BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF BARLEY RIHANE (HORDEUM VULGARE L.).

BACKGROUND: Many experimental studies have suggested an important role for barley Rihane(BR)in the prevention of colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical properties and nutritional characterizations of BR compared to other varieties grown in Tunisia (Manel, Roho and Tej). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber(ß-glucan), total protein, ash and some minerals of BR and Tunisian barley varieties were determined. RESULTS: The results revealed that BR is good source of dietary fiber mainly ß-glucan compared to the other varieties. This variety is a relatively rich source of phosphorous and potassium and it contains many important unsaturated fatty acids. BR has higher nutritional value than other varieties. CONCLUSION: Barley Rihane has significant nutritional characterizations compared to others Tunisian barleys varieties. Abbreviations: BR, Barley Rihane; LDL, low density lipoprotein; HDL, high density lipoprotein; AOM, azoxymethane; TBV, Tunisian barley varieties; TGW, thousand grain weight; SW, weight specific; TDF, total dietary fiber; IDF, insoluble dietary fiber; SDF, soluble dietary fiber; DM, Dry Matter.

Dichloroacetic acid-induced testicular toxicity in male rats and the protective effect of date fruit extract.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous date extract (ADE) against the dichloroacetic acid (DCA)-induced testicular injury in rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight: group I served as the control; group II was given ADE (4 ml/kg) by gavage; groups III and IV received DCA at 0.5 and 2 g/L drinking water, respectively; and groups V and VI received DCA at 0.5 and 2 g/L drinking water, respectively, before ADE administration. The experiment was performed for two months. RESULTS: Results showed that the absolute weights of testes and epididymis were decreased following the DCA administration. The testosterone, FSH and LH levels were also decreased. Severe histopathological changes in testes were observed including degeneration of seminiferous tubules and depletion of germ cells. These changes were associated with alterations of oxidative stress markers. Levels of lipid peroxidation and SOD and CAT activities were increased, while activity of GPx and GSH levels were decreased. Pretreatment with ADE has effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by DCA thereby restoring these parameters to normal values. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ADE has a protective effect over DCA-induced oxidative damage in rat testes.

Therapeutic Potential of Young Green Barley Leaves in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: An Overview.

Medicinal plants have played a major role as a functional food and pharmacological source of active substances. Barley grass (BG) is young green barley leaves. It is the young grass of the common barley plant Hordeum vulgare L. of the family Poeaceae (Graminae). It is a type of green grasses, and the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age. It contains a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, as well as eight essential amino acids that we must get from our diets. BG possesses several pharmacological activities as anticancer activity, anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. It has been argued that BG helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. The major pharmacologic interest of BG is its use in the treatment of chronic diseases. The beneficial effects observed in chronic disease may be related to bioactive compounds contained in BG such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and bioflavonoids (lutonarin and saponarin). Thus, this paper is focused on the various studies that emphasize the therapeutic potential of BG in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of diverse varieties of whole barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Tunisia.

Four varieties (Rihane, Manel, Roho, and Tej) of Tunisian barley were analysed for their antioxidant activities (AA) using ABTS and DPPH radicals cation, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and condensed tannins (CTC) contents were measured. The results indicated that the total phenolic contents ranged from 195.02 ± 0.32 to 220.11 ± 0.32 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g fresh weight. Results showed that Rihane has the highest TPC, TFC and CTC compared to other varieties. Roho barley had a lower activity than Tej barley. A significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between TPC, TFC, CTC and AA. This study suggests that Tunisian barley varieties may serve as a good source of natural antioxidants.

Attenuation of histopathological alterations of colon, liver and lung by dietary fibre of barley Rihane in azoxymethane-treated rats.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary fibre (DF) of barley Rihane (BR) in the attenuation of colon, liver and lung histopathology alterations induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. Rats were fed a control (C) or experimental diet containing 30% of BR. The intended rats for cancer treatment received two successive subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane (AOM) at 20mg/kg body weight. The colons were analyzed for crypt multiplicity after 12 weeks of treatment. A histological study of the colon, liver and lungs was determined. The results showed that the BR diet significantly reduced the number of aberrant crypt per focus and altered their distribution. In addition, DF of BR increased significantly the mucus secretion compared to control group. The use of the AOM as colon specific carcinogen substance altered the liver and lung architectures, whereas the presence of DF of BR could be a protective factor for these organs.

Effect of dietary fibre of barley variety 'Rihane' on azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci development and on colonic microbiota diversity in rats.

Many epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested an important role for dietary fibre (DF) of cereals in the prevention of colon cancer. The objective of the present study was to explain the effects of the DF of barley Rihane (BR) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and colonic bacterial diversity in rats. Following an acclimatisation period, rats were divided into four groups and fed a control (C) diet or experimental diet containing 30 % of BR. DF content in the experimental diet was twice that of the C diet (total DF was 8·69 % in the C diet and 15·24 % in the BR diet). At 7 and 8 weeks of age, rats received two successive subcutaneous injections of AOM at 20 mg/kg body weight. At 12 weeks after the first injection, ten animals from each group were killed. The BR diet decreased colonic pH (P < 0·05) compared with the C diet. The total number of ACF observed decreased considerably in the BR/AOM group compared with the C/AOM group (P < 0·05). Comparison of similarity coefficients showed variability of colonic microbiota species between the different groups. In addition, we showed inter-individual variability within the same group. This similarity was affected by BR and AOM. The present results show that bifidobacteria numbers were lower in rats fed the BR diet compared with those fed the C diet. However, the number of enterobacteria in colonic content was increased (P < 0·05) in the BR group compared with the C group. The results from the present study show that the DF of BR reduced the incidence of AOM-induced ACF and increased microbiota biodiversity.

Effect of dietary fiber of “Rihane” barley grains and azoxymethane on serum and liver lipid variables in Wistar rats

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The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety “Rihane” and azoxymethane on serum and liver lipid variables in male rats. Forty male rats were divided into four groups and fed on control diet or experimental diet that contained control enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety “Rihane”. Animals were injected with saline (controls) or azoxymethane (20 mg/kg body weight s.c.) at 7 and 8 weeks of age. The experimental diet significantly decreased cholesterol level compared with the control diet. Rats fed with BR diet significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. The experimental diet decreased the atherogenic index (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Whereas the azoxymethane induced a significant increase of liver lipid, serum LDL and triglyceride concentrations, but it caused a significant reduction of HDL. Consequently, the ratio of HDL/TC decreased significantly compared with the control (p < 0.05). Accordingly, these results indicated that the diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety “Rihane” could be effective in decreasing the atherogenic risk factors in rats whereas the use of the azoxymethane as colon-specific carcinogen substance altered the lipid metabolism (AU)

Effect of dietary fiber of "Rihane" barley grains and azoxymethane on serum and liver lipid variables in Wistar rats.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane" and azoxymethane on serum and liver lipid variables in male rats. Forty male rats were divided into four groups and fed on control diet or experimental diet that contained control enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane". Animals were injected with saline (controls) or azoxymethane (20 mg/kg body weight s.c.) at 7 and 8 weeks of age. The experimental diet significantly decreased cholesterol level compared with the control diet. Rats fed with BR diet significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. The experimental diet decreased the atherogenic index (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Whereas the azoxymethane induced a significant increase of liver lipid, serum LDL and triglyceride concentrations, but it caused a significant reduction of HDL. Consequently, the ratio of HDL/TC decreased significantly compared with the control (p < 0.05). Accordingly, these results indicated that the diet enriched with dietary fiber of barley variety "Rihane" could be effective in decreasing the atherogenic risk factors in rats whereas the use of the azoxymethane as colon-specific carcinogen substance altered the lipid metabolism.