Functional Foods for Management of Diarrhea and Malnutrition in Rats Emphasizing on Nucleotides Role.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea and malnutrition are major health problems in developing countries. Inflammation, high oxidative stress, poor nutritional status, and fatty liver were encountered during such diseases. Patents for diarrhea and malnutrition management (WO2007/130882A2, WO00/37106A1, WO2014/152420, and CA2987364A1) were published. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to introduce anti-diarrhea functional foods with a preventive effect on malnutrition. METHODS: Two processing techniques were applied for preparing functional foods (formula 1 ingredients were made into cookies followed by grinding; formula 2 ingredients were pre-cooked, dried, and mixed in powder form) that were evaluated in a rat model of diarrhea with malnutrition (DM). Formula 2 was also assessed when mixed with nucleotides. The ingredients were edible plants that possess an anti-diarrheal effect with high protein sources (legumes and casein). RESULTS: Induction of diarrhea with malnutrition, high oxidative stress, inflammation, accumulation of liver fat, and histopathological changes were demonstrated in DM control compared to normal control. The functional foods produced variable improvement in growth curves, food efficiency ratio, hemoglobin, hematocrit and plasma zinc, protein, albumin, globulin, lipase activity, and MDA. Formula 1 was superior in improving intestinal histopathology while formula 2 was more efficient in elevating plasma iron. Formula 2 with nucleotides was the best in improving growth curves, alkaline phosphatase, and reducing liver fat. Intestinal mucosa reduced glutathione and nitrite showed an efficient significant reduction on treatment with formula 2 with or without nucleotides. The formulas showed an anti-diarrheal effect by improving feces weight and moisture content. CONCLUSION: Studied functional foods showed an anti-diarrheal effect and malnutrition improvement with different degrees.

Purslane and Garden Cress Seeds as Source of Unconventional Edible Oils for Prevention of Hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a leading cause for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Insufficient physical activity and unhealthy diet plays an important role in the progression of HLP. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of 2 unconventional edible oils (purslane and garden cress) on hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diet high in fat and cholesterol was used as inducer of hyperlipidemia in rats for 5 weeks. Plasma and hepatic lipid profile were assessed. Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation indicator was determined. Liver transaminases (AST and ALT) as liver function indicator and kidney function (creatinine and urea) were evaluated. RESULTS: Results clarified significant elevation in plasma and liver lipid profiles, MDA, liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and kidney function (creatinine and urea) in hyperlipidemic control compared to normal control. Supplementation with purslane and garden cress seeds oils either in diet or oral showed significant improvement in all the studied parameters. CONCLUSION: Purslane and garden cress oils investigated in the current study produced significant reduction and elevation in bad and good cholesterol, respectively in plasma. Also both oils reduced hepatic lipid accumulation effectively in hyperlipidemia model in rats. Oils administration reduced plasma malondialdehyde and improves liver and kidney functions.