Cardiovascular disease and cardiac events are common and serious health conditions in the United States. Nutrition therapy can play a significant role in the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease, which includes cardiac events. This study examined the dietary supplement knowledge and recommendations made by registered dietitians (RDs), cardiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to treat patients after experiencing a cardiac event. Over 75 cardiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in the Tricities area of Tennessee and 3,000 RDs nationwide were asked to complete a 15-question web-based survey. Over 280 RDs and only one cardiologist responded. Findings suggest RDs are aware of evidence supporting dietary supplementation in the treatment of general heart health and cardiac events. Additionally, RDs make dietary supplement recommendations as treatment for patients who have experienced a cardiac event, specifically omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil, coenzyme Q10, and plant sterols.

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No / This study was designed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of monofloral Indian mustard bee pollen (MIMBP). MThe nutritional value of MIMBP was examined in terms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and energy value. Its chemical composition in terms of total polyphenol and flavonoid content was determined. MIMBP was screened for free flavonoid aglycones by developing and validating a high-performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. MIMBP was analyzed for in vitro antioxidant effect in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity. MIMBP was found to be comprised of proteins ((182.2+/-5.9) g/kg), fats ((137.7+/-6.8) g/kg) and carbohydrates ((560.6+/-17.4) g/kg), which result in its high energy value ((17 616.7+/-78.6) kJ/kg). MIMBP was found to contain polyphenols ((18 286.1+/-374.0) mg gallic acid equivalent/kg) and flavonoids ((1 223.5+/-53.1) mg quercetin equivalent/kg). The HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of kaempferol ((65.4+/-0.5) mg/kg) and quercetin ((51.4+/-0.4) mg/kg) in MIMBP, which can be used as markers for determining the quality of bee pollen. The MIMBP extract showed DPPH free radical-scavenging activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 54.79 mug/mL. The MIMBP was found to be a rich source of nutrients providing high caloric value, which makes it a candidate for a potential nutraceutical agent. The study also illustrated the high antioxidant content of MIMBP, especially in the principle polyphenols and flavonoids, which suggests its potential role in the prevention of free radical-implicated diseases. The DPPH-scavenging effect of MIMBP further confirmed its antioxidant potential. Additionally, we developed a simple, specific and accurate HPLC-PDA method for the identification and quantification of free flavonoid aglycones. This can be applied in future screenings of the quality of pollen collected by honeybees.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Biotechnology)- Dept. of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xv, 127 leaves / The human gut microbiota play a major role in host health, and attempts are being made to manipulate the composition of the gut microbiota-increase the composition of bacterial groups, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria that are perceived as exerting health promoting properties. These bacteria defined as food supplements (probiotics) beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal microbial balance, and have been used to change the composition of the colonic microbiota. However, such changes may be transient, and the implantation of exogenous bacteria therefore becomes limited. In contrast, prebiotics are naturally occurring carbohydrates that are classified as non-digestible oligosaccharides present in edible plants. These carbohydrates enter the colon as intact compounds, elicit systemic physiological functions and act as fermentable substrates for colonic microflora-influencing the species composition and metabolic characteristics of intestinal microflora providing important health attributes. Currently, a widely marketed prebiotic, inulin is extracted from plants of the family Asteraceae. There are many unexploited plants that are regularly consumed and that may have a prebiotic effect or can have very high levels of inulin which could make them commercially viable. In this study, we investigated prebiotic compounds, especially inulin from locally growing, non-commercialised leafy plants. The aqueous extracts of 22 plants from the families Asparagaceae, Alliaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Amaranthaceae, Acanthaceae, Polygonaceae, Portulaceae, Fabaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Pedaliaceae and Apiaceae from Kwa-Zulu Natal were investigated for a prebiotic effect using a modified batch-culture technique with Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum, four common probiotics and the inulin content of the plants was determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Of the 22 plants studied, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, Asystasia gangetica, Senna occidentalis, Cerathoteca triloba, Asparagus sprengeri, Tulbaghia violacea, Sonchus oleraceus and Taraxacum officinale exhibited a prebiotic effect. The prebiotic effect of the Taraxacum officinale, Sonchus oleraceus and Asparagus sprengeri extracts on L. lactis and L. reuteri was higher than or equivalent to inulin-a commercial prebiotic. In this study, Sonchus oleraceus exhibited the best prebiotic effect-was the only plant to stimulate all the probiotics including B. longum. Of all the plants analysed, Asparagus sprengeri tuber contained the highest amount of inulin (3.55%).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Tehcnology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Background: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perception and utilisation of vitamins and minerals, natural medicines and pharmacological agents as adjuncts to Chiropractic practice in South Africa. Method: This study was a population based cross sectional survey utilising a descriptive, quantitative questionnaire study design. The questionnaire was distributed to all practicing qualified Chiropractors (n=388) and masters Chiropractic students (n=102) in South Africa. Results: The results obtained (30.4% response rate), indicated that the majority of the respondents (62.8%) felt qualified to advise patients on vitamins and mineral supplements and had a positive view of the use of vitamins and minerals as part of Chiropractic patient management (86.6%). The majority of the practitioners were aware that topical substances are part of the scope of practice and males were nearly twice as likely as females to use them. The majority thought biopuncture should be available to Chiropractors (82%) and felt that Chiropractors should challenge the legislation to incorporate biopuncture as part of the scope of practice (77.5%). Most respondents agreed with the statement indicating that NSAIDS should be part of Chiropractic scope of practice and 71% of respondents felt that being able to use NSAIDS in non-emergency situations would enhance patient retention. This study revealed that amongst the student population the majority, if allowed, would consider administering pharmacological agents in practice (55.1%). Conclusion: A correlation exists between the perception, knowledge and utilisation of vitamins and minerals, natural medicines and pharmacological agents in the Chiropractic profession with respect to the demographic data and there is a significant difference in opinion between qualified Chiropractors and Chiropractic masters students regarding perception, knowledge and utilisation of these adjuncts to practice.

Submitted in complete fulfillment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Therapies are less effective during metastasis, therefore prevention and earlier detection is key to reducing the risk of colon cancer. Increased dietary fibre and probiotic intake is known to lower the risk of colon cancer. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which when administered orally in an adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host”. The International Dairy Federation recommends a viable minimum level of 6–7 log10cfu/g in a probiotic product being consumed. Different biopolymer matrices have been used for encapsulation of probiotics; however, loss of viability is still a major challenge. Citrus pectin is a dietary fibre polysaccharide broken down into smaller fragments to form modified citrus pectin (MCP). The unique bioactivity of MCP against carcinogenesisis is linked to its sugar β-galactose inhibiting the cell signalling protein marker, galectin-3 (gal-3), which is intimately involved in endothelial cell morphogenesis. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling, which invariably drives angiogenesis can be activated when gal-3 binds to integrins. The bioactivity and uptake of MCP may be improved through a novel approach if conjoined with a supplement for example probiotic. Therefore, the synergistic inhibitory effect of modified citrus pectin alginate (MCPA) probiotic microbeads on gal-3 and VEGF in an azoxymethane (AOM) induced colon carcinogenesis Balb/c mouse model was investigated. A microencapsulation process was used to produce a MCPA microbead containing probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356. Efficiency of the microbead was evaluated in vitro (simulated conditions) and in vivo (Balb/c mouse model). Genomic identification of faecal lactobacilli samples from the treated mice was analyzed. Optimization of AOM dose-time with 10 and 15 mg/kg AOM intraperitoneal (ip) administered to Balb/c mice for 2 and 4 weeks were performed. The optimal AOM dose was initiated prior to intake of MCPA, AP (alginate calcium) probiotic microbeads and MCP in Balb/c mice for 16 weeks; samples were analyzed for colon histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The MCPA probiotic microbeads significantly enhanced the viability of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 compared to the AP microbeads in vitro (p< 0.05). Exposure of the MCPA probiotic microbeads to 3 h of simulated gastric juice (SGJ) resulted in 82.7% survival of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. Also, the faecal lactobacilli count in the MCPA probiotic treated mice significantly increased after 28 days by 10.2% compared to the AP probiotic, MCP treated and control mice (p< 0.0001). A total of 4DNA encoding 16S rRNA gene closest to the genera namely Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium were identified from faecal samples of the colon cancer-induced Balb/c mice. Azoxymethane at 15 mg/kg for 4 weeks induced optimal gal-3 and VEGF immunoexpression. Furthermore, MCPA probiotic treatment significantly reduced gal-3 immunoexpression in the colon of AOM induced cancer Balb/c mice compared to the control mice (p< 0.0001). The immunoexpresion of VEGF in the MCPA and AP probiotic treated groups was weakly positive and significantly reduced when compared to the control group (p<0.05), while the MCP treated group was barely positive (p< 0.001). Modified citrus pectin alginate is a novel effective means of oral delivery of bacterial cells and bioactive compounds. It has a good biodegradability, inexpensive, non-toxic, proven efficiency, and stability at low temperatures warranting its use as a drug carrier by pharmaceuticals. Modified citrus pectin alginate probiotic microbeads increase bioactivity and chemoprevention against colon pre-cancerous lesions and adenocarcinoma through inhibition of gal-3 and VEGF in the mouse model. Modified citrus pectin alginate can be used in probiotic therapy, which may improve the prevention of colon cancer. / D

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. / The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement (Advanced Brain Food®) and a homoeopathic complex (Quietude®) in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is primarily a childhood disorder affecting ten to twenty percent of school going children. The three main presenting features of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This triad often results in numerous adjustment difficulties for the child in the social and academic sectors (NIH Consensus Statement, 1998). / M