Showing papers in "Journal of Medicinal Food in 2002"

Tagatose, the new GRAS sweetener and health product

Abstract: Tagatose, a low-calorie, full-bulk natural sugar, has just attained GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, thereby permitting its use as a sweetener in foods and beverages. This paper presents all current aspects of tagatose with respect to demonstrated food and beverage applications and the potential health and medical benefits of this unique substance. Summarized studies are referenced to detailed peer-reviewed papers. The safety studies followed the recommendations in the FDA "Red Book." Results were submitted to an Expert Panel for determination of GRAS status under FDA regulation. Small phase 2 clinical trials showed tagatose to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes. The results, buttressed by the references cited, support the efficacy of the various applications disclosed for tagatose. Tagatose has been found to be safe and efficacious for use as a low-calorie, full-bulk sweetener in a wide variety of foods, beverages, health foods, a...

Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on antitubercular drug-induced liver damage in rats.

Abstract: Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), commonly known as "Drumstick," is used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of various illness. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves on liver damage induced by antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), and pyrazinamide (PZA) in rats. Oral administration of the extract showed a significant protective action made evident by its effect on the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin in the serum; lipids, and lipid peroxidation levels in liver. This observation was supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The results of this study showed that treatment with M. oleifera extracts or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by antitubercular drugs.

Chicken egg yolk antibodies as therapeutics in enteric infectious disease: a review.

Abstract: Passive immunization by oral administration of specific antibodies has been an attractive approach against gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens in both humans and animals. Recently, laying chickens have attracted considerable attention as an alternative source of antibodies for the prevention and treatment of infectious GI diseases. After immunization, the specific antibodies (called IgY) are transported to the egg yolk, from which the IgY then can be separated without sacrificing chickens. A chicken usually lays about 280 eggs in a year, and egg yolk contains 100-150 mg of IgY per yolk, suggesting that more than 40 g of IgY per year can be obtained from each chicken through eggs. IgY is also an alternative to antibiotics for treatment of enteric antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Oral administration of IgY has proved successful for treatment of a variety of GI infections, such as bovine and human rotaviruses, bovine coronavirus, Yersinia ruckeri, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Edwardsiella ta...

Melatonin, serotonin, and tryptamine in some egyptian food and medicinal plants.

Abstract: The mammalian pineal hormone melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), an aminoindole produced by the metabolism of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), has been shown to be a potent scavenger for the highly toxic hydroxyl radical. Three substances that are very important in animal physiology (e.g., in brain metabolism) are noradrenaline, histamine, and serotonin; all three occur in plants. Here we report that serotonin, tryptamine, and melatonin were found in some edible and medicinal plants in Egypt. The results of this screening showed that the pulp of underripe and ripe yellow banana contains 5-hydroxytryptamine at concentrations of 31.4 and 18.5 ng/g, respectively. Corn, rice, barley grains, and ginger showed the highest concentrations of melatonin, at 187.8, 149.8, 87.3, 142.3 ng/100 g, respectively. On the other hand, potato samples were free from all indolamines. Pomegranate and strawberry showed a low level of indolamines (8-12 microg/g serotonin, 4-9 microg/g tryptamine, and 13-29 ng/100 g melatonin).

Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants in a mouse model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by persistent and relapsing fatigue, often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems. The etiology of CFS remains unclear; however, a number of studies have shown that oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis. In the present study, a mouse model of CFS was used in which mice were forced to swim for one 6-minute session on each day for 15 days and the immobility period was recorded. There was a significant increase in immobility period in saline-treated mice on successive days. Intraperitoneal treatment with the potent antioxidants carvedilol (5 mg/kg) and melatonin (5 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in immobility period. Similar results were observed with herbal preparations administered orally: Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg), and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., 10 mg/kg). Biochemical analysis revealed that chronic swimming significantly induced lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the brains of mice. The rats also showed decreased levels of antioxidant defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Co-administration of antioxidants carvedilol, melatonin, W. somnifera, quercetin or St. John's wort significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and restored the GSH levels decreased by chronic swimming in mice. Further, the treatment increased levels of SOD in the forebrain and of catalase. The findings strongly suggest that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of CFS and that antioxidants could be useful in the treatment of CFS.

Inhibitory activity of minor polyphenolic and nonpolyphenolic constituents of olive oil against in vitro low-density lipoprotein oxidation

Abstract: The minor polyphenolic and nonpolyphenolic constituents of olive oil were examined, in various doses, against copper ion-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and were found, in optimal doses (final concentration, 10 μM or 20 μM), to have remarkable biological activity, contributing to that previously reported for the major phenolic compounds. The main phytosterols, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, were found to have 43.8%, 37.3%, and 33.4% LDL mean protection (MP) activity, respectively, while free cholesterol exhibited 43.2% MP. The triterpenoid derivative compounds, ursolic acid, uvaol, and oleanolic acid, had similar MP activities of 50.5%, 46.8%, and 46.0%, respectively. Tocopherol (Toc) isomers exhibited an increasing effect in the following order: α-Toc (33.6%) < β-Toc (36.1%) < γ-Toc (42.9%) < δ-Toc (46.0%). The flavonoid polyphenols, quercetin, luteolin, and rutin, exhibited the highest activities - 46.8%, 49.5%, and 53.7% MP, respectively, comparable to the 49.0% MP activit...

Hypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.

Abstract: In nephrotic syndrome, large amounts of plasma proteins are lost in urine, causing a decrease in the plasma oncotic pressure. This leads to enhanced hepatic synthesis of albumin and other proteins, including lipoproteins, causing a secondary hyperlipidemia. Essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can prevent accumulation of cholesterol in the body, and spirulina has an appreciable amount of GLA. In this study 23 patients (age 2 to 13 years) with nephrotic syndrome received either medication (group I) or medication plus 1 g/day Spirulina (group II). Height, weight, and serum levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and low- and high-density cholesterol fractions (LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively) were measured before and after the 2-month study period. Mean height and weight were normal compared with healthy, age-matched Indian children. Lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased at baseline. TC significantly decreased by 116.33 mg/dl, LDL-C by 94.14 mg/dl, and triglycerides by 67.72 mg/dl in group II; in control group I, these values fell by 69.87, 61.13, and 22.62 mg/dl, respectively. The LDL-C:HDL-C ratio also decreased significantly, by 1.66 in group II and 1.13 in group I. TC:HDL-C decreased by 1.96 in group II and 1.19 in group I. HDL-C:LDL-C also improved significantly in both the groups. It can be concluded that spray-dried Spirulina capsules, rich in antioxidants, GLA, amino acids, and fatty acids, helped reduce the increased levels of lipids in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome.

Effect of Phaseolus vulgaris on circulatory antioxidants and lipids in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Abstract: The effect of Phaseolus vulgaris, an indigenous plant used in ayurvedic medicine in India, on circulatory antioxidants and lipids was studied in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Oral administration of an aqueous extract of P. vulgaris pods (PPEt, 200 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose, serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The extract also caused a significant decrease in plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, vitamin E, and ceruloplasmin. The decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antiatherogenic index (AAI), plasma insulin, vitamin C, and glutathione in the diabetic rats were also reversed toward normalization. The results show the antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of PPEt in addition to its antidiabetic action. PPEt was found to be more effective than glibenclamide.

Beneficial effects of chrysin and benzoflavone on virility in 2-year-old male rats.

Abstract: This work describes the potential usefulness of bioflavonoids for countering the deleterious effects of aging on male sexuality in 2-year-old rats. A flavone chrysin from Passiflora caerulea Linn. and a benzoflavone moiety (BZF) recently isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linn. were administered to 2-year-old male rats for a period of 30 days. After cessation of these treatments, there was a significant improvement in overall sexual functions in the rats given bioflavonoids, compared with control rats. The rats receiving chrysin (1 mg/kg) and BZF (10 mg/kg) exhibited increased libido when they were allowed to interact with nonestrous female rats. Additionally, both treated groups had increased sperm count, greater fertilization potential, and greater litter size when they were allowed to interact with proven proestrous female rats of a similar strain. BZF was more potent than chrysin as an antiaromatase agent and exhibited better effects on the sexual system of the 2-year-old male rats. Plant flavonoids have great potential for clinical and therapeutic applications against the physiological and biochemical effects of aging.

Radioprotective effects in vivo of phenolics extracted from Olea europaea L. leaves against X-ray-induced chromosomal damage: comparative study versus several flavonoids and sulfur-containing compounds.

Abstract: The radioprotective effects of a polyphenolic extract of Olea europaea L. leaves (OL); the flavonoids diosmin and rutin, which are widely used as pharmaceuticals; and the sulfur-containing compounds dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) were determined by using the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic activity, evaluating the reduction of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in bone marrow of mouse before and after X-ray irradiation. With treatment before X-irradiation, the most effective compounds were, in order, rutin > DMSO > OL > PTU > diosmin. These results showed, for the polyphenols studied, a linear correlation (r2 = 0.965) between anticlastogenic activity and antioxidant capacity. The magnitude of protection with treatment after X-irradiation were lower, and the most effective compounds were, in order, OL > diosmin > rutin; DMSO and PTU lacked radioprotective activity. Therefore, OL is the only substance that showed a significant anticlastogeni...

Antioxidant properties of carboxymethyl glucan: comparative analysis.

Abstract: Antioxidative capabilities of carboxymethylated (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, α-tocopherol, and mannitol against lipid peroxidation in phosphatidylcholine liposomes in...

Effect of lycopene on prostate LNCaP cancer cells in culture.

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between serum lycopene levels and the risk of prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of lycopene on the proliferation of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells in culture. A new, water-dispersible lycopene in an appropriate vehicle was used. The stock solution was diluted in the medium to obtain lycopene concentrations of 10-6, 10-5, and 10-4 M; their corresponding vehicles were similarly diluted to be used as controls. Cells were grown for 48 hours in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Lycopene was then added at different concentrations, and the cells were allowed to grow for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Lycopene at concentrations of 10-6 and 10-5 M significantly reduced the growth of LNCaP cells after 48, 72, and 96 hours of incubation, by 24.4% to 42.8% (P < .05). The inhibitory effect of lycopene was significantly higher than that of the corresponding vehicle controls. In a follow...

Nutrient composition of rose (Rosa canina L.) seed and oils.

Abstract: Rose seeds were evaluated for weight of 100 seeds, moisture, crude protein, ash, crude oil, energy, and mineral content. Also, fatty acid composition was determined in the seed oils. The weight of 100 seeds, moisture, crude oil, energy, and iron (Fe) content of Ermenek rose seeds were found to be higher than those of other regions. The major fatty acids identified by gas chromatography of rose seed oils growing wild in the Hadim, Taskent, and Ermenek regions in Turkey were, respectively, as follows: palmitic (3.17%, 1.71%, and 2.14%), stearic (2.47%, 2.14%, and 1.69%), oleic (16.73%, 18.42%, and 14.71%), linoleic (54.41%, 51.71%, and 48,64%), linolenic (17.14%, 16.42%, and 18.41%), and arachidic (2.11%, 1.87%, and 2.61%). The seeds were rich in oil and minerals. The oil may be valuable for food and other uses because of its high unsaturated content.

Influence of Piper betle on hepatic marker enzymes and tissue antioxidant status in ethanol-treated Wistar rats.

Abstract: Piper betle L. is a commonly used masticatory in Asia. This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of P. betle, using ethanol intoxication as a model of hepatotoxic and oxidative damage. Ethanol-treated rats exhibited elevation of hepatic marker enzymes and disturbances in antioxidant defense when compared with normal rats. Oral administration of P. betle extract (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days significantly (P < .05) decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and lipid hydroperoxides in ethanol treated rats. The extract also improved the tissue antioxidant status by increasing the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E) and the activities of free radical–detoxifying enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in liver and kidney of ethanol-treated rats. The highest dose of P. betle extrac...

Effect of cocoa flavanols and their related oligomers on the secretion of interleukin-5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract: We previously showed that flavanols and their related oligomers (FLO) isolated from cocoa can have immunomodulatory effects on production of the cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-2, and IL-4. In the present study, we examined whether selected FLO fractions isolated from cocoa (monomer through decamer) modulate IL-5 protein secretion from resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Although FLO fractions were unstimulatory for IL-5 secretion in resting cells, PHA-induced IL-5 release from PBMC was markedly affected by certain FLO fractions. The monomeric and small oligomeric (dimer and trimer) fractions enhanced PHA stimulation by 50%, 54%, and 43%, respectively. In contrast, the larger oligomeric fractions (hexamer through decamer) inhibited IL-5 release in the range of 18% to 39%; the tetramer and pentamer showed intermediate effects. The increment in IL-5 suggests that FLO may preferentially stimulate immunoglobulin A. We suggest that in the oral cavity this could result in reduction in the risk for dental caries and periodontal disease. This work offers additional data for consideration of the health benefits of dietary FLO from a variety of foods, including those benefits associated specifically with consumption of some cocoas and chocolates.

Effects of chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) extract on oxidative injury in the aorta and heart of streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Abstract: In diabetes mellitus, increased free radical formation raises the incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Regardless of the type of diabetes, the objective of the therapy is to achieve normoglycemia and to prevent or delay the complications. Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is used as a hypoglycemic agent by diabetic patients in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding chard on diabetes-induced free radical-mediated injury in rat aorta and heart tissues. Female Swiss albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, diabetic, chard, and diabetic + chard. Rats were subjected to intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. Chard extract (2 g/kg) was given for 28 days beginning on the 14th day of the study. Aorta and heart tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as well as blood glucose levels were determined. The results of the present study indicate that lipid peroxidation was increased and glutathione levels were ...

Efficacy of a whey protein concentrate on the inhibition of stomach ulcerative lesions caused by ethanol ingestion.

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to test the ability of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) to inhibit gastric mucosal ulcerative lesions caused by oral administration to rats of absolute ethanol. Acute administration (single doses) of WPC resulted in 41% inhibition of the ulcerative lesion index (ULI), and 73% inhibition was obtained with repetitive doses. In a 10-days subchronic treatment study, the inhibition was 64%, all relative to a saline treatment (negative control). Alkylation of sulfhydryl compounds by subcutaneous injection of N-ethylmaleimide essentially eliminated the WPC protection. Treating the rats with an intraperitoneal injection of butathionine sulfoximine, which inhibits glutathione synthesis, reduced WPC protection to 35% and 52% for single and double doses, respectively. Taken as a whole, the results indicate that WPC does protect gastric mucosa from ethanol damage and that the protection depends on sulfhydryl compounds present in the WPC, including its capacity to stimulate glutathione...

Protective effect of soybean saponins and major antioxidants against aflatoxin B1-induced mutagenicity and DNA-adduct formation.

Abstract: Saponins from various plant sources have been suggested as possible anticarcinogens. Major dietary sources of saponins include legumes such as soybeans. This study was performed to determine the effect of soybean saponins on aflatoxin B(1)(AFB(1))-induced mutagenicity and AFB(1)-DNA adduct formation using Salmonella typhimurium and human liver hepatoma (HepG2) cells, respectively. Major antioxidants including L-ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, all-trans-retinol, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), previously reported to possess antimutagenic activity, were used as test materials to evaluate the relative effectiveness of saponins. Results indicated antimutagenicity was in the order of BHT > saponins > alpha-tocopherol > L-ascorbic acid. Soybean saponins exerted a significant effect, inhibiting the mutagenicity of AFB(1) by 52%, 64%, and 81% at concentrations of 600, 900, and 1,200 microg per plate, respectively. The amount of tritiated AFB(1) metabolites-DNA adducts formed in HepG2 cells was significantly reduced when cells were preincubated with 10 or 30 microg/ml of test materials. Soybean saponins inhibited AFB(1)-DNA adduct formation by 50.1% at a concentration of 30 microg/ml, whereas L-ascorbic acid and BHT reduced adduct formation by 38.4% and 32.6%, respectively, at the same concentrations. These results indicate that soybean saponins possess not only a significant antimutagenic activity but a strong inhibitory action against carcinogen-induced DNA damages. Soybean saponins possibly block the initiation stage of carcinogenesis, and further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action.

Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for mild to moderate hypertension.

Abstract: Pharmacological treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease; however, randomized, controlled clinical trials and population studies have also shown that abnormally high blood pressure (BP) can be lowered with diet modification and exercise. The objective of this pilot study was to determine whether daily dietary supplementation with 10 g Chlorella tablets and 100 ml Chlorella extract for 2 months would reduce BP in subjects with a mean sitting diastolic BP (SiDBP) between 90 and 115 mm Hg. Thirty-three people were enrolled and underwent a 4-week washout period from all antihypertensive medications, during which they consumed placebo. At completion of this washout/placebo period, 24 subjects were considered evaluable (i.e., had a SiDBP between 90 and 115 mm Hg) and were continued in the study. After 1 or 2 months of dietary Chlorella supplementation, the average heart rate, sitting systolic BP, and SiDBP changed only slightly; after 2 months of Chlorella consumption, the group's mean SiDBP was 96.5 +/- 6.6. However, a heterogenous response pattern to Chlorella existed, with 25% (6/24) of the subjects achieving their BP goal (SiDBP less than 90 mm Hg). Furthermore, the BP of nonresponders did not increase significantly above washout values. Quality-of-life questionnaires indicated an overall perception that health had significantly improved in conjunction with Chlorella consumption. The results indicate that, for some subjects with mild to moderate hypertension, a daily dietary supplement of Chlorella reduced or kept stable their SiDBP.

Dietary compounds in relation to dietary diversity and human health.

Abstract: The human diet contains numerous endocrine-active compounds that influence mammalian physiology. The effects of these dietary compounds may be mediated by interaction with well-characterized intracellular hormone receptors or by other effects on patterns of endogenous hormone production, metabolism, target tissue signaling, growth, or differentiation. Because humans evolved as omnivores, the spectrum of dietary compounds that can be tolerated at modest levels of intake without frank toxicity is broad. Modest intake of these diverse nonnutritive endocrine-active compounds offers potential human health benefits through modulation of metabolic and hormonal responses, especially in sedentary individuals consuming a highly refined diet.

Synergistic antioxidative properties of phenolics from natural origin toward low-density lipoproteins depend on the oxidation system.

Abstract: Using an approach in line with that of a previous report, we assessed the antioxidant activity of several natural, polyphenol- or tocotrienol-rich mixtures: extracts from Elaesis Guineensis oil (A) and Vitis vinifera (B), a Coffea robusta powder (C), and extracts from Olea europea mill wastewaters (D), Solanum melongena (E), and Lycopersicon esculentum (F). The copper- and 2-2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-oxidation systems were used in the presence of low-density lipoprotein. For comparison, antioxidant activities of chlorogenic acid and catechin, as archetypes of molecules highly efficient with the copper- and the AAPH-oxidation system, respectively, were assessed. The aim was to establish the occurrence of synergistic antioxidant actions among some of these natural mixtures. On a molar basis, the highest specific antioxidant activities (SAA) were found for B, chlorogenic acid, and C in the copper system, and for A, catechin, and B in the AAPH system. On a mass basis, the highest SAA we...

Growth characteristics and selenium status changes of yeast cells with inorganic and organic selenium supplementation: selenium, a chemopreventive agent.

Abstract: We attempted to determine the level and form of selenium (Se) that yielded the maximum Se status of yeast cells, for their evaluation as a source of Se for chemopreventive action. The influence of ...

Inhibition of mast cells by algae

Abstract: There is a history of use of algae as foods and as food additives, or nutraceuticals. Although algae are a safe component of human foods and animal feeds, the effects of the algae other than as a source of protein are not clear. We examined the prevalence of an antiinflammatory activity in selected algae using, as an assay system, the inhibition of histamine release from mast cells. Methanolic extracts of eleven algae were examined for activity to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells in vitro. This activity was found widely among the samples tested. The activities of these extracts were not uniformly stable in acid methanol. Selected extracts studied further did not separate with the use of size-exclusion filtration filters. LH-20 chromatography suggested at least two main elution areas of activity of the Chlorella extract. In summary, we saw wide phylogenetic dispersion of mast cell inhibition activity, suggesting that this antiinflammatory property is common in algae. This effect was apparen...

Antioxidant Capability and Efficacy of Mega-H™ Silica Hydride, an Antioxidant Dietary Supplement, by In Vitro Cellular Analysis Using Photosensitization and Fluorescence Detection

Abstract: Treatment of Chinese hamster ovary and mouse hybridoma cells with Mega-H™ brand silica hydride, a marketed antioxidant, after photosensitization with singlet oxygen and hydroxyl/superoxide reactive oxygen species through the use of rose bengal diacetate and malachite green resulted in an effective method of reducing free radical activity by more than 96% against singlet oxygen species and more than 86% for hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals with the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. The analysis used a combinational spectrafluorometric technique to determine cell viability and cytotoxicity through the mechanism of intracellular esterase activity and plasma membrane integrity. Photosensitized controls not treated with silica hydride showed less than 1% viability under the same conditions. The reduction of the introduced free radicals and singlet oxygen species and the consequent high levels of cell viability may be the result of effective and efficient antioxidant and radical scavenging properties...

Radioprotective Role of Amaranthus gangeticus Linn.: A Biochemical Study on Mouse Brain

Abstract: Brain tissue is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high utilization of oxygen and its poorly developed antioxidative defense mechanisms. Radiation or pro-oxidants interact with cells and tissues through secondary ionization mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation (LPO). LPO can be inhibited by antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E and the carotenoid β-carotene. β-Carotene, the provitamin A, plays an important radioprotective role due to its properties as a potent free radical scavenger, singlet oxygen quencher, and lipid antioxidant. Amaranthus gangeticus Linn., widely considered as a weed, has a high content of carotene, ascorbic acid, and folate and may prove an efficient antioxidant. To evaluate the antioxidative efficacy of Amaranthus, healthy Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were treated with alcoholic extract of A. gangeticus leaves (AE) for 2 weeks, at 800 mg/kg body weight, before radiation exposure. Irradiated mice were examined and autopsied at intervals of 1, 3, 7, 15, a...

Composition, Red Blood Cell Uptake, and Serum Protein Binding of Phytoestrogens Extracted from Commercial Kudzu-Root and Soy Preparations

Abstract: Kudzu-root and soy phytoestrogens have been associated with anti-cancer and anti-intoxication activities. Sales of capsules containing kudzu-root and soy extracts through health food stores and the Internet are unregulated. To compare efficacy, the amount of phytoestrogens present in commercial preparations and their fate in biological samples must be determined. In this study, the levels and composition of phytoestrogens in kudzu-root and soy extracts were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet light detection. The bioavailability of phytoestrogens was studied by measuring red blood cell (RBC) uptake and serum protein binding ability. Phytoestrogen levels in acidified kudzu-root samples were 5- to 10-fold greater than those in nonacidified samples. Puerarin accounted for 80% of total phytoestrogens in kudzu-root. In soy extract, puerarin was absent while genistin, glycetein, and daidzin or daidzein were the major phytoestrogens. The RBC uptake depended on the phytoestrogen's polarity and molecular length. When serum was dialyzed with phytoestrogen standards in a buffer, the protein binding of phytoestrogens correlated negatively with their polarity. However, when serum was dialyzed with kudzu-root or soy extract, almost all of the phytoestrogens present in the extract bound to serum protein. Therefore, this study suggests differences in the bioavailability of phytoestrogens when they are ingested as purified compounds compared with crude plant extract. The differential composition of phytoestrogens in kudzu-root and soy may account for the differences in their therapeutic activities.

Anti-platelet fraction from Galega officinalis L. inhibits platelet aggregation.

Abstract: A fraction from crude extract of Galega officinalis L. was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25, Sepharose 4B, and ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose. The frac...