Compare Activities on Regulating Lipid-Metabolism and Reducing Oxidative Stress of Diabetic Rats of Tremella Aurantialba Broth's Extract (TBE) with Its Mycelia Polysaccharides (TMP)

ABSTRACT:  Abnormal lipid-metabolism and elevated oxidative stress are the familiar complications of diabetic mellitus. Regulated lipid-metabolism and decreased oxidative stress have become the key indices to cure diabetic complications. The activities of broth extract (TBE) and mycelia polysaccharides (TMP) of Tremella aurantialba , which is one of the best-known multipurpose medicinal fungi in China, were studied using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. TBE contains saponins, while TMP contains polysaccharides. Both TBE and TMP could reduce the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats; TBE had stronger abilities to reduce the levels of total cholesterol and total triglyceride in serum, those of malondialdehyde, and enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in different tissues of diabetic rats ( P  < 0.01). TBE had slightly stronger abilities to enhance the total antioxidant capability, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in different tissues of diabetic rats, but no significant difference was found between TBE and TMP groups. All these results indicated that TBE was more capable of regulating lipid-metabolism and decreasing oxidative stress.     

Dose-dependent effect in the inhibition of oxidative stress and anticlastogenic potential of ginger in STZ induced diabetic rats

Ginger is an important medicinal herb has numerous bioactive components and is used in the management, control and/or treatment of diseases including diabetes mellitus. The present study was undertaken to see the dose–response effect of ginger and evaluate the possible protective effects of dietary ginger on oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Inbred male Wistar/NIN rats of 8–9 weeks old were treated with 30 mg/kg of STZ. Rats were divided into different groups of control, diabetic non-treated, and diabetic treated with ginger powder at 0.5%, 1% and 5% respectively. After feeding for a month, blood and tissues were collected to see the effect of ginger on antioxidant status, DNA damage and bone marrow genotoxicity. In this study ginger exerted a protective effect against STZ-induced diabetes by modulating antioxidant enzymes and glutathione and down regulating lipid and protein oxidation and inhibition in genotoxicity in a dose–response manner.     

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ENGLISH WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.)

Phenolic contents of different fractions (contents of whole nut, skin and kernel) of English walnut ( Juglans regia L.) were determined and their antioxidative capacities investigated using a number of in vitro model systems. Phenolic compounds extracted from walnut skin into 95% ethanol contained the highest amount of total phenolics and exhibited the highest antioxidative capacity as evaluated by the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. Extracts of walnut phenolics showed a high ferrous ion chelating ability and effectively scavenged 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, the latter considerably stronger for the skin with 50% inhibition concentration of 3.4 µg extract per mL. Further, inhibition of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation in a bulk corn oil model system was also significant ( P <  0.05) for all three phenolic extracts and for pure gallic acid at 10 ppm gallic acid equivalents final assay concentration after four days of storage at 60C.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Walnut is a healthful nut that contains alpha-linolenic acid in its lipid fraction, and its skin is rich in polyphenolics with strong antioxidant properties, as demonstrated in this study. Thus, walnut with skin and skin of walnuts serve as good free radical scavengers and could be effective in reducing oxidative stress among other beneficial health effects, which could be exploited for product development.     

ANTI-OXIDANT EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON TYPE 2 DIABETIC ERYTHROCYTES

There is much evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several diabetic complications. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that several parameters of red blood cell function and integrity are negatively affected by increased oxidative stress. Quercetin (3,3', 4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is one of the most abundant bioflavonoids commonly present in most edible fruits and vegetables. Quercetin has been reported to prevent oxidant damage and cell death by scavenging free radicals. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant effect of quercetin on markers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes from type 2 diabetic patients. Quercetin (at micromolar concentration) shows significant antioxidant effect in protecting erythrocytes from tert- butylhydroperoxide induced oxidative changes. These results suggest that a diet rich in quercetin may provide protection to diabetic patients against some late complications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In recent years, there has been heightened interest in the possible therapeutic role of plant polyphenols for large number of human diseases. Among other known biological effects, plant polyphenols are known to have strong antioxidant properties. Out of more than 4,000 different types of plant polyphenols, relatively few are known to be effectively absorbed in the human digestive system. Among this group is the flavonoid quercetin that is present in many fruits and vegetables. We present here experimental proof of the protecting effect of this bioflavonoid on erythrocytes subjected to increased oxidative stress. Since diabetic patients are known to have increased oxidative stress, our results add to the scientific knowledge that a higher intake of diet rich in quercetin may protect diabetic patients from some late complications arising due to oxidative stress.     

OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF BRINED ANCHOVIES WITH EXTRACTS FROM BLUEBERRY (VACCINUM SP.) FRUITS AND LEAVES

The hot-water extracts from blueberry ( Vaccinum sp.) fruits and leaves were examined for their total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl–scavenging activity. It was observed that water extracts from blueberry leaves contained higher total phenolic content, ferric reducing antioxidant power and lower 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl–scavenging activity than those from blueberry fruits. Oxidative stability of brined anchovies with extracts obtained from blueberry fruits and leaves was investigated during storage at 4C for 28 days. Brining with blueberry fruit and leaf extracts slowed down the lipid oxidation of anchovies. The highest antioxidant effect (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and oxidative rancidity) was observed with brined anchovies with blueberry leaf extracts. The antioxidant potency of blueberry fruit extract was approximately equal to that of blueberry leaf extract. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acid percent was observed in the brined anchovies with blueberry leaf extract, but no significant difference with blueberry fruit extract was observed ( P >  0.05). These results suggest that brining with blueberry fruits and leaves extracts could enhance oxidative stability of fish.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Lipid oxidation is one of the main problems during the storage of salted anchovies. One of the methods for protection against oxidation is using antioxidants. Brining with blueberry fruit and leaf extracts slowed down the lipid oxidation of anchovies. According to these results, blueberry fruit and leaf extracts can be used to extend the shelf life of brined anchovies.     

Protective effect of dietary ginger on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage in experimental diabetic rat tissues

The role of oxidative stress has been reported in various diabetic complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of ginger, a medicinal plant, on the tissue antioxidant defence system and lipid peroxidative status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. An increased reactive oxygen species and insufficient antioxidant activity are associated with diabetes mellitus, which is mainly responsible for diabetic pathogenesis. The role of ginger as antioxidant markers of liver and kidney were investigated. The antioxidant effect of the ginger was compared with glibenclamide, a well-known hypoglycaemic drug. The diabetic rats exhibited lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content and higher level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatic and renal tissues as compared with normal rats. The activities of all parameters were found to be increased, except MDA in ginger-treated diabetic rats, in hepatic and renal tissues. Ginger supplementation, for 30 days to diabetic rats, resulted in significant dose-dependent hypoglycaemic and antioxidant activities. These findings suggest that ginger treatment exerts a therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress, and hepatic and renal damage.     

Neuroprotective effect of Decalepis hamiltonii roots against ethanol-induced oxidative stress

The neuroprotective potential of the aqueous extract of the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii (D. hamiltonii root aqueous extract-DHRAE) was studied against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain. Ethanol, single dose (5 g/kg body weight), induced oxidative stress in the rat brain which was evident from the increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, reduced glutathione, and suppressed activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Pretreatment of rats with multiple doses of DHRAE, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., for 7 consecutive days significantly prevented the ethanol-induced oxidative stress. DHRAE, as such, boosted the antioxidant status of the rat brain. The neuroprotective potential of DHRAE can be attributed to the known antioxidant constituents or its interaction with antioxidant response elements (AREs) which needs to be ascertained.     

Investigation of the in vivo antioxidative activity of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat

The in vivo antioxidant activity of a quantified leaf extract of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) was studied. The aqueous artichoke leaf extract (ALE), containing 1.5% caffeoylquinic acid with chlorogenic acid being most abundant (0.30%), and luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside as major flavonoid (0.15%), was investigated by evaluating the effect on different oxidative stress biomarkers, after 3 wk oral supplementation in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model. Apart from two test groups (0.2 g ALE/kg BW/day and 1 g ALE/kg BW/day, where BW is body weight), a healthy control group, untreated oxidative stress group, and vitamin E treated group (positive control) were included. A 0.2 g/kg BW/day of ALE decreased oxidative stress: malondialdehyde and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels significantly diminished, whereas erythrocyte glutathione levels significantly increased. A 1.0 g/kg BW/day ALE did not show higher antioxidant activity.     

Hepatoprotective effect of the root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats

Decalepis hamiltonii, a climbing shrub, grows in the forests of peninsular India and is consumed for its health promoting properties. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the roots of D. hamiltonii with known antioxidant constituents was studied against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats. Pretreatment of rats with aqueous extract of the roots of D. hamiltonii, single (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) and multiple doses (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days) significantly prevented the CCl₄ (1 ml/kg b.w.) induced hepatic damage as indicated by the serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH). Parallel to these changes, the root extract also prevented CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, and restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST) and glutathione. The biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the root extract in a dose dependent manner. Protective effect of the aqueous extract of the roots of D. hamiltonii against CCl₄-induced acute hepatotoxicity could be attributed to the antioxidant constituents.     

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, PHENOLICS, SUGAR AND MINERAL CONTENTS IN DATE PALM FRUITS

Sugar and mineral compositions of 10 Tunisian date varieties were investigated. Hydrophilic (aqueous extract) and hydrophobic extracts (ethanol extract) were used to determine the phenol contents and the total antioxidant activities of these dates. Results showed that date fruit varieties were rich in soluble sugars, which varied from 35.57 (Smiti variety) to 77.88 g/100 g fresh weight (FW) (Korkobbi variety). Several minerals were also present in the following order; K, Ca, P, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. The potassium content reached 0.74 g/100 g dry weight in Smiti variety. For all date varieties, the phenol content did not exceed 9.70 (milligram of gallic acid equivalent/100 g FW). The original antioxidant activity reached 31.86 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity/100 g (FW) for Garn ghzal variety. However, it was only 17.77 for the Nefzaoui. Therefore, it can be deduced from these results that all these fruit varieties can be considered as high-energy food and only Garn ghzal seems to be interesting for technological purposes as food antioxidants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) has a very important economic, social and ecological role for the people of the arid and semiarid regions. The date world production tripled while passing from 2,289,511 tons in 1974 to 6,772,068 tons in 2004. In Tunisia, dates witnessed a remarkable development during the last years and the production reached an average of 110,000 tons per year. Unfortunately, this progress in production is accompanied by an increasing loss of secondary varieties. Among these abandoned varieties are those of Gabès oasis. In this context, our work focuses on valorizing these secondary varieties by determining their nutritional and medicinal properties.     

赶黄草水提物对高脂饮食联合STZ诱导的Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠的降血糖作用

研究了赶黄草水提取物对高脂饮食联合链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱导的Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠的降血糖作用。随机选取10只SD大鼠作为正常对照组(NC),其余大鼠经4 w高脂饮食喂养后,腹腔注射小剂量STZ(35 mg/kg)建立Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠模型。造模成功后随机分为:模型组(MC)、二甲双胍阳性对照组(PC,500 mg/kg/d)、赶黄草水提物组(PCP,545 mg/kg/d),每组10只。干预4 w后,检测各组大鼠血糖、血脂、抗氧化水平,肝、胰HE染色观察组织病变。结果表明,与模型组相比,赶黄草水提物组空腹血糖(FBG)、糖化血红蛋白(Hb A1c)水平分别降低43.93%、77.05%(p<0.05),血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)分别升高80.00%、76.32%、42.75%、32.12%(p<0.05),丙二醛(MDA)含量降低26.89%(p<0.01)。赶黄草水提物能显著降低Ⅱ型糖尿病大鼠血糖水平,改善胰岛素抵抗,其机制可能与其发挥抗氧化作用,减少氧化应激有关。     

Oral administration of dahi containing probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei delayed the progression of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

In this study, the effect of dahi containing probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC14 and Lactobacillus casei NCDC19 (73 x 10(8) cfu/g) on progression of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats (15 g/day/rat) for 28 days was investigated. Feeding of probiotic dahi significantly suppressed the incremental peaks and area under the curve and delayed reduction of insulin secretion during oral glucose tolerance test more than skim milk or control dahi. The feeding of milk products reduced the total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels (P<0.05). Moreover, probiotic dahi significantly suppressed STZ-induced oxidative damage in pancreatic tissues by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation and formation of nitric oxide, and preserving antioxidant pool such as glutathione content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The results suggest that the supplementation of probiotic Lb. acidophilus and Lb. casei with dahi cultures increased the efficacy of dahi to suppress STZ-induced diabetes in rats by inhibiting depletion of insulin as well as preserving diabetic dyslipidemia, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and nitrite formation. This may empower antioxidant system of beta-cells and may slow down the reduction of insulin and elevation of blood glucose levels.     

Antioxidant capacity of 3D human skin EpiDermTM model: effects of skin moisturizers

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of skin moisturizers on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of human skin using EpiDerm^TM model. Three different skin moisturizers containing antioxidant ingredients (samples 1–3) or aloe vera extract were topically applied to EpiDerm^TM units and incubated for 2 and 24 h to determine acute and longer-term effects of applied samples on TAC and glutathione peroxidase activity in medium and/or homogenized skin tissues. Total antioxidant capacity in medium and skin homogenates was enhanced ( P  < 0.0001) by gel containing antioxidant ingredients (sample 2) after 2 and 24 h of incubation. Total antioxidant capacity in medium was also enhanced ( P  < 0.001) by cream containing antioxidant ingredients (sample 3) after 24 h of incubation. Overall, TAC in medium was greater ( P  < 0.02) after 24 h than 2 h of incubation. Skin moisturizer cream with high antioxidant levels determined by using oxygen radical absorbance capacity testing (sample 1) and aloe vera extract did not affect TAC. Glutathione peroxidase activity was enhanced ( P  < 0.0001) in medium and skin homogenates by sample 2 but not by any other sample. These data demonstrate high potential of gel and cream (samples 2 and 3) containing antioxidant ingredients in enhancing antioxidant capacity of EpiDerm^TM which will likely contribute to overall skin health. Results of this experiment will help to better understand mechanisms of effects of skin moisturizers containing antioxidant ingredients on skin function at the tissue level and to establish effective strategies for skin protection and clinical treatments of skin disorders and possibly healing wounds.     

THE EFFECT OF SOY PROTEIN WITH LOW CALORIE DIET ON BLOOD LIPIDS IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

The effect of soy protein with low calorie diet on blood lipids in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients was studied. Thirty-two subjects of both sexes, age range 25–65 years, were distributed in 16 cases and 16 controls. All subjects received a low calorie diet based on 1,400 kcal energy, 27% fat, 21% protein and 52% carbohydrate from a registered dietitian for 4 weeks. In addition to a low calorie diet, the case group received soy protein (30 g/d). Both groups significantly lost weight (P  <  0.001). Body mass index, waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced (P  <  0.05) after 4 weeks of treatment. The difference between the groups was insignificant. In all subjects who were fasting, blood sugar significantly decreased (P  <  0.001). Soy protein was associated with a significant reduction in serum triacylglycerols (24.8%, P  <  0.05), whereas an insignificant reduction was seen in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (7.1 and 3.1%, respectively). No significant change occurred in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Serum lipid abnormalities are an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. Because of the side effects of long-term medications in these patients, soy protein, as a part of healthy diet, may improve their lipid profile.     

Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic effects of Coriandrum sativum leaf and stem in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

In India's indigenous system of medicine, Coriandrum sativum (CS), commonly used as a food ingredient, is claimed to be useful for various ailments. To establish its utility in diabetes mellitus, the present study evaluated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of CS in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extracts were shown to contain bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, and tannins. The extracts of CS in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were found to significantly lower blood glucose levels. Antidiabetic activity of the CS extracts was compared with the clinically available drug glibenclamide. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower in the extract-treated group and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher than the diabetic control rats. The extracts of CS exhibited strong scavenging effect on 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The free radical scavenging effect of the extracts was comparable with that of the reference antioxidants. Furthermore, it also showed an improved antioxidant potential as evidenced by decreased lipid peroxidation and a significant increase in the activity of various antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the liver of diabetic rats. These results indicate that the extracts could protect liver function and exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant efficacies in the diabetic rats. These results support the use of this plant extract to manage diabetes mellitus. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The leaves and stem of this plant Coriandrum sativum if used in cuisine would be a remedy for diabetes.     

Amelioration of hyperglycemia,hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in steptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a high fat diet by riceberry supplement

Dark purple riceberry bran contains a higher dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds than unpigmented rice bran. Riceberry supplement (RB) was used to evaluate the effects on biochemical parameters, skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes rat. To elucidate the effects were due to dietary fiber supplementation and/or bioactive components, equivalent amounts of dietary fiber present in RB were also fed to STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Sprague–Dawley rats (non-FBG ? 16.65 mM) were randomly divided into five groups: DM fed a high fat (HF) diet, DM-RB1 fed 5% RB, DM-RB2 fed 41% RB, DM-F1 fed 0.6% fiber and DM-F2 fed 5% fiber. After 12 weeks, significant improvement of BG, insulin, HbA1_C, IPGTT and GLUT4 levels were observed in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Hyperlipidemia was significantly improved in DM-RB2 and DM-F2 groups. Oxidative stress (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), antioxidant capacity (ORAC), pro-inflammation cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) were improved in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. Improvement of pancreas and spleen histology was found in DM-RB1 and DM-RB2 groups. These indicate the potential of RB to improve hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia conditions as well as alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation.     

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF THE EXTRACT AND SUBFRACTIONS FROM OLD LEAVES OF TOONA SINENSIS ROEM (MELIACEAE)

The methanolic crude extract and four subfractions (hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, n-butanol fraction and aqueous fraction) of old leaves of Toona sinensis (L.T.S.) were prepared by sequential partitioning, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay, β-carotene bleaching method and stabilizing soybean oil. The results indicated that old L.T.S. possess powerful antioxidant activity and could prevent oxidation of soybean oil. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction had the strongest antioxidant activity, with high levels of total flavonoids content (108.57  ±  4.21 mg rutin equivalents/g), total phenol contents (262.09  ±  1.93 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), reductive activity (467.53  ±  6.75 mg ascorbic acid [Vc] equivalents/g), FRAP value (10578.71  ±  149.00 µM FRAP/g) and strong DPPH radical scavenging capacity, respectively. These results suggest that the extract of old L.T.S. is a promising natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants as functional food ingredient and a natural antioxidant in soybean oil.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Toona sinensis , the popular tree vegetable, is widely cultivated in China. The fresh young leaves and shoots of this plant are nutritious. Every year there are quite a lot of old leaves left and/or discarded after these shoots are consumed. Extracts from old leaves of T. sinensis showed strong antioxidant activity in this study. The strong antioxidant capacity is mainly contributed by the high contents of total flavonoids and total phenolic compounds. Therefore, the total flavonoids and total phenolic compounds could be developed into ingredients of functional foods with antioxidant capacity and as a natural antioxidant for soybean oil.     

ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF DESI CHICKPEA VARIETIES COMMONLY CONSUMED IN PAKISTAN

Antioxidant potential of four Desi chickpeas ( Cicer arietinum L.) varieties indigenous to Pakistan, namely Balksar 2000, CM98, Dasht and Winhar 2000, was evaluated. All studied varieties exhibited appreciable total phenolic content (0.92–1.12 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), total flavonoid content (0.79–0.99 mg catechin equivalent [CAE]/g) and condensed tannin content (0.58–0.69 mg CAE/g). In addition, antioxidant activities were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (1.05–1.24 µmol trolox/g), 2,2 ' -azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (37.24–45.32 µmol trolox/g), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (0.73–0.90 mmol Fe^{2 +} equivalents/100 g) and oxygen radical-absorbing capacity (8.58–11.4 µmol trolox/g). All varieties exhibited appreciable antioxidant potential and significant differences ( P <  0.05) were observed among the varieties in different systems of antioxidant activity evaluation. The results of the present analytical study showed Desi chickpea ( C. arietinum L.) indigenous to Pakistan to be a potentially valuable legume crop with high antioxidant potential.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The analytical findings of this study provide a regional database for this valuable legume crop, which has not been explored so far. The data obtained will be useful to both producers and consumers. Chickpeas may be used as functional ingredients for processing into health foods in the food industry.     

Administration of a β-glucan-enriched extract activates beneficial hepatic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The beneficial effect of a commercially available β-glucan-enriched extract (BGEE) from cereal grain, against a diabetes-induced hepatic redox imbalance and inflammatory response in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was evaluated. Diabetic rats that were treated with BGEE exhibited lower hyperglycaemia and improved biochemical parameters of liver damage. BGEE attenuated hepatic oxidative stress, revealed by a decreased concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and a restored GSH/GSSG ratio. BGEE also exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on the liver, evidenced by the normalization of the serum concentrations of the “positive” and “negative” acute-phase proteins, α₂-macroglobulin and albumin, respectively, as well as by upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA expression, and inhibition of RAGE/NF-κB signaling. These findings suggest that BGEE application exerts a beneficial effect in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and that it therefore possesses an important potential in diabetes management.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Handaeri-gomchi (Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai) extract against chronic alcohol-induced liver damage in rats

Handaeri-gomchi (Ligularia fischeri var. spiciformis Nakai) (LF) is well known as a medicinal plant in Korea, especially to treat a variety of human disease including hepatic function failure. In this study, we examined the activity of LF extract against the liver injuries and oxidative stress by chronic alcohol in Spargue-Dawley rats. Severe liver damage caused by alcohol intake with increasing activity of hepatic markers was decreased in the group of rats fed LF extract. The results were confirmed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Antioxidative capacity was decreased by alcohol but it was recovered by LF extract. Elevated indicators of oxidative stress by chronic alcohol were diminished in the group of LF extract. Furthermore, LF extracts increased antioxidative capacity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, LF extract has a protective effect against chronic alcohol hepatotoxicity, suggesting it could be developed as a functional food or medicine for protection of liver disease.