = 0.012) and IL-2 (p = 0.025), and decreased IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p = 0.049). The blend suppressed VSV replication and significantly increased cytokine levels, with IFN-γ increasing by 98 pg/mL (p = 0.002), IL-1β rising by 233.0 pg/mL (p = 0.004), and TNF-α showing an increase of 2905 pg/mL (p = 0.002). These findings highlight the ELA blend’s potential to alleviate URTI symptoms, modulate inflammatory and antiviral immune responses, and inhibit viral replication. Further investigations should aim to validate these findings through large-scale studies, and explore the ELA blend’s long-term safety and efficacy in diverse populations. Additionally, research should investigate optimal dosing strategies and explore potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments to maximize clinical outcomes. Trial registration: retrospectively registered under NCT06020001.