Wheatgrass Extract Research Articles

Wheatgrass extract imparts neuroprotective actions against scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice.

The rich and diverse phytoconstituents of wheatgrass have established it as a natural antioxidant and detoxifying agent. The anti-inflammatory potential of wheatgrass has been studied extensively. However, the neuroprotective potential of wheatgrass has not been studied in depth. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective response of wheatgrass against age-related scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Scopolamine is an established anticholinergic drug that demonstrates the behavioural and molecular characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. In the current study, wheatgrass extracts (prepared from 5 and 7 day old plantlets) were administered to scopolamine-induced memory deficit mice. The Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests demonstrated that wheatgrass treatment improves the behavior and simultaneously enhances the memory of amnesic mice. We further evaluated the expression of neuroinflammation related genes and proteins in the hippocampal region of mice. Wheatgrass significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of neuroprotective markers such as BDNF and CREB in scopolamine-induced mice. Simultaneously, wheatgrass also downregulated the expression of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and tau genes in these mice. The treatment of scopolamine-induced memory impaired mice with wheatgrass resulted in an elevation in the level of the phosphorylated form of ERK and Akt proteins. Wheatgrass treatment of mice also regulated the phosphorylation of tau protein and simultaneously prevented its aggregation in the hippocampal region of the brain. Overall, this study suggests the therapeutic potential of wheatgrass in the treatment of age-related memory impairment, possibly through the involvement of ERK/Akt-CREB-BDNF pathway and concomitantly ameliorating the tau-related pathogenesis.

Evaluation of Prebiotic and Antimicrobial Properties of Natural Extracts

Prebiotics are compounds in food that induce growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms & are beneficial for host health. The most common example is in the gastrointestinal tract, where prebiotics alter composition of organisms in the gut microbiome. Prebiotics are the non-digestible fibers or carbohydrates that gut bacteria can digest, and prebiotics adds nutritional value & help healthy bacteria grow. Prebiotics are associated with Probiotic, microbes which keep intestine healthy and enhance immune system by fighting with harmful bacteria. This study centers on evaluation of prebiotic properties for natural, aqueous extracts of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), Kokum dried (Garcinia indica), and Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) by stimulation of growth, of probiotic organism Lactobacillus casei isolated on Sterile Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar and was measured colorimetrically at 545 nm. Antimicrobial and biopreservative study were also performed of these extracts. Hence to evaluate the variable properties of being used in cancer treatment, cosmetics, food industry, etc. Presence of Vitamin C in these plants by DCPIP method broadens the idea of Prebiotics applications, like better immune health and wound healing. Probiotic organism is also used in horticulture, in this study it resulted in enhancing the process of germination, Lactobacillus casei of 108cfu/ml was incorporated in soil to enhance germination of fenugreek seed and kokum extract as a prebiotic source. Additionally, an online survey with Questionnaire methodology was conducted on Awareness and usage about prebiotic and probiotics by online platform and results were analyzed by graphical and statistical method.

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.

The Antioxidant Efficacy of Wheatgrass (Triticum Aestivum) on Mercuric Chloride (HgCl2) - Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Model

Mercury is a harmful toxic pollutant, which has hepato-nephrotoxic, hematotoxic, genotoxic and neurotoxic, effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of wheatgrass on mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced oxidative stress and associated complications in rat model. Albino rats were divided into four groups (three rats per group). Group I normal control group. Group II oxidative stressed group received mercuric chloride (0.5 mg/kg/day). Group III only received wheatgrass extract (100 mg/kg/day), whereas Group IV received wheatgrass (100 mg/kg/day) after one hour, followed by mercuric chloride (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. The results of the study showed that wheatgrass supplementation significantly decreased the HgCl2 induced elevated oxidative stress parameters Plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, Plasma membrane redox system (PMRS), Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), simultaneously elevated lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), liver enzymes as, Plasma Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Serum Urea, and Creatinine levels in rats. In addition, wheatgrass treatment improved the antioxidant status in terms of intracellular Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2, 2- diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Therefore it can be concluded that wheatgrass has great potential to diminish the stress-mediated complications and improve the antioxidant status.

Effect of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum Linn) Extracts as Source of Antioxidants on some biochemical parameters and Markers of Aging

Aging is defined of the process of getting older, or an artificial process to make someone or something look older and loss of function. There has been a global trend toward using of natural phytochemicals present in natural sources as antioxidants and functional foods. Wheatgrass has been proved to contain essential amino acids, active enzymes, flavonoids, chlorophyll, minerals, proteins and vitamins This study was aimed to see the effect of ethanolic and water extracts of wheat grass as natural sources of antioxidants on markers of aging in rats. 36 Sprague-Dawley female rats were obtained. six rats weighing 112 to 125 g considered as control young and therefore the rest of rats weighing 256 to 267 g considered as aged rats their age ranges between 18 month and to 24 month. The rats were divided into 5 groups, the primary and second groups consumed basal diet and thought of as control young and control aged rats, respectively, while the opposite four groups administered ethanolic and water extracts of Wheatgrass powder at doses of 10 and 20 mg for every rat once daily. Blood samples were taken from rats and examined for markers of aging as, the activity of SOD and lipid peroxidation (MDA), total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides levels and liver functions. Aging resulted during a significant deterioration altogether tested markers of aging including, SOD and MDA, total protein, globulin, albumin HDL-cholesterol. Also, a big increase in, ALT, AST triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL levels was observed during aging. Administering aged rats with Wheatgrass ethanolic and water extracts caused a big improvement within the above markers and returned the abnormal markers back to the traditional levels Approximately as found on top of things young rats especially at 20 mg from wheatgrass. So, it might be recommended that wheatgrass ethanolic extracts (70) might be wont to improve the abnormal changes in health state of aging human and return them to just about the traditional state found in younger human by employing a natural source of antioxidants like Wheatgrass.

Extracts of Emmer Wheatgrass Grown with Distilled Water, Salinity or Selenium Differently Affect Germination and Cytosolic Ca2+ of Maize Pollen

In this work, the biological activity of emmer (Triticum turgidum L. spp. dicoccum (Schrank ex Shubler) Thell.) wheatgrass extracts obtained from grains sprouted with distilled water, or salinity (50 mM) or selenium (45 mg L−1 of Na2SeO3), was tested through an experimental biological model based on the germination and cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis of maize pollen grains. The effects of thapsigargin (TG) and of four phenolic acids (PAs: ferulic, coumaric, salicylic and 3-HO benzoic) on maize pollen were also tested as controls. Wheatgrass extracts influenced both pollen cytosolic Ca2+ and germination. The Ca2+ agonist activity of emmer wheatgrass was transient, different from that of TG, which caused a depletion of the stored Ca2+ and a permanent alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis. The results obtained with extracts compared to those obtained with pure PAs suggest that PAs in unconjugated forms, which are known to be well represent in emmer wheatgrass, contribute to the biological activity of extracts. The extent of the biological response of emmer wheatgrass extracts was influenced by emmer sprouting conditions (i.e., distilled water, or salinity or selenium). Maize pollen treated with Se-enriched wheatgrass extracts showed a less perturbed cytosolic Ca2+ and a higher germination rate.

Flavonoid-rich wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) diet attenuates diabetes by modulating antioxidant genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Wheatgrass, young germinated shoots of Triticum aestivum L., is proclaimed as antidiabetic nutraceutical by traditional medicines across the world. In this study, the effects of the wheatgrass diet in ameliorating oxidative stress (OS) induced during diabetes were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) and in vitro antioxidant activity of wheatgrass extract were estimated at different days (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) after germination. Correlating the TPC and TFC with in vitro antioxidant activity, 9th DAG wheatgrass was found to possess maximum antioxidant potential. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis also revealed the presence of nine flavonoids. For in vivo studies, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet. Concomitant administration of 9th-day wheatgrass diet (200 and 400mg/kg) for 60days exhibited significant improvements in hyperglycemia, body weight, lipid profile, biochemical indices (AST, ALT, GSH, GPx), and restoration of tissue architectures equivalent to normal rats. Further, qRT-PCR-based expression profiling revealed a significant modulation of major antioxidant marker genes and insulin gene which substantiated that the wheatgrass diet is effective in reducing OS during diabetes. Therefore, flavonoid-rich 9th-day wheatgrass could be used as a functional food to control diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present research supported that wheatgrass protects against oxidative stress and therefore could be utilized to ameliorate diabetes. The findings may contribute to the development and formulation of wheatgrass-based functional food or dietary supplement for diabetes by nutraceutical industries.

Profiles of vitamin B and E in wheat grass and grain of einkorn (Triticum monococcum spp. monococcum), emmer (Triticum dicoccum ssp. dicoccum Schrank.), durum (Triticum durum Desf.), and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis

Wheat is a basic, valuable, economic, and industrial crop for human and animal nutrition in all of the world. This study aims to evaluate and compare of vitamin B [thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), and folic acid (B9)] and vitamin E [alpha-tocopherol (α-TP), beta-tocopherol (β-TP), alpha-tocotrienol (α-TT), and beta-tocotrienol (β-TT)] contents in wheat grass and grain of einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum spp. monococcum; AA; 2n = 14) cultivar (IZA), emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum ssp. dicoccum Schrank.; AABB; 2n = 28) population, durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. (AABB; 2n = 28) cultivar (Kunduru-1149), and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; AABBDD; 2n = 42) cultivar (Kıraç-66). The amount of vitamin B and E in 14 days old wheat grass and grain of four different wheat species were determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The highest amount of vitamin B1 was obtained from wheat grass (1.108 μg/g dw) and grain (1.118 μg/g dw) of einkorn. The highest amount of B2 was determined in wheat grasses of einkorn (4.442 μg/g dw) and emmer (4.478 μg/g dw). The highest amount of B5 was found in wheat grass of einkorn (4.178 μg/g dw) and grain of bread wheat (10.294 μg/g dw). When we compared wheat grass extracts as vitamin E content, the highest amount of α-TP, β-TP, α-TT, and β-TT were found in einkorn (0.728 μg/g dw), emmer (0.009 μg/g dw), einkorn (0.006 μg/g dw), and emmer (0.009 μg/g dw), respectively. Morever, when we compared grains the highest amount of α-TP (16.460 μg/g dw), β-TP (1.018 μg/g dw), and β-TT (63.800 μg/g dw) were found in bread wheat, the highest amount of α-TT (12.670 μg/g dw) was found in einkorn. In conclusion, wheat grass of eirkorn contains higher amounts of B1, B2, and B5 than modern wheat species such as durum and bread wheat. At the same time, wheat grass of einkorn contains higher amount of total vitamin E content than emmer, durum, and bread wheat grass. Among the wheat species, the E vitamin isomers were higher in bread wheat grains, except for the α-TT (in einkorn). Wheat grass of einkorn (IZA), an ancestral cultivar type of wheat is richer and more valuable than durum and bread wheat grass in human health and nutrition.

Bioactive Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity of Wheatgrass Treated with Salicylic Acid under Organic Soil Cultivation

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine the influence of salicylic acid (SA) on the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of wheatgrass extract in the organic growing medium. Wheatgrass was cultivated in SA‐enriched organic growing medium, obtained from acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) of various concentrations (0 [control], 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mM) in a plant growth chamber by controlling atmosphere (20/15 °C, day/night), light (14/10 h, light/dark; light intensity 150 μmol m−2 s−1, using quantum dot light‐emitting diodes), and atmospheric moisture (60 %) for 10 d. The 0.25 mM SA‐treatment showed the highest impact on germination rate, wheatgrass length, weight, yield, and chlorophyll content. Levels of bioactive phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, flavonoids, β‐carotene, and vitamin C, were the highest in the 1.00 mM SA‐treated wheatgrass extract. The DPPH radical and nitrite‐scavenging capacities were the highest in the 1.00 mM SA‐treated wheatgrass extract. The 0.50 mM SA‐treated wheatgrass extract showed the highest superoxide dismutase‐like capacity, whereas the 2.00 mM SA‐treated wheatgrass extract showed the highest anthocyanin content and ABTS radical‐scavenging capacity. Therefore, it might be suggested that the appropriate levels of SA‐treatment were between 0.5 and 1.0 mM to enhance the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Inflammation is a multifaceted set of cellular communications generated against foreign infection, toxic influence or autoimmune injury. The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory effect of wheatgrass extract against the harmful impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophage cells, i.e., RAW 264.7 cells. Our results indicate that 5- and 7- days old wheatgrass extracts inhibit the LPS-stimulated production of nitric oxide. Moreover, wheatgrass extract significantly downregulates the mRNA expression of LPS-stimulated various pro-inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, AP-1 and also iNOS-2 and COX-2. Our flow cytometry analyses confirmed that wheatgrass extract prevents the generation of reactive oxygen species in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, thus arresting oxidative stress in cells. The immunoblot analyses also confirmed a significant reduction in the expression of inflammatory proteins, namely, iNOS-2 and COX-2, in wheatgrass extract-treated cells, compared to LPS-stimulated condition. The NF-κB transactivation assay further confirmed the inhibitory effect of wheatgrass extracts on the LPS-stimulated expression of NF-κB. Molecular docking based studies showed the plausible binding of two significant wheatgrass constituents, i.e., apigenin and myo-inositol with COX-2 protein, with binding energies of −10.59 kcal/mol and −7.88 kcal/mol, respectively. Based on the above results, wheatgrass may be considered as a potential therapeutic candidate for preventing inflammation.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Wheatgrass Extract and Assessment of Their Anticandidal Activity

Wheatgrass extract was used for eco-friendly extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Stable silver nanoparticles were formed by treating the wheatgrass extract with aqueous silver nitratesolution as reducing agents. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of silver nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited characteristic peaks signifying the crystalline nature of nanoparticels. The particle size and the involvement of various biomolecules in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles were determined using Atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The particle structure was studied by scanning electron microscopy and the elemental silver present in reaction mixture was confirmed by Energy dispersive x-ray. The nanoparticles were tested for their anticandidal activity against Candida albicans MTCC3017, Candida albicans MTCC1637, Candida albicans MTCC183, Candida tropicalis MTCC230 and Candida glabrata MTCC3814 and determined their minimum inhibitory concentration.

EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE SHADE OF THE BLEACHED ENAMEL USING SPECTROPHOTOMETRY

Background and Aim: The bleached enamel surface requires application of antioxidant as there will be continuous release of free oxygen radicals. It would be beneficial if remineralizing agent which is recommended after bleaching also provides an antioxidant therapy. The natural antioxidants are colored. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of natural antioxidants on the shade of the bleached enamel.
 Materials and Methods: Thirty single rooted maxillary anterior teeth were selected for the study. For all the samples middle third portion of the labial surface of the teeth was standardized using computerized cellophane stickers. Bleaching was carried out with 22% Carbamide peroxide gel (Philips Zoom Nite White). Based on the type of antioxidant solution application, samples were divided into three groups of ten samples each. Group I control (n=10) Group-II (n=10) 10% wheat grass solution (Sresta natural Bio products, India) Group-III (n=10) 5% grape seed extract (Zenith nutrition, Medizen Labs Pvt.Ltd, India). L, a, b values were recorded with spectrophotometry (Vita Zahnfabrik H. RauterGmbH & Co. KG,Bad Sackingen, Germany) thrice for each sample at the three respective time periods i.e at baseline, after bleaching and after antioxidant application.
 Results: ΔE values were subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA with p>0.05 and the results were tabulated. It was observed that there was statistical insignificant difference between the groups with a p value of 0.295(p>0.05). Conclusion: The antioxidants 5% grape seed extract and 10% wheat grass extract did not affect the shade of the bleached enamel.
 Keywords: tooth bleaching, antioxidant, shade, spectrophotometry

Tripolyphosphate crosslinked Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) functionalized antimicrobial chitosan: Ameliorating effect on physicochemical, mechanical, invitro cytocompatibility and cell migration properties

Polymeric films for various biomedical applications require to be biocompatible and non- toxic. Chemical route of modifications for functionalization of the films for improved properties lead to undesirable effects for biological applications. Hence a natural way to enhancing their properties is by functionalizing them using plant extracts. This report investigates the synthesis of bioactive phytochemical loaded polymer using Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) extract incorporated in tripolyphosphate crosslinked chitosan. Physical and mechanical properties of the extract functionalized crosslinked chitosan were analyzed and this showed significant changes in thickness, tensile strength and % elongation of the blend. The extract functionalized chitosan was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) confirming the interaction between the functional moieties of the extract and polymer. Antimicrobial analysis showed improved activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococus aureus and Candida albicans. Presence of the extract in crosslinked chitosan enhanced the cytocompatibility in 3T3 cells carried out by MTT assay and showed improved cell migration properties determined by scratch assay. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Effect of simulated microgravity on the antidiabetic properties of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Microgravity affects plant growth and content. A three-dimensional clinostat was used at 4 rotations/min to rotate the seeds of Triticum aestivum cultivar (Ammon) in three dimensions for 7 days, following which the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts were evaluated using both nitric oxide- and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activities. The antidiabetic activities of ethanolic extracts were evaluated by measuring the concentration of plasma glucose, insulin, C peptide, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); determining the number of β cells in the pancreatic islets; and performing the glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, the effects of the ethanolic extracts on the lipid profile and liver function were estimated. After rats were sacrificed, their pancreases were isolated and used for histopathological processing. The results indicated that the antioxidant potential and antioxidant metabolite content were significantly increased under microgravity conditions in comparison to those under normal gravity conditions. Rats treated with an extract of wheatgrass (T. aestivum) germinated over a period of 6–10 days under microgravity (WGM) showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum glucose, HbA1C, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and insulin resistance compared to rats treated with an extract of wheatgrass germinated under gravity. Additionally, the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-peptide, and insulin levels rose significantly after treatment with T. aestivum germinated under microgravity. WGM is a promising potential diabetic treatment without side effects with a low manufacturing cost.

Effect of arachidonic and jasmonic acid elicitation on the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effect of elicitation with arachidonic and jasmonic acids on the production of phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic extracts of wheatgrass was evaluated. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds carried out with the UPLC-MS technique indicated that luteolin and apigenin derivatives were the dominant flavonoids, while ferulic acid derivatives and syringic acid were the main components in the phenolic acid fraction in the wheatgrass. No qualitative changes in the examined phenolic compounds were observed in the case of the control and elicited plants, while there was an increase in the content of some compounds. The antioxidant activity increased in the elicited samples (with the exception of reducing power) and this elevation was partially correlated with the increase in the polyphenol content in the studied plants. Elicitation with 0.01 µM arachidonic acid also caused improvement of potential anti-inflammatory properties of the wheatgrass.

Triticum aestivum ethanolic extract improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed a choline-deficient or high-fat diet.

Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more prevalent with the rapid increase of obesity worldwide, no specific treatment has been developed. Several studies have shown that wheatgrass extract Triticum aestivum (TA) improves lipid metabolism. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of GM-T (an ethanolic TA extract) in a murine NAFLD model. Mice were separated into 12 groups (n = 10): two groups of normal diet, choline-deficient diet (CDD) or high-fat diet (HFD) with vehicle, CCD or HFD with silymarin (400 mg kg-1 day-1 ), and CCD or HFD with GM-T (100, 200 or 400 mg kg-1 day-1 ). The study was performed for 8 weeks for the CDD groups and 12 weeks for the HFD groups. In the CDD-fed mice, GM-T improved serum liver enzyme activities and liver inflammation score compared to vehicle. In the HFD-fed mice, GM-T improved blood lipid profiles, liver inflammation score, steatosis score and obesity compared to vehicle. The present study demonstrated that GM-T effectively improved NAFLD in mice via a mechanism that improved insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, suggesting the possibility of a functional dietary supplement to improve liver health, overall metabolic syndrome and obesity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of Wheat Grass Extract Versus Silver Sulfadiazine in 1–5% Second Degree Burns: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to compare the rate of wound healing of 1–5% second degree burns treated with wheat grass extract versus silver sulfadiazine cream in consecutive patients aged 1–60 years with scald, flame, contact, friction, or electric flash burns attending the Burns Out Patient Clinic and Casualty Department of Choithram Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, India, from November 2012 to November 2014. Sixty patients were randomized to receive either wheat grass extract or silver sulfadiazine. The primary outcome was completeness of wound healing at 2 weeks and secondary outcomes pain relief within 24 h, compliance of patient with allocated treatment, and incidence of wound infection. After the allocated treatment had been applied, the burns were dressed in the silver sulfadiazine group but kept open in the wheat grass group. Burn healing was assessed on alternate days until complete epithelization had been achieved. In the wheat grass extract group, complete healing had occurred in 3/30 study subjects by day 4, 1/30 by day 5, 3/30 by day 6, 10/30 by day 8, 8/30 by day 10, 1/30 by day 15, 1/30 by day 19, 2/30 by day 17, and one patient underwent SSG on day 4. In contrast, in the SSD group, 9/30 study subjects (30%) had achieved complete healing by day 12, 4/30 by day 13, 5/30 by day 14, 9/30 by day 15, and 1/30 by day 16. Thus, wound healing was achieved significantly faster (P = 0.0001), pain scores were significantly lower at the end of the first 24 h (P = 0.0001), and there was better compliance (P = 0.0001) in the wheat grass than in the silver sulfadiazine group. The wheat grass extract used in this study is cost-effective and achieves faster wound healing and pain relief than silver sulfadiazine in subjects with 1–5% burns. Further research on this promising approach to burns management is warranted.

IN VIVO RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF WHEATGRASS (TRITICUM AESTIVUM) EXTRACT AGAINST X-IRRADAITION-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND APOPTOSIS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES IN RATS

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective potential of wheatgrass extract against radiation-induced toxicity in peripheral lymphocytes of rats exposed to a fractionated dose of X-rays.Methods: Effects of the X-irradiation with and without wheatgrass were studied on various parameters in peripheral lymphocytes including antioxidant defense system and apoptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups: Normal control group, X-ray-irradiated group (21 Gy over a span of 7 days), wheatgrass-treated group (80 mg/100 g bodyweight for 2 weeks), and X-rays-irradiated + wheatgrass-treated group. All the biochemical indices which included lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activities of antioxidant enzymes were investigated in lymphocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay was carried out to assess the apoptosis in lymphocytes following whole-body X-irradiation.Results: Whole-body X-irradiation to rats resulted in significant increase in LPO with concomitant depression of antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidise (GPx) in lymphocytes. Further, the present study witnessed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes in the X-irradiated animals. However, wheatgrass supplementation lowered the LPO levels, restored cellular antioxidant status, and provided significant protection against radiation-induced apoptosis.Conclusions: Based on these observations, the present study suggests that wheatgrass extract has the potential to be used as an effective radioprotectant against radiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes of whole-body X-ray-exposed rats.

Retraction: Wheatgrass extract inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells.

[This retracts the article on p. 83 in vol. 11, PMID: 28386380.].

Wheatgrass Extract (Mugineic Acid): An Inexpensive and Effective Iron Chelator in Patients with Myelodysyplastic Syndromes

Background: Patients with red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and congenital anemias are at risk of transfusional hemosiderosis and organ injury from reactive iron species. Available iron chelating drugs in the US are either inconvenient for administration (parenteral deferoxamine) or are costly (oral deferasirox or deferiprone - median cost for these drugs exceeds $13,000-$18,000/month, Master S et al Blood 2016; 128:4858). Additionally, available chelators frequently have adverse effects including gastrointestinal (GI) upset or renal insufficiency. Wheatgrass, a food supplement prepared from the cotyledons of the Triticum aestivum Common Wheat plant, is sold either as a freeze-dried powder or as a juice extracted from the fresh leaves of the plant. Recently wheatgrass was found to contain high concentrations of the hexedentate iron chelator mugineic acid, a phytosiderophore that has comparable efficacy to deferasirox (ICL670) in a murine model of iron overload, and which may be a clinically meaningful iron chelator (Das et al J Biochem 2016; 160:163, Mukhopadhyay S et al JCO 2009; 15S:7012). Methods: Twelve patients with transfusion-dependent MDS (n=11) or congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (n=1) self-administered wheatgrass that they either grew themselves in potting soil or in an agricultural setting (n=3), procured from a juice bar (n=7), or obtained in powder form from a nutritional supplement store (n=2). Three patients also had known HFE variants. Seven patients had previously taken deferasirox and 2 patients had also received deferoxamine, but either did not tolerate these drugs or did not achieve adequate chelation. For patients using wheatgrass in the juice form, approximately 30 mL of juice was obtained from the leaves and stems of ~7 day-old wheatgrass. Serum ferritin was monitored over a period of at least 3 months. Serial hepatic T2* MRI was performed in 2 patients, one of whom also continued to take deferasirox. Results: The serum ferritin of patients at baseline was 2370 ng/mL (range, 1553-6089 ng/mL). The median decrement in serum ferritin in patients taking wheatgrass was 834 ng/mL (range of reduction, 251 to 1774 ng/mL). 3 patients reported worsening in GI upset or diarrhea but only 1 patient discontinued wheatgrass due to these effects; other adverse events were not observed. Two patients who grew their own wheatgrass noted mold outbreaks in the culture and switched to wheatgrass obtained from a juice bar. 1 patient noted a reduction in transfusion needs (of uncertain connection to wheatgrass administration), and the hepatic iron concentration measured by MRI decreased in both patients who were assessed radiographically. Conclusion: Mugineic acid in wheatgrass has iron chelating activity in patients with transfusion-associated iron overload. The annual cost of daily wheatgrass supplement from an urban juice bar (~$1500) is approximately 10% of the monthly cost of deferasirox or deferiprone in the US and less than 1% of the annual cost. Formal trials of wheatgrass or of purified mugineic acid in iron-overloaded patients with MDS or congenital anemias are indicated. Disclosures Steensma: H3 Biosciences: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Equity Ownership; Onconova: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy.