Hypoglycemic Properties Research Articles

Diabetic cardiomyopathy was attenuated by cinnamon treatment through the inhibition of fibro-inflammatory response and ventricular hypertrophy in diabetic rats.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a chronic complication of diabetes that emphasizes the urgency of developing new drug therapies. With an illustrious history in traditional medicine to improve diabetes, cinnamon has been shown to possess blood lipids lowering effects and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the extent to which it protects the diabetic heart has yet to be determined. Forty-eight rats were administered in the study and grouped as: control; diabetic; diabetic rats given 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg cinnamon extract, metformin (300 mg/kg), valsartan (30 mg/kg), or met/val (combination of both drugs), via gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and markers of cardiac injury including creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated in blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the total contents of thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured. Histopathology study and gene expression measurement of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were done on cardiac tissue. FBS and cardiac enzyme indicators were reduced in all treated groups. A reduction in MDA level and enhancement in thiol content alongside with increase of SOD and CAT activities were observed in extract groups. The decrease of inflammation and fibrosis was obvious in treated groups, notably in the high-dose extract group. Furthermore, all treated diabetic groups showed a lowering trend in AT1, ANP, β-MHC, and BNP gene expression. Cinnamon extract, in addition to its hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, can prevent diabetic heart damage by alleviating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study found that cinnamon extract might protect diabetic heart damage by reducing inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac tissue, in addition to lowering blood glucose levels and increasing antioxidant activity. Our data imply that including cinnamon in diabetic participants' diets may help to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Hypoglycemic activity of Methanol Fraction of Solanum torvum (Swartz) fruits in normal and Streptozotocin induced Hyperglycemic rat models

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder, now considered as a major global health problem which is affecting around 9.3% of world population and its incidence is increasing day by day. In India, several plants having hypoglycemic property are traditionally used in management of diabetes. Solanum torvum (Swartz) (ST) plant belonging to family Solanaceae; is medicinally reported and claims to cure various diseases in Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) and also in folklore and as per previous report, the decoction of its fruits is very useful in the treatment of diabetes. The thrust of this investigation is to examine the hypoglycemic efficacy of methanolic fractions (50, 100 and 200mg/kg body wt.) of ST fruits (MFST) from defatted hydro-alcoholic extract in normoglycemic, followed by Streptozotocin (45mg/kg) induced diabetic, and glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats by single as well as multiple oral administration in contrast to the standard drug glibenclamide (2.5mg/kg body wt.). In the beginning of the investigation, acute oral toxicity study of MFST was carried out in rats to determine the dose for experiment animals. The study report showed that the MFST (200mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.01) declines blood glucose level both in normoglycemic and diabetic rats induced by Streptozotocin, and oral glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats till the end of 8th hour and 3rd hour respectively during the single dose study and from the 15th day to 30th day in multi dose study. The blood glucose level decreasing activity of MFST may be due to the secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds present in it. Hence the present investigation report reveals that MFST possess significant hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity which persuades the traditional use of the plant for the treatment or management of diabetes mellitus.

Structure characterization and bioactivity of neutral polysaccharides from different sources of Polygonatum Mill.

Polygonati rhizoma (PR), a traditional medical and edible product, is rich in polysaccharides and exhibits physiological activity, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Neutral polysaccharides have been reported to be one of the main active ingredients of Polygonatum, with many of these fractions being responsible for the biological activity. This behavior was shown to be closely connected to the chemical structure, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type. There are few reports on the chemical constituents of the neutral polysaccharides from different sources of PR. In this study, neutral polysaccharides of PR from four different regions of China (Chun'an (Zhejiang), Xixia (Henan), Danfeng (Shanxi), and Pan'an (Zhejiang)), named CAZJ, XXHN, DFSX, and PAZJ, respectively, were isolated by anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. Structures of the four polysaccharides were investigated. The results showed that all of them were mainly glucose and mannose, while the monosaccharide composition and content of polysaccharides from different sources varied. The molecular weights of CAZJ, XXHN, DFSX, and PAZJ were 14.119, 22.352, 18.127, and 15.699 kDa, respectively. Infrared spectra illustrated the existence of α-glycosidic bond and β-glycosidic bond in the polysaccharides. CAZJ, XXHN, and DFSX possessed a pyranose ring structure, whereas PAZJ had a furanose ring structure. Congo red test indicated that XXHN, DFSX, and PAZJ had a triple-helix structure. X-ray diffraction showed that the polysaccharides consisted of crystalline and amorphous regions. All four polysaccharides exhibited different degrees of antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities with a dose-dependent manner in the 1.0-10.0mg/mLconcentration range. Correlation analysis revealed that the bioactivities of polysaccharides was significantly related to monosaccharide composition, uronic acid, and protein content. The results suggested that neutral polysaccharides could be used as potential natural antioxidants and hypoglycemic agents for functional and nutraceutical applications.

Pharmacological evaluation of Thuja occidentalis for the attenuation of neuropathy via AGEs and TNF-α inhibition in diabetic neuropathic rats

When diabetes neuropathy occurs, the oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia may result in chronic neuronal damage. To mitigate the effects of hyperglycemia-induced neuronal damage, it may be beneficial to address oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The current study evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of Thuja occidentalis in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD)-induced diabetic neuropathy in male Wistar rats. A single dose of STZ (65mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Serum insulin, glucose, hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were evaluated for neuropathy. Wistar rats were treated with varying doses of hydroalcoholic extracts of Thuja occidentalis (HAETO) and gabapentin for 30days. Thuja occidentalis considerably corrected the levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia; also, it led to the restoration of neuronal functions, indicating that it is effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, the molecular docking of thujone at the active pockets of various inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α) has shown good interactions with critical amino acid residues. These findings indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis effectively inhibits the development of diabetic neuropathy. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-hyperalgesia, and anti-inflammatory properties of Thuja occidentalis are thought to be responsible for the neuroprotective benefit.

Spaghetti Enriched with Inulin: Effect of Polymerization Degree on Quality Traits and α-Amylase Inhibition

Inulin is considered a dietary fiber and represents a noteworthy ingredient for food biofortification due to its health effects and its neutral taste. The aim of the work was the evaluation of the quality of pasta produced using whole-meal flours of two ancient Sicilian landraces (Senatore Cappelli-CAP and Timilia—TIM) fortified with two types of inulin (long-chain topinambur inulin IT and low-chain chicory inulin IC), at two different levels of substitution (2 and 4%) to evaluate its possible effect on α-amylase inhibition. The color indices L* and a* were mainly influenced by cultivars, while IT improved the sensory attributes, mainly the elasticity sensation, and influenced less the other sensory attributes: adhesiveness, color, odor, taste, and Over Quality Score for both landraces. The cooking quality was linked mainly to the landrace used, due to the very different gluten matrix of CAP and TIM. IC and IT showed promising α-Amy inhibitory activity with comparable IC50 values of 0.45 ± 0.04 and 0.50 ± 0.06 mg/mL. The enrichment of spaghetti with inulin with an inhibitory effect on α-amylase determined the hypoglycemic properties of pasta, thus lowering the corresponding IC50 value.

Effect of Aqueous Cinnamon Extract on the Postprandial Glycemia Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cinnamon is a spice used in traditional cuisine that has been investigated due to hypoglycemic properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous cinnamon extract on postprandial glycemia levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) adults. This clinical trial enrolled 36 adults with DM2, randomly allocated in two groups: the control group (n = 18) took only an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the intervention group (n = 18) took OGTT immediately followed by aqueous cinnamon extract (6 g/100 mL) ingestion. Blood glucose levels were measured on fasting and after 30, 60, 90 and 120 min in both groups. The chemical analysis of the aqueous cinnamon extract included total phenols content determination and antioxidant activity assessment through FRAP and DPPH methods. The data reveal that aqueous cinnamon extract ingestion did not show a significant difference in the incremental area under the curve (p = 0.834), maximum glucose concentration (p = 0.527) and glucose concentration variation (p = 0.873) compared with the control group. Cinnamon extract possess a total phenol content of 1554.9 mg/L gallic acid equivalent and a strong antioxidant capacity, revealed by the DPPH (5125.0 µmol Trolox/L) and FRAP (3658.8 µmol Trolox/L) tests. Aqueous cinnamon extract did not significantly influence postprandial glucose response in diabetic patients during an OGTT.

Bioactive compounds of corn silk and their role in management of glycaemic response.

Management of glycaemic response is perhaps the most critical part of antidiabetic therapy. Hypoglycaemia is an avoidable complication caused by conventional drugs used in the treatment of diabetes. It triggers commonly during the intensification of anti-hyperglycemic therapy used to render glycemic control in diabetic patients. The commercial oral hypoglycaemic drugs, insulin, herbal medicines and plant extracts are therefore used as a part of the treatment of diabetes. The demand for treating diabetes, through herbal and plant resources is due to their lesser adverse reactions and better phytochemical benefits. Corn silk has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive effects when extracted in various solvents. Corn silk has medicinal characteristics and has long been used as a traditional medicine in many nations, although the mechanism of action is unknown. The hypoglycaemic effects of corn silk are investigated in this review. The phytochemical components present in corn silk-like flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, sterols, and alkaloids are phytochemical components that have hypoglycemic activity and a mechanism for lowering blood glucose levels. There is a lack of a homogenized database on the hypoglycemic properties of corn silk thus the present review attempts to critically analyse it and provide specific recommendations of its doses.

Phytocontent and Biological Effects of Olea europaea L. : A Review

Olive tree (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae) leaves have been widely used in traditional herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases especially in Mediterranean countries. They contain several potentially bioactive com-pounds that may have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Olea europaea is commonly known as Zaitoon. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other Mediterranean nations cultivated olives for its edible fruits and to obtain oil from them. Leaves of the tree became important when olive leaf extract was reported to be potent in reducing incidence of degenerative diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancers of the breast, skin, and colon. Olive leaves have the highest antioxidant power among the different parts of the olive tree. While in olive fruit, phenols (e.g.,TYR) and terpenoid hydrocarbon (Squalene) are the major components found in the oil. Much research has been carried out on the medical applications of olive. The choice of the plant was based on the good previous biological study of Olea europaea. Interest to choose this plant, may have been due to the widespread use of olive species medicinally, food industry and cosmetics.

Phytochemicals in mango (Mangifera indica) parts and their bioactivities: A Review

Mango is being used for centuries to treat a number of diseases like, fever, diarrhea, fainting, abnormality of lymph node, and diabetes. The mango parts are shown to contain flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids and many more bioactive compounds; mangiferin being one of its major compounds. The different parts of mango (bark, leaves, fruits, pulp, peel, kernel, flowers) are proven to exhibit anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, anti-bone resorption, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal, anti-HIV, anti-hyperlipemic, antiinflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-pyretic, anti-plasmodial, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, gastro-protective, hepato-protective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immuno-modulatory and hypolipidemic properties. These pharmacological properties of mango are due to the bioactive compounds present in the different mango parts. In literature several reviews appeared dealing with the bioactive compounds present in the different mango parts and their bioactivities. However, these reviews are confined to either a few mango parts or a few bioactivities. In the present review the bioactive compounds of the different mango parts and their different bioactivities are considered in detail. This review would be helpful in the further research on the mango phytochemicals, their bioactivities and the development of herbal medicine based on mango.

Phytochemical Profiling of the Leaf Extract of Ximenia americana var. caffra and Its Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antiaging Activities In Vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Cosmeceutical and Dermatological Approach.

We previously annotated the phytochemical constituents of a root extract from Ximenia americana var. caffra and highlighted its hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties. We here extended our study on the leaf extract and identified its phytoconstituents using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. In addition, we explored its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiaging activities in vitro and in an animal model, Caenorhabditis elegans. Results from HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS confirmed that the leaves contain 23 secondary metabolites consisting of condensed tannins, flavonol glycosides, flavone glycosides, and flavonol diglycosides. The leaf extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in vitro with IC50 value of 5 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 18.32 μg/mL in the FRAP assay. It also inhibited four enzymes (collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase) crucially involved in skin remodeling and aging processes with comparable activities to reference drugs along with four pure secondary metabolites identified from the extract. In accordance with the in vitro result, in vivo tests using two transgenic strains of C. elegans demonstrated its ability to reverse oxidative stress. Evidence included an increased survival rate in nematodes treated with the prooxidant juglone to 68.9% compared to the 24.8% in untreated worms and a reduced accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner to 77.8%. The leaf extract also reduced levels of the expression of HSP 16.2 in a dose-dependent manner to 86.4%. Nuclear localization of the transcription factor DAF-16 was up to 10 times higher in worms treated with the leaf extract than in the untreated worms. The extract also inhibited the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a pathogen in skin infections) and reduced the swimming and swarming mobilities in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, leaves of X. americana are a promising candidate for preventing oxidative stress-induced conditions, including skin aging.

Immunomodulatory activity of ethanol extract of Annona reticulata L. leaf in cultured immune cells and in Swiss albino mice

BackgroundAnnona reticulata Linn, has been shown to possess antipyretic, antihelmintic, hypoglycemic, antiulcer and wound healing properties. However, its immunomodulatory role is yet to be explored. Objective(s)In the present study, we intended to investigate the effects of A. reticulata leaf ethanol extract on various components of the immune system. Material and methodsThe effects of A. reticulata leaf extract on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocyte (THP1), and human macrophage (U937) cell lines were investigated. An animal study was conducted to observe the effect of the extract on humoral as well as cell mediated immunity. ResultsThe extract stimulated proliferation of human PBMC, monocytes (THP1), and macrophages (U937) significantly in a dose dependent manner; expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) increased in western blot analysis. Additionally, the extract treated macrophages exhibited features of activation under the microscope with a significant hike in the NO production. Flow cytometry of extract treated human PBMC revealed increased proliferation of lymphocytes (CD4, CD8 & B-cells) along with enhanced intracellular expression of IL-2, IL-6. Animal study data indicate a significant rise in the antibody titer as well as a strong delayed type hypersensitivity response in the extract (150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) treated mice; furthermore, the expression of IL-2 and IL-6 in mice PBMC was augmented. ConclusionThe collective data evince the immunomodulatory potential of A. reticulata L. leaf.

Synclisia scabrida protects against oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Synclisia scabrida is commonly used in traditional medical practices for the management of diseases like diabetes and its complications. This study seeks to establish a scientific rationale for this practice. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly and equally grouped into six. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes in the rats in groups 2 to 6. The diabetic rats in group 2 were treated with glibenclamide, while those in group 3 were not treated. Also, the diabetic rats in groups 4, 5 and 6 were, respectively, treated with the ethanol extracts of the stem, root and leaf of S. scabrida. After 28days of treatment, blood and organ samples were collected for biochemical studies. S. scabrida possesses high amounts of useful phytochemicals. It also exhibits high total reducing capacity, FRAP activity, DPPH and ABTS scavenging ability. The inhibition of the α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities by the methanol extracts of S. scabrida stem, leaf and root were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of glibenclamide. Administration of S. scabrida extracts to the alloxan-induced diabetic rats caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the blood glucose, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP of the treated groups as compared to that of the untreated group. Treatment with the extracts also resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) lower LPO and significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of GSH, SOD and CAT. S. scabrida extracts exhibited antioxidative, hepatoprotective and hypoglycaemic properties which are similar to that of the standard drug, glibenclamide.

The Anti-Hypertensive and Hypoglycemic Potential of Bioactive Compounds Derived from Pulasan Rind

Pulasan (Nephelium mutabile Blume) is an underutilized fruit native to tropical countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. To date, the medicinal potential of pulasan remains unexplored, although this fruit shares the same genus with the well-known rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum). Therefore, the current study aims to examine the antioxidant properties of different parts of pulasan (flesh, rind, and kernel) and investigate the bioactive profile, anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic properties of pulasan rind. Pulasan were extracted using different solvents, including distilled water, methanol, and ethanol. The antioxidant capacity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and the antioxidant component was identified by total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC). The bioactive profile of pulasan rind was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic properties of pulasan rind were determined with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) assay and alpha-amylase inhibition assay, respectively. Emerging findings revealed that pulasan rind exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP) in all extraction solvents and antioxidant components (TPC and TFC) in ethanolic extract. The ethanolic extracts of pulasan rind also had higher ACE and alpha-amylase inhibition activities than the distilled water extracts. Geraniin, chlorogenic acid, catechin, corilagin, syringic acid, and naringenin of pulasan rind may function as anti-hypertensive agents.

Effect of preparation methods on physiochemical and functional properties of yeast β-glucan

Yeast β-glucan is a functional polysaccharide extracted from yeast cell walls. In the present study, particulate yeast β-glucan was prepared form Saccharomyces cerevisiae with different methods. The obtained β-glucan samples were tested for their physiochemical, in vitro hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties. The water-holding capacity decreased, and the oil-binding capacity and swelling power increased as the protein content of β-glucan decreased. Defatted treatment enhanced the oil-binding capacity and decreased the swelling power. Disruption by ball milling increased the oil-binding capacity and reduced the water-holding capacity. Freeze-drying provided higher water-holding, oil-binding capacity and swelling power than vacuum drying and hot air drying. Deproteinization, defatted treatment, ball milling and freeze-drying significantly increased the binding capacity of bile acid (except ball milling) and the inhibitory activities of pancreatic lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which effectively improve in vitro hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of β-glucan.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis) Leaves: A Literature Review

Based on the availability of many nutrients, Artocarpus altilis leaves have been widely employed as nutrients and nutraceuticals in recent years, or well known as Breadfruit or in Indonesia called Sukun. According to habits of community use A. altilis leaves in various way as a medicine, this article make respresentations as commonly known literature review about Artocarpus altilis leaves chemical constituent with health potential. This literature review utilizing academic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, included all journals recorded, classified, and analyzed in 12 years, from 2010 to 2022. The diversity of secondary metabolites present in this plant species especially flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids and tannins show that Artocarpus altilis leaf is a good candidate for source of health cause its compounds are used as a antioxidant, antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic properties, some cardiovascular problems, and many others. More research is needed for utilization as well as to study medicinal effects and bioaccesibility of these leaves for development of various drugs and functional foods.

Characterization of Berry Pomace Powders as Dietary Fiber-Rich Food Ingredients with Functional Properties.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dried pomace powder of cranberries, lingonberries, sea buckthorns, and black currants as potential food ingredients with functional properties. The composition and several physicochemical and adsorption properties associated with their functionality were investigated. Tested berry pomace powders were rich in dietary soluble fiber (4.92–12.74 g/100 g DM) and insoluble fiber (40.95–65.36 g/100 g DM). The highest level of total phenolics was observed in the black currant pomace (11.09 GAE/g DM), whereas the sea buckthorn pomace revealed the highest protein concentration (21.09 g/100 g DM). All the berry pomace powders that were tested exhibited good water-holding capacity (2.78–4.24 g/g) and swelling capacity (4.99–9.98 mL/g), and poor oil-binding capacity (1.09–1.57 g/g). The strongest hypoglycemic properties were observed for the lingonberry and black currant pomace powders. The berry pomace powders presented effective in vitro hypolipidemic properties. The cholesterol-binding capacities ranged from 21.11 to 23.13 mg/g. The black currant and cranberry pomace powders demonstrated higher sodium-cholate-binding capacity than those of the lingonberry and sea buckthorn pomace powders. This study shows promising results that the powders of tested berry pomace could be used for further application in foods.

Phytochemical Contents and Pharmacological Potential of Parkia speciosa Hassk. for Diabetic Vasculopathy: A Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and is considered a major health problem in the world. It is associated with endothelial dysfunction which causes progressive vascular damage. DM is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications such as peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Medicinal plants may act as an alternative resource or adjunctive treatment option in the treatment of diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. Parkia speciosa (Fabaceae) is a plant found abundantly in the Southeast Asian region. Its seeds, with or without pods, and roots have long been used as a traditional medicine in this region to treat hypertension and diabetes. Studies have shown its numerous beneficial pharmacological properties. Extracts of P. speciosa, particularly from its seeds and empty pods, show the presence of polyphenols. They also exhibit potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. Its hypoglycemic properties are reported to be associated with the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and stigmat-4-en-3-one. The current review aimed to provide an overview of the current status of P. speciosa, its pharmacological potential, and its phytochemical content in attenuating diabetic vasculopathy. Glycemic status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia are known to play pivotal roles in the initiation and severity of diabetic cardiovascular diseases; thus, targeting these factors might be beneficial for preventing and/or treating diabetic vasculopathy.

Growth Parameters of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm Cultivation Using Paddy Straw as a Substrate

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm are large, oyster-shell shaped edible mushroom which can be easily identified by their grey white, oyster shell shaped cap which is attached to a thick, firm stalk. They are nutritionally rich contain good amount of vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and cobalamin. They have high oleic acid and linoleic acid content. They also contain lovastatin and pleuran. Hence, oyster mushroom exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, hypo-glycemic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and immuno-modulatory properties. P. ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm is one of the commonly sought wild mushrooms and paddy straw is mainly used as a substrate for its cultivation. Mycelial growth is a preliminary step that creates suitable internal conditions for fruiting. Thus, out-standing growth of mycelium is a vital factor in mushroom cultivation. In the present study, P. ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm cultivation was carried out using paddy straw as a substrate. Spawning was done in layers in polythene bags (24 ×16 inch). All the 10 spawned bags were arranged in a dark cropping room on raised platform for mycelium colonization of substrate. Suitable temperature (~28°C) and relative humidity (~80%) were maintained during incubation. Harvesting of mushrooms was carried out before the margin starts folding inwards. Observations such as days for spawn run, days for pinhead formation and first harvest, number of primordia, total weight and total yield of mushroom were measured in the study. It took 23.50 ± 1.27 days for spawn run and 27-31 days for pinhead. First harvest of fruiting bodies was done after the ~4th day of the pinhead formation. Total 224 primordia were noted up to the day of the first harvest from ten bags. The fruiting bodies were harvested into three flushes and total yield after 38 days of incubation was ~4.48 kg.

Widening the Perspectives for Legume Consumption: The Case of Bioactive Non-nutrients.

Legume grains have provided essential nutrients in human diets for centuries, being excellent sources of proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and fibers. They also contain several non-nutrients that historically have been connotated as toxic but that in recent years have been shown to have interesting bioactive properties. The discussion on the role of bioactive non-nutrients is becoming more important due to increasing science-based evidence on their potential antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anticarcinogenic properties. At a time when legume-based products consumption is being strongly promoted by national governments and health authorities, there is a need to clearly define the recommended levels of such non-nutrients in human diets. However, there is insufficient data determining the ideal amount of non-nutrients in legume grains, which will exert the most positive health benefits. This is aligned with insufficient studies that clearly demonstrate if the positive health effects are due to the presence of specific non-nutrients or a result of a dietary balance. In fact, rather than looking directly at the individual food components, most nutritional epidemiology studies relate disease risk with the food and dietary patterns. The purpose of this perspective paper is to explore different types of non-nutrients present in legume grains, discuss the current evidence on their health benefits, and provide awareness for the need for more studies to define a recommended amount of each compound to identify the best approaches, either to enhance or reduce their levels.

Preparation and optimization of moringa leaf powder for edible purpose

In the current scenario, people are highly concerned regarding their health and constantly desire a healthy and nutritious diet. Moringa oleifera is traditionally known as saijhan or drumstick tree. The plant is native to tropical Asia and thus found in various parts of the country India. Being a nutrient-rich plant, Moringa leaves play a vital role in the treatment of malnutrition. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-asthmatic, anti-ulcer, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic properties. Fresh fruits have also been desirable and in growing demand, because of healthy food consumption trends worldwide. The following study was undertaken to provide nutrient-rich food in the busy growing lifestyle. Thus, in this study, preparation and optimization of the Moringa leaf powder have been done. The final product is developed by incorporating Moringa leaf powder into pomegranate juice to prepare a ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage. On the basis of this study, it concluded that 100:2:2.8:0.2 concentration of Pomegranate, Moringa oleifera leaf powder, Sugar, Citric Acid is suitable for the preparation of Ready to Serve Beverage. In this study, proximate analysis and sensory evaluation have been performed to understand the overall acceptability of the final product.