The effect of bergamot orange essence on anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A controlled trial study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effect of bergamot orange essence on anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This clinical trial with pre-post design was conducted on 60 candidates for cholecystectomy. The participants were randomly divided into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group participants underwent aromatherapy using two drops of 3% bergamot orange essence, while the control group ones inhaled two drops of odourless grape seed oil. Anxiety mean score and salivary cortisol and alpha amylase levels were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the groups regarding anxiety (F = 9.00, p = 0.004) and alpha amylase level (F = 9.46, p = 0.003) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Bergamot orange essence decreased anxiety and salivary alpha amylase level. Therefore, this method can be used as a complementary technique to reduce patients' anxiety prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. IRCT REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20171113037428N2. It is available in following website: https://www.irct.ir/trial/27696 REGISTRATION DATE: 03/25/2018.

Inhibitory effects of pu-erh tea on alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase: a systemic review.

OBJECTIVE: Pu-erh tea was presumed to have anti-hyperglycemic effects via inhibition on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. However, no integerated literatures were published to substantiate such presumption. METHODS: Current study adopted systemic review method to validate inhibitory effects on alpha amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Five English databases (PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) and three Chinese ones (Airti Library, CNKI Library, and Google Scholar) were searched up to 22 March 2018 for eligible literatures, using keywords of Pu-erh, Pu'er, alpha-amylase or alpha-glucosidase. RESULTS: Six studies exploring inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and seven on alpha-amylase were included for systemic review. Though results showed pu-erh tea has significant inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, high heterogeneity was detected among studies included. CONCLUSIONS: High heterogeneity may be due to complex alterations of chemicals under different degrees of fermentation. More future studies are required to further identify principal bioactive component(s) at work.

Effect of a mindfulness exercise on stress in veterinary students performing surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine students' stress while performing surgery and evaluate the ability of a mindfulness intervention to reduce this stress. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eighteen fourth-year DVM program students (n = 9 student/group). METHODS: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, students were randomly assigned to a control or treatment group. The treatment group performed a 5-minute breathing (mindfulness) exercise immediately prior to performing surgery. Each student provided 3 samples of saliva, at time 0, at 10 minutes before surgery, and at 10 minutes after surgery. Students' salivary cortisol and α-amylase levels were compared between groups. Students' self-reported mood measures were also correlated to levels of salivary biomarkers. RESULTS: Cortisol and α-amylase levels of students in both groups greatly exceeded normative reference groups (>90th percentile) prior to surgery and diminished to average levels (50th-60th percentile) after surgery but did not differ between groups at any time point. Immediately prior to surgery when stress values were likely to peak, salivary α-amylase levels decreased approximately 30 U/L units for students in the treatment group compared with an increase of approximately 10 U/L units for students in the control group. Students in the treatment group reported being more calm (mean [M] 2.67, SD 1.03, d = 0.75) and relaxed (M 2.33, SD 1.51, d = 0.90) than students in the control group (M 3.44, SD 1.01 and M 3.44, SD 0.88, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study provides some evidence that the mindfulness intervention temporarily decreased stress levels and improved students' sense of calmness and relaxation immediately before operating on a live animal. CLINICAL IMPACT: Students who are experiencing less stress may be less likely to commit a medical error and negatively impact animal health. This study, the first of its kind in veterinary surgery, may serve as a model for related future studies.

Taxifolin prevents postprandial hyperglycemia by regulating the activity of α-amylase: Evidence from an in vivo and in silico studies.

There has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications globally. The postprandial stage of DM involves prompt elevation in the levels of blood glucose and α-amylase, a carbohydrate-metabolizing enzyme is mainly involved in the regulation of postprandial hyperglycemia. This study was designed to assess the ability of a well-known flavonoid, taxifolin (TFN), against postprandial hyperglycemia and its inhibitory effects on α-amylase activity through the assessment of therapeutic potentials of TFN in an alloxan-induced diabetic animal model. The binding potential TFN with an α-amylase receptor was also investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and docking of to compare the binding affinities and energies of TFN and standard drug acarbose (ACB) with target enzyme. TFN significantly improved the postprandial hyperglycemia, lipid profile, and serum levels of α-amylase, lipase, and C-reactive protein in a dose-dependent manner when compared with that of either DM-induced and ACB-treated alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Moreover, TFN also enhanced the anti-oxidant status and normal functioning of the liver in alloxan-induced diabetic rats more efficiently as compared to that of ACB-treated alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Therapeutic potentials of TFN were also verified by MD simulation and docking results, which exhibited that the binding energy and affinity of TFN to bind with receptor was significantly higher as compared to that of ACB. Hence, the results of this study signify that TFN might be a potent inhibitor of α-amylase that has the potential to regulate the postprandial hyperglycemia along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties during the treatment of DM.

Prunella vulgaris L. active components and their hypoglycemic and antinociceptive effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) (PV) is a herbaceous plant traditionally utilized in management of diabetes and it has immunomodulatory activity. In this study, acute and subchronic antidiabetic, in-vivo antioxidant and antinociceptive effects of PV were evaluated in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a mouse model. Bio-guided fractionation, isolation, RP-HPLC, and 1H and 13C NMR identification of the active components responsible for PV effects were determined. RP-HPLC analysis showed that PV contained rosmarinic acid (RA) 4.5%, caffeic acid (CA) 9.8% and p-coumaric acid (pCA) 11.6%. Bio-guided fractionation showed that PV most active fraction was rich in caffeic acid, hence named, caffeic acid-rich fraction (CARF). RP-HPLC, and 1H and 13C NMR experiments showed that CARF contained CA (93.4%) and RA (6.6%). CARF reduced blood glucose levels and improved in-vivo oxidative-stress. It also inhibited the carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) and reduced HbA1c levels more significantly (p≤0.05) than that of PV and equivalent amounts of CA or RA. For longer times, CARF had significantly (p≤0.05) increased serum-insulin, ameliorated thermal hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia more significantly (p≤0.05) than the effects of PV and equivalent amounts of CA or RA. Moreover, the tested compounds showed potential restoration of the lipid peroxide levels. Consequently, CARF and PV observed increase in serum-insulin, attenuation of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and their antioxidant potentials might be responsible for their antidiabetogenic and antinociceptive properties. In conclusion, CARF isolated from PV could be a potential therapeutic agent to ameliorate T1D and related complications.

Hypoglycemic activity of Gleditsia caspica extract and its saponin-containing fraction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The fruits of Gleditsia species (Fabaceae) have been known in traditional medicine as a saponin-rich herbal medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the total methanolic extract of Gleditsia caspica (MEGC) and its saponin-containing fractions (SFGC) on hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce hyperglycemia in male albino rats. MEGC (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) and SFGC (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to the diabetic rats daily for 14 days. The anti-diabetic drug gliclazide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a positive control. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted rats for the evaluation of the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities. The levels of glucose, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased significantly, whereas the levels of α-amylase, insulin and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased in the experimental diabetic rats. Pancreas and liver of the diabetic rats exhibited significant changes in the histopathology, morphology and DNA content. Administration of MEGC or SFGC led to a decrease in the levels of glucose, TG, TC and MDA. In addition, the levels of α-amylase, insulin and GSH were increased in MEGC and SFGC treated diabetic rats. Also, the histopathological and morphological changes, as well the changes in DNA were significantly reversed by the extracts. Thus, MEGC and SFGC exhibited potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in STZ- induced diabetic rats.

Dihydro-Resveratrol Ameliorates Lung Injury in Rats with Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process originated in the pancreas; however, it often leads to systemic complications that affect distant organs. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is indeed the predominant cause of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. In this study, we aimed to delineate the ameliorative effect of dihydro-resveratrol, a prominent analog of trans-resveratrol, against acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury and the underlying molecular actions. Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats with repetitive injections of cerulein (50 µg/kg/h) and a shot of lipopolysaccharide (7.5 mg/kg). By means of histological examination and biochemical assays, the severity of lung injury was assessed in the aspects of tissue damages, myeloperoxidase activity, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. When treated with dihydro-resveratrol, pulmonary architectural distortion, hemorrhage, interstitial edema, and alveolar thickening were significantly reduced in rats with acute pancreatitis. In addition, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activity of myeloperoxidase in pulmonary tissues were notably repressed. Importantly, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation was attenuated. This study is the first to report the oral administration of dihydro-resveratrol ameliorated acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury via an inhibitory modulation of pro-inflammatory response, which was associated with a suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Essential oil of Zygophyllum album inhibits key-digestive enzymes related to diabetes and hypertension and attenuates symptoms of diarrhea in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Bougriba, is widely used to treat diabetes, digestive tract spasm, and hypertension in folk medicine, in Tunisia. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and antihypertensive activities of the leaves of the essential oil from Zygophyllum album (OZA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Males rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic-untreated group, diabetic-treated group with acarbose (10 mg/kg), and diabetic-treated rats with OZA (200 mg/kg) for 30 d. RESULTS: At the end of the experimental period, the OZA significantly decreased the activity of α-amylase in pancreas and serum of the diabetic rats by 43% and 38%, respectively, which led to reduce the serum glucose level by 60% and lower of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) rate by 17% as compared with untreated diabetic animals. Moreover, the OZA treatment attenuated symptoms of diarrhea, improved lipid disorders, and hypertension through inhibiting the pancreatic lipase and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activities by 47% and 25%, respectively, in serum of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: OZA showed a good effect in the management of diabetes mellitus and exerted preventive action from related hypertension.

Assessment of prophylactic effect of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. leaves on alcohol-induced pancreatitis in rat model.

Aqueous leaf extract of Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. syn. Cassia auriculata (SLEx) is known to possess potential antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Based on the known correlation between exocrine pancreatic function and endocrine secretary capacity, here, we studied the prophylactic effect of the SLEx on alcohol induced pancreatitis in rats. To induce chronic pancreatitis, the rats were fed with unsaturated fat i.e. corn oil (2.5 mL/kg) along with high dose of ethanol (10.2 g/kg) for 4 wk, and was increased 0.6 g/kg after every 2 days for 1 wk and then 0.6 g/kg after every 4 days for a period of 4 wk. SLEx was orally administered to rats at dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 4 wk. At the end of 4th wk, pancreatic enzymes i.e., α-amylase, lipase, serum and pancreatic MDA levels were estimated. Pancreatic histopathological studies were also performed. The SLEx significantly reduced the serum levels of α-amylase and lipase along with significant suppression in serum and pancreatic tissue lipid peroxidation. Histomorphological studies did not show any fatty vacoules in acinar cells of SLEx-treated rats. However, vacoulation was seen in acini of pathogenic control rats. With the results, we conclude that Senna auriculata aqueous leaf extract has potential to reduce the ethanol-induced pathogenecity, and it possesses prophylactic effect on alcohol-induced pancreatitis. However, a long term trial is needed to ascertain its therapeutic potential for pancreatitis.

[The ways of prophylaxis of the pancreatic injuries occurring on background of cholangitis and choledocholithiasis complicated by obturation jaundice: algorithm for diagnosis and treatment].

The results of treatment of 45 patients, in whom obturation jaundice have occurred on background of purulent cholangitis and biliary calculous disease, were summarized. preoperatively conservative therapy was conducted to the patients, including ozonotherapy during 9 - 10 days (main group) and 2 - 4 days (control group). All the patients were operated on. Conservative therapy, conducted during 9 -- 10 days, have permitted to improve clinical and laboratory indices more rapidly postoperatively, to prognosticate possibilities of the pancreatic gland damage, pancreatitis occurrence, as well as its exacerbation in future.

Synergistic antidiabetic activity of Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica: biochemical effects and possible mechanism.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A decoction from a combination of herbs is commonly used in Traditional African Medicine for the management of chronic ailments. In Nigeria, the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) and Azadirachta indica A. Juss (AI) are used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes mellitus for which empirical evidence attests to its efficacy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the synergistic antidiabetic action of VA and AI, the biochemical effects and possible mechanism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat (SDR) models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanolic extracts of VA and AI were co-administered (200 mg/kg, 50:50) to non-diabetic rats (NDRs) and SDRs for 28 days. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored during this period, and at end of treatment, serum glucose, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and α-amylase activity were studied. Glucose and activities of antioxidant enzymes, e.g., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated in hepatocytes, along with the impact on the histology of the liver and pancreas. Medium acting insulin, HU (5 IU/kg, s.c.) was used as a positive control. RESULTS: The study reveals that compared with single extracts, the combined extract (VA/AI) promptly lowered blood glucose and maintained a relatively steady level over the study period, in tandem with HU. During this period, body weight gain successively increased. In SDRs, fasting blood glucose at days 0 and 28 was raised by 4.33 and 3.16 fold, respectively, and the serum glucose was raised by 7.70 fold vs. normal control (P<0.05). The discrepancies in the individual effects of VA and AI on hepatic glucose and α-amylase activity were also restored. In NDRs, VA/AI lowered blood and serum glucose (1.14 and 1.94 fold, respectively), although to a lesser extent when compared with HU. Furthermore, VA/AI was found to lower serum insulin, T3 and T4 by 1.66, 1.57 and 2.16 fold, respectively, in SDR (P<0.05). This was similar to HU, which demonstrated 1.79 and 1.68 fold reduction of insulin and T3, respectively (P<0.05), but had no effect on T4. Conversely, in NDRs, VA/AI caused 1.32, 4.93 and 1.04 fold increase in insulin, T3 and T4, respectively, reciprocal to its effect on blood and serum glucose. Oxidative stress in SDR, characterised by decreased GPx and CAT activities, was ameliorated, as the activities of the enzymes and SOD increased following a 28-day treatment with VA/AI (P<0.05). The features of diabetic pathology, indicated in the histology of the liver and pancreas, were reversed. However, the extent of recovery was partial with VA, better with AI, and distinct and total with VA/AI, compared with a null effect by HU. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results contribute towards validation of enhanced antidiabetic efficacy of VA and AI when combined. This synergy may be exerted by oxidative stress attenuation, insulin mimetic action and ß-cell regeneration.

Inhibitory potential of omega-3 fatty and fenugreek essential oil on key enzymes of carbohydrate-digestion and hypertension in diabetes rats.

BACKGROUND: diabetes is a serious health problem and a source of risk for numerous severe complications such as obesity and hypertension. Treatment of diabetes and its related diseases can be achieved by inhibiting key digestives enzymes-related to starch digestion secreted by pancreas. METHODS: The formulation omega-3 with fenugreek terpenenes was administrated to surviving diabetic rats. The inhibitory effects of this oil on rat pancreas α-amylase and maltase and plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were determined. RESULTS: the findings revealed that administration of formulation omega-3 with fenugreek terpenenes (Om3/terp) considerably inhibited key enzymes-related to diabetes such as α-amylase activity by 46 and 52% and maltase activity by 37 and 35% respectively in pancreas and plasma. Moreover, the findings revealed that this supplement helped protect the ß-Cells of the rats from death and damage. Interestingly, the formulation Om3/terp modulated key enzyme related to hypertension such as ACE by 37% in plasma and kidney. Moreover administration of fenugreek essential oil to surviving diabetic rats improved starch and glucose oral tolerance additively. Furthermore, the Om3/terp also decreased significantly the glucose, triglyceride (TG) and total-cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) rates in the plasma and liver of diabetic rats and increased the HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-Ch) level, which helped maintain the homeostasis of blood lipid. CONCLUSION: overall, the findings of the current study indicate that this formulation Om3/terp exhibit attractive properties and can, therefore, be considered for future application in the development of anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and hypolipidemic foods.

The application of Reiki in nurses diagnosed with Burnout Syndrome has beneficial effects on concentration of salivary IgA and blood pressure.

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), α-amylase activity and blood pressure levels after the application of a Reiki session in nurses with Burnout Syndrome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design was conducted to compare the immediate effects of Reiki versus control intervention (Hand-off sham intervention) in nurses with Burnout Syndrome. Sample was composed of eighteen nurses (aged 34-56 years) with burnout syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a Reiki treatment or a placebo (sham Reiki) treatment, according to the established order in two different days. The ANOVA showed a significant interaction time x intervention for diastolic blood pressure (F=4.92, P=0.04) and sIgA concentration (F=4.71, P=0.04). A Reiki session can produce an immediate and statistically significant improvement in sIgA concentration and diastolic blood pressure in nurses with Burnout Syndrome.

The application of Reiki in nurses diagnosed with Burnout Syndrome has beneficial effects on concentration of salivary IgA and blood pressure / Uma sessão de Reiki em enfermeiras diagnosticadas com síndrome de Burnout tem efeitos benéficos sobre a concentração de IgA salivar e a pressão arterial / Una sesión de Reiki en enfermeras diagnosticadas con síndrome de Burnout tiene efectos beneficiosos sobre la concentración de IgA salival y la presión arterial

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), α-amylase activity and blood pressure levels after the application of a Reiki session in nurses with Burnout Syndrome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design was conducted to compare the immediate effects of Reiki versus control intervention (Hand-off sham intervention) in nurses with Burnout Syndrome. Sample was composed of eighteen nurses (aged 34-56 years) with burnout syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a Reiki treatment or a placebo (sham Reiki) treatment, according to the established order in two different days. The ANOVA showed a significant interaction time x intervention for diastolic blood pressure (F=4.92, P=0.04) and sIgA concentration (F=4.71, P=0.04). A Reiki session can produce an immediate and statistically significant improvement in sIgA concentration and diastolic blood pressure in nurses with Burnout Syndrome.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos imediatos na imunoglobulina A salivar (IgAs), na atividade de α-amilase e na pressão arterial, após uma aplicação de Reiki em enfermeiras que sofrem da síndrome de Burnout. Foi realizado ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego e placebo controlado, com desenho cruzado. Dezoito enfermeiras (idade entre 34 e 56 anos), com síndrome de Burnout, participaram do estudo. As participantes receberam tratamento com Reiki ou Reiki falso, de acordo com a ordem estabelecida, através da randomização em dois dias distintos. O teste de Anova mostrou interação significativa entre o momento da intervenção e a pressão arterial diastólica (F=4,92, p=0,04) e os níveis de sIgA (F=4,71, p=0,04). Conclui-se que uma sessão de Reiki de 30 minutos pode melhorar de forma imediata a resposta de IgAs e da pressão arterial diastólica em enfermeiras com síndrome de Burnout.

El objetivo fue investigar los efectos inmediatos en inmunoglobulina A salival (IgAs), actividad de α-amilasa y presión arterial de una aplicación de reiki en enfermeras sufriendo síndrome de Burnout. Se utilizó un ensayo preliminar placebo randomizado con cegamiento doble utilizando un diseño cruzado. Dieciocho enfermeras (edad 34-56) con síndrome de Burnout participaron en el estudio. Las participantes recibieron tratamiento con Reiki o Reiki fingido según el orden establecido por la randomización en dos días distintos. El test de ANOVA mostró un interacción significativa momento intervención para la presión arterial diastólica (F=4.92, P=0.04) a y la concentración de sIgA (F=4.71, P=0.04). Una sesión de Reiki de 30 minutos puede mejorar de manera inmediata la respuesta de IgAs y la presión arterial diastólica en enfermeras con síndrome de Burnout.

[Nutritional support and efficient gastroduodenal endoscopy in the treatment of acute pancreatitis and different forms of pancreonecrosis].

Nutrition support and molecular-genetic markers of the immune system at patients with complicated forms of gastric pathology. In this study presented results of surgery clinic of and oncology faculty SGMU to improve treatment patients with acute pancreatitis, and various forms of pancreonecrozis, through a balanced Threpsology support and operational gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Constituents of stem bark of Callistemon rigidus showing inhibitory effects on mouse alpha-amylase activity.

From stem bark of Callistemon rigidus (Myrtaceae), piceatannol and scirpusin B were isolated as components that exhibit inhibitory effects on alpha-amylase activity in isolated mouse plasma. In particular, scirpusin B also inhibited alpha-amylase in mouse gastrointestinal tract. Thus, we expect the depressive effect on the elevation of postprandial blood glucose may be a new medicinal use of this compound as well as the plant itself.

Efficacy of supplementation of alpha-amylase-producing bacterial culture on the performance, nutrient use, and gut morphology of broiler chickens fed a corn-based diet.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an Escherichia coli strain producing alpha-amylase of Bacillus stearothermophilus on growth performance, nutrient use, and the morphology of the small intestine of broilers fed a corn-based diet. One hundred thirty-five 1-d-old chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 groups and treated as follows: (i) basal diet (control); (ii) basal diet and water supplemented with an E. coli strain that produced amylase, and (iii) basal diet and water supplemented with an E. coli strain that produced amylase plus bacterial hemoglobin. At 21 d of age, supplementation of E. coli improved daily gain (P < 0.05) and feed conversion (P < 0.01). At the end of the trial, birds supplemented with water containing bacteria consumed more and grew faster (P < 0.05) and had better feed conversion (P < 0.10) than broilers given no bacteria. Also, the presence of bacteria improved apparent digestibility of organic matter (P < 0.01). However, no effects were detected for CP or fat digestibility. Supplementation with E. coli reduced relative pancreas weight (P = 0.06) but did not affect the weight of the liver (P > 0.05) and length of duedonum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum (P > 0.05). Length of the villi and crypts were significantly increased with bacterial supplementation. Presence of the bacterial hemoglobin gene did not cause a significant difference in changes observed. The data indicated that supplementation of an E. coli strain capable of producing alpha-amylase improved digestibility of nutrients and performance of broilers fed a corn-based diet.

Screening of traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants of Mauritius for possible alpha-amylase inhibitory effects in vitro.

In this study, seven exotic/indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius, namely Coix lacryma-jobi (Poaceae), Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae), Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae), Vangueria madagascariensis (Rubiaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) and Syzigium cumini (Myrtaceae) were studied for possible effects on starch breakdown by alpha-amylase in vitro. The results showed that only Artocarpus heterophyllus significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited alpha-amylase activity in vitro. To confirm the observed effects, a further biochemical assay was undertaken to investigate the effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus on alpha-amylase activity using rat plasma in vitro. It was found that the aqueous leaf extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited alpha-amylase activity in rat plasma. The highest inhibitory activity (27.20 +/- 5.00%) was observed at a concentration of 1000 microg/mL. However, in both cases dose dependency was not observed. Enzyme kinetic studies using the Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk equations were performed to establish the type of inhibition involved. In the presence of the plant extract the maximal velocity (Vmax) remained constant (1/150 g / L/s) whereas the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) increased by 5.79 g / L, indicating that the aqueous leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus behaved as a competitive inhibitor. Results from the present study tend to indicate that Artocarpus heterophyllus could act as a 'starch blocker' thereby reducing post-prandial glucose peaks.

Effect of Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to on amylase activity in mice.

The effects of Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to (SRBT), a Chinese medicinal prescription, on mouse serum amylase activity were investigated in vivo. SRBT was found to not only dose- and/or time-dependently augment amylase activity, but also to increase alpha-amylase protein content and soluble starch metabolic activity. These results provide a rational basis for the clinical use of SRBT that may accompany disease therapy.

Screening of Mongolian plants for influence on amylase activity in mouse plasma and gastrointestinal tube.

Mongolian plants were screened for their influence on alpha-amylase activity in mouse plasma. Methanolic extracts of Geranium pratense, Rhodiola rosea, Ribes pullchelum and Vaccinium uliginosum inhibited the enzyme activity in isolated mouse plasma by greater than 40% and the effect was concentration dependent. Vaccinium uliginosum also showed a depressive effect on elevation of postprandial blood glucose to some extent.