Wheatgrass Extract Research Articles

Studies on antimicrobial and anthelmintic potential of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is one of the important herb consumed widely and is known for therapeutic and nutraceutical potential. Wheatgrass is known for its antiulcer and anticancer potential. The current work was focused to evaluate antimicrobial and anthelmintic penitential of wheatgrass. The results demonstrated that aqueous extract of wheatgrass was able to inhibit worms and microbes. Thus, it could be concluded that wheat grass could be a potential source of antimicrobial and anthelmintic agents.

Antimicrobial effect of edible plant extract on the growth of some foodborne bacteria including pathogens

The antimicrobial effect of water extracts of sevenday-old fresh wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) at concentrations of 1.0 mg/ml on the growth of four bacterial strains (two Gram-positive strains and two Gram-negative strains) and one fungus, mostly foodborne including pathogens, was studied. It was found to be effective against all the test organisms, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative strains. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found among the microorganisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract for each bacterial strain was studied by a gradient plate method. Among the Gram-positive organisms, Bacillus cereus was found to be the most sensitive followed by Staphylococcus aureus, while Gram-negative Escherichia coli was found to be the least sensitive. Bacteriostatic/ bactericidal effects of 1.0 mg/ml wheatgrass extract were studied by the viable count technique after 1 h of direct contact with each microorganism. B. cereus was found to be the most sensitive, demonstrating 1 log cycle reduction.

Thin-layer chromatographic method for separation of wheatgrass pigments on sucrose impregnated silica gel plates

One of the most important aspects of the selected analytical method is avoiding the degradation of the target compounds during the analysis of the samples. Chromatographic techniques, particularly thin-layer chromatography (TLC), are widespread in this field. However, difficulties arise in applying chromatographic methods, such as separation efficiency, and stability of target compounds. The application of silica gel as stationary phase might be an appropriate choice [2], but at the same time, the degradation of the pigment compounds is fast, so the analysis has to be done relatively quickly [3]. In order to avoid degradation, a column filled with sucrose was used as adsorbent for isolation of chlorophylls [4, 5] and home-made thin-layer plates for analysis [6–8]. However, the resolution was rather limited. The aim of this investigation was to find a rapid and simple analytical method for the separation of the pigments originated from commercial wheat grass extracts without any degradation product generated during the analysis of the samples. The sucrose immersed silica gel system fulfilled all of these requirements. 2 Experimental

Antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extract on CML (K562) cell line

Plant-based diet supplements help the prevention and therapy of several kinds of cancer because they contain micronutrients, a class of substances that have been shown to exhibit chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. In the present study the effects and oxidant/antioxidant status of aqueous and ethanol extracts of wheatgrass were tested in human chronic myeloid leukemia CML (K562) cell line. Materials and methods: K562 cell lines were treated with 10% (w/v) concentration of aqueous and ethanol wheatgrass extracts. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined morphologically and by MTT and DNA laddering. MDA level and CAT, SOD, and ADA activities of the cell lines were measured. Results: Both preparations inhibited the growth of leukemia cells in a time-dependent manner. The most apoptotic and antiproliferative effect was seen in the cell line treated with aqueous extract at 48 h (P < 0.001). Increases in MDA level and CAT and SOD activities were observed. Conclusion: Wheatgrass extract has an antioxidant activity, inhibits proliferation of leukemia cells, and induces apoptosis; thus, this finding may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of CML.

Wheatgrass extract increases proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Wheatgrass, the young grass of Triticum aestivum L. contains chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes and acclaimed to have antioxidant properties. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, a high level of NO production

The role of iron chelation activity of wheat grass juice in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

7012 Background: A pilot study with wheat grass juice in major thalassaemia patients was done by a group of clinicians in IPGMR, Chandigarh, India. We performed a study of 200 patients of intermediate thalassaemia with wheat grass juice and found 80% patients becoming transfusion independent. During the study in majority of the patients, serum ferritin level was significantly less as compared to pretreatment values. The aim of our study was to see the effect of wheat grass juice in reducing Ferritin level in myelodysplastic syndrome and also do the biochemical analysis of the wheat grass juice. Methods: During period from January 2003 to December 2007 we selected 20 patients of transfusion dependent myelodysplastic syndrome in the oncology department of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute. The age range of the patients was 42 years to 72 years (median 55 years). The fresh leaves of 5–7-day-old wheat grasss including stems were made fresh juice and had given 30 mL of juice daily to all 20 patients for continuous 6 months. Wheat grass juice was analyzed by column chromatography and found to be rich in oxalic and malic acid which might have some role in dietary absorption of iron from intestine. Beside that the wheat grass juice was found to contain two unique active ingredients with iron chelating property which was performed by deoxyribose degradation assay. We compared aqueous soluble extract of 5–7-day-old plant and dose-dependent study showed a significant iron chelating activity of crude extract in comparison to known standard iron chelator desferroxamine (DFO). The active compounds of crude extract of wheat grass may chelate catalytic iron in iron overload disorders when taking systematic dose. Result: The mean serum Ferritin level of the patients was 2,250 (range 650–4,800) before wheat grass treatment. The mean reduced to 950 (range 68–1680) (p &lt; 0.0001). The performance status was improved from 60% to 80% (Karnofsky) after wheat grass treatment. The mean interval between transfusions was found increased. Conclusions: Wheat grass juice is an effective iron chelator and its use in reducing serum ferritin should be encouraged in myelodysplastic syndrome and other diseases where repeated blood transfusion is required. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evaluation of antioxidant profile and activity of amalaki (Emblica officinalis), spirulina and wheat grass

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of amalki (Emblica officinalis), spirulina and wheatgrass were prepared and analyzed for antioxidant vitamin content (vitamin C and E), total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant status, reducing power and effect on glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were evaluated in vitro. Vitamin C content of crude amalaki powder was found to be 5.38 mg/g, while very less amount 0.22 mg/g was detected in wheat grass. Amalki was rich in vitamin E like activity, total phenolic content, reducing power and antioxidant activity. Total antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of amalki, spirulina and wheat grass at 1mg/ml concentration were 7.78, 1.33 and 0.278 mmol/l respectively. At similar concentrations the total antioxidant activity of alcoholic extract of amalaki, spirulina and wheat grass was 6.67, 1.73 and 0.380 mmol/l respectively. Amalki was also found to be rich source of phenolic compounds (241mg/g gallic acid equivalent). Alcoholic extract of wheat grass showed 50 % inhibition in FeCl(2)- ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenates in vitro. Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of amalaki inhibited activity of rat liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) in vitro in dose dependant manner. Since GST acts as powerful drug metabolizing enzyme its inhibition by amalaki offers possibility of its use for lowering therapeutic dose of herbal preparations. The aqueous extracts of both amalki and spirulina also showed protection against t-BOOH induced cytotoxicity and production of ROS in cultured C(6) glial cells.

Apoptotic effect of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extract on Baf3p210 and Baf3p210-T315I leukemia cell lines

Apoptotic effect of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extract on Baf3p210 and Baf3p210-T315I leukemia cell lines

Effect of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) on oxidant/antioxidant status in Baf 3p210 and T315i cell lines

In this study, it was aimed to investigate possible effects of aqueous extract of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) on oxidant/antioxidant status in Baf3p210 (mouse myeloid cell, glivec sensitive type) cell line and T315I cell line (glivec resistant type). For this aim, aqueous extract (200% w/v) was added into the cell line media at final concentration 10%. Beginning, 24th and 48th hours' oxidant (malondialdehyde-MDA level and xanthine oxidase-XO activity) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase-SOD and catalase-CAT activities) parameters and ADA (Adenosine deaminase) activity were measured in the cell line. It was observed that these extracts caused inhibition of ADA activity at beginning but increased MDA levels, SOD and CAT activities in the cell line. In conclusion, it has been suggested that the extract directly causes oxidant stress in cell lines owing to its own oxidant ingredients. It seemed that this compensatory change could not prevent the oxidant stress created. We think that the oxidant potential of the extract might play part in its possible anticancer potential supposed by several investigators previously.

The Role of Iron Chelation Activity of Wheat Grass Juice in Blood Transfusion Requirement of Intermediate Thalassaemia.

Background: Previously it was thought that the chlorophyll of wheat grass (Triticum astevum) may be the substitute of haemoglobin of RBC having resemblance of similar structure. A group of Austrelian scientists tried to prove that wheat grass juice increases the foetal haemoglobin level 3–5 folds in intermediate thalassaemia patients. A pilot study with wheat grass juice in major thalassaemia patients were done by Dr. Marwa et al in IPGMR, Chandigarh, India. But there is no satisfactory explanation behind the reduced blood transfusion requirements after consumption of wheat grass juice for a long period. The aim of our study was to see the effect of wheat grass juice in blood transfusion requirement in intermediate thalassaemia patients and also do the biochemical analysis of the wheat grass juice.Material & Methods: During period from January 2003 to December 2006 we selected 200 intermediate thalassaemia patients (E-thalassaemia, E-Beta & Sickle thal) in the paediatric oncology department of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute. The age range of the patients was 1 year to 35 years (median age 18 years). The different types of thalasssaemia were E-Beta Thalassaemia 80% (160 patients), E-Thalassaemia 15% (30 patients) and Sickle Thalassaemia 5% (10 patients). When the wheat grasses were 5–7 days old, the fresh leaves including steams were made fresh juice and had given 30ml of juice daily to all our 200 patients for continuous 6 months. Wheat grass juice was analysed by column chromatography and found to be rich in oxalic acid and malic acid which might have some role in dietary absorption of iron from intestine. Beside that the wheat grass juice was found to contain a unique iron chelating property which was performed by deoxyribose degradation assay. We compared aqueous soluble extract of 5–7th day plant and our dose dependant study showed a significant iron chelating activity of crude extract in comparison to known standard iron chelator desferroxamine (DFO). The active compounds of crude extract of wheat grass may chelate catalytic iron in iron overload disorders when taking systematic dose.Result: The mean levels of haemoglobin before starting wheat grass juice were 6.2gm%. After 6months of wheat grass therapy the mean value for haemoglobin was 7.8gm% (pvalue <. 005). Twenty four patients (12%) require blood transfusion (haemoglobin < 6gm%). The performance status was improved from 60% to 80% (Karnofsky) after wheat grass treatment. The ferritin level of all patients before the study was found to be decreased significantly after wheat grass juice consumption. The mean interval between transfusion were found increased. Being a natural potent iron chelator and H2O2 quencher, it prevents the hydroxyl radical production by Fenton reaction in the RBC. Thus it may prevent the breakdown of plasma membrane of RBC and haemoglobin level becomes stable for a prolonged period.Conclusion: We may conclude that wheat grass juice is an effective alternative of blood transfusion. It's use in intermediate thalassaemia patients should be encouraged.

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extracts on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell line

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals and it has higher phenolic and flavonoid content in the ethanol extracts than water extracts. Flavonoids in general have been shown to have anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, properties. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia(CML) is a malignant hematopoietic stem cell disorder that is characterized by BCR-ABL fusion gene encodes cytoplasmic BCR-ABL oncoprotein with a constitutive tyrosine kinase activity that enhances the proliferation and antiapoptotic capacity of affected cell clone. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of wheatgrass has not been studied yet. Here we report the effect of wheatgrass extract on CML cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. 32Dp210 (BCR-ABL fusion gene (+) mouse CML cell line) and 32D (wild type mouse myeloid cell line) cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium. Cells were incubated with wheatgrass ethanol extracts at final concentrations of 6.5% (w/v) and 13% (w/v) at 0,24,48,72 hours. Cell viability was detected by MTT and trypan blue assays. Apoptosis was determined morphologically and DNA laddering. Both of the concentrations were found to be statistically different (p<0.001) in respect to their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects than their controls. The results showed that the wheatgrass extract inhibited growth of 32Dp210 cells in a dose dependent manner compared to the control cell line(32D). At 6.5% (w/v) and 13% (w/v) concentrations of wheatgrass extracts induced apoptosis at 72, 24 hours respectively. In this study, it has been calculated that the death risk of 32Dp210 was found 6.2 times higher than 32D. It is concluded that wheatgrass extract inhibits proliferation of 32Dp210 cells through the induction of apoptosis.

Catalytic Characteristics of Peroxidase from Wheat Grass

The crude enzyme extract of wheat grass was heated at 60 degrees C for 30 min, followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation and isoelectric chromatofocusing on Polybuffer exchanger (PBE 94) for purification. The purified peroxidase was then characterized for its catalytic characteristics. It was found that AgNO3 at a concentration of 0.25 mM and MnSO4 and EDTA at concentrations of 5 mM significantly inhibited the activity of wheat grass peroxidase. However, KCl, NaCl, CuCl2, CaCl2, ZnCl2, and MgCl2 at concentrations of 5.0 mM and HgCl2 at a concentration of 0.25 mM enhanced enzyme activity. Chemical modification significantly influenced the activity of wheat grass peroxidase. Particularly, N-bromosuccinimide (5 mM) inhibited 16% of the enzyme activity, whereas N-acetylimidazole (2.5 mM), diethyl pyrocarbonate (2.5 mM), and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (2.5 mM) enhanced by 18-29% of the enzyme activity. Such results implied that tryptophan, histidine, tyrosine, and serine residues are related to enzyme activity. The pH optima for wheat grass peroxidase to catalyze the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), catechol, pyrogallol, and guaiacol were 5.0, 4.5, 6.5, and 5.0, respectively. The apparent Km values for OPD, catechol, pyrogallol, and guaiacol were 2.9, 18.2, 2.5, and 3.8 mM, respectively. Under optimal reaction conditions, wheat grass peroxidase catalyzed the oxidation of OPD (an aromatic amine substrate) 3-11 times more rapidly than guaiacol, catechol, and pyrogallol (phenolic substrates containing one to three hydroxy groups in the benzene ring).

Freezing and Ice Recrystallization Properties of Sucrose Solutions Containing Ice Structuring Proteins from Cold-Acclimated Winter Wheat Grass Extract

The freezing properties of sucrose solutions containing ice structuring proteins (ISPs) from cold-acclimated winter wheat grass extract (AWWE) were evaluated. Neither significant ice nucleation nor thermal hysteresis activity in unpurified AWWE were detected (P > 0.05). Ice recrystallization in sucrose solutions was assessed by bright field microscopy. Ice crystal growth was significantly reduced with the addition of more than 0.05% total protein from AWWE in 23% sucrose solutions frozen under static conditions and temperature cycled under long periods of time (60 min). Ice recrystallization inhibition was not evident when the samples were temperature cycled for shorter periods of time (10 min), indicating that an adsorption time may be required for the ISPs to be significantly active. The ice recrystallization was reduced with the increased on ISP concentration until reaching a plateau after adding 0.13% total protein from AWWE, representing a surface coverage of 9 mg protein/m2 ice (assuming 100% adsorption). The reduction of ice crystal growth was as high as 74% compared with the control. This ice recrystallization inhibition offers significant opportunity for the use of ISPs from AWWE in frozen foods.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as a function of growth under different conditions

The antioxidant activity of wheatgrass, which is consumed as a dietary supplement, was estimated at different levels. The methods employed include FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), ABTS (2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of wheatgrass grown under different conditions over a period of 6, 7, 8, 10 and 15 days were used. Lipid peroxidation and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were determined and utilized to check the potency of a few selected extracts. Different conditions used for growth were (1) tap water, (2) tap water with nutrients, (3) soil and tap water, and (4) soil with nutrients. For comparison, a commercially available wheatgrass tablet was analysed. To explain the reasons behind the observed differences, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were measured. These contents increased with growth under all the conditions. The ethanol extracts were found to have a higher phenolic and flavonoid content than the aqueous extracts. The highest FRAP values occurred on day 15 of growth under condition 4, the values being 0.463 and 0.573 mmol of ascorbic acid and Trolox equivalents/100 g fresh wheatgrass for aqueous and ethanol extracts, respectively. In the aqueous extracts no specific trend was observed with the DPPH assay for the different conditions nor for the growth period. In the case of ethanol extracts, however, it increased with the growth period and the wheatgrass grown in condition 4 was found to be the most effective. These extracts were also found to inhibit significantly ascorbate-Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. The ORAC values of aqueous and ethanol extracts of day 10 with condition 4 were found to be 39.9 and 48.2, respectively, being higher than those reported for many natural extracts or vegetables.

Ice Recrystallization Inhibition in Ice Cream as Affected by Ice Structuring Proteins from Winter Wheat Grass

Ice recrystallization in quiescently frozen sucrose solutions that contained some of the ingredients commonly found in ice cream and in ice cream manufactured under commercial conditions, with or without ice structuring proteins (ISP) from cold-acclimated winter wheat grass extract (AWWE), was assessed by bright field microscopy. In sucrose solutions, critical differences in moisture content, viscosity, ionic strength, and other properties derived from the presence of other ingredients (skim milk powder, corn syrup solids, locust bean gum) caused a reduction in ice crystal growth. Significant ISP activity in retarding ice crystal growth was observed in all solutions (44% for the most complex mix) containing 0.13% total protein from AWWE. In heat-shocked ice cream, ice recrystallization rates were significantly reduced 40 and 46% with the addition of 0.0025 and 0.0037% total protein from AWWE. The ISP activity in ice cream was not hindered by its inclusion in mix prior to pasteurization. A synergistic effect between ISP and stabilizer was observed, as ISP activity was reduced in the absence of stabilizer in ice cream formulations. A remarkably smoother texture for ice creams containing ISP after heat-shock storage was evident by sensory evaluation. The efficiency of ISP from AWWE in controlling ice crystal growth in ice cream has been demonstrated.

Wheat Grass Juice in the Treatment of Active Distal Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

Background: The use of wheat grass ( Triticum aestivum ) juice for treatment of various gastrointestinal and other conditions had been suggested by its proponents for more than 30 years, but was never clinically assessed in a controlled trial. A preliminary unpublished pilot study suggested efficacy of wheat grass juice in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study. One gastroenterology unit in a tertiary hospital and three study coordinating centers in three major cities in Israel. Twenty-three patients diagnosed clinically and sigmoidoscopically with active distal UC were randomly allocated to receive either 100 cc of wheat grass juice, or a matching placebo, daily for 1 month. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by a 4-fold disease activity index that included rectal bleeding and number of bowel movements as determined from patient diary records, a sigmoidoscopic evaluation, and global assessment by a physician. Results. Twenty-one patients completed the study, and full information was available on 19 of them. Treatment with wheat grass juice was associated with significant reductions in the overall disease activity index ( P = 0.031) and in the severity of rectal bleeding ( P = 0.025). No serious side effects were found. Fresh extract of wheat grass demonstrated a prominent tracing in cyclic voltammetry methodology, presumably corresponding to four groups of compounds that exhibit anti-oxidative properties. Conclusion. Wheat grass juice appeared effective and safe as a single or adjuvant treatment of active distal UC.