ABSTRACT
The present investigation aimed to assess the possibility of using some fruits and vegetable wastes including potato peels, guava seeds and pomegranate peels as different sources of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber from potato peels, guava seeds and pomegranate peels were used in preparation high fiber cakes at the levels 5,7 and 10% dietary fiber. Thirty male albino rats were fed with basal diet and 0.25% cholesterol for 6 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia then the diet was administered with the best dietary fiber cakes [5% dietary fiber] for another 6 weeks. The results showed that the pomegranate peels contained a high percentage of crude fiber, ash and total dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber in tested wastes was higher than soluble fiber. Regarding to the reheological properties of the prepared cake samples, the addition of the wastes dietary fiber at high levels lead to increase the water absorption while the mixing time and mixing stability of the dough were decreased. The organoleptic properties recorded the higher grades for the cake samples prepared with 5 and 7% guava seeds followed by 5% of potato peel and 5% pomegranate peel. The feeding experiments of rats for other six weeks on the tested cake samples at the level 5% [which was the best choice in organoleptic and rebeological properties] lead to decrease the relative body weight of rats and reduced the levels of triglycerides, liver cholesterol, serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The liver functions for all the groups of rats feeding with tested cake samples were within normal limits and the absorption of iron and copper were retarded
ABSTRACT
The use of herbs as an adjutant form of medical treatment is gaining popularity all over the world. This study was performed to investigate the effects of liquorices roots and its seeds extracts on male rats fertility. Forty-two rats divided into seven groups were used in this study. Varying doses of the extracts 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. were used. Parameters used in the methodology were weight of testis. Malonildiahidehyde concentration, histological study. Hormonal assay and sperm analysis. Results of liquorices roots revealed no significant change in weight of testes, inhibition of testicular tissue peroxidation, improve testosterone levels, parameters of sperm analysis such as sperm concentration and motility in comparison to the negative control. Obvious cellular changes were also observed in the liquorice seed extract treated groups. These changes were brought back to almost near or less pre-treatment values in the reversal groups. The changes observed in groups treated with liquorices roots were minimal and statistically in significant. In addition, the results showed that oral administration of liquorices roots at 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. to male rats for 12 weeks kept the weight of testes and seminal vesicles; improved semen quality and quantity and testosterone levels in the opposite of the results of the same levels of liquorices seeds extract. The roots extract ameliorated the degenerative lesions which may be occurred in the male testes while, the seed extract reduced the activity of hormones quality and quantity and of sperm which can use as infertility agent. This study recommends that intake of liquorices roots as a drink may be beneficial for patients who suffer from sexual impotency as their extracts enhance male fertility in rats and the seed extract of liquorice has a negative effect on the fertility potentials of the male rats
ABSTRACT
Fresh wheat germ [Golden Green] was examined for its possible hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemicinfluences in human patients with several hep1tic complications. A period of four weeks of dietary regimen containing fresh wheat germ flakes [30g daily] was found to be remarkably beneficial, as indicated by significant reduction of serum glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients. This was also accompanied by slight decrease in patient body weights. Dietary fresh wheat germ feeding also significantly countered other metabolic alterations as revealed by lowering blood urea, creatinine in all patient groups. Obtained results indicated also that incorporation of fresh wheat germ together with the daily nutritional pattern was not changed the daily food intake by all of examined four human groups. All of elevated liver enzymes [ALT, AST and ALP] in diabetic patients with liver complications were significantly lowered. Serum minerals [Fe, Ca, P, Zn and I], hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin and detoxifying enzymes [glutathione, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase] were significantly [P< 0.05] increased at the end of supplementation course of fresh wheat germ