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Background: Early body composition changes, associated with physical inactivity and disease advancement are devastating for patient-related outcomes in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD), thus warranting a detailed analysis of body composition beyond conventional measures. Methods: The study included 40 subjects diagnosed with CKD; recruited between January to May 2021. Body composition was measured using the multifrequency analyzer, InBody 770. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was used to assess physical activity. Suitable statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 58.68 ± 12.24 years. Sarcopenic obesity was prevalent in 62.5% of the subjects. Body mass index under identified obesity by 15% compared to percent body fat, especially in subjects with low muscle mass. The decline in a unit of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) significantly correlated with a decrease in weight (p = 0.02), body fat mass (p = 0.05), visceral fat area (p = 0.05), and phase angle (p = 0.01) with marginal changes in waist-hip ratio and extracellular water/total body water. The effect of physical activity on skeletal muscle mass was homogeneous between low and moderate levels, but significantly different from high activity level. Conclusion: Changes in fat and fluid compartment were associated with eGFR decline, whereas higher physical activity positively affected body composition.
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Background: Pancreatitis patients are at an increased risk of malnutrition due to impaired digestion, absorption, and metabolism. The degree of malnutrition is dependent on the duration, viz. acute or chronic. Studies on nutritional status in patients with pancreatitis are limited. Prevalence of nutritional status, physical functioning, and muscle strength among the subjects are scarce globally. The main aim of this study was to screen the status of malnutrition using appropriate screening tools and to assess hand muscle strength among subjects. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 subjects (18-80 years old, 59 males and 5 females) in Mysore city, Karnataka. The patients were screened for malnutrition using a standard tool Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and handgrip strength on both dominant and nondominant hands. Results: The majority of patients (n = 44) were categorized as moderately malnourished/suspected malnutrition (Stage B) according to PG-SGA. A significant difference (p < 0.005) in handgrip strength was seen in men aged 31-40 (t = -3.287) and 41-50 (t = -5.487) years compared to healthy adults. Conclusion: This study was able to identify patients at risk of malnutrition when the PG-SGA tool was used along with handgrip strength and other anthropometric parameters.
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Stevia rebaudiana has been used since hundreds of years as a natural sweetener, it is 300-450 times sweeter than sugar. The study aimed at incorporation of S. rebaudiana in traditional Indian desserts and test its sensory profile, storage properties, textural and color attributes. Carrot halwa (CH) and kesar peda (KP) were prepared with variations such as complete replacement of sugar in variation 1 (V1: CHV1 & KPV1) and 40% replacement of sugar in variation 2 (V2: CHV2 & KPV2) with stevia. Standard methods such as Quantitative Descriptive Analysis scores for sensory profile, fat oxidation for storage studies and surface morphology, texture profile and color analysis of samples were studied. Sensory profile revealed higher taste acceptability in CHV1 and KPV2. During storage, the maximum peroxide value was 5 mEq/kg in all products of refrigerated KP. Microstructural studies revealed changes in surface morphology wherein stevia incorporation increased ragged edges in CH and porosity in KP. Both products exhibited increased hardness, gumminess and chewiness during storage. There was no major change in the color profile of products. Overall, incorporation of stevia in Indian desserts can significantly reduce the use of sugar and can be relished by people who are health conscious.
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The study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and cytotoxic potentialities of phyto-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Ipomoea obscura (L.) Ker Gawl. aqueous leaf extract. The UV-visible spectral analysis of the ZnO-NPs showed an absorption peak at 304 nm with a bandgap energy of 3.54 eV, which are characteristics of zinc nanoparticles. Moreover, the particles were of nano-size (~24.26 nm) with 88.11% purity and were agglomerated as observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs offered radical scavenging activity (RSA) in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.45 mg mL-1. In addition, the genotoxicity studies of ZnO-NPs carried out on onion root tips revealed that the particles were able to significantly inhibit the cell division at the mitotic stage with a mitotic index of 39.49%. Further, the cytotoxic studies on HT-29 cells showed that the phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs could arrest the cell division as early as in the G0/G1 phase (with 92.14%) with 73.14% cells showing early apoptotic symptoms after 24 h of incubation. The results of the study affirm the ability of phyto-fabricated ZnO-NPs from aqueous leaf extract of I. obscura is beneficial in the cytotoxic application.
Subject(s)
Ipomoea/metabolism , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Zinc Oxide/chemistry , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/metabolism , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/toxicity , Biphenyl Compounds/chemistry , Free Radical Scavengers/chemistry , Free Radical Scavengers/metabolism , Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology , Free Radical Scavengers/toxicity , Green Chemistry Technology , HT29 Cells , Humans , Mutagenicity Tests , Onions/drug effects , Onions/genetics , Picrates/chemistry , Zinc Oxide/metabolism , Zinc Oxide/toxicityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan by abstinence from food and drink every day from dawn to sunset. Studies have reported contradictory results with respect to the changes in body weight and biochemical parameters. No study has been conducted on the association between fasting and body weight and biochemical parameters in the Indian setting on healthy Muslim subjects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of fasting during Ramadan on biochemical parameters such as lipid profile, liver function test, renal function test, antioxidant status, random blood sugar, hemoglobin, body composition, and blood pressure in a sample of healthy individuals. METHODS: In this study, 52 healthy free-living participants (25 males, 27 females, 21-64 years) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed both follow-ups (before and after Ramadan) were studied. Participants were fasting 12 hours a day for at least 21 days, including menstruating women. It was a free-living study with no dietary restrictions. Anthropometry, lipid profile, liver and renal function tests were measured by standard methods. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Significant beneficial changes in albumin, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed, while total cholesterol, random blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes remained unchanged after Ramadan. Fasting did bring in some changes in body composition; among both men and women, mean weight loss ranged from 0.81 - 1.4 kg in majority of the subjects, which was due to loss in muscle mass. Moderate changes in intra- and extracellular water content was observed after fasting. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements were observed in HDL levels and liver function tests, which can be attributed to the loss of body weight. Improvement in liver function tests may be related to the changes in cytokines and alteration in sleep patterns. Ramadan-like fasting, along with the nutritional education prior to fasting, may be beneficial and effective in the spiritual and overall well-being.
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Research literature on dietary patterns & eating habits of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in India is limited. To explore this, a pilot study (n = 53) which included 45 boys and 8 girls (age group of 2-13 years) was conducted. Three day food records, Food Frequency Questionnaire and Children Eating Behavior Inventory were used to assess the dietary intakes and mealtime behavior problems respectively. Findings revealed lower intake of fruits and vegetables which reflected on their micronutrient status which was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in lower amounts predominantly B-Complex, Calcium and Iron. The study has suggested a strong need for future implementation of nutritional intervention programs at the earliest to expand food variety among children with ASD of this region.
Subject(s)
Anthropometry/methods , Autism Spectrum Disorder/epidemiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Nutritional Status/physiology , Adolescent , Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eating/physiology , Eating/psychology , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
The development of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) inhibitors is considered to have therapeutic potential in diabetic complications inhibiting the loss of the biomolecular function. In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of Morus indica and were characterized by various techniques such as ultraviolet (UV)-Vis spectroscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Further, the inhibition of AGEs formation after exposure to ZnO-NPs was investigated by in-vitro, in-vivo, and molecular docking studies. Biochemical and histopathological changes after exposure to ZnO-NPs were also studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. ZnO-NPs showed an absorption peak at 359 nm with a purity of 92.62% and ~6-12 nm in size, which is characteristic of nanoparticles. The images of SEM showed agglomeration of smaller ZnO-NPs and EDS authenticating that the synthesized nanoparticles were without impurities. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs showed significant inhibition in the formation of AGEs. The particles were effective against methylglyoxal (MGO) mediated glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by inhibiting the formation of AGEs, which was dose-dependent. Further, the presence of MGO resulted in complete damage of biconcave red blood corpuscles (RBCs) to an irregular shape, whereas the morphological changes were prevented when they were treated with ZnO-NPs leading to the prevention of complications caused due to glycation. The administration of ZnO-NPs (100 mg Kg-1) in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats reversed hyperglycemia and significantly improved hepatic enzymes level and renal functionality, also the histopathological studies revealed restoration of kidney and liver damage nearer to normal conditions. Molecular docking of BSA with ZnO-NPs confirms that masking of lysine and arginine residues is one of the possible mechanisms responsible for the potent antiglycation activity of ZnO-NPs. The findings strongly suggest scope for exploring the therapeutic potential of diabetes-related complications.
Subject(s)
Erythrocytes/drug effects , Glycation End Products, Advanced/antagonists & inhibitors , Molecular Docking Simulation , Morus/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Pyruvaldehyde/antagonists & inhibitors , Zinc Oxide/pharmacology , Animals , Cattle , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism , Erythrocytes/metabolism , Glycation End Products, Advanced/metabolism , Hyperglycemia/chemically induced , Hyperglycemia/drug therapy , Hyperglycemia/metabolism , Male , Morus/metabolism , Nanoparticles/metabolism , Pyruvaldehyde/pharmacology , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Serum Albumin, Bovine/antagonists & inhibitors , Serum Albumin, Bovine/metabolism , Streptozocin , Zinc Oxide/chemistry , Zinc Oxide/metabolismABSTRACT
Present study evaluates the anti-hyperglycemic potential of two Indian spices Cinnamomum zeylanicum(CZ) and Cumin cyminum(CC) (whole powder and aqueous extracts) using in vitro techniques like glucose adsorption assay, amylolysis kinetics and ex vivo assays like amylase, Sucrase and α-glucosidase assay. CZ displayed higher glucose adsorption and glucose diffusion retardation than CC, as shown by glucose adsorption and amylolysis kinetics assay. CZ showed lower inhibition of α-amylase and sucrase where as CC has no effect on both the enzymes. In case of α-glucosidase, CC had better inhibition than CZ. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism through which both the spices act to regulate the hyperglycemia.
Subject(s)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum , Cuminum , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Intestinal Absorption/drug effects , Intestine, Small/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Spices , Animals , Diffusion , Glucose/metabolism , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Hypoglycemic Agents/isolation & purification , Intestine, Small/enzymology , Kinetics , Male , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Rats, Wistar , Sucrase/antagonists & inhibitors , Sucrase/metabolism , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors , alpha-Amylases/metabolism , alpha-Glucosidases/metabolismABSTRACT
The present investigation aims to evaluate antihypercholesterolemic potential of Swietenia mahagoni leaf aqueous extract (MAE) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat model. In the study, Wistar albino rats (170-220 g) were segregated into 5 groups; all the groups except normal control group were given high fat diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After induction of cholesterolemia, normal control and positive control groups were treated with saline, statin group was treated with atorvastatin, and remaining two groups received MAE in two doses (250 and 500 mg kg-1 BW) for a treatment period of one month. After the treatment period, weight of rats was recorded and they were anesthetized and decapitated. Blood samples were taken and triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, malondialdehyde (MDA), and urea were determined. Liver and kidney were taken for the estimation of lipid peroxides. The positive control group showed higher values of triglycerides (109 ± 5.1 mg/dL), total cholesterol (134 ± 4.6 mg/dL), LDL-C (44 ± 1.2 mg/dL), MDA, and bile acid content when compared to a normal control group (triglycerides (89 ± 3.2 mg/dL), total cholesterol (72 ± 3.4 mg/dL), and LDL-C (28 ± 1.2 mg/dL)). Treatment with MAE decreased the cholesterol levels, HDL-C, ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels and the effect was dependent on the dose. The results of this study indicated that MAE possesses hypolipidemic potential and thus could be useful in the treatment of hypercholesterolemic condition.
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INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a complex disease involving neoplasm of abnormal cells leading to development of tumor cells. Gene mutations result in aberrant gene expression, which is the major cause observed in all the cancers. The GLOBOCAN 2012 reported the highest age-standardized rates for cancer of the colorectum followed by stomach, liver, and esophagus, which are gastrointestinal cancers, and the new cases also followed the same order across the globe. Various risk factors are associated with different types of cancer which can be classified as dietary and non-dietary risk factors. The dietary risk factors include diet, alcohol, and nutrient deficiencies, whereas the non-dietary risk factors of cancers are tobacco, lifestyle choices, certain infections, occupational exposures, and environmental factors. PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to focus on the dietary and non-dietary risk factors linked to gastrointestinal cancers, which could be beneficial in clinical decision-making.
Subject(s)
Diet/statistics & numerical data , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Animals , Diet/adverse effects , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/etiology , Humans , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The associations between chronic feeding of high level of soluble/insoluble fibers and low serum glucose levels have been well documented. In the present study, composite flours were formulated using psyllium, barley and oat at two different levels [WPOB-I = wheat flour (75 %), psyllium (5 %), oat (10 %) and barley (10 %), WPOB-II = wheat flour (60 %), psyllium (10 %), oat (15 %) and barley (15 %)]. Chapaties were prepared from all formulations and various starch fractions were analyzed using controlled enzymatic digestion. The digestibility characteristics were studied using amylolysis kinetics employing porcine pancreatic α-amylase in vitro. Results showed that both the variations (WPOB-I & WPOB-II) had acceptable sensory qualities and had significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) values for total starch (TS), rapidly digestible starch (RDS), resistant starch (RS), starch digestibility index (SDI) and rapidly available glucose (RAG) compared to control. Between the two variations, WPOB-I showed better starch digestibility characteristics with significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) starch digestibility index (SDI). In case of amylolysis kinetics, both the variations significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited α-amylase as reflected by lower glucose diffusion and significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) compared to control. It is inferred that, consumption of the composite flours might be helpful in establishing stable blood glucose pattern due to the redistribution of nutritionally important starch fractions and inhibition of carbohydrate digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Unrefined groundnut oil (GNO) and refined sunflower oil (SFO) were blended with four minor oils including laboratory refined red palmolein (RRPO), physically refined rice bran oil (RBO), unrefined sesame oil (SESO), and unrefined coconut oil (CNO) containing natural antioxidants viz., ß-carotene, tocopherols, oryzanol and lignans. The five blends prepared were GNO + RRPO (80:20), GNO + RBO (80:20), GNO + SESO (80:20), SFO + RRPO (50:50) and SFO + CNO (60:40). Prepared blends contained saturated fatty acids (SFA) (16.7-53.3 %); monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (16.0-45.5 %) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (29.2-37.8 %). GNO blends viz., GNO + RRPO, GNO + RBO and GNO + SESO contained ß-carotene (10.7 mg/100 g), oryzanol (0.12 g/100 g) and lignans (0.35 g/100 g) respectively as natural antioxidants. SFO was enriched with ß-carotene (28.7 mg/100 g) and medium chain fatty acids (34.2 %) by blending with RRPO and CNO respectively. The oil blends (200 ml) were packed and stored at 38 °C/90 % relative humidity (RH) and 27 °C/65 % RH and samples were withdrawn at fixed intervals for analysis. Freshly prepared blends were also investigated for their frying performance. During storage, GNO + RBO blend showed highest oxidative stability probably due to the presence of oryzanol in the order GNO + RBO > GNO + SESO > GNO + RRPO. During frying, the peroxide value of GNO blends with RBO (rich in oryzanol) and SESO (rich in lignans) was less while the free fatty acid value was less in SFO blends with RRPO and CNO. Hence, blending of natural antioxidants rich minor oils (RRPO, RBO and SESO) with the major vegetable oils (GNO and SFO) may preserve them by lowering their rate of oxidation during storage and frying.
ABSTRACT
Free radical-mediated oxidation is often linked to various degenerative diseases. Biological substrates with lipids as major components are susceptible to oxygen-derived lipid peroxidation due to their composition. Lipid peroxide products act as biomarkers in evaluating the antioxidant potential of various plants and functional foods. The study focused on evaluation of the antioxidant potential of two extracts (methanol and 80% methanol) of four medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata, Costus speciosus, Canthium parviflorum, and Abrus precatorius, against Fenton reaction-mediated oxidation of three biological lipid substrates; cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and brain homogenate. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method. Also, the correlation between the polyphenol, flavonoid content, and the antioxidant activity in biological substrates was analyzed. Results indicated highest antioxidant potential by 80% methanol extract of Canthium parviflorum (97.55%), methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata (72.15%), and methanol extract of Canthium parviflorum (49.55%) in cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and brain, respectively. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents of methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata in cholesterol (r = 0.816) and low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.948) and Costus speciosus in brain (r = 0.977, polyphenols, and r = 0.949, flavonoids) correlated well with the antioxidant activity. The findings prove the antioxidant potential of the selected medicinal plants against Fenton reaction in biological lipid substrates.
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Oxidative stress is developed due to susceptibility of biological substrates to oxidation by generation of free radicals. In degenerative diseases, oxidative stress level can be reduced by antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. Primary objective of this work was to screen four medicinal plants, namely, Andrographis paniculata, Costus speciosus, Canthium parviflorum, and Abrus precatorius, for their antioxidant property using two biological substrates-RBC and microsomes. The antioxidative ability of three solvent extracts, methanol (100% and 80%) and aqueous leaf extracts, was studied at different concentrations by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method using Fenton's reagent to induce oxidation in the substrates. The polyphenol and flavonoid content were analyzed to relate with the observed antioxidant effect of the extracts. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and ß-carotene in the samples. In microsomes, 80% methanol extract of Canthium and Costus and, in RBC, 80% methanol extract of Costus showed highest inhibition of oxidation and correlated well with the polyphenol and flavonoid content. From the results it can be concluded that antioxidants from medicinal plants are capable of inhibiting oxidation in biological systems, suggesting scope for their use as nutraceuticals.
ABSTRACT
Natural antioxidants present in foods and other biological materials have attracted considerable interest because of their presumed safety and potential nutritional and therapeutic effects. Antioxidant constituents of plant materials act as radical scavengers and convert the radicals to less reactive species. Abrus precatorius (AP) was analyzed for its proximate and phytochemical composition. The leaves were extracted with methanol (ME) and analyzed for antioxidant activity by radical scavenging method, reducing power, ferric reducing capacity, and in vitro inhibition of Fenton's reagent-induced oxidation in oil emulsion and microsomes. In addition, the effect of temperature (100°C, 15, and 30 min) and pH (4.5, 7, and 9) C on the antioxidant activity of ME was investigated. The leaves were rich in total polyphenols, flavonoids, ß-carotene, glutathione, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. The ME exhibited varying degree of antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. The AP exhibited more inhibition of oxidation in microsomes (73%) than compared to oil emulsion (21%). Heat treatment resulted in an increase of radical scavenging activity of extract (28% to 43%). At pH 4.5 the extract exhibited more antioxidant activity and stability compared to pH 7 and 9. Data indicates that potential exists for the utilization of Abrus precatorius as a natural antioxidant.
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Pearl millet is the staple for economically poorer section of the world's population and improving its mineral bioaccessibility is one of the important approaches to promote its utilization. In the absence of any data on the bioaccessible mineral content from commercially available millet, two varieties namely Kalukombu (native) and Maharastra Rabi Bajra (hybrid) were germinated and its effect on the bioaccessible iron and calcium content was explored using an in-vitro method which simulates gastrointestinal digestion. The millet was germinated for 72 h to facilitate maximum mineral extraction. The bioaccessibility of iron and calcium was considerably enhanced upon sprouting. This higher bioaccessibility could be attributed to decrease in antinutritional factors like phytate and oxalate as a result of germination. Changes in mineral and antinutrient content during sprouting led to significant variations in the antinutrient/mineral molar ratios which had a positive impact on the bioaccessible mineral content. Use of tap water for soaking prior to germination revealed contamination of the millet with iron. Contaminant iron in Kalukombu variety appeared to be less accessible; while the same was potentially bioaccessible in Maharashtra Rabi Bajra variety. Hence bioaccessibility of iron depends on the form in which it is present. The actual bioaccessibility of contaminated iron needs to be further investigated.
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This study was designed to elucidate the acute toxicity of Artocarpus altilis leaf and bark extracts. In acute toxicity study, no mortality or any toxic reaction was recorded in any group after 14 days of administering the extracts (2000 mg Kg(-1) BW). The extracts (ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM) did not cause any behavioural or physical changes in experimental rats. There was no significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference in the biochemical parameters analysed between the groups. Slight elevation in activities of AST and ALT in extract treated groups was observed, but this did not exert any deleterious effect on the normal metabolism which was supported by the histopathology of liver. Histopathological studies showed no remarkable changes after 14 days of oral administration of ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM extracts. The study contributes to establishing the nontoxic quality parameters of Artocarpus altilis leaf and bark parts and the results suggest the safety of the extracts in therapeutic uses.
ABSTRACT
Pearl millet is an underutilized grain crop commonly used as whole flour for traditional food preparation and hence confined to traditional consumers and to people of lower economic strata. In this study two commercially available pearl millet varieties (Kalukombu & MRB) obtained from the local market were milled into whole flour, semi refined flour & bran rich fraction. These milling fractions were evaluated for nutrients, antinutrients and mineral bioaccessibility. The bran rich fraction, a by product of flour milling contained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher ash content (3.3 & 3.5 g/100 g in K & MRB respectively). Minerals like phosphorus, calcium and antinutrients like oxalates, phytates, were found mainly distributed in the bran fraction. The nutrient content of semi-refined flour was comparable to whole flour except for the fat content (1.3%). Due to partial separation of the bran fraction, semi refined flour was low in antinutrients which improved its mineral bioaccessibility making it nutritionally superior.
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The usage of Swietenia mahagoni, a popular medicinal plant in India and some African countries, dates back to ancient times for its curative properties in diseases like malaria, diabetes, and diarrhea. It is also used as an anti-pyretic, bitter tonic and astringent. Its pharmacological activities are being widely explored. Although many important groups of phytochemicals have been identified and isolated from various parts of the plant, most of these researches have been focused on seeds. Toxicological studies have established the safety of many of these plant extracts, and found insignificant side effects. Here we present a comprehensive review of all the pharmacological effects and constituent phytochemicals of the plant.
Subject(s)
Meliaceae/chemistry , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Animals , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Phytotherapy/methods , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Seeds/chemistryABSTRACT
The present study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of Butea monosperma Lam. Kuntze (Fabaceae) leaves and the stem bark using various in vitro techniques. The samples were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption, diffusion, amylolysis kinetics, enteric enzymes and glucose transport across yeast cells. Both the samples adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased with increase in glucose concentration. The samples also inhibited movement of glucose across the dialysis membrane to varying degree in both glucose diffusion and amylolysis kinetic experiment models. B. monosperma leaves inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase and sucrase enzymes in succession to varying degrees, whereas the bark inhibited only α-amylase to a significant extent and slightly activated α-glucosidase and sucrase enzymes. The extracts of both leaves and bark promoted glucose uptake by yeast cells compared to control. Enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. It was directly proportional to the sample concentration and inversely proportional to the molar concentration of the glucose. From the results of the study, it is inferred that, B. monosperma leaves and bark possesses antidiabetic activity. However, these effects need to be confirmed using in vivo models and clinical trials for its effective utilization as therapeutic agents.