Photocatalytic removal of organic dye using green synthesized zinc oxide coupled cadmium tungstate nanocomposite under natural solar light irradiation.

In this work, zinc oxide coupled cadmium tungstate (ZnO-CT) was prepared as a nano-photocatalyst through a green synthesis route using lemon leaf extract and characterized based on diverse microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. To explore the applicabilties of the prepared nanocomposite (NC), its photocatalytic activity has been investigated against Congo red (CR) dye under natural solar light irradiation conditions. ZnO- CT nano-photocatalyst showcases 97% photocatalytic degradation of the CR after 90 min of natural solar light irradiation with quantum yield of 1.16 × 10-8 molecules photon-1. The ZnO-CT NC has shown the enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance against CR when compared to its pristine forms (e.g., ZnO (70%) or CT (44%)). According to the free radical trapping and quenching experiments, the photocatalytic activity of ZnO-CT NC appears to be driven efficiently by superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The photocatalytic degradation kinetics for CR dye was also studied using the pseudo-first-order, diffusional, and Singh models. The high photocatalytic activity of ZnO-CT NC can be accounted for by the presence of electron-withdrawing functional groups like acids (-COOH) and aldehydes (-CHO) on its surface which helped maintain the prolonged recombination of charge carriers and enhanced stability of ZnO-CT (with moderately low leaching rate of cadmium ions (∼2-5%)).

Combined antidiabetic potential of camel milk yogurt with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana by using rodent modelling.

This study aimed to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of functional camel milk yogurt enriched with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana that not only mask its peculiar flavour rather have an antidiabetic effect as well. Sixty-three pathogen free STZ-induced albino Wistar rats were categorized into 7 groups on the basis of treatments. From each treatment group three animals were dissected periodically at 0, 7 and 21 days of study to determine the effect of all treatments on physicochemical parameters, serum glucose, serum chemistry and haematology. The study revealed that the mean blood glucose level in the untreated control group was within normal range (100-108 mg/dl) while there was noticeable decrease in mean blood glucose level of all the treated groups during three weeks' trial. Decline in blood glucose level (46%) was higher in animal group containing functional camel milk yogurt (T4) at 3rd week of trial as compared to other treatments.

A randomized controlled trial on albino rats treated with chicory plant to improve liver efficiency.

Chicory can be used as herbal medicine against different ailments and also added to daily diet as vegetable or animal feed. An efficacy trial was conducted to assess the potential of this plant against liver disorders using rodent modeling. The trials comprised two modules i.e., normal diet and chicory-based supplemented diet. Moreover, experimental animals (rats) were divided into six groups with both modules including C0 (control diet), C1 (Chicory root containing diet), C2 (chicory seed containing diet), C3 (chicory stem containing diet) and C4 (chicory leaf containing diet). During 56 days of the trial period, serum lipid profile, liver and renal functioning tests were performed. The highest feed and water intake, as well as weight gain, was noted in control (C0) trailed by C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5group in an experimental trial, respectively. The resultant diet C2 lowered the liver alkaline phosphatase level (ALP) from C0 (240.72±3.35) to 203.52±2.08 (C2), respectively. Similarly, C2 significantly lowered the ALT from 60.28±2.23 (C0) &57.58±0.91 (C2) in rats. Moreover, C2 treatment showed a maximum reduction of AST from 145.13±2.10 (C0) to 134.52±1.24 (C2), respectively. Convincingly, chicory-based diet may be employed as an alternative to medication in the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hepatic malfunctioning.

Potential protective role of curcumin powder to regulate arsenic-induced hepatorenal toxicity and hyperlipidemic metabolic dysfunction in rat model.

The present work was conceptualized to determine the potential protective effects of curcumin on arsenic-induced kidney damage in male albino rat model. Thirty six male albino rats were selected, weighed about 175±10g and classified into four groups (9 rats in each group) such as C group (control with basal diet), Cur group (curcumin 200mg/kg body weight), AI group (arsenic-induced 5mg/kg body weight) and AI + Cur group (arsenic 5mg/kg+curcumin 200mg/kg body weight), respectively. Arsenic and curcumin were offered through the gavage method once daily with basal diet. The different analyzed parameters showed that arsenic-induced elevation of aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin urea, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine significantly decreased with curcumin application in AI + Cur group. Similarly, the statistically significant decline of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride and increased in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was observed in rats of AI + Cur group with curcumin treatment as compared to the rats of AI group. The level of different enzymes of the liver as well as kidney was noted depleted on arsenic exposure whereas increased in level was observed with curcumin application in AI + Cur group. Moreover, pathological histology changes were also recorded. The outcomes suggest that curcumin has a potential effect against arsenic-induced toxicity in biological model.

Impact of different omega-3 fatty acid sources on lipid, hormonal, blood glucose, weight gain and histopathological damages profile in PCOS rat model.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) may help to improve health status in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by reducing numerous metabolic disorders (insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemia, lipid profile, obesity and inflammation). To evaluate the current objective, 16 weeks (6 weeks of adjustment period followed by 10 weeks of collection period) research trial was planned to check the impact of different sources of Ω-3 PUFAs (synthetic Ω-3, flaxseed and fish oil) on nutrient digestibility, weight gain, productive (lipid profile, glucose and insulin), reproductive profile (progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin) and histological study of ovarian tissues in Wistar female rats. METHODS: Forty-five rats of 130 ± 10 g weight were divided into 5 groups, each having 9 rats: NC (negative control without PCOS), PC (positive control with PCOS), SO (synthetic omega-3 containing ALA, EPA and DHA), FO (flaxseed oil) and F (fish oil) fed at 300 mg/kg/orally/daily of these sources were added in the basal diets while PC and NC received only the basal diet. Food and water were offered ad libitum. PCOS was induced in the rats fed of PC, SO, FO and F diets group by single intramuscular injection of estradiol-valerate (4 mg/rat/IM). Body weight and blood glucose was recorded weekly. At 16th week of trial, blood samples were collected for lipid and hormonal analysis. Ovarian tissues were removed for pathological evaluation. Digestibility was measured by total collection method. RESULTS: Cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins were reduced in SO, FO and F groups when compared with rats of PC group. However, increasing trend of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was found in same groups. The highest HDL (36.83 ± 0.72 mg/dL) was observed in rats fed F diet. In case of a hormonal profile, testosterone, LH and insulin levels showed a significant reduction after treatments. Blood glucose results showed significantly reducing trend in all the rats fed with Ω-3 PUFAs sources than PC from 5 to 10th week of trial. However, similar trend was noticed in rat's body weight at the end of 6th week. In ovarian morphology, different stages of follicles were observed in groups fed SO, FO and F diets. Nutrient digestibility in PCOS induced rats was remained non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: The three sources of Ω-3 PUFAs had effective role in improving lipid and hormonal profile, reducing blood glucose, weight gain and histopathological damages in PCOS rats. However, fish oil source might be an innovative approach to cure PCOS via reducing the weight and metabolic anomalies due to EPA and DHA.

Association of free sugar intake with blood pressure and obesity measures in Australian adults.

PURPOSE: This study examined the association of free sugar (FS) intake with obesity measures and blood pressure (BP) among a nationally representative sample of Australian adults. METHODS: Data from adults (weighted n = 5136) who completed 2 × 24-h recalls and had complete data for BP, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed. Associations between percentage energy of FS from all food sources (%EFStotal), beverages only (%EFSbeverages), and non-beverages sources only (%EFSnon-beverages) and obesity measures and BP were examined using linear and non-linear regressions. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of being classified as overweight and/or obese, having increased cardiometabolic risks, and elevated BP per 5% point increase in %EFStotal, %EFSbeverages, and %EFSnon-beverages. All regression analyses were adjusted for known socio-economic and lifestyle confounders. RESULTS: %EFSbeverage was positively associated with BMI, WC, and WHtR (all p < 0.05), while %EFSnon-beverage was inversely associated with these outcomes. Increases in odds of having an undesirable WC/WHtR were found with increasing %EFSbeverages (OR per 5% point increase in %EFSbeverages: 1.19 for WC; 1.23 for WHtR, both p < 0.001). %EFStotal and %EFSnon-beverages were weakly and negatively associated with diastolic BP. A 5% point increase in %EFStotal and %EFSnon-beverage was associated with a 10-25% reduction in odds of having elevated BP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that only a higher FS intake from beverages may be associated with obesity, and higher FS intake was associated with reduced odds of having elevated BP.

Potential preventive and protective perspectives of different spice powders and their mixtures in rat model.

BACKGROUND: The spices based dietary interventions are in lime light among the scientific community owing to their promising therapeutic perspective. The bioactive components in spices can be used to exert various health promoting functions in human body such as prompting weight loss, inhibit diet-induced obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, allergies and various other maladies. In current study extraction and in vitro characterization of coriander seed (CS), black cumin seed (BCS) and fenugreek seed (FS) polyphenols was conducted for further development of dietary intervention against lipid and glycemia related abnormalities in experimental Sprague Dowley rats fed with control and different spice powder supplemented diets. METHODS: Purposely, extraction of Coriander (CS), Black cumin (BCS) and Fenugreek seeds (FS) were carried out by using water and aqueous methanol (70:30 v/v). Afterwards, the resultant extracts were thoroughly investigated for their antioxidant potential through different indices like TPC, TFC, FRAP and ß Carotene Bleaching Assay and ABTS. Furthermore, HPLC quantification were also conducted with special reference to thymoquinone, disogenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol alongside in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity estimation. Bio-evaluation trial was consisting of three modules i.e. study-I (normal diet), study-II (high cholesterol diet) and study-III (high sucrose diet). Furthermore, rats were sub-divided in five groups in each module on the basis of diet provision including T0 (control), T1 (Diet containing CS), T2 (Diet containing BCS), T3 (Diet containing FS) and T4 (Diet containing CSP + BCSP + FSP). At the beginning of trial, some rats were dissected to evaluate the baseline values whilst rest of the rats was killed at the termination (56th day). Feed and drink intakes were quantified on daily bases whereas, body weight was calculated weekly. Cholesterol level, serum low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, glucose concentration and insulin level of collected sera was measured by standard procedures. RESULTS: The in vitro characterization showed better extraction of spices antioxidant through aqueous methanol as compared to water. Among the spices, Black cumin seed alone or in combination revealed highest antioxidant activity in T2 (BCS) followed by T4 (CS + BCS), T7 (CS + BCS + FS), T1 (CS), T6 (BCS + FS), T5 (CS + FS) and lowest in T3 (FS). Likewise, the HPLC characterization showed the presence of thymoquinone in BCS, Dosignienin FGS and chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol in the other treatments. Furthermore, all the treatments showed dose dependent inhibition in Pancreatic lipase activity and order of inhibition was BCS > CS + BCS > CS + BCS + FS > CS > BCS + FC > CS + FS > FS. The maximum feed intake, drink intake and weight gain was observed in T0 (control) trailed by T1, T2, T3 and T4 group in experimental study I, II and III, respectively. The resultant diet T4 enhanced the high density lipoprotein from T0 (58.58 ± 2.51) to 61.71 ± 1.62 (T4) in hypercholesterolemia rats whereas in hyperglycaemia rats the HDL was varied from 38.77 ± 1.2 to 40.02 ± 0.99 in T0 and T4, respectively. Similarly, T2 significantly lowered the low density lipoprotein from 62.53 ± 1.22 (T1) & 46.53 ± 0.99 to 54.88 ± 0.52 & 40.94 ± 1.99 (T2) in hypercholesteraemic and diabetic rats. Moreover, T4 treatment showed maximum reduction as 10.01 & 11.53% in respective studies. CONCLUSIONS: The diet prepared from the different combination of spices has been proven effective against Oxidative stress related physiological malfunctioning.

Childhood cancers: Analysis of 1279 cases at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinicopathological pattern of childhood malignancies registered with a pathology-based tumour registry. METHODS: The descriptive retrospective study was conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised data related to all the histologically diagnosed malignant childhood tumours in the institutional tumour registry from January 2009 to December 2018. Data was analysed using SPSS 20 for the site of involvement, age distribution and histological types of tumours. RESULTS: Of the total 37793 malignant tumours, 1279(3.38%) were in paediatric subjects aged <15 years. There were 820(64.1%) male subjects and 459(35.8%) were female. Lymph node malignancies were the commonest 261(20.4%), followed by eye tumours 251(19.6%), and brain 107(8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphomas and eye tumours were found to form the main bulk of childhood cancer.

Hematological and toxicological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in normal rat modals.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a non-caloric, safe and natural sweetener has been shown pharmaceutically important in the management of blood disorders. This study was designed to investigate hematology and safety of stevia aqueous extract through animal modeling. For this purpose, fifty albino rats were categorized into 5 groups and all the groups were received aqueous stevia extract at different dosage levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b. wt) for 8 weeks except control group. Hematological and toxicological analyses were conducted using standard recommended procedures. The results indicated that biochemical parameters (RBC, HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils) of albino rats significantly (P<0.05) increased and PLT, MPV and monocytes levels non-significantly decreased by using aqueous extract of stevia at different levels after eight weeks of study. Furthermore, Stevia aqueous extracts had non-toxic effect on liver functioning tests. However, stevia aqueous extracts were insignificant in their impression regarding organ to body weight ratios. The stevia aqueous extract has positive effect on hematological parameters of albino rats and is toxicologically safe. Therefore it could be used as a natural remedy for the management of hematological disorders without any health hazards.

Intake of free sugar and micronutrient dilution in Australian children and adolescents.

PURPOSES: This cross-sectional analysis aimed to investigate the association between free sugar intake and micronutrient intake in Australian children and adolescents and to assess the effectiveness of the cut-off of < 10% energy intake from free sugar (%EFS) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS: Dietary data of children and adolescents from the Australian Health Survey 2011-12 were analyzed (n = 1466). Free sugar intake was estimated using a published methodology with modification to suit the definition of free sugar. Six cut-offs for %EFS were created in 5% increments. Participants' mean intakes of 18 micronutrients, as well as their intakes of core (healthy) and discretionary (unhealthy) foods, at different cut-offs were compared using ANCOVA, with age, sex, and socioeconomic status measures as covariates. The odds ratios of not meeting the nutrient reference values (NRVs) for Australia and New Zealand of each micronutrient were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Micronutrient intake decreased with increasing %EFS and the peak intakes of most micronutrients appeared between 0-15%EFS. The absolute intakes of most micronutrients were not significantly different between participants who consumed < 10%EFS and ≥ 10%EFS. Those with > 20%EFS were less likely to meet the NRVs of more than half of the micronutrients. Additionally, as %EFS increased, intakes of core food groups decreased, while intakes of discretionary food groups increased. CONCLUSIONS: The dilution effect in micronutrient intake with increasing free sugar intake was evident in Australian children and adolescents. However, meeting the WHO cut-off was associated with limited improvement in micronutrient adequacy.

Reconnoitring the impact of different extraction techniques on ginger bioactive moieties extraction, antioxidant characterization and physicochemical properties for their therapeutic effect.

The core directive of current study was to compare the different extraction techniques for their extraction yield of ginger bioactive moieties. Purposely, ultrasonic assisted and supercritical fluid extraction techniques were adapted alongside conventional solvent extraction for comparison. The variables targeted for the extraction process in different modules were time (20, 30, 40 minutes), temperature (30, 40, 50oC), solvent to sample ratio (4:6, 6:4, 8:2), pressure (2000, 3000, 4000 psi) and amplitude (20, 30, 40%). All variables were found to be momentously (P>0.05) effecting the extraction rates. The antioxidant potential of bioactive moieties was evaluated through FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. The outcomes of the optimization process suggested that the total phenolic content and total flavonoids content extracted through 80% ethanol at 50oC for 40 minutes showed maximum antioxidant activity. However, ultrasound assisted extraction, by using 80% ethanol, at 50oC for 40 minutes and at ultrasonic amplitude of 40% exhibited best results. Moreover, supercritical fluid extraction at 50oC for 40 minutes at5000 psi pressure, showed maximum extraction potential. All the extracts gathered through conventional, ultrasound and supercritical techniques were further quantified through HPLC protocols. The statistical interpretation of the results from all the analytical findings revealed highest concentration of polyphenols in supercritical fluids extracts followed by ultrasound and conventional extracts. One best treatment on the basis of superior nutritional profile as depicted by HPLC quantification was selected for the formulation of ginger drink. Physicochemical analysis elucidated momentous upshot on color, pH and acidity with progressive storage period whereas TSS followed a non-significant trend. Moreover, storage interval and treatments significantly affected the antioxidant potential of drinks.

Antihyperlipidemic efficacy of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) natural, safe, non-toxic, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of hyperlipidemia. METHODS: The present research was carried out to explore the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, hyperlipidemia was induced by administration of Cholesterol (90% E, Appli Chem, Darmstadt, Germany) mixed at dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of rats in their daily routine feed. The hyperlipidemic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. Ethical approval for the current research was obtained from Institutional Review Board Faculty of Science & Technology Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. RESULTS: Stevia aqueous extract decreased the body weight gain by lowering the feed intake of hyperlipidemic rats. Furthermore, administration of stevia extract at different levels significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the TC (125.22 ± 5.91 to 110.56 ± 5.81 mg/dL), TG (102.13 ± 6.89 to 98.62 ± 7.22 mg/dL), LDL (33.02 ± 4.79 to 22.77 ± 4.36 mg/dL), VLDL (21.22 ± 5.79 to 19.33 ± 5.95 mg/dL) levels and LDL/HDL ratios (0.83 ± 1.22 to 0.54 ± 1.66 mg/dL) from H1 to H4. Conversely, it improved the HDL (39.76 ± 4.34 to l42.02 ± 4.39 mg/dL) level in hyperlipidemic rats compared with untreated rats after eight weeks study period. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that aqueous extract of stevia has anti-hyperlipidemic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be a promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of hyperlipidemia and its associated complications.

Phytochemical composition, antilipidemic and antihypercholestrolemic perspectives of Bael leaf extracts.

BACKGROUND: In recent times, focus on plant research has improved all over the world and essential parts of plants provide bioactive compounds in human diet. The bael (Aegle marmelos) has enormous traditional uses in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and as a laxative. The main focus of this study was characterization of bael leaf extract for its bioactive constituents, antihypercholestrolemic and antilipidemic perspectives. METHODS: After proximate composition of bael powder, the aqueous extract of bael leaf was used for phytochemical profiling (alkaloids, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content). Afterwards, normal rats group G0 was administrated basal diet while G1 and G2 normal rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. In a similar way, hyperlipidemic rats group Gh0 was administrated basal diet while Gh1 and Gh2 hyperlipidemic rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. The blood drawn on day 0, day 30 and day 60 was analyzed for serum parameters, such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides concentration and free and ester cholesterol. RESULTS: Bael leaf powder is a rich source of crude fiber (14.50 ± 0.10 g/100 g). Aqueous extract of bael leaf contains alkaloids (15.58 ± 0.05 mg/g), flavonoids (64.00 ± 0.05 mg/g), phenolics (30.34 ± 0.01 GAEmg/g). From the In vivo studies, the lowest weight gain was observed in group G2 and in Gh2 as compared to control of both groups. The decrease in serum TC for G1-15.06%, G2-17.27% while in Gh1-22.46% and Gh2-34.82% after day 60, respectively. The maximum decrease was observed in group G2 (- 14.33%) and in Gh2 (- 24.79%) for triglycerides after 60 days. For HDL-cholesterol, significant increase (11.20%) in G2 and (49.83%) in Gh2 was observed of after 60 days. A trend in decrease of serum LDL-cholesterol in G2 (- 9.63%) and in Gh2 (- 44.65%) was also observed at day 60, and - 19.05% and - 30.06% decrease was noted in G2 and Gh2, respectively and decreasing trend was observed in free and total cholesterol - 22.30% and - 81.49% for groups G2 and Gh2 after day 60. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrated that the extract contents of bael leaf provide protective role against hypercholesterolemic and hyperlipidemic conditions.

Ruminant meat flavor influenced by different factors with special reference to fatty acids.

Ruminant meat flavor is an important quality and sensory parameter which relays mainly on the organoleptic characteristics of meat. Meat flavor is vital factor for the palatability and acceptability of meat by the consumers. There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence eating quality of meat. Among these factors, flavor is the major contributor. Fat and low-molecular-weight water-soluble compounds are the most important precursor components in meat, responsible for the meat flavor. The present review focus on the different pre and post-harvest factors that influences the ruminant meat flavor. Raw meat has little flavor but cooking adds value in flavor due to different temperature and cooking methods. The volatile flavoring compounds which are responsible for cooked meat flavor are produced thermally by the Maillard's reaction itself or interaction with lipid oxidation products and vitamin degradation. In nutshell, this review provides perception into previous literature on flavor that affected by various factors particularly the fatty acids and cooking methods.

Anti diabetic property of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) natural, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of diabetes. METHODS: The current research was carried out to explore the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). The diabetic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. RESULTS: Stevia aqueous extract improved caloric management and weight control by decreasing the feed intake and body weight gain. Furthermore, intake of stevia extract resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the random blood glucose level (- 73.24%) and fasting blood glucose (- 66.09%) and glycosylated (HbA1c) hemoglobin (5.32%) while insulin (17.82 µIU/mL) and liver glycogen (45.02 mg/g) levels significantly improved in the diabetic rats, compared with the diabetic and non-diabetic control rats after 8 weeks study period. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that aqueous extact of stevia has anti-diabetic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of diabetes and its associated complications.

Preventive role of green tea catechins from obesity and related disorders especially hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: During the last few years, scientific investigations have proposed diet based regimens to prevent several health ailments including obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. In this regard, a promising tool is the use of functional foods/nutraceuticals. Present research project was an attempt to explore nutraceutical worth of locally grown green tea variety (Qi-Men) against lifestyle related disorders. METHODS: Functional drinks (T2 and T3) were prepared by adding catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) @ 550 mg/500 mL and compared with control (T1). These functional drinks were tested in experimental rats modeling (Sprague Dawley). Based on diets, four studies were conducted i.e. trial-I (normal diet), trial-II (high cholesterol diet), trial-III (high sucrose diet), trial-IV (high cholesterol + high sucrose diet). Rats were monitored daily for their feed and drink intake while body weight was measured on weekly basis. After period of 56 days rats were sacrificed and evaluated their serum lipid (cholesterol, LDL and HDL), glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS: Results for feed consumption by rats revealed that highest feed intake was recorded in group provided control drink than other groups. However, non significant differences were noted among all groups for drink consumption. Functional drinks resulted in significant reduction in body weight with maximum lowering noted in trial-II and III i.e. 10.73 to 8.49% and 10.12 to 10.49%, respectively. Likewise, cholesterol and LDL were substantially reduced with 14.42% decrease observed in trial-IV and 30.43% in trial-II, respectively. Furthermore, serum glucose and insulin levels were also lowered significantly in the trial-III and IV while in trial-I and II differences were non-significant. In contrast to lipid profile, experimental drink containing EGCG reduced the trait better than catechins based functional drink. CONCLUSIONS: The drinks supplemented with catechins and EGCG are effective against obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.

Green tea and anticancer perspectives: updates from last decade.

Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage besides water and has attained significant attention owing to health benefits against array of maladies, e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer insurgence. The major bioactive molecules are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, etc. The anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities of green tea were highlighted some years ago. Several cohort studies and controlled randomized trials suggested the inverse association of green tea consumption and cancer prevalence. Cell culture and animal studies depicted the mechanisms of green tea to control cancer insurgence, i.e., induction of apoptosis to control cell growth arrest, altered expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, activation of killer caspases, and suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B activation. It acts as carcinoma blocker by modulating the signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, transformation, inflammation, and metastasis. However, results generated from some research interventions conducted in different groups like smokers and nonsmokers, etc. contradicted with aforementioned anticancer perspectives. In this review paper, anticancer perspectives of green tea and its components have been described. Recent findings and literature have been surfed and arguments are presented to clarify the ambiguities regarding anticancer perspectives of green tea and its component especially against colon, skin, lung, prostate, and breast cancer. The heading of discussion and future trends is limelight of the manuscript. The compiled manuscript provides new avenues for researchers to be explored in relation to green tea and its bioactive components.

Nigella sativa fixed and essential oil improves antioxidant status through modulation of antioxidant enzymes and immunity.

The onset of 21st century witnessed the awareness among the masses regarding the diet-health linkages. The researchers attempted to explore traditional products/plants were in the domain of pharmacy and nutrition focussing on their health benefits. In the present research intervention, we investigate the role of Nigella sativa fixed oil (NSFO) and essential oil (NSEO) in improving antioxidant status and modulation of enzymes. The National Institute of Health (NIH) provided us 30 Sprague Dawley rats that were equally placed in three groups. The groups were fed on their respective diets (56 days) two experimental diets i.e. D2 (NSFO @ 4.0%) and D3 (NSEO @ 0.30%) and control. The indices pertaining to antioxidant status, antioxidant enzymes, and parameters pertaining to immunity were evaluated at 4 weeks interval. The experimental diets (NSFO@ 4.0% & NSEO@ 0.30%) modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), positively. Indices of antioxidant status like tocopherols and glutathione were in linear relationship with that of GPx, GR and GST (P<0.01). Myeloperoxidase activities were in negative correlation with GST (P<0.01) but positive correlation with some other parameters. In the nutshell, the fixed and essential oil of Nigella sativa are effective in improving the indices pertaining to antioxidant status, however, the immune boosting potential needs further clarification. However, authors are of the view that there is need to explore the molecular targets of Nigella sativa fixed and essential oils. Findings from such studies would be useful to validate this instant study for health promoting potential against diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders.

Black tea polyphenols: a mechanistic treatise.

Dietary interventions are among the emerging trends to curtail physiological malfunctioning like cancer, diabetes, cardiac complications, etc. The essence of phytonutrients has developed the concept of nutraceuticals at the junction of diet health linkages. In this context, theaflavin & thearubigins are the oxidized derivatives of black tea catechins during fermentation having nutraceutical potential owing to esterification of hydroxyl ring with digallate esters. Theaflavin may influence activation of transcription factors such as NFnB or AP-1 that ultimately hinder the formation of nitric oxide expression gene. Likewise, black tea contains a unique amino acid theanine acts as neurotransmitter owing to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, it boasts immunity by enhancing the disease-fighting ability of gamma delta T cells. Theaflavin & thearubigins act as safeguard against oxidative stress thereby effective in the cardiac functioning. The mechanistic approach of these antioxidants is likely to be associated with inhibition of redox sensitive transcription factors & pro-oxidant enzymes such as xanthine oxidase or nitric oxide synthase. However, their involvement in antioxidative enzyme induction as in glutathione-S-transferases is also well documented. They act as curative agent against numerous pathological disorders by disrupting the electron chain thus inhibiting the progression of certain ailments. Black tea polyphenols established themselves as strong antioxidants due to their standard one-electron potential, and their vitality is dependent on the concentration of polyphenols and pH for their inclusive execution. Present review is an attempt to enrich the readers regarding the health promoting aspects of black tea polyphenols. Concomitantly, it needs core attention of researchers for the exploitations of black tea flavanols as an important dietary constituent for the vulnerable segment.

Biochemical perspectives of xylitol extracted from indigenous agricultural by-product mung bean (Vigna radiata) hulls in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The production of xylitol from lignocellulosic material is of great interest around the world. It can be used as bulk sweetener and its possible lower energy value has increased acceptance for discerning consumers. Xylitol was produced from indigenous agricultural by-product (mung bean hulls) through Candida tropicalis fermentation. Further, xylitol incorporation at different concentrations (0, 100 and 200 g kg⁻¹) was carried out with the purpose of appraising the suitability and claimed health benefits of this dietetic ingredient in food products. Asserted biochemical perspectives of the xylitol intake were evaluated through biological studies for normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: The addition of xylitol significantly affected feed intake, weight gain, liver and cecum weight in both normal and diabetic rats. The biochemical profile of serum was improved with xylitol incorporation in the diet. Serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels were decreased depending on xylitol intake level. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrated that mung bean hulls have high potential as a new feedstock for xylitol production. In addressing the current concerns of obesity and diabetes, xylitol extracted from such agricultural waste should be considered in diet-based therapies for weight loss programmes.