15th International Conference of FFC - Third International Symposium of ASFFBC:

Mental, Neurological and other Chronic Disorders:
Bio-markers, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Foods

May 10-11, 2014, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Along with the University of Regensburg (Regensburg, Germany), Functional Food Center (Dallas, USA) is pleased to announce its 15th International Conference, "Mental, Neurological, and other Chronic Disorders: Bio-markers, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Foods". It will be held at the University of Regensburg. The conference will bring together experts in medicine, biology, and the food industry to discuss the contribution of functional/medical foods and bioactive compounds in the prevention and management of neuropsychiatric and other chronic diseases.

Main Conference Topics: Topics for this conference include:

1. The epidemiology of mental and neurological disorders: a) Depression; b) Substance use disorders; c) Schizophrenia; d) Epilepsy; e) Alzheimer’s disease; I) Mental retardation; g) Disorders of childhood and adolescence
2. Prevention, management and treatment of mental and neurological disorders. Conventional approaches to healing: strengths and weaknesses
3. Food, nutrition, beverage and brain health 
4. Prevention, management, treatment of mental and neurological disorders: Complementary and alternative medicine approaches
5. Functional food ingredients: sources and potential benefits in public health
6. Chronic diseases (cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases): biomarkers, and bioactive foods
7. Functional and medical foods in the prevention and management of mental and neurological disorders
   • Depression
   • Schizophrenia
   • Alzheimer’s disease
   • Mental retardation
   • Epilepsy
   • Substance use disorders
   • Disorders of childhood and adolescence
   • Other brain related chronic disorders
8. Bioactive compounds in the management of mental and neurological disorders 
9. The effects of bioactive compounds and functional foods on biomarkers of neurological and mental disorders
10. Chronic diseases (cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases): biomarkers, and bioactive foods
11. Functional and medical foods with bioactive compounds for health and disease prevention
12. Legislation on health claims: health, functional and medical food
13. Research and development of new functional food products for brain health and for the management of chronic diseases

	Standard Rate
Full Time Students* and PhD Students*	$295.00
Registered Dietitians* and Nurses*	$345.00
Representatives of Governmental Organizations (NIH, FDA, USDA)	$495.00
Members of Academia	$595.00
Members of Industry (Food and Medical Industry)	$695.00
Exhibitors/Vendors	$1195.00

*Letter of verification required by E-mail 

Please note: space at this conference is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Hotel information: Please click here for venue and accommodation.

For the information how to get to the University of Regensburg, please click here:

Regensburg travel guide: Please click here.

For more information about the conference, contact us by email at ffc_usa@sbcglobal.net.   For international calls, please use 469-441-8272.

Conference Program 

May 10, 2014

8:30-9:00   Registration 

9:00-9:10   Conference Opening (Dr. Danik M. Martirosyan)

9:10-9:15   Welcome to the Regensburg University (Dr. Klaus W. Lange)

Session 1: Functional Food and Mental Health - Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg (Session Chair: Dr. Klaus W. Lange)

9:15-9:45  Dr. Klaus W. Lange, MD, PhD, Professor: Chair of Biological, Clinical and Neuropsychology; Head of Experimental Psychology Department; University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany: Dietary factors in the etiology and therapy of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  Chair: Dr. Danik  M. Martirosyan

9:45-10:05 Dr. Ewelina Makulska-Gertruda, PhD: University of Regensburg, Germany: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ADHD-related symptoms in animals

10:05-10:25 Dr. Joachim Hauser, PhD, University of Regensburg, Germany: The effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency on local discrimination in Wistar rats

10:25-10:40 Katharina M. Lange, and Dr. Ewelina Makulska-Gertruda, PhD; University of Regensburg, Germany: Vitamin D and depression

10:40-10:55 Andreas Reissmann, and Dr. Joachim Hauser, PhD: University of Regensburg, Germany: Gluten-free and casein-free diets in the treatment of autism

10:55-11:15 Coffee Break

Session 2:  Prevention and management of mental and neurological disorders: Complementary and alternative medicine approaches (Session Chair: Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner and Dr. Stefan Crynen)

11:15-11:35 Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner, PhD: Managing Director, Vital Solutions GmbH, Germany: Lemon balm for mental health: Modulation of muscarinic receptor activity by a proprietary Melisse officinalis extract

11:35-11:55 Dr. Nina Mikirova, PhD, Professor: Riordan Clinic, USA. The orthomolecular correction of metabolic imbalances found in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A retrospective analysis in an outpatient clinic

11:55-12:15 Dr. Stefan Crynen, PhD: The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA. The Brain Reserve Index (BRI) - Quantifying and influencing current risk associated with Alzheimer's disease through lifestyle choices and medical risk management

12:15-12:35 Dr. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh, PhD, Professor: Biodiversity & Environmental Research Center-BERC; Biodiversity & Biotechnology Research Unit, Til, Nablus, Palestine. In-vitro screening of acethylcholinestrase (AChE) inhibitory activity of extracts from Palestinian indigenous flora in relation to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

12:35-13:00 Julius Oben, PhD, Professor: Laboratory of Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon: Neuroprotective activity and Secretase enzyme inhibition of an extract of Baillonella toxisperma  (moab100™)  on  experimentally induced neurotoxicity in rats

13:00-14:00 Lunch

Session 3: Chronic diseases (cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases): Biomarkers and bioactive foods (Session Chair: Dr. Danik Martirosyan and Dr. Ahmed El Fouhil)

14:00-14:20 Dr. Alessandro Di Cerbo, PhD: Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Surgery and Surgical Specialties Department; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy: Functional foods and nutrition: From pets to humans

14:20-14:40 Dr. Chi-Chen Lin, PhD, Professor: National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan, Republic of China:  Formulated extract from multiple citrus peels impairs dendritic cell functions and attenuates allergic contact hypersensitivity

14:40-15:00 Dr. Ahmed F. El Fouhil, PhD, MD, Professor: King Saud University, Saudi Arabia: An extract from date seeds stimulates endogenous insulin secretion through extra-islet sources

15:00-15:20 Dr. Abdullah Gibriel, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Egypt. Production and evaluation of Jerusalem artichoke containing crackers for the possible treatment of obesity

15:20-15:40 Coffee Break

Session 4: Bioactive compounds, functional and medical foods in the prevention and management of mental and neurological disorders (Session Chair: Dr. Klaus Lange)

15:40-16:00 Yukiko Nakamura, PhD, Graduate School of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, Japan. KNApSAcK metabolite activity database is helpful for brain and mental health related studies and services

16:00-16:20 Dr. Torsten Grothe, PhD:  Manager Scientific Affairs, Frutarom Switzerland, Switzerland: Wild green oat extract: an innovative functional food ingredient with cognitive benefits

16:20-16:40 Erfan Younesi, PhD: Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute SCAI, Sankt Augustin, Germany: Evidence-based modeling of mode-of-action for functional ingredients influencing Alzheimer’s disease through neurotrophin pathway

16:40-17:00 Dr. Satya S. Jonnalagadda, PhD: Director of Nutrition, KERRY, Beloit, WI, USA: Milk phospholipids and essential nutrients cognitive system: supporting brain health across the lifespan

17:00-17:20 Dr. Francis C.P. Law, Ph.D. Professor: Simon Fraser University, Canada: ¹⁴C-Psilocin tissue distribution in pregnant rats after intravenous administration 

17:20-17:40 Dr. Aleksandra Szybalska, PhD: International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland: Association between depressive symptoms and vitamin D status in aging population in Poland: The PolSenior study

17:40-18:00 Dr. Musalmah Mazlan, PhD, Medical Faculty, UiTM, Selangor, Malaysia: Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Improved Cognitive Impairment in Aged Rats

18:00 Closing

Saturday, May 10th: We are offering a guided tour for all congress participants in the medieval center of Regensburg (meeting at the “Historische Wurstküche” at 7 p.m.). The guided tour will be free. Everyone will pay for dinner (8:30 in a Bavarian restaurant) on Saturday night. Please let us know if you are interested. Reservation should be completed by May 5th. Contact our local organizing committee members Dr. Ivo Kaunzinger (Email: ivo.kaunzinger@ur.de) or Dr. Joachim Hauser (Email: joachim.hauser@ur.de ).

May 11, 2014

Session 5: Functional and medical foods with bioactive compounds for health and disease prevention (Session Chair: Dr. Francesco Marotta)

9:00-9:25 Dr. Francesco Marotta, MD, PhD, Professor: ReGenera Research Group for Aging Intervention, Milan, Italy: Iron supplementation in young iron-deficient females causes gastrointestinal redox imbalance: Protective effect of a fermented nutraceutical (Chair Dr. Danik Martirosyan)

9:25-9:45 Dr. Shiming Li, PhD, Visiting Research Professor: Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA: Potent anti-Imiquimod-induced psoriasis of formulated citrus peel extract in mice 

9:45-10:05  Lieselotte Veryser, PhD Student: Drug Quality & Registration Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium: Are plant n-alkylamides cosmenutriceuticals also active in central nervous system?

10:05-10:25 Dr. David W Lescheid, PhD, ND: Freelance Medical Writer/ Naturopathic Doctor, Baden-Baden, Baden-Wurtemburg, Germany: Probiotics as regulators of the inflammatory response

10:25-10:45 Dr. Ru Wang, PhD, Professor: School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China: The effects of exercise combined with corn-peptide intervention on Th17/Treg balance in liver of high-fat diet induced obese rats

10:45-11:05 Dr. Mahmoud Z. Sitohy, PhD, Professor: Executive Director of UPMU, Zagazig University, Egypt: Bioactive proteins against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria 

11:05-11:25 Coffee Break

Session 6: Legislation on health claims: Health, functional and medical food (Session Chair: Dr. Annegret Auinger and Giorgio Rusconi)

11:25-11:50 Giorgio Rusconi, Lawyer: Mondini Rusconi Legal Firm, Italy: The European legal framework of functional food: The differences in the procedures of authorization in EU countries

11:50-12:15 Dr. Annegret Auinger, PhD: Senior Consultant, Analyze&Realize GmbH, Berlin, Germany: Health Claims on cognitive function - The science behind the legislation

Session 7: Research and development of new functional food products for brain health and for the management of chronic diseases (Session Chair: Dr. Danik Martirosyan)

12:15-12:40 Dr. Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, PhD: Department of Physiology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand: Anacardium occidentale based drink improves working memory, attention and cognitive processing capability of older adults via the increased cholinergic and monoaminergic functions

12:40-13:05 Kelli Herrlinger, R&D Scientist: Kemin Foods, L.C., Des Moines, IA, USA: Spearmint extract containing Rosmarinic acid improves cognitive function in a SAMP8 mouse model of accelerated aging and in men and women with self-reported memory impaiment

13:05-13:30 Dr. Helmut Durchschlag, PhD: Academic Director ret., Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry; Faculty of Biology and Preclinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. Modification of radiation and ROS effects on biomolecules by bioprotectives

13:30-14:30 Lunch

Session 8: Poster Presentations

14:30-16:00 Poster Presentations

16:00-16:15 Awards

Student awards: (Chair: Klaus Lange). Institute of Psychology, University of Regensburg (Germany) will award two student presentations at $500 for the first place, $200 for the second place.

Clinical, R&D awards: (Chair: Danik Martirosyan) Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds will award to those oral or poster presenters who present the best research in clinical ($400), research & development ($400) presentations and also will award the book “Introduction to Functional Foods Science” to all finalists (which have a value of $229.00).

All prize-winning authors should be able to publish full version of article in the journal of FFHD

16:15-17:15 Panel discussion: Is functional food able to manage mental and neurological disorders?

17:15-17:30 Conference Closing

* Please note that the program is subject to change 

Dr. Lange's Welcome Letter

Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg! Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to invite you to join us for the 15th International Conference of Functional Foodsscheduled for May 10-11, 2014 in Regensburg, Germany. The discussion topic is "Mental, Neurological, and other Chronic Disorders: Biomarkers, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Foods". The importance of nutritional factors in the development of metabolic syndrome-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, is well-established. In addition, recent evidence suggests that nutrition plays a role in mental health and that dietary factors may influence the etiology, management and prevention of several mental disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. The investigation of bioactive compounds in foods and the impact of diet and functional food on chronic diseases have therefore become an exciting field of scientific research. Our meeting will cover a wide range of topics appealing to the interests of clinicians, researchers, practitioners and experts from industry. It will provide you with ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience.

The conference venue is on the campus of the University of Regensburg in Bavaria. The almost 2000-year-old city of Regensburg, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Regensburg is the best preserved medieval city in Germany and boasts numerous attractions from the time when Regensburg was a fortress on the border of the Roman Empire, and later a flourishing and wealthy trading place in Central Europe. In the Middle Ages, the city became a favorite meeting place of Imperial Assemblies and from 1663 until 1806 the city was the seat of the Perpetual Imperial Diet, where the ambassadors from German and European royal courts established a varied cultural life.

Apart from discussing recent developments related to functional/medical food in health and disease, you may also enjoy the charming atmosphere of Regensburg and taste Bavarian food alongside excellent beer.
I look forward to welcoming you to Regensburg in May.

Klaus W. Lange

University of Regensburg

Congress Co-Chair

Conference Organizing Committee

Co-chairman: Klaus W. Lange, MD, PhD, Chair of Biological, Clinical and Neuropsychology, Head of Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Co-chairman: Danik M. Martirosyan, PhD, UT Southwestern Medical Center; Founder, Academic Society for Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds;   President, Functional Food Center, Inc.; Editor-In-Chief, The Jounal of Functional Foods in Health and Disease. Dallas, TX USA

International Organizing Committee 

Harry W.M. Steinbusch, PhD, Professor in Cellular Neuroscience, Director MH&NS - School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Director EURON - European Graduate School for Neuroscience, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Antonia Ceccarelli, MD, PhD in Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Assistant Scientist at BWH, Boston, MA, United States

Flavia Nery, PhD, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA

Prakash Nagarkatti, PhD, Professor, Vice President for Research, Carolina Distinguished Professor, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA

Torger Børresen, PhD, Senior Executive Officer, Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Soborg, Denmark

Meyer-Rochow, V. B., PhD, Professor, School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany

Adham M. Abdou, PhD, Professor, Food Control Department, Benha University Egypt, Benha, Egypt

Khurram Nasir, MD, Professor of Medicine, Herbert Wertheim Collge of Medicine, Florida International University; Director, Center for Prevention and Wellness Research, Baptist Health South Florida,  Miami Beach, FL, USA

Ahmed F El Fouhil, MD, PhD, Professor, Director of Research Committee,  King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Gaurav Goyal, MD, Asstant Professor, Oral medicine and Maxillofacial Radiology, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Zeyuan Deng, PhD, Professor of Food Science, University of Nanchang, The State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China 

Sun Wenjie, MD, PhD in Epidemiology,  Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA

Local Organizing Committee

Klaus W. Lange, MD, PhD, Chair of Biological, Clinical and Neuropsychology, Head of Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Joachim Hauser, PhD, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Ivo Kaunzinger, PhD, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Ewelina Makulska-Gertruda, PhD, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Andreas Reissmann, MSc, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Loredana Tomsa, MSc, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Helmut Durchschlag, PhD, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Medical and Food Industry Experts:

Sybille Buchwald-Werner, PhD, Managing Director, Vital Solutions GmbH, Langenfeld, Germany

Michiko Suzawa, Director, Member of ACS, Miyauchi Citrus Research Center, Ltd., Japan

Rolf Lambert, PhD, Director, Dr. Rolf Lambert Pharma-Consulting GmbH, Zürich, Switzerland

Venue and Accommodation

The conference venue takes place in the University of Regensburg in Bavaria. The almost 2000-year-old city of Regensburg, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Regensburg is the best-preserved medieval city in Germany and boasts numerous attractions from the time when Regensburg was a fortress on the border of the Roman Empire, and later, a flourishing and wealthy trading place in Central Europe. In the Middle Ages, the city became a favorite meeting place of Imperial Assemblies. From 1663 to 1806, it was the seat of the Perpetual Imperial Diet, where the ambassadors from German and European royal courts established a varied cultural life.

You can discuss here recent developments related to functional/medical food in health and disease. Further, you will be able to enjoy the charming atmosphere of Regensburg and taste Bavarian food, accompanied by excellent beer.

Transportation

Regensburg is one of the few cities that World War II did not destroy. If you are staying for a few extra days, you may want to look into renting a car or consider the local train and bus schedules.

Below is some information regarding transportation from the Munich airport to the town of Regensburg (the distance between Munich airport and Regensburg ~70 miles):

From Munich Airport

The Airportliner shuttle service is very convenient, as it provides direct transportation to and from the Munich airport. Also, this service has both affordable minibus shuttles and luxury private rides. To make your reservation or look for more information, click here (http://www.airportliner.com/index.php?lang=en). Please note that this service needs to be booked in advance.

There is also a regular bus service – number 635 of Münchner Verkehrsbetriebe – from Terminal 2 to Freising Station. From there, a direct train service from Freising takes to you Regensburg in 60 - 90 minutes.

For more information regarding transportation as well as maps and directions:

http://www.uni-regensburg.de/contact/directions/index.html

Conference Room Location and address:

The address of the conference venue is the following (see also attached maps):

Universität Regensburg, Vielberth-Gebäude (Lecture Theater H24), Universitätsstrasse 31

Taxi: "Universität Vielberth-Gebäude" should be mentioned to taxi drivers.

Public transport: There are two bus lines to the University from several bus stops in the center of Regensburg. Both bus lines go in two opposite directions, so it's important to check for the correct direction which is given at the front of the bus.

Bus No. 6, direction Universität or Klinikum (bus stop Universität for conference - University central bus Station on map).

Bus No. 11, direction Universität or Burgweinting (bus stop Universität for conference - University central bus Station on map).

Click to the following two links to see conference room location on university map: (FFC Rote Map) and FFC University Map.

If you have any additional questions about the conference room or transportation, please contact to our local organizing committee members: Dr. Ivo Kaunzinger (Email:ivo.kaunzinger@ur.de, Tel. ++49-941-943-2535) or Dr. Joachim Hauser (Email: joachim.hauser@ur.de, Tel. ++49-941-943-3774). They are available during office hours (German time 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Lodging

The campus of the university is located near the center of town and can be easily reached by public transport from the hotels.

Below is the list of Regensburg hotels that offer rooms at discounted rates for our conference. Participants should reserve their rooms before the end of March 2014. Just mention the code “FUNCTIONAL FOOD CONFERENCE” while making your reservation, in order to receive the discount.

Hotel Apollo

Neuprüll 17,

93051 Regensburg

Tel.: +49 (941)9105-0

Fax.: +49 (941)9105-70

info@hotelapollo.de

www.hotelapollo.de

Hotel Goliath am Dom

Goliathstrasse 10

93047 Regensburg

Tel.: +49 (0)941 - 2000 900

Fax: +49 (0)941 - 2000 90 99

http://www.hotel-goliath.de

Hansa Apart-Hotel

Friedenstrasse 7

93051 Regensburg

Tel.: +49 941 99 29 0, Fax: +49 941 99 29 0 95

verkauf@hansa-apart-hotel.de

http://www.hansa-apart-hotel.de

Hotel Orphée

Untere Bachgasse 8

93047 Regensburg

Tel.: 0941/ 59 60 20

Fax: 0941 / 59 60 21 99

http://www.hotel-orphee.de

Star Inn Hotel

Bahnhofstrasse 22

93047 Regensburg

Tel.: +49 941 56 93 0

Fax: +49 941 56 93 505

www.starinnhotels.com

Guided Tour:

Saturday night, May 10th: We offer a guided tour for all congress participants in the medieval center of Regensburg (meeting at the “Historische Wurstküche” at 7 p.m.). The guided tour will be free. Everyone will pay for dinner (8:30 p.m. in a Bavarian restaurant) on Saturday night. Please let us know if you are interested. Reservation should be completed by May 5th. Contact our local organizing committee members; Dr. Ivo Kaunzinger (Email: ivo.kaunzinger@ur.de) or Dr. Joachim Hauser (Email: joachim.hauser@ur.de ).

Conference Report

The “15^th International Conference of FFC - Third International Symposium of ASFFBC Mental, Neurological and other Chronic Disorders:  Bio-markers, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Foods ", an international scientific conference, was held May 10-11th, 2014 Regensburg, Germany. This 15^th annual conference was organized by the University of Regensburg, Department of Experimental psychology and the Functional Food Center, and hosted at University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

The conference brought together experts in medicine, biology, and the food industry to discuss the contribution of functional/medical foods and bioactive compounds in the prevention and management of neurological diseases. The best experts in the field of functional foods, from all over the world, gathered at the 15^th International Conference to discuss the role of nutrition and dietary factors in mental health. Research was presented as results of pre-clinical studies of bioactive compounds and clinical results of clinical studies, and the research and development of new functional food products.

The 15^th International Conference was different from other International Conferences, since the topic of the conference was presented for the first time. More than 40 countries represented in the conference, including universities and food companies. For the first time, a panel discussion was conducted at the end on the topic “Is functional food able to manage mental and neurological disorders”? The panel committee members included Dr. Klaus W. Lange, Dr. Shiming Li, Dr. Ahmed F. El Fouhil and Dr. Danik Martirosyan. Also, legislation on health claims was presented regarding the Food laws in European countries.

The conference covered eight sessions, including oral and poster presentations. The presenters included session topics involving Functional Foods and mental health, Prevention and management of mental and neurological disorders: Complementary and alternative medicine approaches, Bioactive compounds, functional and medical foods in the prevention and management of mental and neurological disorders and Legislation on health claims: Health, functional and medical food. 

We would like to make special note and mention a few of the many interesting, informative and well-communicated presentations that took place at the 15^th International Conference this year:

The conference opened with a Welcome speech made by Dr. Klaus W. Lange, Head of Experimental Psychology Department; University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany, and Dr. Danik Martirosyan, president of Functional Food Center of Dallas, Texas, USA.

Andreas Reissmann, University of Regensburg, Germany presented on “Gluten-free and casein-free diets in the treatment of autism”. The presentation included the information from their study to show a diet low in gluten and casein proteins has been hypothesized to ameliorate the behavioral symptoms of children with autism. A review was conducted of the scientific literature concerning dietary effects on various outcome measures.

Dr. Ewelina Makulska-Gertruda, PhD: University of Regensburg, Germany presented a poster entitled “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ADHD-related symptoms in animals”. Their study examined the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on attention and impulsivity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). They concluded that an administration of n-3 PUFAs can improve the cognitive or behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD and may therefore have some therapeutical effects.

Kelli Herrlinger, R&D Scientist, Kemin Foods, L.C., Des Moines, IA, USA, presented a lecture entitled “Spearmint extract containing Rosmarinic acid improves cognitive function in a SAMP8 mouse model of accelerated aging and in men and women with self-reported memory impairment”. Their study was designed to test if a novel, proprietary spearmint extract containing RA is efficacious in improving learning and memory in a mouse model of accelerated aging. A follow-up open-label, pilot human clinical trial was conducted using the spearmint extract to both confirm the cognitive function benefits identified in the animal study and determine the safety and tolerance in men and women with self-reported memory impairment which showed positive results.

Luísa Custódio, Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, presented a poster on “Microalgae extracts exhibit in vitro neuroprotective features through inhibition of cholinesterase and protection of the human dopaminergic cell line SH-SY5Y from hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity”. Their study evaluated the in vitro capacity of extracts of microalgae to inhibit enzymes related with neurological diseases, which indicates that B. braunii and N. oculata contains compounds displaying multiple features useful for the relief of symptoms associated with neurological disorders.

The awardees of the 15^th International Conference for the lecture and poster presentations are: Dr. Luisa Barreira, Dr. Luisa Custodia, Andreas Reissmann, Dr. Ewelina Makulska-Gertruda, PhD, Kelli Herrlinger. Dr. Luisa Barreira and Dr. Luisa Custodia. They have shared the first place of student presentations and won $500. Reissmann secured second place, winning $200. Dr. Makulska-Gertruda won the best research in clinical with $400, and Herrlinger won for Research and Development with $400. All the awardees were also presented with the book “Introduction to Functional Foods Science”, by Dr. Danik Martirosyan.

Dr. Klaus W. Lange, Chair of Biological, Clinical and Neuropsychology; Head of Experimental Psychology Department; University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany gave an oral presentation on “Dietary factors in the etiology and therapy of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder”. Their study provided a comprehensive overview of the role of dietary factors in the etiology and therapy of ADHD. Diets to reduce symptoms associated with ADHD include sugar-restricted, additive/preservative-free, elimination, and fatty acid supplements. Results of recent research and controlled studies regarding ADHD and diets were included in this. Free fatty acid supplementation has been demonstrated to produce small but significant reductions in ADHD symptoms. Their study concluded that a substantial efficacy of diet in the therapy of ADHD remains uncertain and further investigations are needed.

Dr. Joachim Hauser, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany gave a poster presentation entitled “The effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency on local discrimination in Wistar rats”. This includes the investigation of the effects of dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency on spatial memory in rats, as measured by a local discrimination task. Eight generations of Wistar rats were used, fed with experimental n-3 PUFA deficient diet and compared. Both groups showed a significant decline in the percentage of correct responses and underline the importance of n-3 PUFAs for neuronal development and cognitive functions.

Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner, PhD: Managing Director, Vital Solutions GmbH, Germany, gave a presentation on “Lemon balm for mental health: Modulation of muscarinic receptor activity by a proprietary Melisse officinalis extract”. Their objective was the development of a special lemon balm extract for mental health, which combines traditional calming effects with new cognitive benefits. Phytochemical - and bioassay - guided development process applying human muscarinic M1 receptor binding studies were used. A special lemon balm extract was developed that has muscarinic receptor binding activity supporting mental health and cognitive performance.

Dr. Nina Mikirova, Riordan Clinic, Wichita, KS, presented on “The orthomolecular correction of metabolic imbalances found in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A retrospective analysis in an outpatient clinic”. Their study identified the metabolic imbalances in fatty acid, amino acid, mineral, and pyrrole levels in ADHD patients, and examined the effectiveness of the nutritional approach in the correction of these imbalances in an outpatient clinic. The study was based on the data extracted from patient history database covering a period of over 10 years. Blood levels of fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, hair analysis of heavy metals and urine pyrrole levels were done on all patients. Children and adolescents were administered an integrative protocol for ADHD treatment. In the studied population, it was demonstrated that metabolic correction of biochemical disturbances using essential fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals can improve fatty acid profiles and metabolic stress levels. These disturbances, or variations from reference values, have been associated with behavior typical of ADHD. Their data suggests that at least two of the factors that were the most abnormal, omega-6-to-omega-3 ratios and pyrrole levels, and can in fact improve in subjects undergoing a regimen with nutrient supplementation.

Dr. Stefan Crynen, The Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA,gave a presentation entitled “The Brain Reserve Index (BRI) - Quantifying and influencing current risk associated with Alzheimer's disease through lifestyle choices and medical risk management”. Their study involved the development of ‘The Brain Reserve Index’ (BRI) to quantify the associated risk factors that provides a guide as to whether one is at an increased or decreased risk compared to the average population. The lifestyle factor scores and the medical risk factors are combined to derive the BRI. They concluded that the Brain Reserve Index (BRI), in combination with individualized lifestyle recommendations and brain health coaching, is a new and unique tool to quantify and reduce risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Dr. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh, Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center (BERC), Til, Nablus, Palestine presented on “In-vitro screening of acethylcholinestrase (AChE) inhibitory activity of extracts from Palestinian indigenous flora in relation to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease”. Their objective was to explore newly potent and safe natural therapeutic agents for the AD treatment by evaluating in vitro the anti-cholinesterase potential of a number of selected Palestinian medicinal plants. Among the 40 Palestinian plants analyzed, several plants showed inhibitory activity of AChE enzyme and their research concluded that such plants may help in preventing or alleviating patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Julius Oben, Laboratory of Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon presented on “Neuroprotective activity and Secretase enzyme inhibition of an extract of Baillonella toxisperma on experimentally induced neurotoxicity in rats”. Their study aimed to investigate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Baillonella toxisperma on the oxidative stress status and Aβ deposition in Alzheimer’s disease-like induced rats. They observed that treatment with HEBT resulted in a marked appreciable improvement in brain MDA content observed in AlCl₃ treated rats.

Dr. Yukiko Nakamura,  Graduate School of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayamacho, Ikoma, Nara, Japan gave a presentation on “KNApSAcK metabolite activity database is helpful for brain and mental health related studies and services”. They conducted a study to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the metabolites of organisms and their chemical-level contribution to human health by constructing a metabolite-activity database (DB), called KNApSAcK Metabolite Activity DB, which comprises triplets, i.e., metabolites, target species and activities. The KNApSAcK Metabolite Activity DB could be utilized for developing novel drugs and materials.

Dr. Torsten Grothe, Manager Scientific Affairs, Frutarom Switzerland, Switzerland presented on “Wild green oat extract: an innovative functional food ingredient with cognitive benefits”.  Their study included a bio-assay-guided to develop an extract suitable for inclusion in dietary supplements and functional foods, using Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) and Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibition. Safety and in vivo proof of concept studies were successfully performed and followed by three human trials. Their results identified a reasonable mode of action for green oat preparations explaining the traditional effects. Human trials approved the cognitive benefits of green oat extract with a focus on mental alertness and concentration.

Dr. Erfan Younesi, Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute SCAI, Sankt Augustin, Germany presented on “Evidence-based modeling of mode-of-action for functional ingredients influencing Alzheimer’s disease through neurotrophin pathway”. Their study determined to find out diets that are causally linked to the agonistic activity of BDNF, to investigate mode-of-action of those functional diets and to demonstrate the proof-of-concept application of systems biology methods. A “differential model analysis” between the normal and diseased states was performed. The proposed evidence-based rationale for modeling the mode-of-action provided novel mechanistic insights into the BDNF-regulated survival pathway.

Giorgio Rusconi, Lawyer, Mondini Rusconi Legal Firm, Italy gave a presentation on “The European legal framework of functional food: The differences in the procedures of authorization in EU countries”. The purpose of the presentation was to offer an explanation of the European Legal principle on the matter and of clarifying the peculiarities of each Member State’s legislation, expressly concerned the procedures of authorization of functional food. It offers an overview of each Country’s legislation regarding the respective legal situation within the framework of the existing EU law. The conclusion was (since consumers' demand for food with specific health benefits had increased the economic importance of developing, producing and marketing functional food), it could be desirable a progressive rapprochement between each single legislation about functional food, under an European legal framework.

Dr. Annegret Auinger, Senior Consultant, Analyze&Realize GmbH, Berlin, Germany presented on “Health Claims on cognitive function - The science behind the legislation”. This presentation was about EFSA. The European Food Safety Authority is tasked by the European Commission with giving scientific opinions to health claim applications, including health claims for cognition. So far, no innovative, product-specific cognition claims have been approved by the Community. From its guidelines and the opinions EFSA has given so far on cognitive health claims, a number of factors influencing the quality of a study can be gleaned. In summary, there are several regulatory and scientific aspects to be considered starting from product development of innovative ingredients targeted brain health to the design of an appropriate study and the application of a claim application.

Dr. Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Department of Physiology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand presented on “Anacardium occidentale based drink improves working memory, attention and cognitive processing capability of older adults via the increased cholinergic and monoaminergic functions”. The study was conducted to determine the effect and 8-week consumption of cashew apple fruit juice on working memory, attention, cognitive processing and the function of cholinergic and monoamine systems. The cholinergic and monoaminergic systems functions were determined using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities as indices. Their data suggested that 8-week consumption of cashew apple fruit juice improved the function of cholinergic and monoaminergic systems, giving rise to the increased working memory, attention and cognitive processing capability.

Please click here to see sample of power point presentation (by Professor Klaus Lange). Let us know if you are interested in the conference book or presentation slides.