Assessment of biochemical compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity in barley and wheatgrass under water-deficit condition.

Wheatgrass and barley grass are freshly sprouted leaves of wheat and barley seeds and are rich sources of phytochemicals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of drought stress on the biochemical compounds and antioxidant activities of barley grass and wheatgrass extracts. The grass was cultivated in an organic soil growing medium with different levels of drought stress (a control with 100% water holding capacity (WHC), mild drought stress with 75% WHC, moderate drought stress with 50% WHC, and severe drought stress with 25% WHC) in a growth chamber by controlling temperature (20/15 °C, day/night), light (12/12 h, light/dark; intensity 150 µmol m-2  s-1 with quantum dot light-emitting diodes), and relative humidity (60%) for 7 days. The drought stress showed increased levels of biochemical compounds, especially phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, in both barley grass and wheatgrass extracts. The wheatgrass extracts showed 1.38-1.67 times higher phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C contents than the barley grass extracts did. The antioxidant (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, and nitrite-scavenging activity) and antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) were the highest under severe drought stress in both barley grass and wheatgrass extracts; and the wheatgrass extracts showed 1.20-5.70 times higher antioxidant enzyme activities than the barley grass extracts did. Proper drought-stress treatment of barley grass and wheatgrass may be a convenient and efficient method to increase biochemical compounds and antioxidants in our diet to exploit the related health benefits. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of different drying methods on the storage stability of barley grass powder.

BACKGROUND: Barley grass (BG) powder has gradually attracted researchers' attention for its abundant nutritional components and functional activity. Yet, the effect of different drying methods on storage stability is still unclear. In this study, BG was subjected to hot-air drying (HAD), steam blanching prior to hot-air drying (SHAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), and far-infrared drying (FID). Effects of different drying methods on BG powder during storage were evaluated. RESULTS: Moisture content of dried samples during storage decreased at 50 °C, but at 37 °C increased first and then remained stable. The a* value of SHAD BG powder before storage was the highest (-6.51), followed by FID, HAD and VFD. Moreover, the a* value increased during the storage process. Contents of l-ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll in samples dried by VFD were 28.29 and 7.8 g kg-1 , respectively. The degradation of chlorophyll a and b followed a first-order kinetics model and was modeled by the Arrhenius equation. The activation energies for chlorophyll a were 83.68, 83.21, 62.29 and 76.64 kJ mol-1 in BG powder dried by SHAD, FID, VFD and HAD, respectively. The activation energies for chlorophyll b were 66.76, 48.03, 61.02 and 58.01 kJ mol-1 in SHAD, FID, VFD and HAD BG powder, respectively. CONCLUSION: VFD had the highest preservation of color, l-ascorbic acid and chlorophyll compared to HAD, SHAD and FID. SHAD shortened the drying time and delayed the degradation of l-ascorbic acid and chlorophyll during storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Abiotic Stress Factors on the Antioxidant Properties and Polyphenols Profile Composition of Green Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

The influence of stress factors on the plant can, on the one hand, lead to worse functioning of the plant and loss of its crop, but on the other, it can have a positive effect on the metabolism of compounds with documented biological activity. In this study, the effect of light and drought intensity on photosynthetic activity and physiological status of two barley varieties, as well as the antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and profile of polyphenolic compounds of green barley were analysed. It was shown that under the conditions of water shortage, the KWS Olof variety showed a smaller decrease in CO2 assimilation and transpiration and higher values of these parameters at both light intensities. Only in the KWS Olof variety increased stress as a result of increased light intensity. It has also been shown that both the intensity of radiation and drought-related stress have a significant impact on the profile of polyphenolic compounds from green barley, without a simple relationship between the impact of stress factors on the content of polyphenols. Changes in the profile of polyphenolic compounds augmented the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the material. This, in turn, proposes the possibility of reducing the applied doses of herbal material thanks to a greater content of active substances in extracts obtained from the plants used to produce medicinal preparations.

Radiofrequency heating for powder pasteurization of barley grass: antioxidant substances, sensory quality, microbial load and energy consumption.

BACKGROUND: Young barley grass powder contains abundant nutrition and its antioxidant substances are severely impaired by radiation (60 Co) sterilization. To overcome product quality degradation, radiofrequency pasteurization was conducted using pilot-scale radiofrequency equipment (27 MHz, 6 kW) with electrode gaps of 12, 14 and 16 cm, while hot-air (80 °C) pasteurization was used for comparison. RESULTS: Assessment suggested that uneven radiofrequency heating was improved for the 14 cm electrode gap. With an increase of electrode gap, microbial inactivation needs more energy consumption. A minimum energy consumption of 970 J g-1 was required for 1 log-reduction of colonies. Radiofrequency pasteurization retained better antioxidant substances, lightness (L*), green color (a*) and odors in barley grass powder, compared with hot-air sterilization. Contents of flavonoid and chlorophyll were 5.82 and 4.87 g kg-1 respectively, using the 14 cm electrode gap. Additionally, radiofrequency pasteurization led to an improvement in sourness, bitterness and umami tastes. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency pasteurization would be a superior alternative for the pasteurization of barley grass powder. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of microwave freeze drying on quality and energy supply in drying of barley grass.

BACKGROUND: Young barley grass leaves are well-known for containing the antioxidant substances flavonoid and chlorophyll. However, low product quality and energy efficiency exist with respect to the dehydration of barley grass leaves. To improve energy supply and the quality of barley grass, microwave heating instead of contact heat was applied for the freeze drying of barley grass at a pilot scale at 1, 1.5 and 2 W g-1 , respectively; After drying, energy supply and quality parameters of color, moisture content, chlorophyll, flavonoids, odors of dried barley grass were determined to evaluate the feasibility of the study. RESULTS: Microwave freeze drying (MFD) allowed a low energy supply and high contents of chlorophyll and flavonoids. A lightness value of 60.0, a green value of -11.5 and an energy supply of 0.61 kW h-1 g-1 were observed in 1.5 W g-1 MFD; whereas drying time (7 h) decreased by 42% compared to contact heating. Maximum content of flavonoid and chlorophyll was 11.7 and 12.8 g kg-1 barley grass. Microwave heating leads to an odor change larger than that for contact heating observed for the freeze drying of barley grass. CONCLUSION: MFD retains chlorophyll and flavonoids, as well as colors and odors of samples, and also decreases energy consumption in the freeze drying of barley grass. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of in vitro biological activity of young Hordeum vulgare leaf in correlation with its bioactive compounds.

Young shoots of cereals are widely regarded as superfoods with health benefits attributed to their potential antioxidant activity and antioxidant-related effects (e.g. anticancer). The current study aimed to examine the chemical characteristics of Hordeum vulgare methanolic and aqueous extracts and assess their antioxidant activity using the DDPH and ORAC. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase was screened. TLC bioautography was employed to determine the polarity of the compounds present in the extracts that exhibited the most potent free radical scavenging activity. Total flavonoid content of the methanolic and aqueous extracts was 0.14 mg QE/g and 0.012 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was found to be more potent, with a value of 0.97 ± 0.13 mmol TE/g than the aqueous extract which had no activity. This study presents novel findings on the xanthine inhibitory activity of H. vulgare. The methanolic extract demonstrated moderate inhibition of xanthine oxidase with a value of 23.24%. The results of our study were compared with the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of Triticum aestivum, and further comparison was made with the data reported in the literature. Inconsistencies were observed in the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. vulgare, which could be a result of using herbal material harvested in different vegetative phases and various methods used for extraction. The findings of our study indicate that the timing of the harvest and extraction method may play crucial role in attaining the optimal phytochemical composition of H. vulgare, hence enhancing its pharmacological activity.

In-vitro and In Silico Assessment of Anti-inflammation Properties of Saponarin Extracted from Hordeum Vulgare.

BACKGROUND: Hordeum vulgare, commonly known as Barley grass, is a historically significant cultivated plant with profound implications for societies, agricultural sciences, and human nutrition. It has been valued for both sustenance and its potential medicinal properties. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to comprehensively investigate the medicinal properties of Hordeum vulgare, focusing on its potential therapeutic benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, we seek to quantify and compare the phytochemical content of two distinct extracts: Barley Grass Hexane Extract (BGHE) and Barley grass aqueous extract (BGAQ). METHODS: We quantified the phytochemical contents of BGHE and BGAQ and evaluated their anti-inflammatory effects using UV spectroscopy at 560 nm, coupled with the RBC membrane stabilization technique. Subsequently, we conducted in silico studies to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of Barley grass leaf extracts. RESULTS: Both BGHE and BGAQ demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on inflammation compared to the control group. However, BGHE exhibited superior anti-inflammatory efficacy when compared to BGAQ, suggesting its role as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. In silico studies further supported the anti-inflammatory potential of Barley grass leaf extracts. CONCLUSION: Hordeum vulgare, or Barley grass, offers a wealth of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-acne, and anti-depressant properties. These properties contribute to improved immunity, reduced cardiovascular disorders, and alleviation of fatigue. The distinct extracts, BGHE and BGAQ, both exhibit promising anti-inflammatory capabilities, but BGHE shows better anti-inflammatory activity. This research sheds light on the therapeutic potential of Barley grass, making it a valuable candidate for further exploration in the field of natural medicine.

Effect of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass in stress induced depression in Swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of green juice of Barley and wheat grass is widely increases because of its therapeutic benefits. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate phytochemicals and evaluate the antioxidant and antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included phytochemical screening, evaluation of antioxidant and antidepressant activities. Four groups consisting of six mice in each group. Negative control with stressed induced mice; imipramine group (100 mg/kg), barley and wheat extract group (400 mg/kg) respectively. Forced swim, tail suspension and elevated plus maize test were carried out to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant activity. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening of barley and wheat grass extract showed secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, Saponin, Tannins, Phenolic, Carbohydrate, Glycosides, Flavonoids, and Proteins. The mean total phenolic content of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass was 160.996 ± 0.656, 135.63 ± 1.184 mg equivalent of GAE/g respectively. The total flavonoid content of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass was 153.42 ± 0.40, 133.14 ± 0.43 mg equivalent of quercetin/g respectively. The extracts were proved to be an effective radical scavenger in all antioxidant assays. Forced swim and tail suspension test showed a significant (∗p < 0.05 and ∗∗p < 0.01) decrease in an immobility time. In elevated plus maize, there was a significant (∗∗p < 0.01) increase in average time spent on the open arm of the extract-treated group as compared to the negative control. CONCLUSION: It shows that barley and wheat grass extract has antidepressant effect.

In vitro simulated digestion affecting physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities of polysaccharides from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grasses at different growth stages.

In this study, three polysaccharides (BGPs: BGPs-Z21, BGPs-Z23, and BGPs-Z31) were successively extracted from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grasses (BG) at different growth stages, including seedling (Z21), tillering (Z23), and stem elongation (Z31). The effects of in vitro simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of BGPs were investigated and compared. Results showed that the simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion had considerable influences on reducing sugar content, chemical components, monosaccharide constituents, and molecular weights of BGPs but hardly affected their preliminarily structural characteristics. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of BGPs were weakened after the simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion, but their bile acid-binding capacities were remarkably enhanced. The digested BGPs-Z31 by gastric juice possessed better antioxidant benefit, and bile acid-binding capacity (80.33 %) than other digested products. Overall, these results indicated that BGPs obtained from BG are valuable for functional foods as promising bioactive ingredients.

Comparison of physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grass at different growth stages.

Barley grass polysaccharides (BGPs) are some of the major bioactive constituents of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grass (BG). They exhibit favorable biological activities and health benefits. In this study, seven BGPs were extracted from BG, which was harvested at three different growth stages (e.g., seedling, tillering, and stem elongation), by alkaline-extraction method. Their physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and biological activities were investigated and compared. Results demonstrated that the extraction yields, chemical compositions, monosaccharide constituents, and molecular weights of the seven BGPs obtained at different growth stages varied obviously. These BGPs had similar preliminary structural characteristics but different microstructures and thermal properties. Furthermore, the BGPs (BGP-Z12 and BGP-Z21) obtained at the seedling stage possessed stronger in vitro antioxidant potentials, cholic acid binding activity, and immunological activity than other BGPs. Therefore, these results indicated that that the seedling stage of BG was the preferable harvest time for preparing highly bioactive BGPs.

Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Anti-Cancer Activities of a Hot Water Soluble Polysaccharide from Hulless Barley Grass.

Hulless barley grass may confer many health benefits attributed to its bioactive functional components, such as polysaccharides. Here, a hot water soluble polysaccharide was extracted from hulless barley grass, and its chemical characterization and in vitro anti-cancer activities were investigated. The yield of hulless barley grass polysaccharide (HBGP) was 2.3%, and the purity reached 99.1% with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.11 after purification by a diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DE-32) column and an S-400 high resolution (HR) column. The molecular weight and number-average molecular weight of HBGP were 3.3 × 104 and 2.9 × 104 Da, respectively. The monosaccharide composition of HBGP included 35.1% galactose, 25.6% arabinose, 5.5% glucose, and 5.3% xylose. Based on infrared spectrum analysis, HBGP possessed pyranose and galactose residues. In addition, this water-soluble polysaccharide showed significant cell proliferation inhibitory effects against cancer cell lines HT29, Caco-2, 4T1, and CT26.WT in a dose-dependent manner, especially for HT29 (the half-inhibitory concentration IC50 value = 2.72 mg/mL). The results provide a basis for the development and utilization of hulless barley grass in functional foods to aid in preventing cancer.

Comparison of hydrability, antioxidants, microstructure, and sensory quality of barley grass powder using ultra-micro-crushing combined with hot air and freeze drying.

To explore the physicochemical characters of barley grass, ultra-micro-crushing (UMC) technology combined with air drying or freeze drying was carried out. After barley grass was air-dried at 70°C or freeze-dried at 15°C, it was grinded for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min using UMC, respectively. After combined processing, moisture content, particle size, odor, color, microstructure, water and oil-holding capacity, the content of flavonoid and chlorophyll, water activity, and sensory qualities were determined. The particle size of barley grass powder decreased, and lightness value was increased; water and oil-holding capacity decreased significantly (p ≤ .05), whereas swelling and dissolving capacity increased in the processed grass powder. On the other hand, the total flavonoid content increased significantly (p ≤ .05). Barley grass odor features sulfide aroma, and its microstructure demonstrates lamellar morphology with some fewer fragmented pieces. The results suggested combined UMC at 90-120 min will be suitable for processing barley grass powder.

Hyperthyroidism treatment by alternative therapies based on cupping and dietary-herbal supplementation: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increasing production of thyroid hormone (TH) and decreasing of thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) secretion. The treatment of hyperthyroidism includes such as anti-thyroid drugs, radioiodine, and thyroidectomy have many side effects without complete curing results. We described a successful treatment of hyperthyroidism patient with dietary-herbal supplementation with wet cupping without any medicine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-years female, blood analysis showed that she had low TSH (0.012 mlU/mL), and normal levels of T3 and T4. After completing 16 weeks on Carbimazole, TSH value still low (0.024 mlU/mL) and urticaria was appeared. She decided to stop Carbimazole and try alternative therapy choices. She received wet cupping and dietary-herbal supplementations (including royal jelly, green barley grass and Taraxaf®) for two months. Notably, TSH values was increased during-after intervention and urticaria was disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Alternative therapy could be a beneficial choice for hyperthyroidism treatment without any side effects or complications under physician supervision.

Hyperthyroidism treatment by alternative therapies based on cupping and dietary-herbal supplementation: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increasing production of thyroid hormone (TH) and decreasing of thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) secretion. The treatment of hyperthyroidism includes such as anti-thyroid drugs, radioiodine, and thyroidectomy have many side effects without complete curing results. We described a successful treatment of hyperthyroidism patient with dietary-herbal supplementation with wet cupping without any medicine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-years female, blood analysis showed that she had low TSH (0.012 mlU/mL), and normal levels of T3 and T4. After completing 16 weeks on Carbimazole, TSH value still low (0.024 mlU/mL) and urticaria was appeared. She decided to stop Carbimazole and try alternative therapy choices. She received wet cupping and dietary-herbal supplementations (including royal jelly, green barley grass and Taraxaf®) for two months. Notably, TSH values was increased during-after intervention and urticaria was disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Alternative therapy could be a beneficial choice for hyperthyroidism treatment without any side effects or complications under physician supervision.

Influence of Temperature Conditions during Growth on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potential of Wheat and Barley Grasses.

Wheat and barley grasses are freshly sprouted leaves of wheat and barley seeds, and are rich sources of phytochemicals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of day and night temperatures on the growth, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant potential of wheat and barley grasses. Briefly, each grass was cropped in an organic growing medium at 10/5 °C, 20/15 °C, and 30/25 °C (day/night temperature) in a growth chamber by maintaining specific light (12/12 h light/dark; light intensity 150 µmol photons m-2 s-1) and humidity (60%) conditions for 8 days. The highest growth parameters (height, weight, and yield) were observed at the 20/15 °C growth conditions in both types of grass. Conversely, the lowest growth parameters were observed at 10/5 °C. However, the low growth temperature of 10/5 °C resulted in increased levels of bioactive compounds (total phenol, total flavonoid, and total vitamin C), antioxidant activities (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity)), and antioxidant enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase activity, catalase activity, and glutathione reductase) in both types of grass. Therefore, proper temperature growth conditions of wheat and barley grasses may be a convenient and efficient method to increase bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential in our diet to exploit the related health benefits.

Analysis of Nutrient Composition, Rumen Degradation Characteristics, and Feeding Value of Chinese Rye Grass, Barley Grass, and Naked Oat Straw.

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, rumen degradation characteristics, and feeding value of three roughages commonly used in Asia as ruminant feed, including Chinese rye grass (CRG), barley grass (BG), and naked oat straw (NO). Four Holstein Friesian cows equipped with permanent rumen fistulas were chosen for experimental trials in the current study. The nylon bag method was carried out to measure the crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Our analysis revealed that the contents of CP in the CRG (9.0%) and BG (8.9%) were higher than in the NO (5.94%). The contents of NDF in the CRG (64.97%) and NO (63.83%) were lower than in the BG (67.33%), and the content of ADF in the CRG (37.03%) was lower than in the BG (37.93%) and NO (38.28%). The ED values of DM in the NO and CRG were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the BG. The effective degradability (ED) values of NDF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the NO (p < 0.001). In addition, the ED values of ADF were the highest in the CRG and lowest in the BG (p < 0.001). The ED value of CP in the CRG was significantly higher than that in the BG and NO (p < 0.001). The estimated total digestible nutrients (TDN) (54.56%) and DM degradation rate (DDM) (60.06%) of the CRG were higher than those of BG and NO. In addition, the expected DM intake (DMI), estimated relative feed value (RFV), and estimated relative feed quality (RFQ) of the BG were lower than those of the CRG and NO. Altogether, based on our findings, we concluded that the nutritional quality, feeding value and effective rumen degradation rate of CRG were better than of BG and NO.

Anti-osteoclastogenic Effects of Indole Alkaloids Isolated from Barley (Hordeum vulgare Var. Hexastichon) Grass.

As part of our continuous program to identify new potential candidates for controlling osteolytic bone diseases from natural products, the alkaloid fraction of barley (Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichon) grass (HVA) significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and protected mice from LPS-induced bone loss. A phytochemical investigation of HVA afforded nine indole alkaloids, including one new compound [hordeumin A (1)] and eight known analogues (2-9). Of them, four (1, 2, 4, and 5) were anti-osteoclastogenic compounds. Of these four, compound 5 significantly suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation, actin ring formation, and bone resorption in a concentration-dependent manner. It also suppressed the RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and the activation of c-Fos and NFATc1. Compound 5 also reduced the expression levels of osteoclast-specific marker genes, including TRAP, CtsK, DC-STAMP, OSCAR, and MMP9. Our findings suggest that HVA and its alkaloid constituents could be valuable candidates for the prevention and treatment of osteolytic bone diseases.

Bioactivity evaluations of leaf extract fractions from young barley grass and correlation with their phytochemical profiles.

BACKGROUND: The pressed juice of Barley Grass (BG) has become very popular among people for various assumed benefits along with many testimonies of people who have been healed from various ailments such as anemia, cancer, GI problems by consuming BG. The aim of our research was to validate the claims of its medicinal values such as chemo-protective action, high anti-oxidants, RBC membrane stabilization activity, and toxicity level. METHODS: Extracts of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were quantitatively estimated for total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The same extracts were assessed for their antioxidative potentials with the use of DPPH free radical scavenging assay followed by determination of HRBC membrane stabilization method, Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) and GC-MS analysis. RESULTS: All the extracts showed high TPC and TFC along with the stronger correlation with the antioxidant activity of the extracts suggesting phenolics and flavonoids contents of the extract might be attributed to showing antioxidant activity. The methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of the plant also showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity where methanolic extracts had the lowest EC50. During Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay, all extracts of BG were found to be bioactive and the degree of lethality was found to be concentration dependent. The GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract of BG revealed 23 compounds which are reported to possess different biological activities. CONCLUSION: The study reveals the strong antioxidant and RBC membrane stabilization activity of BG. The Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay found extracts to be bioactive suggesting extracts as a promising candidate for plant-derived anti-tumor compounds. Further, studies are needed to validate the data on cancer cell lines.

Barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) inhibits obesity and improves lipid profile in high fat diet-induced rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hordeum vulgare (L.), commonly known as barley belonging to Poaceae family is a widely used cereal. Barley seeds are considered to possess high nutritional value and antioxidant properties. The grass of barley is also considered as a part of health drink in many parts of India. It is claimed to suppress a number of health disorders including obesity, diabetes, circulatory disorders, arthritis, anemia, excessive cholesterol levels, renal difficulties, and cancer. However, the antiobesity potential of barley grass has not been explored till now. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to characterize and evaluate the anti-obesity activity of barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) in high fat diet induced model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Barley grass juice was characterized by GC-MS analysis for identifying the active phytochemical constituents and was subjected to standard in vitro antioxidant studies. For in vivo studies, obesity was induced by high fat diet model in adult male Wistar rats. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) was used as the standard and barley grass juice was administered at two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg) for a period of 60 days. Anthropometric parameters, lipid profile and liver function markers were screened at regular intervals in all the treatment groups. At the end of the study, histopathological evaluations of liver and carotid artery were performed. The levels of in vivo antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde were also estimated in the liver homogenates. Expression levels of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3 were determined in the liver. RESULTS: Results indicated that barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) exhibited potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Rats administered with high fat diet for 60 days showed a significant increase in body weight, BMI, altered lipid profile, liver function markers like AST, ALT, ALP and increased expression of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3. However, administration of barley grass juice for 60 days, profoundly decreased the bodyweight, BMI, improved lipid profile and liver function markers. This was supported by the decreased expression of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3 in liver. Histopathological variations observed in liver and carotid artery of high fat diet group, when treated with BJG showed preserved hepatocytes and reduced atherosclerosis. GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents in barley grass juice. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the antiobesity activity of barley grass juice and it may be concluded that barley grass juice can be an effective nutraceutical in the management of obesity.

Infiltration behavior of heavy metals in runoff through soil amended with biochar as bulking agent.

Biochar as a porous carbon material could be used for improving soil physical and chemical properties, while insufficient attention has been paid to potential risks induced by infiltration of heavy metals in the runoff water flowing through biochar-amended soil. Four different soil-biochar matrices with same volumes were constructed including soil alone (M1), biochar alone (M2), soil-biochar layering (M3) and soil-biochar mixing (M4). Leaching experiments were conducted with Pb, Cu, and Zn contaminated runoff water. Results showed that biochar amendment greatly improved the water permeation, and the infiltration rates in M2, M3, and M4 were 2.85-23.0 mm min-1, being much higher than those in M1 (1.33-4.05 mm min-1), though the rates decreased as the leaching volumes increased. However, biochar induced more Pb, Cu, and Zn infiltrated through soil-biochar matrix. After 350-L leaching, M1 retained about 95% Pb, 90% Cu, and 36% Zn, while M2 only retained 4.80% Pb, 17.4% Cu, and 4.01% Zn; about 30% Pb, 80% Cu, and 15% Zn were retained in M3 and M4. Notably, Zn was trapped first and then re-leached into the filtrate, which resulted in a much higher effluent Zn than the influent Zn at the later stage. However, the unit weight of biochar showed a higher capacity for retaining heavy metals compared to per unit of soil. Under the dynamic water flow, all benefits and disadvantages induced by biochar were weakened with its physical disintegration. Biochar as soil amendment can enhance plant growth via ameliorating soil structure, while it would pose risks to environment because of large penetration of heavy metals. If biochar was compacted to form a denser physical structure, perhaps more heavy metals could be retained.