Fecal Weight Research Articles

Sexual Dimorphism Has Low Impact on the Response against Rotavirus Infection in Suckling Rats.

Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading pathogens causing severe and acute diarrhea in children and animals. It is well known that sex contributes to shaping immune responses, thus it could also influence the incidence and severity of the RV infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sexual dimorphism on RV infection and its antibody (Ab) immune response in a suckling rat model. Neonatal suckling rats were intragastrically RV-inoculated and clinical indexes derived from fecal samples, as well as immune variables were evaluated. Higher severity of diarrhea, fecal weight and viral elimination were observed in males compared to females (p < 0.05). Regarding the adaptative immunity, the RV shaped the immune response to lower IgG1 levels and an increased Th1/Th2-associated Ab response (p < 0.05). Although females had lower IgG2a levels than males (p < 0.05), the specific anti-RV antibody levels were not sex influenced. In fact, at this age the passive transfer of anti-RV antibodies through breast milk was the critical factor for clustering animals, independently of their sex. It can be concluded that male and female diarrhea severity in RV infection is slightly influenced by sexual dimorphism and is not associated with the specific immune response against the virus.

The Examination activity of salam leaf ethanolic ekstract (Syzygium polyanthum)[Wight] in mice

The examination effect of salam leaf ethanolic extract where the purposed of this study was to determine the effect and concentration of salam leaves as antidiarrheals. Ethanol extract dosages of salam leaf given orally (mg/kgbw) was 15;20;25;30;and 35, carried out abservations on mice starting diarrhea, weight of faeces, frequency diarrhea, and the duration of diarrhea for 5 hours. Loperamide HCl given dose of 1 mg/kg is used comparison with negative control CMC-Na, and comparison of Loperamide HCl was the 56th minute, 57,3; 57,9; 59; 58; 64,3 ; 54,3. Stool weight obtained an average of 0,34; 0,35; 0,32; 0,25; 0,27; 0,53; 0,21. The frequency of diarrhea was 8,8; 8,6; 8,9; 9,3; 8,6; 11,2; 8,5. Onset of diarrheal was average of minutes was 206,8; 207,6 ; 209,2; 209; 206,2; 230 and 88. From the research results obtained ethanol extract salam leaves given antidiarrheal effects with an optimum dose of 35mg/kgbw.

Comparison of Rabbit, Kitten and Mammal Milk Replacer Efficiencies in Early Weaning Rabbits.

Simple SummaryA milk replacer must be given as the main diet to young rabbits that are separated from their mothers before they reach weaning age (31–35 days). This procedure, which is a rescue protocol, allows them to survive. Moreover, the early separation of young rabbits before weaning prevents negative consequences in lactating rabbits, which is beneficial to pet rabbit producers. Kitten (KMR®, Pet-Ag Inc., Hampshire, IL, USA: KMR) or mammal (Zoologic® Milk matrix 30/52, Pet-Ag Inc., Hampshire, IL, USA: MMR) milk replacers have generally been suggested for use in rabbits; however, rabbit milk has a unique composition. Therefore, a rabbit milk replacer (RMR) was formulated in this study for comparison with these commercial products. Early weaned rabbits at 18 days of age were fed daily with RMR, KMR or MMR until 36 days after birth, while a commercial pelleted diet and water were provided at an amount exceeding the normal intake. The results indicated that it is possible to use RMR as a milk replacer for rabbits without serious adverse consequences. However, the RMR group presented a lower trend in nutrient digestibility than the other groups, although there was no statistical significant difference. Therefore, prebiotics and/or probiotics should be added to RMR formulations to improve this parameter.Early weaned rabbits should be fed using a milk replacer in order to survive. Therefore, a rabbit milk replacer (RMR) was developed and compared with a kitten milk replacer (KMR®: KMR) and a mammal milk replacer (Zoologic® Milk matrix 30/52: MMR). Thirty-six native crossbred rabbits aged 18 days were divided into three experimental groups (six replicates/group, two rabbits/replicate), fed RMR, KMR or MMR daily until they were 36 days old and euthanized at 38 days, while a complete pelleted diet and water were provided ad libitum. No statistically significant differences were observed in growth performance parameters, water intake, faecal weight, nutrient digestibility, internal organ weight, caecal pH, caecal cellulose activity, number of faecal pellets and amount of crude protein intake (p > 0.05). Caecal amylase activity in the KMR group and caecal protease activity in the RMR group were higher than in the MMR group (p < 0.05). The villus height and crypt depth of the MMR group were greater than in the RMR and KMR group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it is possible to feed RMR to early weaning rabbits without serious adverse effects. However, probiotics and/or prebiotics should be supplemented in milk replacers and their benefits studied.

ANTI-INSECT ACTIVITY OF ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS (L.) SCHRAD FRUIT AGAINST SPODOPTERA LITURA (FAB.)(NOCTUIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA)

ABSTRACT The effect of ethyl acetate extract of bitter apple, Citrullus colocynthis fruit was studied against S. litura using poison food bioassay experiments. Extraction of toxic compounds from the fruits of C. colocynthis with Soxhlet and purification of extracts with column chromatography were done. In this study, there were seven treatments – five elutions, control and absolute control replicated thrice. The results showed that among the five elutions, ethyl acetate elution 3 had registered 80.00 and 83.33 per cent adult malformation, followed by ethyl acetate elution 1, 2 and 4 compared to control and absolute control in preliminary and confirmation screenings, respectively. The determination of promising dose exhibited that, ethyl acetate elution 3 exhibited the LC50value of 29.62 per cent concentration. In ethyl acetate elutions, it was found that among the elutions, the lowest mean faecal and pupal weight were registered in ethyl acetate elution 3 compared to control and absolute control. Similar trend of results were also observed in confirmation and dose determination experiments.

Laxative and antioxidant effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) leaf extract in experimental constipated rats.

Ramie leaf (Boehmeria nivea L.) is rich in cellulose, polyphenol compounds, vitamin C, and minerals. The leaves of this plant, which are used for medicinal purposes, have long been reported to have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticolitis, and antidiabetic effects. We investigated the protective effects of ramie leaf ethanol extract (RLE) against loperamide‐induced constipation and oxidative stress in rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight of RLE (RLEL and RLEH groups) by gavage, while normal (NOR) and control (CON) rats received saline. Loperamide (4.0 mg/kg, twice per day) was injected subcutaneously to induce constipation in RLEL, RLEH, and CON groups. Total fecal number, wet weight, and water content decreased, while the total number of loperamide‐induced fecal pellets in the distal colon increased with administration of RLE in a dose‐dependent manner. Gastrointestinal transit time was more greatly reduced in RLE‐treated groups than in the CON group. Serum total cholesterol (TC) level, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, was significantly lower in both RLEL and RLEH groups compared with the CON group. Intestinal mucosa malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner in the RLE‐treated groups. Loperamide decreased the antioxidant enzyme activity, including that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), while RLE administration increased the antioxidant activity. These results suggest that RLE exerts potent laxative and antioxidant effects in model rats with loperamide‐induced constipation.

Preliminary Evaluation of the Antidiarrheal Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract and Fractions of &lt;i&gt;Rauwolfia vomitoria&lt;/i&gt; Afzel. (Apocynaceae)

Context: Diarrhea, a major leading cause of death among under-five children in developing countries is still ravaging the society today due to limitations associated with conventional treatment approaches. The leaf of Rauwofia vomitoria (R. vomitoria) is used by the locals in Nigeria for the treatment of diarrhea. Aim: This study evaluated the anti-diarrheal activity of the leaf extract and fractions of R. vomitoria using animal models. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out. The extracts and fractions of R. vomitoria were screened using castor-oil induced diarrhea, castor-oil induced enteropooling, charcoal meal test and ex-vivo anti-spasmomodic models. The tests groups received 400 mg/kg of the extract, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and water fractions based on the result of preliminary study. The Negative control (5 ml/kg of 5% Tween-80) and Positive control (Loperamide, 2 mg/kg and atropine sulphate, 10 mg/kg) were used. Ex-vivo anti-spasmodic test was carried out using isolated guinea pig ileum. Results: Phytochemical test revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids and steroids. In castor oil-induced diarrhea model, 400 mg/kg of the extract and fractions significantly (p≤0.05) prolonged diarrhea onset, decreased frequency of defecation, weight of feces, and volume of intestinal content. The extract and n-hexane fraction produced more significant (p&lt;0.05) antidiarrheal activity in castor oil –induced enteropooling and charcoal meal test models. The extract exhibited a dose dependent inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction of isolated ileum. Conclusion: Results obtained from this study validate the folkloric use of R. vomitoria leaf extract in the treatment of diarrhea.

Functional Foods for Management of Diarrhea and Malnutrition in Rats Emphasizing on Nucleotides Role.

Diarrhea and malnutrition are major health problems in developing countries. Inflammation, high oxidative stress, poor nutritional status, and fatty liver were encountered during such diseases. Patents for diarrhea and malnutrition management (WO2007/130882A2, WO00/37106A1, WO2014/152420, and CA2987364A1) were published. The objective was to introduce anti-diarrhea functional foods with a preventive effect on malnutrition. Two processing techniques were applied for preparing functional foods (formula 1 ingredients were made into cookies followed by grinding; formula 2 ingredients were pre-cooked, dried, and mixed in powder form) that were evaluated in a rat model of diarrhea with malnutrition (DM). Formula 2 was also assessed when mixed with nucleotides. The ingredients were edible plants that possess an anti-diarrheal effect with high protein sources (legumes and casein). Induction of diarrhea with malnutrition, high oxidative stress, inflammation, accumulation of liver fat, and histopathological changes were demonstrated in DM control compared to normal control. The functional foods produced variable improvement in growth curves, food efficiency ratio, hemoglobin, hematocrit and plasma zinc, protein, albumin, globulin, lipase activity, and MDA. Formula 1 was superior in improving intestinal histopathology while formula 2 was more efficient in elevating plasma iron. Formula 2 with nucleotides was the best in improving growth curves, alkaline phosphatase, and reducing liver fat. Intestinal mucosa reduced glutathione and nitrite showed an efficient significant reduction on treatment with formula 2 with or without nucleotides. The formulas showed an anti-diarrheal effect by improving feces weight and moisture content. Studied functional foods showed an anti-diarrheal effect and malnutrition improvement with different degrees.

Protective effect of SKB_Gutbiotic against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in laboratory animals

The aim of this study is to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of SKB_Gutbiotic against Castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea in Swiss albino mice and Sprague Dawley rats. In present study three doses of SKB_Gutbiotic were tested against castor oil induced diarrhea in mice. Its effect on co-administration with l-arginine was studied. SKB_Gutbiotic delayed onset of diarrhea, reduced fecal output and fecal weight. In Gastrointestinal transit time and Castor oil induced enteropooling, SKB_Gutbiotic significantly reduced peristaltic index and volume of intestinal content respectively. In E.coli induced diarrhea model, E.coli suspension was administered for 3 days for inducing diarrhea. SKB_Gutbiotic significantly and dose dependently reduced fecal output, improved fecal consistency, reduced fecal water content and improved WBC count. Histopathological images showed improvement in damage caused to the mucosal epithelium due to E.coli and also improved complete crypt cell architecture and integrity of goblet cells. These results indicated that SKB_Gutbiotic can be used as an antidiarrheal agent against castor oil and E.coli induced diarrhea. It inhibits colonization of E.coli bacteria on colonic epithelium which results into decreased intestinal hypersecretion and motility which is very useful in the management of infectious diarrhea. Thus SKB_Gutbiotic could be an effective alternative to standard antidiarrheal drugs.

Aktivitas Antidiare Daun Harendong (Malestoma malabathricum L)

Diarrhea still become main health problem especially in several developing countries including Indonesia. Hharendong leaf have been used by people traditionally as the treatment of various Gastrointestinal tract disorders including diarrhea. The purpose of this study was tested antidiarrhea and antibacterial activity of extracts and fractions of the three selected plants. The extraction was conducted using reflux method with ethanol 96% as solvent. Extract was fractinated by liquid-liquid extraction methods using n-hexane and ethylacetate solvents gradually. Antimicrobial activity assays was performed by using broth microdiluiton methods toward extract and fractions of plants selected. Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella typhi. were used as microbes test. Antidiarhhea activity was tested to diarrhea animal induced by castor oil. Dosage test was given one hour before induction then carried out observations of feces (frequency, consistency and weight). Transit intestinal method was also performed in this experiment with comparing the length of the intestinal through by marker with the total length of the intestine. Antidiarrhea activity result have shown that Harendong leaf extract at the doses 50 and 100 mg/kg BW showed decreased of frequency ,consistency and weight of feces better than another extract. Ethylacetate fraction of the leaf harendong showed antibacterial activity to Shigella dysenteriae ( MIC of 128 µg/ml), dan Salmonella typhi (MIC 512 µg/ml), and fraction n-heksan of the leaf harendong showed antibacterial activity to Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella typhi the MIC 512 µg/ml.

A111 SEVERE FAT MALABSORPTION IN A PATIENT POST ILEAL POUCH ANAL ANASTAMOSIS: A RARE PRESENTATION OF MICROSCOPIC ENTERITIS

Abstract Background Microscopic enteritis (ME) is a rare enteropathy characterized by malabsorptive diarrhea and lymphocytic infiltration +/- collagen deposition in the subepithelial layer of the small bowel. Its etiology is unclear. Aims To elucidate a rare cause of fat malabsorption and vitamin deficiency in a patient with ulcerative colitis and an ileoanal pouch. Methods A 74 yo male with a prior IPAA was referred to Internal Medicine in August 2018 for a 36 kg weight loss over 18 months and &amp;gt;16 bowel movements (BM) per day (baseline 6, no history of pouchitis). Celiac serology and infectious workup were negative. Medical management and nutritional supplements did not result in weight gain or improvement of diarrhea. He was admitted in June 2019 with ongoing weight loss, AKI, and signs of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. A 72-hour fecal fat analysis showed an average fecal weight of 2100 g/d (ref &amp;lt;250 g/d), and excretion of 70% of daily fat intake (ref &amp;lt;7%). His fecal elastase (FE) was 147 µg/g, consistent with moderate pancreatic insufficiency (PI) with mild atrophy on CT. EGD and pouch endoscopy were macroscopically normal, with histological findings of intraepithelial lymphocytosis and mild villous blunting in the duodenum and afferent limb. CT enterography excluded small bowel abnormalities. He was started on pancreatic enzyme replacement and discharged. He returned with worsening diarrhea and AKI. He was treated with supportive care and sent home. In the ensuing 3 weeks, he had up to 24 BM per day and 4 kg of weight loss. He returned in August 2019 with AKI, lack of PO intake and worsened nutritional status. Re-examination of duodenal biopsies from June 2019 revealed an added finding of focal subepithelial collagen thickening. Budesonide was started. Results On budesonide, his symptoms improved within days. BMs decreased to baseline, and his ability to sustain PO intake improved. At his 4-week follow-up visit, BMs were stable with a 6 kg weight gain and no ensuing laboratory abnormalities. Conclusions ME is a rare enteropathy that presents with malabsorption. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies can develop with widespread physiological disruption of the mucosal surface. This patient was a diagnostic challenge. His steatorrhea and reduced FE levels led clinicians down a diagnostic pathway of PI. FE is the most common test used in the diagnosis of PI. Levels &amp;lt;200 µg/g are abnormal. Specificity is highest in chronic pancreatitis; however, this decreases in the presence of mucosal atrophy (i.e. IBD and diffuse small bowel disease). Thus, FE could not delineate the cause of steatorrhea in our patient. We can surmise that he likely has diffuse disease that was underestimated on duodenal biopsy. This is supported by his response to budesonide. This case highlights the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of ME. Awareness can reduce patient morbidity. Funding Agencies None

Effects of surface materials of self-draining beds on cattle behavior in a temperate climate.

ObjectiveThe objective of the present experiment was to construct self-draining beds to keep surface bedding materials clean and dry for beef cattle comfort in a temperate climate.MethodsIn Experiment 1, a self-draining bed was covered with sand at depths of 10 cm (S-10a), 15 cm (S-15), and 20 cm (S-20) respectively. In Experiment 2, self-draining beds of different sizes were covered with 10 cm of sand (S-10b) and wood shavings (WS) at depths of 15 cm and 20 cm (WS-15 and WS-20). Fifteen cattle were engaged to evaluate the comfort of self-draining beds covered with different bedding materials.ResultsNo cattle lay in the feed alley and cattle spent more time lying on S-10a than S-15 or S-20 in Experiment 1 (p<0.01). No difference in lying time was detected between S-15 and S-20 (p>0.05). In Experiment 2, no cattle selected the feed alley as the lying area. Cattle preferred WS-15 as the lying area and time spent lying on WS-20 was slightly higher than on S-10b (p<0.05). Feces weight was higher in the feed alley than in the different bedding areas in both Experiments 1 and 2 (p<0.01).ConclusionSand-bedding depth at 10 cm and WSs at 15 cm above the self-draining bed can provide for the lying comfort of beef cattle. Design of a special feed alley to hold most of the feces to keep bedding materials clean and dry is desirable for organic beef cattle in a loose barn.

Effects of Extrinsic Wheat Fiber Supplementation on Fecal Weight; A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Higher fiber intake may confer beneficial effects on health. Our objective was to investigate the impact of 10 g extrinsic wheat fiber on fecal bulk. Therefore, we performed two randomized intervention studies in which we provided extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched products or appropriate control products for five days together with normal diet. In one trial, 10 participants received fiber-enriched food products, whereas in the second study, 19 participants supplemented their daily diet with fiber-enriched drinks. The main outcome variable of this intervention was fecal bulk. Other outcomes were gut microbiota composition, short chain fatty acids in feces, and stool consistency and frequency. Fecal wet weight was significantly increased (p < 0.02) with extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched foods. In contrast, ingestion of extrinsic wheat fiber in the form of drinks did not significantly change fecal wet weight. In both groups, fecal dry weight was not altered upon extrinsic wheat fiber supplementation. However, the intake of fiber-enriched foods resulted in higher acetic acid levels in feces compared to fiber-enriched drinks. Regarding gut microbiota profiles, extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched food products were not associated with substantial alterations. In conclusion, 10 g extrinsic wheat fiber added to a normal diet increased fecal bulk if administered in a solid food matrix, but not if applied in the form of drinks. DRKS, DRKS00015792.Registered 30 October 2018.

Evaluation of the Antidiarrheal Activity of Hydromethanol Crude Extracts of Ruta chalepensis and Vernonia amygdalina in Mice.

Background The herbal medicine practitioners in Ethiopia have used a wide range of medicinal plants as antidiarrheal agents. Among these, Ruta chalepensis and Vernonia amygdalina were claimed to have antidiarrheal activity in Ethiopian folklore medicine. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of the crude extracts of Ruta chalepensis and Vernonia amygdalina in mice. Methods The crude extracts were obtained by cold maceration with 80% methanol, and its antidiarrheal activities were evaluated using a castor oil-induced diarrheal model. The test groups were treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) of the crude extract of each plant, while the positive controls and negative controls were given loperamide (3 mg/kg.bw) and 2% Tween 80 (10 ml/kg.bw), respectively. Results In the castor oil-induced model, the crude extract of Ruta chalepensis (200 and 400 mg/kg.bw) significantly prolonged the onset of diarrhea in mice. Besides, it also showed a significant reduction in the frequency of stooling and weight of feces. Contrastingly, the crude extract of Vernonia amygdalina had a significant effect in delaying the onset of time of diarrhea and reduction of the frequency of stool and the weight of feces only at the maximum tested dose (400 mg/kg.bw). Conclusion The present study demonstrated that the crude leaves extract of Ruta chalepensis (200 and 400 mg/kg.bw) and Vernonia amygdalina (400 mg/kg.bw) possessed significant antidiarrheal activity in the castor oil-induced diarrheal model.

Study on the Effect of Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) in Relieving Constipation and Defecating Feces Excretion

To explore the role of Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) in preventing constipation and promoting excretion of feces. The high, medium and low doses of GOS-1000-S (8.8g/kg, 4.4g/kg, 2.2g/kg) were administered orally to constipation mice for 7 days, and then we measured the propulsive rate of intestines, first defecation time, the number of feces particle and fecal weight in 5 hours. The results showed that GOS-1000-S can significantly promote the small bowel propulsion, shorten the first defecation time and increase the fecal weight number of fecal particle of constipation mice. These indicate that GOS has the effect of relieving constipation and defecating feces excretion. This study provided a basis for the development of GOS with constipation-relieving functions as a health supplement.

Curative Effect and Mechanism of Guiren Runchang Granules on Morphine-Induced Slow Transit Constipation in Mice.

Recent studies have identified the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine for constipation. The mechanism of action of Guiren Runchang granules (GRGs) in the treatment of slow transit constipation (STC) was evaluated in this study. Here, we assessed the efficacy of GRG by comparing the differences in fecal characteristics, stool weight, and intestinal transit rate (ITR) among 6 groups (n = 12/group), which were administered three concentrations of GRG, mosapride, and saline. The influence of GRG on the SCF/c-kit pathway, AQP4, and serum motilin of mice was assessed through ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. The dry weight of mouse feces at 24 hr and ITR in the MD (medium-dose GRG; 9.44 g/kg/d) and HD (high-dose GRG; 18.88 g/kg/d) groups was higher than that in the MC (model control) group. The serum motilin of morphine-induced mice level was lower in the MC group than in the NC (normal control) group, and this condition was improved in the HD group. The HD group expressed significantly higher levels of SCF and c-kit protein but lower levels of AQP4 and simultaneously presented more SCF-positive and c-kit-positive cells. However, no differences in the serum SCF level were found among the six groups. Certain concentrations of GRG are effective in STC mice, the potential mechanism of which may be associated with repairing the SCF/c-kit pathway and reducing the expression of AQP4 in the colon. GRG improved the serum motilin level but had no influence on the serum SCF level.

Effects of Ethanol Extract from Soybean Meal on Plasma Lipid Level, Bile acid Concentration, Lipase Activity, Fecal Lipid Content and Weight Gain in Swiss Mice

This study aimed to examine the effects of ethanol-soluble components (Es) in soybean meal (SBM) on plasma lipid level, bile acid concentration, lipase activity and fecal lipid content in mice. The SBM was extracted with aqueous ethanol, then the supernatant was separated from the residue and dried to produce the Es. Four experimental diets were prepared and denoted as CD (standard diet, control), CD+Es10 (CD plus Es 10 g/kg), CD+Es20 (CD plus Es 20 g/kg) and CD+Es30 (CD plus Es 30 g/kg). Nine mice with an initial body weight of 31 g were allocated to each of 8 cages, resulting in two replicate cages per dietary treatment. For 3 weeks, the mice were fed the experimental diets ad libitum. The results showed that the final body weight and weight gain tended to be lower in mice fed diets supplemented with the Es, while feed intake did not differ among the treatment. Mice fed diets supplemented with the Es had lower plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inferior bile acid concentration and lipase activity in the intestine, but higher lipid content in feces as compared to those fed CD. The findings of the present study suggested that the Es in SBM negatively affected lipid digestion process in Swiss mice and could be used to reduce dyslipidemia and obesity.

Evaluation of the antidiarrhoeal activity of Careya arborea leaves extract

Aim: To evaluate the antidiarrhoeal activity of Careya arborea leaves extract. Methods: Antidiarrhoeal activity of the methanol extract of Careyaarborea leaves (MECAL) was investigated using different animal models of diarrhea in rats. Results: The antidiarrhoeal activity demonstrated by MECAL was found to be dose-dependent at different doses in the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. Graded doses viz 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in mean fecal drops, the weight of feces onset of diarrhea as compared with control. The % protection was found to be 35%, 40% and 51% at graded doses of extract respectively. In MgSO4 induced diarrhea model, test extract demonstrated dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal potential which was evident by monitoring significant delay in the onset of diarrhea and decrease in No. of fecal dropping and weight of stool when compared to the control group. The higher dose (500 mg/kg) of test extract produced 33 % protection of diarrhea which was found to be less potent than standard. Conclusion: The results of the present investigation concluded that the methanolic extract of Careyaarborea leaves (MECAL) demonstrated dose-dependent antidiarrhoeal activity due to the presence of pharmacologically effective component(s).

Efficiency of newly formulated functional instant soup mixtures as dietary supplements for elderly

Healthy diet for elderly not only provides them with their needs from macro and micronutrients but also help preventing and treating age-related disorders including non-communicable diseases. So, the present study established to evaluate physical, sensory, chemical and biological characteristics of newly formulated functional instant soup mixtures as dietary supplements for elderly. Lyophilized chickpea, some vegetables and some by-products (at 5% and 10%) were incorporated in the preparation of two instant soup mixtures. The biological effects of the mixtures were studied using a geriatric animal model. The results revealed a reasonable acceptance of the two mixtures even after storage period (4 months) in addition to their contents from protein, fat, crude fiber and carbohydrates (16.62, 6.20, 6.60 and 65.89%, respectively in mixture I; 16.89, 6.30, 6.30 and 54.16%, respectively in mixture II). Mixture II was more promised in flavonoids content and scavenging radical activity than mixture I. Feeding the geriatric rats on the two mixtures did not produce any change in either liver or kidney functions and suggested the ability of these mixtures to prevent the hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and improve bone health. A slight decrease in brain lipid peroxidation, although not statistically significant, of rats has been observed upon feeding on these mixtures. Also, the two mixtures increased feces weight of rats which indicates to the beneficial effects of these mixtures in prevention of constipation. In conclusion the formulated instant soup mixtures with high acceptability and antioxidant activity can provide elderly people with high percent of their requirements from macro and micronutrients.

Oral Administration of Okara Soybean By-Product Attenuates Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of Accelerated Aging.

The microbiota–gut–brain axis has attracted increasing attention in the last decade. Here, we investigated whether okara, a soybean by-product rich in dietary fiber, can attenuate cognitive impairment in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice by altering gut microbial composition. Mice were fed either a standard diet, or a diet containing okara (7.5% or 15%, w/w) for 26 weeks. In the memory test, the 7.5% okara-fed mice showed a longer step-through latency and the 15% okara-fed mice had a short escape latency compared with control mice. The 15% okara-fed mice displayed decreased body weight, increased fecal weight, and altered cecal microbiota composition compared with the control group; however, there was no significant difference in the serum lactic acid and butyric acid levels among these mice groups. The 7.5% okara-fed mice had significantly higher NeuN intensity in the hippocampus compared with control mice. Furthermore, a decrease in inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was observed in the 7.5% okara-fed group. The expression of synthesizing enzyme of acetylcholine was increased by the okara diets, and the acetylcholine level in the brain was higher in the 7.5% okara-fed group than in the control. These suggest that oral administration of okara could delay cognitive decline without drastically changing gut microbiota.

Extraction optimization and constipation-relieving activity of dietary fiber from Auricularia polytricha

Auricularia polytricha-derived dietary fiber (DF) is a bio-active health-promoting compound, but limited work has been done on optimization of extraction and constipation-relieving activity. In this study, an enzymatic-chemical method to extract DF was optimized, and the results showed that optimal extraction conditions were ratio of water to A. polytricha powder 41 ml/g, 0.4% α-amylase, 1.0% protamex, and enzymolysis at 66 °C, with DF extraction rate of 56 ± 3%. Then, the constipation-relieving activity of DF was evaluated with a constipated rat model. Sprague – Dawley specific pathogen free rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely normal, model, Maren boluses treatment, and three DF treatment groups. Constipated rats fed with 5% A. polytricha-derived DF in place of part of the standard diet resulted in increased wet weight of feces and intestinal propulsive rate, which was associated with the functional properties of DF, including high swelling capacity, water binding capacity, fat adsorption capacity, and glucose adsorption capacity. Moreover, A. polytricha-derived DF had a positive effect on gastrointestinal hormones in rats. The results indicated that the enzymatic-chemical extraction method is effective for extracting DF from A. polytricha and the DF has high constipation-relieving activity.