Flavonoids from Garcinia cambogia lower lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats

Administration of flavonoids from Garcinia cambogia, at a dose of 1 mg 100 g⁻¹ body weight day⁻¹, significantly lowered lipid levels in rats fed normal and cholesterol-containing diets. β-Hydroxy β-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase showed significant reduction in normocholesterolemic rats. Activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were reduced significantly. Highly stimulated activities of the enzymes lipoprotein lipase and plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase were noted in flavonoid-administered animals. Hepatic and fecal bile acids and fecal neutral sterols were elevated substantially, indicating a higher rate of degradation of cholesterol. Thus hypolipidemic activity of these flavonoids may be due to a lower rate of lipogenesis and higher rate of degradation.     

植物分离蛋白对卵巢切除大鼠血脂代谢的影响

目的:研究大米分离蛋白和大豆分离蛋白对因雌性激素缺乏引起的高胆固醇血症的影响.方法:将24只Wistar成年雌鼠随机分为4组.3组大鼠进行双侧卵巢切除手术,分别喂食添加20%酪蛋白(对照组)、大米分离蛋白或大豆分离蛋白的饲料.另1组进行卵巢伪切除手术,喂食添加20%酪蛋白的对照饲料,喂养4周后解剖,测定血清和肝脏中胆固醇、甘油三酯浓度以及粪中胆汁酸排泄量和蛋白表观消化率等指标.结果:卵巢切除明显增加成年雌鼠血清和肝脏中胆固醇和甘油三酯浓度.与酪蛋白组相比,饲料中添加大豆分离蛋白能显著降低卵巢切除大鼠血浆总胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白及胆固醇浓度(p＜0.05),但对血浆甘油三酯浓度无显著影响,同时明显降低肝重、肝脏中总脂、总胆固醇、游离胆固醇及甘油三酯总量,以及增加排粪量和胆汁酸排泄量,大豆分离蛋白表观消化率也明显比酪蛋白和大米分离蛋白高.大米分离蛋白对血脂没有明显降低效果,但肝脏总脂、总胆固醇、游离胆固醇和甘油三酯浓度明显低于酪蛋白饲料组,而排粪量、粪中胆汁酸排泄量和蛋白表观消化率则与酪蛋白组无显著差异.结论:抗消化蛋白对因雌性激素缺乏引起的高胆固醇血症有明显降低效果,可能的作用机制是由于该蛋白的低消化性干扰,肠道中胆汁酸代谢,增加粪中胆汁酸的排泄量来降低肝脏和血浆中胆固醇浓度.     

Effects of pharmacological amounts of S‐allylcysteine on lipids in normal and isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in rats

The present study evaluates the effect of S‐allylcysteine on marker enzymes, serum and myocardial lipids in normal and isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. A significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in serum of isoproterenol (150 mg kg^?1)‐treated rats was observed. The levels of serum lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids) were significantly increased, while the levels of myocardial cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were significantly increased in isoproterenol‐administered rats. The concentration of myocardial phospholipids was significantly decreased in isoproterenol‐administered rats. Oral pretreatment with S‐allylcysteine at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg kg^?1 using an intragastric tube daily for a period of 45 days positively modulated the biochemical alterations caused by isoproterenol. The effect of S‐allylcysteine at a dose of 150 mg kg^?1 showed a better cardioprotective effect than the other two doses (50 and 100 mg kg^?1). α‐Tocopherol (60 mg kg^?1) administration orally using an intragastric tube to rats daily for 45 days also exhibited a significant cardioprotective effect. The effect of S‐allylcysteine was compared with α‐tocopherol. Oral administration of S‐allylcysteine (50, 100 and 150 mg kg^?1) to normal rats did not show any significant change in this study. Thus, from the present study it can be concluded that a pharmacological dose of S‐allylcysteine exerts a protective effect against isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in rats. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of varying levels of dietary free gossypol in whole cotton seed on physiological responses of growing–fattening lambs

Effects of increasing concentrations of free gossypol in diets containing up to 30% whole cottonseed on blood metabolites were studied using 32 Karagouniko male lambs in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement with treatments of four whole cottonseed levels and three times of sampling. The diets used were isocaloric (12.5–13.1 MJ metabolisable energy kg⁻¹ dry matter) with 163–186 g crude protein kg⁻¹ dry matter containing 0%, 5–10%, 10–20% and 15–30% whole cottonseed and were fed ad libitum for 54 days. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, middle and end of the experiment. The blood parameters examined were: haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, plasma glucose, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations and serum total and free cholesterol, cholesterol esters and inorganic K concentrations. In addition, the serum enzyme activities of glutamate pyruvate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase, as indicative of liver and heart muscle damage, and the concentrations of the major elements Ca, Mg and K and also of the trace elements Fe, Cu and Zn in liver, kidneys and heart of slaughtered lambs were estimated. This study was also made to determine the effect of whole cottonseed diets on the accumulation of free gossypol in some organs of growing lambs. Most of the blood components evaluated were affected by the diet fed. Blood haematocrit and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were higher at the beginning of the experiment, but haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations were higher at day 28 of the experimental period; plasma total protein, urea, albumin and globulin concentrations and also serum total and free cholesterol and inorganic K concentrations were higher at day 54 of the experiment. The serum enzyme activities of glutamate pyruvate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase were all higher at day 54 of the experimental period. However, there were significant differences between treatments and between times of sampling in the three enzyme activities measured. Liver, kidneys and heart examination showed significant differences for all organs in NPN, fat, fat/protein ratio and the major elements Ca, Mg and K among the four treatments. However, of the trace elements examined, differences were significant for Fe in liver, Cu in heart and Zn in liver and heart. The greatest free gossypol accumulation was observed, as expected, in liver, followed by kidneys and lastly by heart. There was an indication of possible gossypol toxicity in these growing lambs as a result of the marked elevations of the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and possibly of the increase in plasma urea concentration. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Carrot insoluble fiber-rich fraction lowers lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters

Potential effects of the insoluble fiber-rich fractions (IFRF) prepared from carrot pomace on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated. As compared with the cellulose-added and fiber-free diets, IFRF diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, and liver cholesterol, and meanwhile resulted in a significantly (P<0.05) higher HDL:total cholesterol ratio as well as higher levels of fecal lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids. Significant correlations were observed among the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver cholesterol, fecal lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, implying that the hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of IFRF were partly attributed to the reduced absorption of lipid and cholesterol. Our results suggested that IFRF could be a potential functional ingredient in the fiber-rich diets for controlling serum cholesterol concentration.     

Comparative study of natural carob fibre and psyllium husk in rats. Influence on some aspects of nutritional utilisation and lipidaemia

The effects of the addition of 100 g kg⁻¹ of psyllium husk (PSY), cellulose (CEL) or natural carob fibre (NCF) to a semi‐synthetic diet on fat (FD) and nitrogen (NF) digestibility coefficients, metabolic nitrogen utilisation (MNU), net nitrogen utilisation (NNU) and total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, were studied in male ‘Wistar’ rats. No significant differences were observed between the three fibres with respect to the weight increase of the animals or MNU. Significant differences were recorded for the FD of the NCF group (0.91±0.01) compared to the CEL group (0.95±0.01), as well as on ND (0.88±0.00 NCF group, 0.88±0.00 PSY group and 0.95±0.00 CEL group) and NNU. None of these indexes showed differences between the groups PSY and NCF. For the serum cholesterol levels, there were no significant differences between the non‐hypercholesterolaemic groups fed PSY, CEL or NCF; in those in which hypercholesterolaemia was induced (cholesterol and bile bovine 8.3 g kg⁻¹), significantly lower values were found in the NCF group (166±17 mg dl⁻¹ ) than in the PSY group (343±61 mg dl ⁻¹) and in the CEL group (386±48 mg dl⁻¹). © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Investigation of the cholesterol-lowering action of insoluble fibre derived from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng

A water-insoluble fibre-rich fraction (WIFF) was isolated from the peel of Citrus sinensis L. cv. Liucheng. The effects of a WIFF-containing diet on lipid and cholesterol absorption in hamsters were investigated and compared with those of a cellulose-containing diet and fibre-free diet, as controls. Results demonstrated that WIFF could significantly (P<0.05) decrease the levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, liver total lipids, and liver cholesterol, while it could also significantly (P<0.05) increase the levels of fecal total lipids, fecal cholesterol, and fecal bile acids, as well as the fecal bulk and moisture. The pronounced hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects of WIFF might be attributed to its ability to enhance cholesterol and bile acids excretion. These results suggest that WIFF could be a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient in human diets or new formulations of fibre-rich functional foods.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of Myrtus communis L. berries extracts

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berries extracts were prepared with solvents at different polarity (water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) and analysed using different in vitro tests in order to evaluate their antioxidant properties. Antiradical and total antioxidant activities were measured with DPPH and FRAP tests, respectively. Their ability to protect biological molecules was assessed using the cholesterol and LDL oxidation assays. In addition, phenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids composition was analysed by HPLC–DAD and HPLC–MS/MS. Ethanol and water extracts showed the highest amount of extracted compounds, but the highest antiradical and antioxidant activities were found in ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. These extracts were also the ones with the highest content of phenolic compounds. In addition, our results showed a highly significant correlation between the amount of total phenols and antiradical (R² = 0.9993) or antioxidant activities (R² = 0.9985) in these extracts. HPLC–DAD and HPLC–MS analyses showed significant quantitative and qualitative differences among these three extracts. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest protective effect in assays of thermal (140 °C) cholesterol degradation and Cu²⁺-mediated LDL oxidation, inhibiting the reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and the increase of their oxidative products. These results suggest that because of these properties, myrtle berries could be used in dietary supplements preparations or as food additives.     

Changes in phenolics, γ-aminobutyric acid content and antioxidant,antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic properties during ale white sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) brewing process

Effects of white sorghum brewing process on free amino-acids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), phenolics and bioactivity, including antioxidant (by ABTS⁺ and reducing power, RP, methods), antihypertensive (angiotensin converting enzyme-I, ACE-I inhibition assay), and hypoglycaemic activity (α-glucosidase inhibition assay) were evaluated. From the wort to the beer, free amino acids decreased, but GABA and phenolics increased significantly, positively modifying the bioactive potential. ABTS and α-glucosidase inhibition activity correlated positively with at least one of the phenolic acids evaluated. Ale white sorghum beer presented high content of GABA (7.8 mg L⁻¹), phenolics (40.7 mg total phenolic acids L⁻¹), antioxidant activity (9.14 mmol Trolox equivalent L⁻¹, and 48.8 mmol ascorbic acid equivalent L⁻¹, for ABTS⁺ and RP, respectively), and exhibit ACE-I inhibition (1.0 μg captopril equivalent L⁻¹) and α-glucosidase inhibition (34.5 mg acarbose equivalent L⁻¹) activities. The level of bioactive compounds and its low ethanol content (2.3%), make beer obtained from malted white sorghum a potential functional beverage.     

The effect of gel composition on the adsorption of invertase on poly(acrylamide/maleic acid) hydrogels

The effects of external stimuli such as pH of solution, temperature, substrate concentration of solution and storage stability on the invertase adsorption capacity of poly(acrylamide/maleic acid) [P(AAm/MA)] hydrogels, synthesized by gamma irradiation of ternary mixtures of AAm/MA/Water, were investigated. The adsorption capacities of the hydrogels were found to increase from 4.0 to 13.3 mg invertase/g dry gel with increasing amount of MA in the gel system, while P(AAm) gel adsorbed only 3.1 mg invertase/g dry gel. Kinetic parameters were calculated as 20.6 mM for K_m and 6.44×10⁻⁵ mol/dm³ min for V_max for free enzyme and in the range of 23.6–57.7 mM for K_m and 8.62×10⁻⁵–1.05×10⁻⁴ mol/dm³ min for V_max, depending on the amount of MA in the hydrogel. Enzyme activities were found to increase from 50.0 to 74.0% with increasing amount of MA in the gel system and retained their activities for one month storage. The enzyme activities, after storage at 4°C for one month, were found to be 21.0 and 50.0–74.0% of the initial activity values for free and adsorbed enzyme, respectively. The optimal pH values for free and adsorbed enzymes were determined as 4.56 and 4.56–5.00. The optimum temperature for free and adsorbed enzymes was 55°C. Adsorption studies show that, not only gel composition but also the stimuli, temperature and pH of the solution, play important roles on the invertase adsorption capacity of poly(AAm/MA) hydrogels.     

Oral sterol intake in The Netherlands: evaluation of the results obtained by GC analysis of duplicate 24-h diet samples collected in 1994

In the spring and autumn of 1994, a total diet study, in which 123 participants collected duplicates of their 24-h diets, was carried out. One of the goals of this study was to determine the amount of sterols in the duplicates of 24-h diets so that we could establish the oral daily intake of these analytes. Lyophilised samples were analysed for cholesterol, coprosterol, brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol content. The mean intake of all participants was: for cholesterol, 202 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; for campesterol, 27 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; for stigmasterol, 15 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; and for β-sitosterol, 102 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹. The median intake of all participants was: for cholesterol, 160 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; for campesterol, 26 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; for stigmasterol, 14 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹; and for β-sitosterol, 98 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹. The mean and median intake for brassicasterol could not be calculated because too many values were below the limit of determination. The coprosterol intake was below the limit of determination for all samples. The mean intake for the plant sterols was 146 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹, and the mean total sterol intake was 348 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹. The median intake for the plant sterols was 138 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹ and the median total sterol intake was 313 mg person⁻¹ day⁻¹. On the day of sampling the cholesterol intake of 32 participants was above the recommendation of the Dutch Food and Nutrition Council (Voedingsraad) of a maximum of 33 mg MJ⁻¹. The overall mean intake of cholesterol of 25 mg MJ⁻¹, however, is below this recommendation. The total sterol intake found in this study corresponds well with the results found in the 1984/1985 duplicate diet study. The sterol intake in mg MJ⁻¹ found in this study corresponds well with the results from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey and the Market Basket study.     

Effect of commercial adjunct cultures on proteolysis in low-fat Kefalograviera-type cheese

The effect of two commercially available adjunct cultures, LBC 80 (Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus) and CR-213 (containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis) on the proteolysis in low-fat hard ewes’ milk cheese of Kefalograviera-type was investigated. Two controls, a full-fat cheese (306 g kg⁻¹ fat, 378 g kg⁻¹ moisture) and a low-fat cheese (97 g kg⁻¹ fat, 486 g kg⁻¹ moisture, made using a modified procedure), were also prepared. The effect of adjunct culture on proteolysis, as examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cheese and water soluble cheese extracts, was marginal. The reverse-phase HPLC peptide profiles of the water soluble extracts from low-fat cheeses were similar although some quantitative differences were observed between low-fat control cheese and experimental cheeses. The fat content as reflected by the differences in peptide profiles affected the pattern of proteolysis. Proteolysis, as measured by the percentage of total nitrogen soluble in water or in 120 g L⁻¹ trichloroacetic acid, was significantly (P<0.05) affected by the addition of adjunct cultures. Furthermore, the adjunct cultures enhanced the production of low molecular mass nitrogenous compounds; the levels of total nitrogen, soluble in 50 g L⁻¹ phosphotungstic acid, and of free amino acids were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the low-fat experimental cheeses than in the low-fat control cheese.     

Rice Protein Isolates Produced by the Two Different Methods Lower Serum Cholesterol Concentration in Rats Compared with Casein

Highly purified rice protein isolates (RPI) were prepared by an alkaline extraction–acid precipitation method (E-RPI) and by an α-amylase treatment to remove starch (T-RPI). Biological values of these RPI were significantly lower than that of casein. Serum cholesterol concentrations were compared among groups of rats fed (per kg diet) 200, 300 or 400 g E-RPI, 400 g T-RPI, 250 or 400 g casein kg⁻¹ or 400 g soya bean protein isolate (SPI). With all the diets containing 400 g protein kg⁻¹ diet, growth rates of rats were the same. At this level, E-RPI, T-RPI and SPI diets produced significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations than the casein diet. Faecal bile acid plus neutral steroid excre-tion was significantly higher in rats fed the 400 g kg⁻¹ T-RPI or 400 g kg⁻¹ SPIdiets compared with rats fed the 400 g kg⁻¹ casein diet. On the other hand, the 400 g kg⁻¹ E-RPI diet did not increase steroid excretion. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in rats fed diets with amino acid mixtures simulating SPI and E-RPI were also significantly lower than that of rats fed the diet with an amino acid mixture simulating casein even though the faecal excretions of total bile acids were the same amongst groups. These results support the view that RPI are hypocholesterolaemic relative to casein and at least the hypocholesterolaemic effects of E-RPI would be independent of interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of endogenous steroids.     

Non-volatile components of several medicinal mushrooms

Three species of medicinal mushrooms are commercially available in Taiwan, including Ling Chih (Ganoderma lucidum), Sung Shan Ling Chih (Ganoderma tsugae) and Yun Chih (Coriolus versicolor). The objective of this study was to examine the non-volatile components in these medicinal mushrooms, including their proximate compositions, soluble sugars, free amino acids and 5′-nucleotides. Ganoderma spp. contained 7.18–7.92% of proteins and Yun Chih contained 4.20%. Carbohydrate contents showed two different levels, Yun Chih (65.09%) and Ganoderma spp. (21.83–27.78%). The fiber contents were in the order of Sung Shan Ling Chih (65.29%), regular and antler Ling Chih (59.16 and 59.49%, respectively), and Yun Chih (23.24%). Yun Chih contained 20.21 mg g⁻¹ dry weight of total soluble sugars whereas Ganoderma spp. contained low amounts. Total free amino acid contents ranged from 4.25 to 14.04 mg g⁻¹. Contents of MSG-like components ranged from 0.17 to 0.50 mg g⁻¹ and sweet components ranged from 0.28 to 1.38 mg g⁻¹. The bitter components were predominantly present in these mushrooms. Contents of total and flavour 5′-nucleotides were high in Yun Chih and Ling Chih. The umami intensities were expected to be in the descending order of Ling Chih, Yun Chih, Sung Shan Ling Chih and antler Ling Chih.     

Proximate composition,cholesterol and fatty acids profile of canned sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) in soybean oil and tomato sauce

Different brands of sardines canned in soybean oil and tomato sauce, that are commercialized in Brazil, had their proximate composition, cholesterol content and fatty acids composition analyzed. Protein contents were equivalent to the values found for sardines in natura, ranging from 19.8 to 24.4%. High variations of the total lipids content (5.30–16.8%) were verified; the highest levels were found for sardines canned in soybean oil. The cholesterol content ranged from 50.4 to 65.1 mg/100 g. The highest levels of essential C18:2n − 6 and C18:3n − 3 fatty acids were found in sardines canned in soybean oil. The EPA (C20:5n − 3) and DHA (C22:6n − 3) concentrations ranged from 5.39 to 15.1% and from 3.89% to 9.51%, respectively, and the highest levels were observed in sardines canned in tomato sauce.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of novel dietary protein hydrolysate produced from whey by proteases of Cynara cardunculus

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of a peptide concentrate mix (PepC) obtained from whey protein, via hydrolysis with cardosins from Cynara cardunculus, was tested in vivo. The antinociceptive effect was assessed using writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests in mice, and the anti-inflammatory effect using the paw oedema test. PepC at 300 mg kg⁻¹ bw conveyed a significant result in the writhing test when co-administered with 1 and 3 mg kg⁻¹ bw indomethacin, similar to administration of higher doses of indomethacin alone. Conversely, no statistically significant differences were observed in the paw oedema test when the same PepC concentration was co-administered with dexamethasone at 3, 10 and 30 mg kg⁻¹ bw. PepC at 1000 mg kg⁻¹ bw did not cause any remarkable outcome in the hot-plate test. PepC appears to possess anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activities, so it may be a candidate for nutraceutical ingredient.     

Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Linn) in rats

The hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) root powder were examined in hypercholesterolaemic male albino rats. A 4-week administration of GG root powder (5 and 10 gm% in diet) to hypercholesterolaemic rats resulted in significant reduction in plasma, hepatic total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and plasma low-density lipoprotein and VLDL-cholesterol accompanied by significant increases in HDL-cholesterol levels. Furthermore, significant increases in fecal cholesterol, neutral sterols and bile acid excretion along with an increase in hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid production were observed in these animals. The root powder administration to hypercholesterolaemic rats also decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and total ascorbic acid content. Thus, the hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of GG root appeared to be mediated via (i) accelerated cholesterol, neutral sterol and bile acid elimination through fecal matter with an increased hepatic bile acid production and (ii) improving the activities of hepatic SOD, catalase and increasing the ascorbic acid content. The normo-cholesterolaemic animals when fed with GG root powder at 10 gm% level, registered a significant decline in plasma lipid profiles and an increase in HDL-cholesterol content. The antioxidant status of these animals also was improved upon treatment.     

Comparative study of the hepatoprotective efficacy of Artemisia iwayomogi and Artemisia capillaris on ethanol-administered mice

We compared the effects of ethylacetate extracts from Artemisia iwayomogi (AIE) and Artemisia capillaris (ACE) on ethanol-induced hepatic injury in mice. Ethanol (25% v/v, 5 g/kg body weight) was orally administered once a day for 6 wk. AIE or ACE was provided in the diet (0.05 g/100 g diet). AIE and ACE did not affect hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity but did significantly inhibit cytochrome P450 2E1 activity. Hepatic acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity significantly increased in the AIE group compared to the control group. AIE caused a significant decrease in plasma acetaldehyde levels and aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, whereas ACE slightly decreased these values compared to the control. Hepatic catalase activity and glutathione levels were significantly increased by AIE and ACE supplements, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity was higher only in the AIE group compared to the control group. AIE and ACE supplements significantly lowered the plasma cholesterol concentration and increased the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio compared to the control group. Compared to the control, both AIE and ACE groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic triglyceride levels and an increase in fecal triglyceride excretion simultaneous with inhibition hepatic activities of fatty acid synthase, phosphatidate phosphohyrolase, fatty acid β-oxidation, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase. AIE significantly lowered hepatic cholesterol levels and increased fecal cholesterol levels compared to the control. These results indicate that AIE and ACE exhibit hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic properties by enhancing hepatic alcohol, antioxidant, and lipid metabolism. AIE seemed to have more potent hepatoprotective effects than ACE.     

Impact of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5-containing yoghurt, on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, parallel dose-response study investigated the impact of 4-week commercial yoghurt consumption supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5) on fecal bacterial counts of healthy adults. Fifty-eight volunteers were randomly assigned to three different groups: 1. placebo (no probiotic, no starter and no green tea extract); 2. Yoptimal (10⁹ cfu/100 g of BB-12 and LA-5 and 40 mg of green tea extract) and 3. Yoptimal-10 (10¹⁰ cfu/100 g of BB-12, 10⁹ cfu/100 g of LA-5 and 40 mg of green tea extract). These yoghurt products also contained Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (10⁷ cfu/100 g) and Streptococcus thermophilus (10¹⁰ cfu/100 g). The quantitative PCR (qPCR) results showed that there were significant increases (P = 0.02) in bifidobacteria counts with the Yoptimal treatment as compared to baseline. The fecal numbers of B. animalis subsp. lactis and LA-5 significantly increased in the two probiotic treatments compared to the placebo treatment. Viable counts of fecal lactobacilli were significantly higher (P = 0.05) and those of enterococci were significantly lower (P = 0.04) after the intervention when compared to placebo. No significant difference was observed between treatments in volunteers' weight, waist girth, blood pressure, fasting plasma triglyceride and HDL-C concentrations, as well as cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. However, a significant increase in plasma cholesterol levels was observed in the placebo group (P = 0.0018) but the levels remained stable in the two probiotic yoghurt groups. These results show that probiotic strains supplemented in the form of yoghurt remain active during gut transit and are associated with an increase in beneficial bacteria and a reduction in potentially pathogenic bacteria. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00730626.     

Chemical composition and nutritional evaluation of an underexploited legume,Acacia nilotica (L.) Del.

Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics and biological value of Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. seeds were investigated. The mature seeds contained 234 g kg⁻¹ crude protein, 126 g kg⁻¹ crude fibre, 66.6 g kg⁻¹ crude fat, 39.7 g kg⁻¹ ash and 534 g kg⁻¹ carbohydrates. Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and manganese occurred in high concentrations. The essential amino acid profile compared well with the FAO/WHO recommended pattern except for cystine, methionine and threonine. Cystine and methionine were the first limiting amino acids. When compared with the globulin fraction, albumins appeared to be a richer source of cystine, methionine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan. Oleic and linoleic acids constituted the predominant fatty acids (66.9%). Both dry-heating and autoclaving reduced the antinutritional components significantly. The in vitro protein digestibilities of raw, dry heat-treated and autoclaved seeds were 61.2%, 77.4% and 80.2%, respectively. Biological value, true digestibility and net protein utilization were significantly higher in processed seed than in raw seeds. The utilizable protein difference was insignificant between raw and processed seed samples.