Effects of low molecular weight galactomannans based standardized fenugreek seed extract in subjects with high fat mass: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

The present investigation evaluated the effects of low molecular weight galactomannans-based standardized fenugreekseeds extract (LMWGAL-TF) on human subjects with high-fat mass for 8-weeks using a prospective, randomized,double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Twenty-four subjects with percent body fat were randomized to ingest acapsule of LMWGAL-TF (500 mg, once a day) or the matching placebo at a 1:1 ratio for 8 weeks. The outcomemeasurements were recorded at baseline, week-4, and week-8 (end of the treatment). The efficacy outcome includedfat mass (absolute, non-fat mass and %) by skinfold thickness method (along with triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal)and bioelectrical impedance analysis method, body weight, body mass index, and abdominal girth. The standardsafety parameters were measured, such as adverse events, vital signs, hematology, and biochemistry. Eight weeksof LMWGAL-TF supplementation showed significant reduction in suprailiac skinfold thickness (v/s baseline) andabdominal skinfold thickness (v/s baseline and v/s placebo), and percent fat mass, (v/s baseline). The LMWGAL-TFsupplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated. In conclusion, LMWGAL-TF supplementation showedsafety and efficacy in reducing skinfold thickness (abdominal and suprailiac) and percent body fat in subjects with ahigh fat mass

Hylan G-F20 and galactomannan joint flares are associated to acute synovitis and release of inflammatory cytokines

Abstract Background: Injection of Hylan G-F20 (HY) into joints may provoke local flares, which mechanisms may involve reaction to protein contaminants. We have previously developed a protein-free saline-soluble galactomannan derived from guar gum (GM) that displays both analgesia and chondroprotection in experimental osteoarthritis (OA). We now demonstrate that both GM and Hylan G-F20 (HY) promote mild synovitis with cytokine release after intra-articular injection. Methods: Mice received 100 μg/25 μL GM or HY or saline into the knees. Joint pain was evaluated using von Frey test; cell influx, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and CXCL-1 (pg/mL) levels were assessed in joint lavage at 6 h. Synovia were excised for histopathology. Results: Neither GM nor HY after being given into mice knee joints induced pain albeit promoting mild cell influx into joint washings as well as mild synovitis at histology, with no damage to the underlying cartilage. HY but not GM promoted IL-1 release into mice joints. Both compounds induced IL-6 and CXCL-1 release. Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of HY or GM promote acute transient synovitis whilst not provoking detectable significant joint damage. Local administration of these polysaccharides induces acute intra-articular release of inflammatory cytokines, which may account for joint flares following viscosupplementation.(AU)

Antidiabetic effects of galactomannans from Adenanthera pavonina L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of galactomannans extracted from Adenanthera pavonina's L. seeds (GAP) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. Methods: The preliminary galactomannan yield from Adenanthera pavonina L. plant and extraction products composition were evaluated. Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,

Antidiabetic effects of galactomannans from Adenanthera pavonina L. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Objective:To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of galactomannans extracted from Adenanthera pavonina's L. seeds (GAP) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice.Methods:The preliminary galactomannan yield from Adenanthera pavonina L. plant and extraction products composition were evaluated. Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,Results:The isolated and extracted galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina was confirmed by various chemical characterization methods. GAP exhibited a 1.46:1 mannose: galactose ratio, and high molar weight. Both GAP enriched food decreased glycaemia, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol. GAP didn't interfere on food intakes or body weight, although it increased water intake. Furthermore, the relative liver weight indicated toxic galactomannan effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in STZ induced diabetes.Conclusions:It is concluded that GAP is a natural product that contains potent galactomannan and is useful in preventing and treating diabetes.

Evaluation of Caesalpinia pulcherrima endospermic gum as affinity matrices for galactose-binding lectins interaction

Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins able to bind, specifically and reversibly carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. Considering this ability, the utilization of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds polysaccharides as an affinity matrix was tested. The endospermic gum were solubilized in distinct concentrations of NaOH and treated with different amounts of epichlorohydrin (ECH) forming affinity gels with variable capacity for interaction with galactose- binding lectins. The gel with an ECH/gum ration of 6.0mmol/g was selected as the best affinity matrix. The matrix presented different efficiencies in terms of isolating galactose-binding lectins. C. pulcherrima endospermic galactomannans were purified by ethanol precipitation and the purified galactomannan was crosslinked with the best formulation of gel. The Artocarpus incisa, Ricinus communis and Abrus precatorius lectins showed interactions of 11.5, 17.7 and 47.2mg of retained protein in 1g of gel, respectively; the Artocarpus integrifolia lectin showed the highest affinities (79.7mg/g). The heamaglutination assays confirmed the activity and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis confirmed the isolation of the lectins in a single-step procedure.