Effects of Mulberry Juice and Cake powders on Blood Glucose and Lipid Lowering and Erythrocytic Antioxidative Enzyme Activities in Streptozotocin -Induced Diabetic Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mulberry juice and cake powder on blood glucose and lipid status along with intestinal disaccharidase and erythrocyte antioxidative enzyme system in streptozotocin (STZ )-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100 +/- 10 g were randomly assigned to one normal group, and eight STZ-induced diabetic groups: control diet group without mulberry juice and cake powders (DM-C ), three mulberry juice powder groups (0.5%:DM-0.5J, 1%:DM-1J, 2%:DM-2J )and four mulberry cake powder groups (0.25%:DM-0.25C, 0.5%:DM-0.5C, 1%:DM-1C, 2%:DM-2C ). After three-week feeding of each experimental diet, diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of 50 mg/kg body weight of STZ in sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.3 )via tail vein of eight DM groups. Rats were sacrificed at the 9th day of diabetic states. Level of blood glucose was 505 mg/dl in DM-C group but it was 28% and 39% lower in mulberry juice and cake powder fed groups, respectively, than the DM-C group. Activities of maltase, sucrase and lactase in proximal part of small intestine were significantly lower in the mulberry juice and cake powder groups by 42~47% than those of DM-C group. Erythrocytic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were significantly reduced by STZ but increased close to normal levels along with less accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS ). Serum levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol by STZ-DM were reduced and increased respectively, to the normal levels by the mulberry juice and cake powder. Except the levels of TBARS, the effects on the other measure-ments by the various dietary levels of mulberry juice and cake powder were almost same and the effect of the cake powder was most significant at the lowest level. These results indicate that mulberry juice and cake powders have considerable hypoglycemic effect and strengthening antioxidant defense systems at the low levels in diabetic state and may be able to reduce diabetic complications.

Anti-Thrombogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solvent Fractions from Leaves of Zanthoxylum Schinifolium (Sancho Namu) in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

This study was performed to investigate anti-thrombogenic, anti-inflammatory effects of n-BuOH (B) and CH2Cl2 (MC) fractions extracted from Sancho (Zanthoxylum. schinifolium) leaves in rats fed high fat diets. The experimental animal groups were consisted of eight including one 5% fat (N) and one 20% fat (H) without the test materials in diets and six H groups of feeding three levels (50, 100 and 150 mg/day) of the B and the MC fractions from Z. schinifolium, respectively. Plasma activated partial thromboplastin times and thrombin times of H group were decreased compared to the N group, but they were increased by feeding the MC fraction of 50 mg and over. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte 5'-lipoxygenase activities and leukocyte leukotriene B4 contents of the H group were significantly increased compared to the N group, but they were decreased in the 100 mg and 150 mg of B fraction or the 150 mg of MC fraction fed groups. Liver cytochrome P450, O2-, H2O2 and GSSG contents were increased by the high fat diet but decreased by feeding the B fraction or the MC fraction, while GSH content and glutathione S-transferase activity lowered by high fat diet were increased by feeding the two solvent fractions. The effects of the solvent fractions were evident at the level of 100 mg/day and over. The present results confirmed that two solvent fractions from the leaves of Z. schinifolium have enhancing effects on antithrombosis and anti-inflammation partly by antioxidant action and partly by direct modulation of the respective processeds. In conclusion, the n-BuOH and CH2Cl2 fractions from leaves of Z. schinifolium can be utilized as the proper ingredients of functional foods for preventing chronic degenerative disease.

Antioxidant Effects and Improvement of Lipid Metabolism of Mulberry fruit, Mulberry Leaves and Silkworm Powder with Different Mixing Ratios in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry fruit, mulberry leaves and silkworm powder with different mixing ratios on hepatic antioxidative system and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10 g were induced diabetic by 50 mg/kg bw streptozotocin and randomly assigned to following experimental groups; normal diet group (DM) , 0.3% and 0.6% mulberry fruit diet groups (F and 2F) , 0.3% mulberry leaves diet group (M) , 0.3% silkworm powder diet group (S), 0.15% mulberry fruit + 0.15% mulberry leaves diet group (FM), 0.15% mulberry fruit + 0.15% silkworm powder diet group (FS) , 0.1% mulberry fruit + 0.1% mulberry leaves + 0.1% silkworm powder diet group (FMS) . The experimental diets were fed for 4 weeks. Hepatic SOD activity was not changed significantly by any of single or combined supplementations of mulberry fruit, leaves and silkworm powder but GSH-px and catalase activities were increased by the groups supplemented with two or three of the test ingredients (FM, FS, FMS) as compared with the DM group. Hepatic TBARS value was not reduced significantly by any of the supplementations but lipofuscin contents were significantly reduced in the FM, FS and FMS groups as compared with the DM group. Hepatic mitochondria and microsomal carbonyl values were reduced by the single and combined supplementations of the test ingredients. Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activities were increased in the all supplementation groups as compared with the DM group. Hepatic total lipid and triglyceride contents were increased but cholesterol contents reduced in the supplemented groups. The effects on the enzyme activities, peroxide or its products and lipid contents were most remarkable in the FMS group. In conclusion, mulberry fruit, mulberry leaves and silkworm powder have the favorable effects on antioxidative system and lipid metabolism in the diabetic liver and the mulberry fruit, leaves and silkworm powder with equal ratio exert the synergistic effect expectedly to prevent diabetic complications.

Effects of Antioxidative, DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Antithrombogenic by the Extract of Sancho ( Zanthoxylum Schinifolium)

Effects of root, stem and leaf extract of sancho (Zanthoxylum schinifolium) on the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the hepatic microsome of rat, DPPH radical scavenging activity and activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) were examined in vitro. The highest inhibition of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation was observed by ethyl acetate fraction than that of methylene chloride fraction of the root and stem extracts. The high inhibition of lipid peroxidation was determined in the leaf, the root and the stem in order. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fraction was higher than that of n-butanol fraction and it was similar to the root and the steam extract. It was similar to the inhibition of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest in 2.500 mg/mL of ethyl acetate fraction and it was 4.4 fold higher than that of h-tocopherol, as an antioxidant standard. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was dependent on the extract concentration in the range of 0.125 - 5.000 mg/mL. The thromboplastin times were higher than that of n-butanol fraction and it was similar to the root and the steam extracts. The leaf extract showed the highest antithrombogenic effect followed by the stem and then the root extract. The activated partial thromboplastin times were dependent on the extract concentration in the range of 0.100 - 2.000 mg/mL. Consequently, the effects of antioxidative, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antithrombogenic of Z. schinifolium was observed due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the DPPH radical scavenging activity by methylene chloride, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract.

Effect of Seeds Extract of Paeonia Lactiflora on Antioxidative System and Lipid Peroxidation of Liver in Rats Fed High-Cholesterol Diet

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidative effects of Paeonia lactiflora (PL) seeds on antioxidative defense system and lipid peroxidation of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10g were randomly assigned into five experimental groups fed 0.5% cholesterol ; HC group which was not supplemented PL seeds extract, 0.1% methanol extract diet group (MP1 group), 0.2% methanol extract diet group (MP2 group), 0.05% ether-souble fraction diet group (EP1 group) and 0.1 % ether-souble fraction diet group (EP2 group). Experimental diets were fed ad libitum to the rats for 3 weeks. The activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not significantly different among all the high cholesterol diet groups. The hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity in MP2 group was increased to 27% compared to HC group. The activity of hepatic catalase (CAT) was not significantly different among the all high cholesterol diet groups. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the EP1 and EP2 groups were increased to 12% and 13%, respectively, as compared to HC group. The levels of hepatic TBARS in the MP1, MP2, EP1 and EP2 groups were reduced by 18%, 21%, 20% and 23%, respectively, as compared with HC group. The contents of lipofuscin in liver was not significantly different among all the experimental groups. The results indicated that PL seeds extract may be reduced oxidative damage by activating antioxidative defense system of hepatic in rats fed high-cholesterol diets.

Effect of Forsythia Viridissima Extracts on Antioxidative System and Lipid Peroxidation of Liver in Rats Fed High-Cholesterol Diet

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Forsythia viridissima Lindl. (FVL) on antioxidative defense system and lipid peroxidation of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10 g were randomly assigned into five experimental groups fed 0.5% cholesterol ; HC group which was not supplemented FVL extract, 0.05% methanol extract diet group (MSI group), 0.1% methanol extract diet group (MS2 group), 0.025% ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES1 group) and 0.05% ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES2 group). Experimental diets were fed ad libitum to the rats for 3 weeks. The hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the MS2 group was decreased to 20% as compared to HC group. The activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were not significantly different among all the high cholesterol diet groups. The hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity in MS2, ES2 groups were significantly increased as compared to HC group. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the MS2 group was increased to 20% as compared to HC group. The levels of hepatic TBARS in the MS1, MS2, ES1 and ES2 groups were reduced by 13%, 21%, 13% and 21%, respectively, as compared with HC group. The contents of lipofuscin in liver tissue was not significantly different among all the experimental groups. The results indicate that FVL extract may reduce oxidative damage by activating antioxidative defense system of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diets.

Preparation of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Oak Wood (Quercus Mongolica) and Its Physiological Function in Rat Fed High Cholesterol Diets

The preparation method of a soluble dietary fiber from oak wood (Quercus mongolica) and the effect of the soluble dietary fiber on physiological function in rat fed high cholesterol diets was investigated. The best condition for steam explosion method was 25 kgf/cm3 pressure for 6 min. The exploded samples were delignified by the filtration treatment with 1% NaOH for several times, which is the best condition. The enzymatic hydrolysis of Cellusoft cellulase was more effective than Onozuka R-10 cellulase. The manufactured soluble dietary fiber was assayed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and it was dissolved in water. Average molecular weight distribution of manufactured soluble dietary fiber was about 348-1,200 and it was assumed the oligomer form fraction. In order to compare the manufactured soluble dietary fiber with commercial soluble dietary fiber (pectin) on the physiological function, Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10 g were randomly assigned to one normal diet and five high cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol. The high cholesterol diet groups were classified to fiber free diet (FF group), 5% pectin (5P group), 10% pectin (l0P group), 5% manufactured soluble dietary fiber (5M group) and 10% manufactured soluble dietary fiber (10M group). Body weight gains in all soluble dietary fiber groups were lower than FF group. Food intakes were increased in all soluble dietary fiber groups than that of FF group. Food efficiency ratio (FER) was significantly decreased in all soluble dietary fiber groups than that of the FF group, and it was especially was highest in 10% supplemented soluble dietary fiber group. The weight of liver of the soluble dietary fiber supplemented groups were lower than those of the FF group, but weights of cecum and small intestine of all supplemented soluble dietary fiber groups were significantly increased, compared with that of FF group. The weights and water contents in feces were significantly increased by the soluble dietary fiber. The activity of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in soluble dietary fiber groups were significantly decreased than those of FF group. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity in all soluble dietary fiber supplemented groups were higher than that of FF group. The physiological effects of the manufactured soluble dietary fiber are the same as the commercial soluble dietary fiber (pectin). The preparation method of the soluble dietary fiber from the oak chips suited to its purpose.

Effect of Vitamin E on Cadmium Accumulation and Excretion in Chronic Cadmium Poisoned Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on the cadmium accumulation in body, cadmium excretion and detoxification functions in chronic cadmium poisoned rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100+/-10 g were randomly assigned to one normal group and three cadmium poisoned groups. Cadmium poisoned groups were classified to vitamin E free diet (Cd-0E group), vitamin E 40 mg/kg diet (Cd-400E group) and 400 mg/kg diet (Cd-400E group) according to the levels of vitamin E supplement. Animals were maintained on 0, 40 mg and 400 mg vitamin E/kg diets for 20 weeks and simultaneously administered 50 ppm Cd2+ dissolved in the drinking water. Body weight, food intakes and food efficiency ratio were significantly decreased in all cadmium groups, compared with those of normal group. The accumulation of cadmium in rat liver, kidney and blood was reduced by sufficient vitamin E supplementation. The metallothionein (MT) content in liver and kidney were increased in all cadmium groups compared with that of normal group. The ratio of cadmium absorption and retention were significantly decreased in vitamin E supplementation groups. Accordingly, vitamin E supplementation resulted in an excretion of cadmium in urine and feces and a lowered accumulation of cadmium in liver and kidney. It can be suggested that increased MT synthesis lead to the significant decrease in cadmium absorption and retention rations.