ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT As palatability of medical formulas has been documented as unpleasant, new options are required to improve acceptance and adherence in people with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) has a glycoprotein named miraculin that transforms a sour, bitter taste such as the one found in metabolic formula, into a sweet perception. The objective of this work is to analyze the response in the taste perception of metabolic formula with the use of the miraculin tablets in patients with IEM and healthy adults. To test this hypothesis a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, analytical study was performed. Patients with IEM and healthy adults were recruited. All participants assessed 3 different liquids (lemon, apple cider vinegar and metabolic formula) before and after the administration of miraculin tablets and completed a questionnaire. The sensory responses were evaluated using hedonic scales, analyzed with nonparametric tests for paired data. Seven patients with IEM and 14 healthy subjects were included. After miraculin intake 57% of patients (Z ≤ -1.89 p= 0.059) and healthy adults (Z≤ -2.31 p= 0.021) had a positive change in their taste perception. The absolute frequency of patients who did not like the metabolic formula decreased from 4 to 1, and in patients who liked it or loved, it increased from 0 to 2 and from 0 to 1 respectively; the frequency of patients who perceived the metabolic formula as indifferent or hated it, did not change. Response in taste perception had a positive change of 57% in both groups. The use of miraculin tablets may improve palatability of metabolic formula.
RESUMEN La palatabilidad de las fórmulas médicas se ha reportado como desagradable, se requieren nuevas opciones para mejorar la aceptación en personas con errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM). La fruta milagrosa (Synsepalum dulcificum) contiene una glucoproteína llamada miraculina que transforma el sabor agrio y amargo en dulce. El objetivo fue analizar la respuesta en la percepción del sabor de la fórmula metabólica con el uso de las tabletas de miraculina en pacientes con EIM y adultos sanos. Se realizó un estudio analítico prospectivo, longitudinal, cuasi-experimental. Los participantes evaluaron la percepción de 3 líquidos (limón, vinagre de manzana y fórmula metabólica) antes y después de la administración de tabletas de miraculina y completaron un cuestionario. Las respuestas sensoriales se evaluaron mediante escalas hedónicas, analizadas con pruebas no paramétricas para datos pareados. Se incluyeron 7 pacientes con EIM y 14 adultos sanos. Después de la miraculina el 57% de los pacientes (Z ≤ -1,89 p= 0,059) y adultos sanos (Z≤ -2,31 p= 0,021) tuvieron un cambio positivo en su percepción del sabor. La frecuencia absoluta de pacientes a los que no les gustó la fórmula disminuyó de 4 a 1, y en quienes les gustó o les encantó, aumentó de 0 a 2 y de 0 a 1 respectivamente; la frecuencia de los pacientes que percibieron la fórmula como indiferente u odiada, no cambió. La respuesta en la percepción del sabor cambió positivamente en el 57% en ambos grupos. El uso de miraculina puede mejorar la palatabilidad de la fórmula metabólica.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Biotransformation , Synsepalum , Taste Perception , Fruit , Amino Acids , Metabolism, Inborn ErrorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#This study was undertaken to investigate the antihyperglycemic potential of miracle fruit (MF) as well as its hepatic safety as compared to aspartame in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.@*METHODS@#MF extracts were prepared and screened for their phytochemical composition using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents and antioxidant potential were also determined. Additionally, MF was evaluated for its sensory attributes. For in vivo work, MF ethanol extract at high (MFH: 500 mg/kg body weight [BW]) and low (MFL: 250 mg/kg BW) doses as well as aspartame were injected intraperitoneally into alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels were determined following acute and subchronic treatment. At the end of the study, animals were sacrificed, serum was collected for biochemical analysis and liver tissues were obtained for histopathological examination.@*RESULTS@#MF ethanol extract contained more flavonoids and tannins, and had higher 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity (79.61%) compared to MF aqueous extract (P < 0.05). HPLC analysis of MF ethanol extract also revealed the presence of 10 antioxidants with quercetin comprising the major polyphenol. Additionally, sensory analysis of MF showed that its intake is effective in masking undesirable sourness. Subchronic administration of MFH proved amelioration of hyperglycemia in mice as compared to aspartame. Moreover, aspartame treatment significantly elevated (P < 0.05) the level of alanine aminotransferase and had destructive effects on the liver histopathology; however, hepatic architecture was restored by low and high doses of MF.@*CONCLUSION@#MF is an effective antihyperglycemic with hepatoprotective properties that can be used as a healthier alternative sweetening agent in place of aspartame for sour beverages.