Effect of Heat-Treated Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Growth Parameters, Plasma Lipid Profile and Histological Changes in the Ileum of Atherogenic Rats.

Dietary supplementation with raw garlic has a preventive and healing effect in cardiovascular diseases, but it could also damage the intestinal mucosa, resulting in impairment of nutrient absorption. Garlic processing, including heat treatment, changes the content and biological activity of garlic, so it is crucial to find food-processing methods that will preserve the health-promoting properties of garlic while minimizing its negative impact on the digestive system. Therefore, in this study, the effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on growth parameters, plasma lipid profile, and morphological parameters in the ileum of Wistar rats subjected to various types of heat treatment (90 s blanching garlic, 10 min boiling in water, 10 min pan frying without fat, microwave heating fresh garlic, 90 s blanching and microwave heating garlic, 10 min boiling in water and microwave heating garlic, and 10 min pan frying without fat and microwave heating garlic) was determined in an atherogenic diet (containing 1% addition of cholesterol). In the conducted research, it was found that the diet supplemented with heat-treated garlic used in the atherogenic diet improved the consumption and growth parameters of rats, depending on the type and time of its use. The highest consumption was recorded in atherogenic groups supplemented with garlic subjected to a longer (10 min) heat treatment and was then heated in a microwave oven. Garlic subjected to the shortest heat treatment proved to be most effective, and a significant improvement in the lipid profiles of rats' plasma with atherogenic was observed. Extending the time of heat treatment of garlic and, additionally, its microwaving significantly weakened the action of garlic in the body, but still retained its hypolipidemic effect. The greatest influence on the structural changes in the mucosa of the rats' iliac intestine, manifested by degeneration of the mucosa, shortening the length of the intestinal villi, damage to the brush border, and thus impairment of the intestinal absorption, was exerted by supplementing the atherogenic diet with garlic subjected to short-term heat treatment. Among the processes used, blanching was the least favorable, and the long-lasting thermal processes (cooking, frying for 10 min) had a positive effect on the mucosa of the rats' intestines. The results obtained in this study confirm that the selection of an appropriate method of thermal processing of garlic may allow for the maintenance of preventive and therapeutic efficacy of garlic in cardiovascular diseases, while ensuring the safety of its long-term use in the context of degenerative changes in the gastrointestinal tract.

The Influence of Plants from the Alliaceae Family on Morphological Parameters of the Intestine in Atherogenic Rats.

Bulbs from the Alliaceae family have been well-known and valued spices for thousands of years, not only for their unique flavor and aroma features, but also for their high nutritional and health-promoting values. Long-term or excessive consumption of these vegetables, especially raw garlic, can have side effects in the body (including in the digestive tract), causing a number of pathological changes in the intestinal wall; these changes lead, in turn, to its damage, dysfunction, and disorder development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of freeze-dried vegetables from the Alliaceae family, i.e., garlic (Allium sativum L.), white onion, and red onion (Allium cepa L.) on the morphometric parameters (intestinal villi length, crypt depth, thickness of tunica mucosa, and the thickness of tunica muscle) of the jejunum of rats fed a semi-synthetic atherogenic diet (1% dietary cholesterol). In freeze-dried vegetables administered to rats, the contents of selected bioactive ingredients and their antioxidant potentials were determined. The effect of the onion vegetable supplements on growth parameters, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant potential, and the intestinal morphological parameters of rats loaded with cholesterol was determined. In an animal experiment, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 diet groups, diet consumption and FER were studied. Supplementation of the atherogenic diet with vegetables improved the blood plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices, in a manner that was dependent on the type of supplementation used, with the best hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects found in garlic use. The atherogenic diet, as well as the supplementation of this diet with the tested vegetables from the Alliaceae family, influenced the histological changes in the epithelium of the jejunum of rats. The damage to the intestinal mucosa was the greatest in animals fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with garlic. Bearing in mind that the desired beneficial therapeutic or prophylactic effects of onion vegetables (in particular garlic) in the course of various metabolic ailments (including atherosclerosis) are achieved during long-term supplementation, it is important to remember their possible cytotoxic effects (e.g., on the digestive tract) in order to achieve real benefits related to the supplementation with vegetables from the Alliaceae family.

In Vitro Screening of Bioactive Compounds in some Gluten-Free Plants.

Electrophoretic, antioxidant, and FTIR profiles of some varieties of amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat seeds and their by products were compared. Water extracts of these products were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteau method in order to determine total phenolic content. The antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2'-azobis-2-methyl-propanimidamide, ferric-reducing/antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity radical scavenging assays. FTIR spectra showed the secondary structure of pseudocereals in the ranges of amides I, II, and III shifts. Results of evaluated methods could be used to control several products (seeds, flours, extracts, flakes, roasting) with high phenolic content and antioxidant activity suitable for supplementation in food applications. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Characterization of metabolites in different kiwifruit varieties by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy.

It is known from our previous studies that kiwifruits, which are used in common human diet, have preventive properties of coronary artery disease. This study describes a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, multivariate data analyses and fluorescence measurements in differentiating of some kiwifruit varieties, their quenching and antioxidant properties. A total of 41 metabolites were identified by comparing with literature data Chenomx database and 2D NMR. The binding properties of the extracted polyphenols against HSA showed higher reactivity of studied two cultivars in comparison with the common Hayward. The results showed that the fluorescence of HSA was quenched by Bidan as much as twice than by other fruits. The correlation between the binding properties of polyphenols in the investigated fruits, their relative quantification and suggested metabolic pathway was established. These results can provide possible application of fruit extracts in pharmaceutical industry.

Bioactivity and nutritional properties of hardy kiwi fruit Actinidia arguta in comparison with Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' and Actinidia eriantha 'Bidan'.

The aim of this research is to identify and compare the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacities and binding potentials to human protein in different varieties of hardy kiwi (Actinidia (A.) arguta), 'Hayward' (Actinidia deliciosa) and less - known 'Bidan' (Actinidia eriantha). Polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin and dietary fibers were significantly higher in cultivar 'M1' among the A. arguta than in 'Hayward'. The binding properties of studied kiwi fruits were determined by interaction of polyphenols with human serum albumin (HSA). An internal standard FTIR technique allowed the quantitative comparison of specific IR absorption bands (Amides I, II, III) of different kiwi fruit samples after interaction with HSA. It was shown that the antioxidant and binding capacities and FTIR quantitative estimations of A. arguta fruits were significantly higher than in 'Hayward', but lower than the 'Bidan'. In MS spectra were found some slight differences in A. arguta kiwis in comparison with 'Hayward' and 'Bidan'. Two A. arguta cultivars were similar to 'Bidan'. The interaction of polyphenols with HSA, evaluated by fluorometry/FTIR, made it possible to compare the bioactivity of different cultivars and families. In conclusion, for the first time fruits A. arguta, cultivated in Poland, were compared with widely consumed kiwi fruits, using advanced analytical methods. The high bioactivity and nutritional value of A. arguta fruits from Polish ecological plantation enables us to recommend them for marketing and consumption.

Rapana venosa consumption improves the lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in serum of rats fed an atherogenic diet.

In the recent years, the consumption of seafood has increased. There are no results on the studies of Rapana venosa (Rv) as a supplementation to the diets. We hypothesized that Rv would increase antioxidant capacity and reduce blood lipids, based on the composition of bioactive compounds and fatty acids. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo actions of Rv from contaminated (C) and non-C (NC) regions of collection on lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme activities in serum of rats fed an atherogenic diet. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 each and named control, cholesterol (Chol), Chol/RvC and Chol/RvNC. Rats of all 4 groups were fed the basal diet, which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, cellulose, vitamin (American Institute of Nutrition for laboratory animals vitamin mixtures), and mineral mixtures (American Institute of Nutrition for laboratory animals mineral mixtures). During 28 days of the experiment, the rats of the control group received the basal diet only, and the diets of the other 3 groups were supplemented with 1% of Chol, 1% of Chol, and 5% of Rv dry matter from C and NC areas. Dry matter from C and NC areas supplemented diets slightly hindered the rise in serum lipids vs. Chol group: total Chol, 13.18% and 11.63% and low-density lipoprotein Chol, 13.57% and 15.08%, respectively. Cholesterol significantly decreased the value of total antioxidant capacity. The supplementation of Rv to the Chol diet significantly affected the increase of antioxidant capacity in serum of rats, expressed by the 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. The water extracts of Rv exhibited high binding properties with bovine serum albumin in comparison with quercetin. In conclusion, atherogenic diets supplemented with Rv from C and NC areas hindered both the rise in serum lipids levels and the decrease in the antioxidant capacity. Based on fluorescence and electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry profiles and in vivo studies, changes in the intensity of the found peaks were estimated in the serum samples after supplemented diets. These findings indicate that the supplementation of Rv to the atherogenic diets improve the lipid profiles and the antioxidant status in serum of rats.

In vitro studies on the relationship between the antioxidant activities of some berry extracts and their binding properties to serum albumin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to use the bioactive components from cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts as a novel source against oxidation in food supplementation. The quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll) was based on radical scavenging spectrophometric assays and mass spectrometry. The total phenolic content was the highest (P < 0.05) in water extract of blueberries (46.6 ± 4.2 mg GAE/g DW). The highest antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity were in water extracts of blueberries, showing 108.1 ± 7.2 and 131.1 ± 9.6 µMTE/g DW with correlation coefficients of 0.9918 and 0.9925, and by ß-carotene linoleate assay at 80.1 ± 6.6 % with correlation coefficient of 0.9909, respectively. The water extracts of berries exhibited high binding properties with human serum albumin in comparison with quercetin. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds from a relatively new source of gooseberries in comparison with blueberries and cranberries have the potential as food supplementation for human health. The antioxidant and binding activities of berries depend on their bioactive compounds.

Health-promoting effects of ethylene-treated kiwifruit 'Hayward' from conventional and organic crops in rats fed an atherogenic diet.

Kiwifruit is a subtropical fruit that is very popular among consumers. Kiwifruit 'Hayward' ( Actinidia deliciosa C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson) is an important source of bioactive compounds and possesses high antioxidant capacity, but its value can be changed during ripening. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of total polyphenols (TP), ascorbic acid (AA), and total antioxidant capacities (TACs) of ethylene-treated and nontreated kiwifruits 'Hayward' from conventional and organic farming. The influence of these fruits on lipid profile, TAC, and liver enzymes in plasma of rats fed diets with cholesterol was studied. Ethylene treatment shortened the ripening of kiwifruits. Ethylene-treated kiwifruits from organic farming (OHE) have the highest contents of TP and TAC. The experiment in vivo was performed during 33 days on male Wistar rats (111 ± 5 g), divided into six groups: one without cholesterol, control (C), and five groups with 1% of cholesterol (Chol). Four groups with cholesterol were supplemented with 5% of lyophilized kiwifruits: ethylene treated, organic (Chol/OHE) or conventional (Chol/CHE); and untreated, organic (Chol/OHC) or conventional (Chol/CHC). Cholesterol diets supplemented with kiwifruit influenced the palatability and feed intake, body gain, and FER. Diets containing kiwifruits significantly influenced the decrease of TG (61%), TC (29%), LDL-C (38%), atherogenic index TC/HDL-C (25%), and atherogenic index (AI, 32%), without differences between treatments. A significant increase of TAC in plasma of rats fed kiwifruit was obtained by DPPH (18%), FRAP (55%), and ABTS (55%). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in serum was significantly lower for all groups with kiwifruit supplementation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was lower only in diet groups supplemented with conventional fruits in comparison with the cholesterol group. Glucose levels were higher in groups with kiwifruit supplementation than in C and Chol groups. Supplementation of Chol groups with organic kiwifruits influenced the prothrombin index and significantly decreased the amount of platelets (PLT) in blood. In conclusion, studied kiwifruit 'Hayward' can be a very good ingredient of the diet, especially for patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia and with other cardiovascular diseases, but not for diabetic patients.

Nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of bioactive compounds in organic and conventional growing kiwifruit.

The bioactivity of two kiwifruit's cultivars growing under organic and conventional conditions were studied and compared. The bioactive compounds were extracted with water and ethanol using similar conditions which are applied in pharmaceutical applications and for daily fruit consumption such as tea drink. Antioxidant radical scavenging assays [ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP); cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and ultraviolet spectroscopy, two (2D-FL) and three-dimensional (3D-FL) fluorometry were used for the detection of biologically active metabolites derived from kiwifruits (total phenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls, carotenoids and ascorbic acid). The correlation between the total phenol content (TPC) and other bioactive compounds, and their total antioxidant capacities (TAC) was calculated for studied kiwifruit's extracts. The interaction between drugs and human serum albumin (HSA) plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs. The properties of kiwifruit's phenol extracts showed their ability to quench HSA, forming the complexes similar to the ones between the proteins and pure flavonoids such as quercetin. The cultivar 'Bidan' exhibited significantly higher TAC than the classic 'Hayward'. In conclusion, for the first time 'Bidan' organic kiwifruit was analyzed and compared with widely consumed 'Hayward', using its bioactive and fluorescence properties. The influence of physiologically active kiwifruit's compounds on human health, through our investigations in vitro and scientifically proven information, was explained. Relatively high content of bioactive compounds, high antioxidant and fluorescence properties of kiwifruit justify its use as a source of valuable antioxidants.

Organic and conventional kiwifruit, myths versus reality: antioxidant, antiproliferative, and health effects.

Comparison between organic and conventional kiwifruit cultivars 'Hayward' and 'Bidan', which was done by four radical scavenging assays, ESI-MS, and DSC measurements, showed significant differences between the cultivars. Such results were not estimated in kiwifruit growing under organic and conventional conditions. The extraction of bioactive compounds was done by two different methods: sequential extraction with ethyl acetate followed by methanol and maceration with methanol and ethyl acetate. The highest yield of polyphenols was found in the new cultivar 'Bidan' in comparison with the classic 'Hayward', by direct extraction with methanol. This is the first investigation of 'Bidan' kiwifruit cultivar, grown under organic conditions and compared with 'Hayward' organic. High contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of the two kiwifruit cultivars justify their use as sources of valuable antioxidants. It is necessary to continue this study as a long-term experiment to eliminate the influence of seasonality.

Evaluation of inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro with different berries and correlation with their antioxidant levels by advanced analytical methods.

Dimethylsulfoxide extracts of Chilean berries [Myrteola nummularia, 'Murtilla-like'] vs. well known 'Murtilla', Chilean and Polish blueberries, and Chilean raspberries were investigated for their antioxidant, quenching and antiproliferative activities. The significantly highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and their antioxidant activities were estimated in 'Murtilla' (MT) berries (P<0.05), than in other investigated samples. DPPH kinetic measurements were calculated to compare, distinguish and discriminate the antiradical activity among berry extracts by multivariate analysis. The lowest IC(50) values, 751 and 858 µg/ml, were obtained for MT extract on colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and SW48. HT-29 cells treated with MT extract showed a decrease in G1 phase cells from 77% to 56% (P<0.05). At the highest concentration of 2000 µg/ml MT extract caused 90-100% cell growth inhibition. Percentage of death cells treated with MT extract was 80.1% and 72.5% for SW48 and HT-29 cells, respectively. The inhibition of cancer cell proliferation highly correlated with the levels of polyphenols, flavonoids and their antioxidant activities. The interaction between drugs and serum albumin plays an important role in the distribution and metabolism of drugs, therefore the complexation reaction between flavonoids, and berries extracts, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by 3-D fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy. The results indicated that flavonoids and polyphenol extracts have strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by forming complexes. A shift in the maximum of amides FTIR-bands appeared. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the intake of a new kind of berry, as a source of natural antioxidants, may reduce colon cancer risk.

Analytical determination of bioactive compounds as an indication of fruit quality.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the bioactive compounds in kiwifruit as an indication of quality after extraction using methanol and ethyl acetate. Using FTIR and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy and electrospray ionization/MS, the contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, and tannins, and the level of the antioxidant activity by 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric-reducing/ antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays were determined and compared. It was found that the methanol extracts of kiwifruit showed significantly higher amounts of bioactive acetate extracts. The cultivar Bidan, in comparison compounds and antioxidant activities than the ethyl with the classic Hayward, showed significantly higher bioactivity. For the first time, Bidan organic kiwifruit was analyzed for its antioxidant activities and compared with the widely consumed Hayward organic based on its bioactive compounds and fluorescence properties. Relatively high content of bioactive compounds and positive antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of kiwifruit determined by the advanced analytical methods justify its use as a source of valuable antioxidants. The methods used are applicable for bioactivity determination, in general, for any food products.

Aorta and liver changes in rats fed cholesterol-containing and raw vegetable-supplemented diets: experiments in vitro and in vivo.

The aim of this investigation was to compare the liver and aorta changes in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets and the possible improvement when diets would be supplemented with frequently used raw vegetables. The phenolic compounds of three vegetables in methanol-water (1:1) fraction were characterized using electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS). Results showed that the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, quercetin, flavanols, tannins, and ascorbic acid varied for garlic and white and red onions ranging from 6.68 to 18.08 mg GAE/g DW, 490.4-701.0 µg CE/g DW, 281.2-1100.0 µg, 32.40-41.30 µg CE/g DW, 2.88-3.12 mg CE/g DW, 1.87-2.33 mg AA/g DW, 1388.2-1442.3 µg CGE/g DW, respectively. The radical scavenging capacities (µM TE/g DW) for the same investigated vegetables for ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays ranged from 48.78 to 92.42, 9.41-28.56, 3.06-10.41, and 6.49-23.42, respectively. Good correlations were observed between the phenolic contents and the radical scavenging capacities of the vegetables. The interaction between BSA and quercetin, BSA and garlic and onions extracts was measured by 3-dimensional fluorescence (3D-FL) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The highest polyphenol content was found in methanol/water fraction of onions and garlic; therefore, for the investigation of in vitro interactions with BSA only polyphenols of this fraction were used. For in vivo studies, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups each of 6 and named Control, Chol, Chol/Garlic, Chol/OnionRed, and Chol/OnionWhite. During 6 weeks, the rats of all 5 groups were fed a basal diet (BD). The rats of the Control group were fed the BD only. The BD of the Chol group was supplemented with 10 g/kg of nonoxidized cholesterol (NOC). Each of the other three groups was supplemented with 10 g/kg of NOC and 500 mg of raw fresh garlic, 500 mg of raw fresh red onion, and 500 mg of raw fresh white onion on 1 kg of body weight for Chol/Garlic, Chol/OnionRed, and Chol/OnionWhite diet groups, respectively. In order to detect the changes in the liver and aorta, a histological procedure was applied, and the liver enzymes were determined and compared. It was found that the main changes vs the Control group were in the liver of rats fed the cholesterol-containing diet without vegetable supplementation. Significantly less histological changes in the liver and lower level of liver enzymes vs those of the Chol group were detected in rats of the Chol/Garlic group (P < 0.05). The interaction between the polyphenol extract of garlic and BSA in vitro showed its strong ability comparable with that of quercetin to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. In conclusion, all studied vegetables showed protective effects, but raw garlic supplemented with cholesterol-containing diets significantly prevented the aorta and liver damages of rats.

Influence of two cultivars of persimmon on atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets: Investigation in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of two persimmon cultivars on some atherosclerosis indices in rats fed cholesterol (Chol)-containing diets. METHODS: Persimmon cultivars "Fuyu" and "Jiro" as supplementation to rats' diets were investigated in vitro to compare the contents of their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant potentials. In the in vivo investigation, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six diet groups, each with six rats: control, control/Fuyu, control/Jiro, Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro. During a period of 47 d (42 d of feeding and 5-d adaptation before the experiment) of the trial, rats in the control group were fed a basal diet and two additional control groups (control/Fuyu and control/Jiro) a basal diet plus 5% of lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro, respectively. The Chol, Chol/Fuyu, and Chol/Jiro rat groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% Chol (Chol group) and 1% Chol plus 5% lyophilized Fuyu (Chol/Fuyu group) and plus 5% lyophilized Jiro (Chol/Jiro group), respectively. After completion of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized using Narcotan (halothane) and sacrificed and the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta were assessed. The obtained results of the investigation of all six groups were compared. Testing of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol in the liver, electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue, and three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions was performed. RESULTS: The polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potential of persimmon Fuyu was higher than in the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of diets with 5% of the lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro hindered the increase in plasma lipids versus the Chol group (total cholesterol 19.4% and 9.5%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 25.6% and 13.1%, respectively, P<0.05) and hindered the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity versus the Chol group by 40.0% and 16.8% and by 39.6% and 11.3% for the ABTS and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively. The atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of the Chol/Fuyu and Chol/Jiro groups were significantly less than in the Chol group (P<0.05). Electrophoresis of the proteins from rats' liver tissue showed changes in 14-kDa bands after persimmon supplementation. A shift in maximum wavelengths in three-dimensional fluorescence of serum protein fractions after persimmon supplementation was found in comparison with the control group and an increase in fluorescence intensity compared with the Chol groups. CONCLUSION: The contents of polyphenols and tannins were significantly higher in the Fuyu cultivar (P<0.05). The antioxidant potentials of Fuyu were higher than those of the Jiro cultivar, but the difference was significant only according to the ABTS assay (P<0.05). Supplementation of 5% lyophilized Fuyu and Jiro to diets of rats fed Chol-containing diets 1) hindered the increase in plasma lipids levels and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity and 2) significantly decreased the atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta (P<0.05). Electrophoretic patterns of liver tissue and fluorescence spectra can be used as additional biomarkers for determination of atherosclerosis indices.

The influence of raw and processed garlic and onions on plasma classical and non-classical atherosclerosis indices: investigations in vitro and in vivo.

Garlic and white and red varieties of onion were subjected to processing by a variety of culinary methods, and bioactive compounds then determined. For in vivo studies, 84 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 14 diet groups, each of six rats, including two control groups (one with no supplementation and one with cholesterol supplementation only). During the 30-day trial, the basal diets of the other 12 groups were supplemented with 1% cholesterol and raw or processed vegetables. Both raw red onion and red onion subjected to blanching for 90 s hindered the rise in plasma lipids more than the other vegetables studied in the supplemented diets. The decrease in antioxidant activity compared to the cholesterol-supplemented control group was significantly less for the group fed with red onion subjected to blanching for 90 s. No histological changes were detected in the studied organs of rats that had been fed cholesterol. In conclusion, blanching for 90 s most fully preserved the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potentials, and hindered the rise in plasma lipid levels and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity of rats fed cholesterol. Alkaline phosphatase levels correlated with classical atherosclerosis indices, and determination of alkaline phosphatase is suggested as an additional index in atherosclerosis testing.

Comparison of the main bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in garlic and white and red onions after treatment protocols.

Polish garlic and white and red onions were subjected to blanching, boiling, frying, and microwaving for different periods of time, and then their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, tannins, and ascorbic acid) and antioxidant activities were determined. It was found that blanching and frying and then microwaving of garlic and onions did not decrease significantly the amounts of their bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant activities ( P > 0.05). The HPLC profiles of free and soluble ester- and glycoside-bound phenolic acids showed that trans-hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic) were as much as twice higher in garlic than in onions. Quercetin quantity was the highest in red onion among the studied vegetables. The electrophoretic separation of nonreduced garlic and onion proteins after boiling demonstrated their degradation in the range from 50 to 112 kDa.

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) cultivars as nutritional supplementation to rat's diets.

The properties of Mon Thong, Chani and Kan Yao durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) cultivars were compared in vitro and in vivo studies in order to find the best one as a supplement to antiatherosclerotic diet. Total polyphenols (361.4+/-35.3 mgGAE/100g FW), flavonoids (93.9+/-8.9 mgCE/100g FW) and total antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH and beta-carotene-linoleic acid assays (261.3+/-25.3 microMTE/100g FW and 77.8+/-7.8% of inhibition) were maximal in Mon Thong in comparison with Chani and Kan Yao and showed a good correlation between these three variables (R(2)=0.9859). Five groups of rats were fed diets supplemented with cholesterol and different durian cultivars. Diets supplemented with Mon Thong and to a lesser degree with Chani and Kan Yao significantly hindered the rise in the plasma lipids (TC - 8.7%, 16.1% and 10.3% and (b) LDL-C - 20.1%, 31.3% and 23.5% for the Chol/Kan Yao, Chol/Mon Thong and Chol/Chani, respectively) and the decrease in plasma antioxidant activity (P<0.05). Nitrogen retention remained significantly higher in Chol/Mon Thong than in other diet groups. Diet supplemented with Mon Thong affected the composition of plasma fibrinogen in rats and showed more intensity in protein bands around 47 kDa. No lesions were found in the examined tissue of heart and brains. Mon Thong cultivar is preferable for the supplementation of the diet as positively influenced the lipid, antioxidant, protein and metabolic status. The durian fruit till now was not investigated extensively, therefore based on the results of this study durian cultivars can be used as a relatively new source of antioxidants.

The atherosclerotic heart disease and protecting properties of garlic: contemporary data.

This article reviews the contemporary data concerning atherosclerosis and protecting properties of garlic. Recent advances in basic science have established a fundamental role for inflammation in mediating all stages of this disease from initiation through progression and, ultimately, the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis. These new findings provide important links between risk factors and the mechanisms of atherogenesis and garlic properties. Numerous in vitro studies have confirmed the ability of garlic to reduce the parameters of the risk of atherosclerosis: total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, oxidized LDL. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potentials in fresh, cooked, boiled and commercial garlic from different regions are presented, using beta-carotene, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) with K2S2O8 or MnO2, ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and others assays for antioxidant status. In vivo studies were reviewed on with garlic and cholesterol supplemented diets. The positive influences of garlic on plasma lipids, proteins, antioxidant activity, and some indices of blood coagulation are dose dependent. Garlic could be a valuable component of atherosclerosis-preventing diets only in optimal doses. Many recently published reports show that garlic possesses plasma lipid-lowering and plasma anticoagulant and antioxidant properties and improves impaired endothelial function.

The nutritional and metabolic indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets supplemented with durian at different stages of ripening.

The aim of this investigation was to assess the nutritional and health properties of Mon Thong durian cultivar at different stages of ripening. The assessment was carried out in vitro and in vivo. The contents of dietary fibers, minerals and trace metals at different stages of ripening were comparable. Total polyphenols (mgGAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (mg CE/100 gFW) in ripe durian (358.8 +/- 31.4 and 95.4 +/- 9.3) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in mature (216.1 +/- 1 and 39.9 +/- 3.8) and overripe (283.3 +/- 26.2 and 53.5 +/- 4.9). Antioxidant capacity (muMTE/100 g FW) in total polyphenol extracts of ripe durian measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and [2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) assays (259.4 +/- 23.6 and 2341.8 +/- 93.2) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of mature (151.6 +/- 15.2 and 1394.6 +/- 41.5) and overripe (201.7 +/- 19.4 and 1812.2 +/- 61.4) samples. The correlation coefficients between the bioactive compounds in different stages of ripening and their antioxidant capacities were high (R;{2} = 0.99). Then 35 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 dietary groups each of 7 and named Control, Chol, Chol/Mature, Chol/Ripe and Chol/Overripe. During 30 days of the experiment the rats of all 5 groups were fed basal diet (BD), which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, vitamin and mineral mixtures. The rats of the Control group were fed a BD only. To the BD of the Chol group was added 1% of cholesterol. The BD of the Chol/Mature, Chol/Ripe and Chol/Overripe groups was supplemented with 1% of cholesterol and 5% of the mature, ripe and overripe durian as freeze-dried powder, respectively. Diets containing ripe and to a lesser degree mature and overripe durian significantly hindered the rise in plasma lipids and also hindered a decrease in plasma antioxidant activity. The nitrogen retention in rats of the Chol/Ripe group was significantly higher (63.6%, P < 0.05) than in other diet groups and the level of the plasma glucose remained normal. A decrease in fibrinogen fraction with ripe durian included in rat's diets was shown by electrophoretic separation. These changes were detected mostly in the low molecular weight proteins of rat's serum. Histological examination of aorta showed only slight differences in the tissue. In conclusion, ripe durian contains higher quantity of bioactive compounds, has higher antioxidant capacity and nutritional value. It positively affects the plasma lipid profile, the plasma glucose and the antioxidant activity in rats fed cholesterol enriched diets. Therefore, the ripe durian supplemented diet could be beneficial for patient suffering from hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus. <

Comparative study of health properties and nutritional value of durian, mangosteen, and snake fruit: experiments in vitro and in vivo.

In vitro and in vivo studies of the health and nutritional properties of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) were compared with snake fruit (Salacca edulis Reinw.) and mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Dietary fibers, minerals, and trace metals were comparable. Total polyphenols (mg of GAE/100 g of FW) and flavonoids (85.1+/-6.1) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in snake fruit (217.1+/-13.2 (mg of CE/100 g of FW)), durian (309.7+/-19.3 and 61.2+/-4.9), and mangosteen (190.3+/-12.1 and 54.1+/-3.8). Antioxidant activity (microM TE/100 g of FW) of durian measured by DPPH and ABTS assays (228.2+/-13.4 and 2016.3+/-81.1) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in snake fruit (110.4+/-7.9 and 1507.5+/-70.1) and mangosteen (79.1+/-5.9 and 1268.6+/-62.3). HPLC/DAD analysis of durian (microg/100 g of FW) showed that quercetin (1214.23+/-116.7) was present at levels three times that of caffeic acid, and twice as high as p-coumaric and cinnamic acids. The correlation coefficients between the bioactive compounds of fruits and their antioxidant activities were high (R2=0.99). Male Wistar rats (25) were divided into five dietary groups: the control group was fed the basal diet (BD); in addition to BD, the cholesterol (Chol) group was supplemented with 1% of Chol; the diets of the Chol/Durian, Chol/Snake, and Chol/Mangosteen groups were supplemanted with 5% of these fruits, respectively. It was found that diets supplemented with durian, and to a lesser degree with snake fruit and mangosteen, significantly hindered the rise in plasma lipids and the decrease in antioxidant activity. The nutritional values were comparably high. In conclusion, it could be suggested that inclusion of studied tropical fruits, especially durian, in known disease-preventing diets could be beneficial.