ABSTRACT
This study was designed to provide laboratory evidence supporting the hematopoietic effect of Beta vulgaris (beet) leaf aqueous extract in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia model in albino rats. Extraction of the leaves/stalks was done by maceration in 30% hydro-ethanol for 48 h. An intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg phenylhydrazine was applied for two consecutive days to develop hemolytic anemia on the 4th day after the 1st injection in 24 of 30 male albino rats. The animals were divided into 5 groups and received the following treatments: standard (ferrous ascorbate + folic acid; 13.5 + 0.135 mg/kg), B. vulgaris extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), or left untreated (normal and diseased controls). Blood samples were taken at 0, 4, 8, and 12 days of the experiment for hematological and clinico-chemical analysis. Beet leaf extract significantly restored the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in dose- and time-dependent manners. Blood indices have been significantly corrected. Erythropoietin level was maintained at higher levels. Erythrocytic membrane oxidation biomarker (malondialdehyde) level was significantly reduced compared to the anemic untreated group. The extract exhibited potent, concentration (4-512 μg/mL)-dependent antioxidant activity indicated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, with IC50 value of 37.91 μg/mL. Beet leaf extract resulted in detection of flavonoid and phenolic compounds that may underlie its hematinic properties. These findings may indicate B. vulgaris as a good natural source for pharmaceutical preparations with hematopoietic effects and treatment of anemia and/or associated conditions.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Beta vulgaris/chemistry , Hematinics/pharmacology , Anemia/drug therapy , Phenylhydrazines , Time Factors , Disease Models, Animal , Anemia/chemically induced , Anemia/bloodABSTRACT
The Chilean National School Feeding Program (NSFP) delivers breakfast and lunch meals that supply 250 and 450 kcal, respectively, along the country. In the last decades, a significant increase of obesity has been observed in primary education children, and it involves risk factors of non-communicable diseases. The dietary intake of foods containing phenolic compounds (PC) exerts favorable effects on health by reducing risk factors of prevalent diseases. The aim of the study was to measure the PC content and antioxidant capacity (AC) [ORAC and DPPH] of meals provided by the NSFP in Quillota, Chile, in 2011. The PC supply of the whole meals served ranged from 362.7 to 1,730 mg GAE. The best breakfast foods include whole grain cookie (2.59±0.3 mg GAE/g), bread with avocado, quince jelly or strawberry jam (1.61±0.13 to 2.05±0.3 mg GAE/g); while the best lunch salads include beetroot, lettuce, and cabbage/fish (1.66±0.3 to 2.35±0.1 mg GAE/g), and main courses contain legumes, or mixed vegetables. The lowest PC contents were observed in pasta and rice preparations (p<0.05). Among desserts, the best source of PC is fruit (1.81±0.04 to 6.91±0.31 mg GAE/g). The correlation between PC and AC varied according to the type of meal. PC content and AC are additional criteria for selecting the best quality meals, in addition to the nutrients and energy content. The results support the recommendation to increase the supply of fruits and vegetable/legumes preparations and fruits instead of starchy foods to scholars.
El Programa de Alimentación Escolar (PAE) para enseñanza básica en Chile distribuye, en todo el país, desayunos y almuerzos que aportan 250 y 450 kcal, respectivamente. En las últimas décadas ha aumentado significativamente la obesidad en escolares, lo que induce factores de riesgo de enfermedades no transmisibles. La ingestión de alimentos que contienen polifenoles (PF) ejerce efectos beneficiosos al reducir factores de riesgo de enfermedades prevalentes. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el contenido de PF y la capacidad antioxidante (CA) [ORAC y DPPH] de los alimentos entregados por el PAE en Quillota, Chile, en 2011. El aporte de PF en las raciones servidas fluctuó entre 362.7 y 1,730 mg EAG. El mejor desayuno contenía galletón con granos integrales (2.59±0.3 mg EAG/g), pan con palta, dulce de membrillo o de fresas (1.61±0.13 a 2.05±0.3 mg EAG /g) y el mejor almuerzo, ensaladas de remolacha, lechuga, o col/pescado (1.66±0.3 a 2.35±0.1 mg EAG /g), y un plato principal con leguminosas o vegetales mixtos. Los contenidos menores de PF se observaron en platos con pastas y arroz (p<0.05). Entre los postres, la mejor fuente de PF es la fruta (1.81±0.04 a 6.91±0.31 mg EAG/g). La correlación entre PF y CA fluctuó según el tipo de preparación. El contenido de PF y la CA son criterios de calidad adicionales al aporte de energía y nutrientes de las preparaciones. Los resultados apoyan la recomendación de aumentar el aporte a los escolares de frutas y vegetales/leguminosas en lugar de alimentos con alto contenido de almidones.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Antioxidants/analysis , Meals , Phenols/analysis , Schools , Breakfast , Beta vulgaris/chemistry , Brassica/chemistry , Chile , Dietary Services/standards , Food Quality , Food Services/standards , Food Supply/standards , Lunch , Malus/chemistry , Nutrition PolicyABSTRACT
Growth and ionic relations of fodderbeet [Beta vulgaris] and seabeet [B.maritima] were studied in a greenhouse experiment using garden soil salinized with 200 mM NaCl. Both the species tolerated salinity level of 200 mM NaCl, but seabeet performed better than fodderbeet. Fresh weight of shoot increased significantly [P< 0.01] under higher salt concentration in both the species. Fodderbeet accumulated more biomass under saline conditions than seabeet. Salt treated plants accumulated significantly higher Na+ and Cl- content in shoot compared to untreated control plants. Chloride [Cl-] of seabeet root was significantly higher than shoot; however, chloride content of shoot was significantly lower in fodderbeet. The concentration of these ions was comparatively higher in seabeet root than fodderbeet in the later growth period. Potassium K+ content was low and revealed antagonistic effect with that of Na+ content. Calcium [Ca+2] ions were not significantly absorbed by shoot of both species. A significant effect of treatment by the root has been observed in both species. Magnesium [Mg+2] content of shoot were increased with the time. Seabeet has absorbed more Mg+2 than fodderbeet. The fodderbeet showed a significant salt tolerance during five week growth period. Seabeet is comparatively more salt tolerant. Domesticated cultivars of fodderbeet like Majoral have considerable adaptability in the inland salt affected areas of Pakistan