Decreased body-fat accumulation and increased vasorelaxation to glyceryl trinitrate in middle-aged male rats following six-weeks consumption of coconut milk protein

Abstract We investigated whether coconut milk protein (CMP) contributes to the beneficial effects of coconut milk consumption on cardiovascular health markers previously found in middle-aged rats. CMP was isolated and precipitated from dried fresh coconut milk, then gavaged (1 g/kg) to middle-aged male rats for six weeks; control rats received distilled water. Compared to controls, CMP caused decreased body fat and lipid accumulation in liver cells and the platelet count. CMP did not affect basal blood pressure or heart rate in anesthetized rats. Vascular responsiveness to phenylephrine, DL-propargylglycine (PAG), acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside was unaffected, but vasorelaxation to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) increased. Effects of ODQ on vasorelaxation to GTN were similar in both groups. Expression of blood vessel eNOS, CSE and sGC was normal. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level of CMP-treated rats was normal but addition of GTN increased cGMP and NO concentration more in CMP-treated rats than in controls, an effect unaltered by addition of diadzin. Taken together, CMP appears partially responsible for the improvement in cardiovascular health markers caused by coconut milk in middle-aged male rats

Effect of consumption of whole egg and egg fractions on cardiovascular disease factors in adult rats.

BACKGROUND: While eggs are a low-cost source of protein, rich in macro- and micronutrients, the association of egg intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial. This study investigated the effect of egg consumption on CVD parameters. Eggs were boiled, separated into four fractions (whole egg, 50% yolk-reduced whole egg, egg yolk and egg white) and then freeze-dried. The different egg fractions or distilled water (control) were orally gavaged to adult male Wistar rats at 1 g kg-1 rat body weight, each day for 8 weeks, following which basal blood pressure, heart rate, complete blood cell count, blood biochemistry, body fat and liver cell lipid accumulation were determined. The vascular functions of isolated thoracic aorta were studied using classical pharmacological techniques. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, none of the egg fractions affected body weight, food intake, plasma glucose or lipid profile. The yolk group experienced increased plasma alkaline phosphatase and creatinine levels, while egg white caused decreased plasma cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen. Whole egg and egg yolk increased blood pressure and mean hemoglobin concentration and the yolk increased liver lipid accumulation. Egg white decreased the white blood cell count and body fat lipids. No changes were found in basal heart rate or vascular functions in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of whole egg or egg yolk at the dosage given caused hypertension, with impairment of liver and kidney functions following the intake of yolk alone. However, egg white is beneficial for the cardiovascular system as it decreased plasma cholesterol and body fat accumulation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing oral absorption of poorly water-soluble herb (Kaempferia parviflora) extract using self-nanoemulsifying formulation.

Kaempferia parviflora, a medicinal herb, treats hypertension and promotes longevity with good health and well-being. Its bioactive component is poorly soluble in water, resulting in poor absorption. This study aimed to enhance the bioavailability of K. parviflora dichloromethane (KPD) extract using a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). KPD was dissolved in diethylene glycol monoethyl, polyoxyl-35 castor oil and caprylic/capric glyceride, and clear yellow SNEDDS solution was obtained. The methoxyflavone markers were used for content and dissolution analysis. Solid SNEDDS was prepared by stepwise mixing of KPD using a mortar and pestle (1:1 ratio) with five solid carriers: Aerosil® 200, Florite® RE, Neusilin® US2 (NEUS), Fujicalin®, and Neusilin® UFL2. The USP apparatus II with simulated gastric fluid USP (SGF without pepsin, pH 1.2) was used in order to perform the in vitro dissolution. The methoxyflavones dissolution at 60 min from KPD, SEDDS, and SNEDDS/NEUS were approximately 16, 92, and 73%, respectively. The pharmacokinetic profiles of methoxyflavones for oral administration were studied using Wistar rats; the areas under the curve of SNEDDS/NEUS (1.77-fold) and SNEDDS (5.38-fold) were significantly higher than that of KPD. The developed formulations showed good stability after storage for 6 months under accelerated and normal conditions.