Psyllium Fiber Research Articles

Supplemental Psyllium Fiber Increases Antimicrobial Proteins via the Tuft Cell-ILC2 Circuit and Type II Immune Response in the Mouse Small Intestine

Dietary fibers regulate intestinal barrier function; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of psyllium fibers on antimicrobial protein expression, focusing on the type II immunity and tuft cell-group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) circuit in the small intestine of the mouse. Supplemental psyllium fiber upregulated antimicrobial proteins, such as small proline-rich protein 2A (SPRR2A) and resistin-like beta (RELMβ), in mouse small intestine, evidently affecting cecal microbiota composition. The psyllium fibers also increased the RNA and protein expression of molecules related to ILC2 and tuft cells, such as IL-13, IL-25, DCLK1, Gfi-1b, SH2 domain-containing protein 3C, and Spi-B. In addition, ILC2 inhibitor (disulfiram) and bitter taste receptor blocker administration reduced psyllium-induced SPRR2A and RELMβ expression. Collectively, psyllium supplementation upregulates antimicrobial proteins such as SPRR2A and RELMß via the type II immune response and tuft cell-ILC2 circuit in the mouse small intestine.

Developing high resistant starch content rice noodles with superior quality: A method using modified rice flour and psyllium fiber

The effects of high-resistant starch (RS) content rice flour, psyllium husk powder (PHP), and psyllium powder (PP) on the edible quality and starch digestibility of rice noodles were investigated in this study. High-RS rice noodles showed lower digestibility but poor edible quality. With the addition of PHP and PP, high-RS rice noodles' cooking and texture quality were improved significantly, especially the breakage rates, cooking losses, and chewiness (P < 0.05). Compared to traditional white rice noodle's estimated glycemic index (eGI) of 86.69, the eGI values for 5PHP-RN and 5PHP-2PP-RN were significantly decreased to 66.74 and 65.77, achieving a medium GI status (P < 0.05). This resulted from the high amylose and lipid content in the modified rice flour and psyllium, leading to increase of starch crystallinity. Besides, based on the analysis of Pearson's correlation, it can be found that PHP rich in insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) could improve high-RS noodle cooking and texture quality better, while PP rich in soluble dietary fiber (SDF) can further reduce the RDS content and its starch digestibility. Therefore, utilizing modified rice flour with an appropriate addition of PHP and PP can be considered an effective strategy for producing superior-quality lower glycemic index rice noodles.

Psyllium Fibre Inclusion in Gluten-Free Buckwheat Dough Improves Dough Structure and Lowers Glycaemic Index of the Resulting Bread.

The demand for gluten-free (GF) bread is steadily increasing. However, the production of GF bread with improved baking quality and enhanced nutritional properties remains a challenge. In this study, we investigated the effects of adding psyllium fibre (PSY) in varying proportions to buckwheat flour on the dough characteristics, bread quality, and starch digestion properties of GF bread. Our results demonstrate that incorporating PSY contributes to the formation of a gluten-like network structure in the dough, leading to an increase in the gas holding capacity from 83.67% to 98.50%. The addition of PSY significantly increased the specific volume of the bread from 1.17 mL/g to 3.16 mL/g. Bread containing PSY displayed superior textural characteristics and colour. Our study also revealed that the inclusion of PSY reduced the digestibility of starch in GF bread. These findings highlight the positive impact of incorporating PSY into GF bread, suggesting its potential in guiding the production of GF bread with a lower glycaemic index. This may be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to regulate their blood sugar levels or adopt a low-glycaemic diet.

Hippocampus and jejunum biochemical parameters related to physiological ageing of neurons in rats fed diets with copper nanoparticles and different fiber types

Abstract One of the more important factors responsible for synaptic dysfunction of neurons is a neurological ageing. It is a natural consequence of occurrence of biochemical pathways in cells, promoting oxidation processes, an increase in the amount of free oxygen radicals that damage DNA, disorders in calcium ion homeostasis, interactions between lipids of cell membranes, formation of neurofibrillary tangles and deposition of toxic protein deposits. Diet modifications can delay neurometabolism disorders that occur as a result of aging, as well as limit the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study on rats was to verify the hypothesis regarding the effect of dietary addition of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs; instead of standard CuCO3) in combination with various dietary fibers on changes in hippocampus and jejunum biochemical parameters related to metabolic disorders appearing with neurological ageing in rats. Male rats were fed a control diet with containing fiber α-cellulose and a standard or enhanced content of Cu provided as CuCO3 (6.5 or 13 mg/kg diet). The diets of other groups were deprived of CuCO3 and the animals were fed diets supplemented with two CuNPs aforementioned doses, and additionally combined with four different types of dietary fiber: α-cellulose (control fiber), pectin, inulin or psyllium (Plantago psyllium). The addition of dietary CuNPs increased the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and decreased the levels of Tau protein, glycosylated AChE (GAChE) and Ca/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CAMK2α) in the examined organs. To sum up, both applied doses of CuNPs, 6.5 mg and 13 mg per kg of a diet, can beneficially modulate some important parameters describing metabolic and neurodevelopmental status in the hippocampal and small intestinal tissue of rats. With regard to the fiber type added to rats’ diet, the Plantago psyllium fiber strengthened the mentioned effects of copper nanoparticles. The observed effects should be confirmed in a model study of neurodegeneration.

Nutraceuticals and Pain Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction in Infants and Children: A Narrative Review and Practical Insights.

Different nutraceuticals are often considered by parents of infants and children with abdominal pain and disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Herb extracts and natural compounds have long been used in traditional medicine, but clinical pediatric trials are very limited. This narrative review based on relevant studies identified through a search of the literature in Pubmed and Medline updated to October 2023 focused on the effect of nutraceuticals in infantile colic, functional abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents. Significant reductions in colic episodes and crying time were reported in two studies on fennel (seeds oil or tea), in three studies on different multiple herbal extracts (all including fennel), in one study on Mentha piperita, and in at least two double-blind randomized controlled studies on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (108 CFU/day for at least 21 days) in breast-fed infants. Compared to a placebo, in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome, a significant reduction in pain was reported in two studies supplementing peppermint oil capsules or psyllium fibers, and in one study on corn fiber cookies, partial hydrolyzed guar gum, a specific multiple herbal extract (STW-5), or vitamin D supplementation. To date, there is moderate-certainty evidence with a weak grade of recommendation on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (108 CFU/day) in reducing pain intensity in children with functional abdominal pain and for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (1-3 × 109 CFU twice daily) in reducing pain frequency and intensity in children with IBS. Further large and well-designed pediatric studies are needed to prove the efficacy and safety of different herbal extracts and prolonged use of studied products in infants and children with pain disorders of the gut-brain interaction.

Effects of Herbs on Blood Pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, and Hyperlipidemia

Overweight and obesity in youth is a worldwide public health problem. Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescents have a substantial effect upon many systems, resulting in clinical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, early atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Obesity and the type of body fat distribution are still the core aspects of insulin resistance and seem to be the physiopathologic links common to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and T2D. In presence of high levels of blood LDL particles, free radicals (ROS), macrophages, cytokines, platelets, histamine, 5HT get involved in LDL oxidation, leading to formation of atherosclerotic plaques which get deposited in endothelium of coronary arteries causing coronary artery disease (CAD). Psyllium fibers and Ficus Carica (FC) are being considered to be useful in treating hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. This study was conducted to determine hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic potential of Psyllium husk and FC. Study was conducted in National hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from January to April 2019. Seventy five hyperlipidemic, hypertensive and diabetic patients were enrolled selected from the hospital with their consent. They were divided in three groups ie 25 patients in each group. Group-1 was on placebo, group-2 was on 15 grams psyllium husk to be used in three divided doses. Group-3 was on 12 grams FC to be taken in three divided doses daily for two months. Their Lipid profile, FBS, and hypertension were determined before and after two months therapy by these two agents. Two analyze data we used SPSS version 10.01.001 2015 and t test was applied to determine changes in the tested parameters. In two months therapy by psyllium husk in 24 patients TG, TC, LDL-c was reduced 21.48, 10.09, 24.17 mg/dl respectively. HDL was increased 12.38 mg/dl in this group. FBS reduction was 28.66 mg/dl, systolic BP 6.30, and diastolic BP reduced in this group 7.52 mm of mg. We then concluded that FC and PH have good enough potential to normalize lipid profile, reduce BP, and FBS in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome.

Psyllium fiber improves hangovers and inflammatory liver injury by inhibiting intestinal drinking.

Introduction: Excessive alcohol intake often results in hangovers and inflammatory liver damage, posing a significant health concern. Current treatment options for hangovers are still insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Psyllium fiber (PF) is well-known for its gastrointestinal benefits, but its effect on hangovers is less explored. Methods: We utilized a mouse model with a single binge drinking (4g/kg) to induce hangover and inflammatory liver injury. Intestine and liver injury were serologically and histologically estimated. Hangover symptoms were assessed using cylinder and footprint tests to objectively quantify hangover symptoms in mice. Results: Binge drinking significantly activated alcohol-metabolizing enzymes in the small intestine and liver, leading to inflammatory damage. Concurrently, there was a rise in alcohol metabolites such as acetaldehyde and acetone, which exhibited a positive correlation with hangover symptoms in mice. Interestingly, the oral administration of PF (100mg/kg) alongside alcohol consumption significantly reduced the activity of these enzymes and lowered the levels of alcohol metabolites. Mice treated with PF exhibited a considerable improvement in hangover symptoms and a reduction in hepatic inflammation, compared to control groups. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using HepG2 cell lines and semipermeable membranes demonstrated that PF effectively inhibits alcohol absorption into the body. Discussion: In conclusion, PF demonstrates a potential protective effect against alcohol-induced hangover and liver injury by inhibiting the absorption of alcohol and lowering hangover-related alcohol metabolites. This study suggests that PF could serve as an effective therapeutic option for mitigating the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Sex-Dependent Efficacy of Dietary Fiber in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain

Background and AimsFunctional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are more prevalent in females. Dietary fiber may alleviate FAPDs symptoms; however, whether this effect is sex-dependent remains unclear. We investigated the sex-dependency of dietary fiber benefit on abdominal pain in children with FAPDs and explored the potential involvement of the gut microbiome. MethodsIn two cross-sectional cohorts of children with FAPDs (n=209) and healthy controls (HC; n=105), we correlated dietary fiber intake with abdominal pain symptoms after stratifying by sex. We also performed sex-stratified and sex-interaction analysis on data from a double-blind trial in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) randomized to psyllium fiber (n=39) or placebo (n=49) for six weeks. Shotgun metagenomics was used to investigate gut microbiome community changes potentially linking dietary fiber intake with abdominal pain. ResultsIn the cross-sectional cohorts, fiber intake inversely correlated with pain symptoms in boys (pain episodes: r= -0.24, P=0.005; pain days: r= -0.24, P=0.004) but not in girls. Similarly, in the randomized trial, psyllium fiber reduced the number of pain episodes in boys (P=.012), but not in girls. Generalized linear regression models confirmed that boys treated with psyllium fiber had greater reduction in pain episodes than girls (P=.007 for fiber x sex x time interaction). Age, sexual development, IBS subtype, stool form and microbiome composition were not significant determinants in the dietary fiber effects on pain reduction. ConclusionsDietary fiber preferentially reduces abdominal pain frequency in boys, highlighting the importance of considering sex in future dietary intervention studies for FAPDs. ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT00526903

The Use of Fibers, Herbal Medicines and Spices in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves multiple factors. Thus, treatment options are variable, targeting both diet and the child's and parents' behavior via pharmacological and psychological interventions or neuromodulation. Parents are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies for children with irritable bowel syndrome, especially when other treatments have been tried without relieving the child's symptoms. This paper examines current evidence for the benefits and side effects of herbal remedies and spices in pediatric patients with IBS. The benefits of peppermint oil, STW5, psyllium fiber, Curcuma, ginger, and other herbal medicines are discussed based on findings in the current literature.

Mixed Psyllium Fiber Improves the Quality, Nutritional Value, Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of Rye Bread.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the different shares (0/100, 5/95, 10/90 and 15/85 ratios) of a ground psyllium fiber (PF) mixture of 80% psyllium seeds (Plantago psyllium) and 20% psyllium husk (Plantago ovata Forsk) on the quality characteristics, chemical composition, total polyphenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of rye bread (RB). The study was conducted with rye flour (RF) type 580 and 720 and two dough preparation methods (single-phase-1F, two-phase-2F). The inclusion of psyllium fiber in rye bread resulted in an increase in the overbaking of bread by 12.4%, total protein by 1.7%, ash by almost twofold, and TDF content by more than twofold. Psyllium fiber addition also led to a twofold improvement in antioxidant activity and an increase in TPC from 35.5 to 109.1 mg GAE/100 g d.m., as well as enhanced porosity of the crumb from 7.1 to 7.6 points on the Mohs scale. However, it caused a decrease in specific loaf volume by 10%, springiness by 3.5%, chewiness by almost 12%, and gumminess of the crumb by 8.1%. A darkening of the crust (reduction in the L* value by 10.7%) and crumb (reduction in the L* value by 37.6%) was observed as well. Notably, the results indicated that a 10% share of PF can be considered a potentially beneficial and functional ingredient, promoting health benefits without negatively affecting the physical and sensory qualities of rye bread. This suggests the potential use of PF for enhancing the nutritional value of RB without compromising its overall quality.

Replacing Animal Fat with Gels of Psyllium Fiber and Combined Linseed Oil–Psyllium Fiber in Salamis: Impacts on Technological, Nutritional, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties

This study produced two gels: one solely using psyllium fiber (GP) and another combining this fiber with linseed oil (GL+P). Both gels replaced 15% and 30% of the animal fat content of salamis. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this lipid reformulation on the technological, nutritional, oxidative, and sensory properties of the salamis. The lipid reformulation did not alter the evolution of pH and lactic acid bacteria during processing. The addition of GL+P did not interfere with the product’s drying process. However, replacing 30% of animal fat with the GP resulted in greater weight loss and a lower final Aw value. The lipid reformulation minimally affected the color of the salamis but significantly enhanced their nutritional profile. This improvement was marked by a decrease in fat content and an increase in protein. Specifically, in the samples with GL+P, there was a rise in linolenic acid content and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Adding GP did not affect the salamis’ oxidative stability and sensory profile. However, substituting 30% of the animal fat with GL+P increased the TBARS values, and volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation hampered the products’ sensory profiles. A reduction in these negative effects was observed when replacing 15% of the fat with GL+P, suggesting this to be the ideal dosage for balancing the nutritional benefits with maintaining the product’s oxidative stability.

Psyllium fiber protects mice against western diet-induced metabolic syndrome via the gut microbiota-dependent mechanism

ABSTRACT Impacts of dietary fiber on intestinal inflammation are complex, but some specific semi-purified fibers, particularly psyllium, can protect humans and rodents against colitis. Mechanisms underlying such protection are not fully understood but may involve activation of the FXR bile acid receptor. Obesity and its associated consequences, referred to as metabolic syndrome, are associated with, and promoted by, low-grade inflammation in a variety of tissues including the intestine. Hence, we examined whether psyllium might ameliorate the low-grade intestinal inflammation that occurs in diet-induced obesity and, moreover, the extent to which it might ameliorate adiposity and/or dysglycemia in this disease model. We observed that enriching a high-fat diet with psyllium provided strong protection against the low-grade gut inflammation and metabolic consequences that were otherwise induced by the obesogenic diet. Such protection was fully maintained in FXR-deficient mice, indicating that distinct mechanisms mediate psyllium’s protection against colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nor did psyllium’s protection associate with, or require, fermentation or IL−22 production, both of which are key mediators of beneficial impacts of some other dietary fibers. Psyllium’s beneficial impacts were not evident in germfree mice but were observed in Altered Schaedler Flora mice, in which psyllium modestly altered relative and absolute abundance of the small number of taxa present in these gnotobiotic mice. Thus, psyllium protects mice against diet-induced obesity/metabolic syndrome by a mechanism independent of FXR and fermentation but nonetheless requires the presence of at least a minimal microbiota.

The effect of psyllium fiber on the in vitro starch digestion of steamed and roasted wheat based dough.

This study aimed to determine how the addition of psyllium fiber to steamed and roasted wheat-based flat dough pieces affected the in vitro starch digestibility. Wheat flour was replaced with 10% psyllium fiber in the preparation of fiber-enriched dough samples. Two distinct methods of heating were utilised: steaming (100 °C, 2 min & 10 min) and roasting (100 °C, 2 min & 250 °C, 2 min). Rapidly digestible starch (RDS) fractions reduced significantly in both steamed and roasted samples, whereas slowly digestible starch (SDS) fractions increased significantly only in samples roasted at 100 °C and steamed for 2 min. The roasted samples had a lower RDS fraction than the steamed samples only when fiber was added. This study demonstrated the effect of processing method, duration, temperature, formed structure, matrix and the addition of psyllium fiber on in vitro starch digestion by altering starch gelatinization, gluten network, and consequently enzyme access to substrates.

Dry Fruits: Contain Chemicals to Keep Human Body Organs Healthy

Hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are known as metabolic syndrome. In presence of high levels of blood LDL particles, free radicals (ROS), macrophages, cytokines, platelets, histamine, 5HT get involved in LDL oxidation, leading to formation of atherosclerotic plaques which get deposited in endothelium of coronary arteries causing coronary artery disease (CAD). Psyllium fibers and Ficus Carica (FC) are being considered to be useful in treating hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. This study was conducted to determine hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic potential of Psyllium husk and FC. Study was conducted in National hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from January to April 2020. Seventy five hyperlipidemic, hypertensive and diabetic patients were enrolled selected from the hospital with their consent. They were divided in three groups ie 25 patients in each group. Group-1 was on placebo, group-2 was on 15 grams psyllium husk to be used in three divided doses. Group-3 was on 12 grams FC to be taken in three divided doses daily for two months. Their Lipid profile, FBS, and hypertension were determined before and after two months therapy by these two agents. Two analyze data we used SPSS version 10.01.001 2015 and t test was applied to determine changes in the tested parameters. In two months therapy by psyllium husk in 24 patients TG, TC, LDL-c was reduced 21.48, 10.09, 24.17 mg/dl respectively. HDL was increased 12.38 mg/dl in this group. FBS reduction was 28.66 mg/dl, systolic BP 6.30, and diastolic BP reduced in this group 7.52 mm of mg. We then concluded that FC and PH have good enough potential to normalize lipid profile, reduce BP, and FBS in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome.

A266 DIET-BASED THERAPIES FOR INTESTINAL DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTION

Abstract Background Chronic gut dysfunction occurs in up to 25% of patients following antibiotic-treated C. difficile infection (CDI). We developed a humanized mouse model in which germ free mice colonized with microbiota from patients with severe constipation post-CDI developed slow colonic transit, as a result of damage to the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) network by pro-inflammatory macrophages. Colonic transit, immune activation and the ICC network normalized after fecal microbiota transplantation using samples from healthy mice, as well after treatment with psyllium fiber. Here we explored the long-term effects of psyllium and evaluated the therapeutic potential of pectin and quercetin in this model. Purpose 1) To investigate the time course of the beneficial effect of psyllium on colonic motility. 2) To explore possible therapeutic properties of flavonoids and pectin. Method Germ-free mice were colonized with microbiota from the post-CDI (PCDI) patient or healthy controls (HC). After 3 weeks, the mice were fed for 4-5 weeks with a control diet or diets with 15% psyllium (PSY), 10% pectin (PCT) or 0.05% quercetin (QCT). To evaluate time course of PSY on motility, control diet was administered for 3-weeks following PSY treatment. The bead expulsion test was used to assess colonic motility. Stool samples were collected for microbial profiling, and short and branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA/BCFA) analysis. Macrophages morphology and counts, and ICC network structure were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Result(s) Compared to HC microbiota, colonization with post-CDI microbiota induced slow colonic transit in recipient mice, and this was normalized by PSY (n=13; p=0.02). The benefit of PSY was transient as colonic transit slowed following discontinuation of PSY (p=0.001). The changes in colonic transit were paralleled by switch in macrophages phenotype and damage to the ICC network. Additionally, discontinuation of PSY resulted in a return of microbial diversity (p&amp;lt; 0.001), SCFA/BCFA levels (acetic and propionic acid/ iso-butyric and valeric acid) and specific bacterial species abundances, to values seen in untreated mice colonized with post-CDI microbiota. Microbial analysis predicted potential pathways involved in macrophage polarization, including the synthesis of SCFA/BCFA, degradation of inositol and production of acetylglucosamine. PCT also normalized slow intestinal transit in mice colonized with post-CDI microbiota (p=0.003), restored phenotype of infiltrating macrophages, and improved the structural integrity of the ICC network. In contrast, QCT failed to improve gut dysfunction in PCDI mice. Conclusion(s) Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of psyllium in this model are transient. Dietary pectin, but not quercetin, may also serve as a novel treatment strategy to restore colonic motility and immune homeostasis in humans with severe constipation post-CDI. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below Other Please indicate your source of funding; W. Garfield Weston Foundation Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Acute soluble fibre supplementation has no impact on reducing post-prandial glucose excursions in adults with cystic fibrosis and glucose intolerance

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) is a common comorbidity in CF. In CFRD, fasting blood glucose level is often normal, but post-prandial glycaemia (PPG) is problematic. Elevated PPG has been associated to a higher risk of developing CFRD, a worst clinical state and a lower pulmonary function. Interventional studies in type 2 diabetes have demonstrated a beneficial impact of fibre supplement on PPG. MethodsOur objective is to evaluate the efficiency of 2 doses of a soluble fibre supplement to lower PPG in CF patients with glucose intolerance (pre-diabetic or CFRD patients). This is a double-blinded crossover interventional study with three interventions: placebo or psyllium fibre (5.1g or 7.7g) of soluble fibre consumed before breakfast. A second meal (lunch) is also eaten four hours later to evaluate a second meal effect. Blood glucose and insulin were measured during the interventions. ResultsIn 14 adult CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n=10) or CFRD (n=4), we observed no beneficial effect of fibre supplementation on PPG for both meals. However, all blood glucose levels were lower after the lunch compared to breakfast in spite of the higher carbohydrate content. ConclusionAn acute treatment with fibre supplementation had no effect on blood glucose control in patients with CF-IGT or CFRD.

Fabrication of arabinoxylan psyllium-phosphated polymers for biomedical applications

Dietary fibers are known for their therapeutic role in colon ailments and enhancement of gut microbial growth. Dietary fiber psyllium has been explored as dietary supplement for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems like constipation, colon inflammation and diverticulitis. Hence, in the present work, psyllium has been used to design the hydrogel based drug delivery (DD) system. The antibiotic drug cefuroxime encapsulated arabinoxylan psyllium-phosphated network hydrogels were prepared for drug delivery to colon problems to synergize the effect of antibiotic drug. These grafted and crosslinked copolymers were characterized by solid state 13C NMR, FTIR, TGA-DTG, DSC, SEM, AFM and XRD. The presence of FTIR peak at 1153.30 cm-1 (due to –PO of poly (BMEP) and at 977.53 cm-1 (due to P–O–C of poly (BMEP) and absence of peak at around 130 ppm in solid state 13C NMR confirmed the incorporation of the phosphate polymers [poly (bis [2-methacryloyloxy] ethyl phosphate [(poly (BMEP)] in to copolymer hydrogels. XRD results indicated the amorphous nature of the polymers. The mesh size (ξ) and crosslink density (ρ) of network hydrogel was found 74.763 nm and 0.74 × 10-5 mol/cm3 respectively which indicated the porous nature of the hydrogels. Polymers showed 0.50 N mucoadhesion with mucosal membrane. The haemolysis was found less than 5% during blood-polymer interaction indicated blood compatible nature of polymers. The sustained diffusion of cefuroxime was observed with non-Fickian mechanism with Korsmeyer-Peppas best fit kinetic model. Overall, results indicated the suitability of arabinoxylan psyllium-phosphated polymers for drug delivery applications.

Effect of psyllium and cellulose fiber addition on the structure and the starch digestibility of bread and crackers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of psyllium and cellulose fiber additions on starch digestion behavior, as well as the structural and textural characteristics of bread and cracker samples. Fiber-added samples were created by replacing 10% of the wheat flour in the recipes with fibers. Fibers reduced the porosity of the bread samples, increased their hardness and chewiness, and decreased the hardness of the crackers. Due to its high water-holding capacity, psyllium fiber interfered more than cellulose fiber with the formation of a gluten network and dough structure. At this concentration, psyllium fiber was effective at slowing the digestion of bread and crackers, whereas cellulose fiber had no effect. Psyllium fiber inhibited starch digestion by acting as a physical barrier and limiting enzyme mobility. Due to the structural differences between bread and crackers, they digested differently. The findings indicated that variations in the development of food structures caused by processing methods and the solubility of the fibers used could have a differential effect on starch digestion. Across the board, food processing methods, ingredients, and textural characteristics can all have an effect on starch digestion. • Psyllium was more detrimental to gluten network and dough structure than cellulose • Psyllium fiber reduced starch digestion whereas cellulose fiber did not • Psyllium fiber functioned as a physical barrier and thickening agent to restrict mobility of enzymes • Processing methods and solubility of fibers affect structure development and texture • Processing method, fiber type and final food texture could alter starch digestion

THE EFFECT OF PSYLLIUM FIBER AND CHOKEBERRY FIBRE ADDITION ON THE QUALITY OF PROBIOTIC FERMENTED MILK

Background. Fiber from fruit, vegetables and other sources of fiber can increase gut microbiota diversity and show anti-inflammatory activity. The use of fiber in the manufacture of probiotic fermented milk has excellent potential, as it can offer several benefits for both consumers and producers. In addition to its well-known physiological benefits, dietary fiber may reduce the risk of diseases of civilization. Consumers expect that current foods are health-promoting. Consumer awareness is increasing through an expanding variety of products and advertising campaigns favoring health-promoting foods, a trend that food manufacturers are also taking advantage of. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of psyllium fiber and chokeberry fiber addition in combination with probiotic cultures Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 and Lacticaseibacillus casei 431 on the quality of fermented milk. To investigate the effect of fiber on fermented milk quality, acidity, texture properties, syneresis and colorcolor were measured, moreover, an organoleptic evaluation and microbiological analysis were performed. Results and conclusion. Natural additives such as chokeberry fiber and psyllium fiber can be used in the production of milk fermented by Bifidobacterium BB-12 and L.casei. Psyllium fiber can be recommended for its syneresis-reducing properties. Whereas chokeberry fiber, due to its high polyphenol content, can be used as a natural colorcolorant and taste-enhancing additive. Adding fiber as chokeberry or psyllium positively stimulated the growth and survival of Bifidobacterium BB-12 and L. casei bacteria during storage. The hardness of the milk gel fermented by Bifidobacterium BB-12 or L. casei was significantly improved by adding psyllium fiber, increasing it by as much as about 2.5 N, and this trend was also maintained after 28 days of storage. Studies on using various fibers in fermented milk production should be continued to determine their health-promoting and technological potential.

Exploration of the high energy radiation for the designing of psyllium-poly(MEDSAH) zwitterionic superabsorbent hydrogels for biomedical uses

The main objective of the present work is to develop the hydrogels as drug delivery carrier for the antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin by using graft copolymerization reaction of poly 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide [poly(MEDSAH)] onto a bioactive dietary fiber psyllium. High energy gamma radiations were applied for the formation and sterilization of network hydrogels simultaneously. The release profile of the antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin was determined to evaluate the diffusion mechanism. Biomedical assay of polymers was also evaluated by determining the blood compatibility, antioxidant, mucoadhesive and degradation properties of the psyllium-poly(MEDSAH) network hydrogels prepared for drug delivery (DD) applications. The polymers were characterized by 13C NMR, FTIR, TGA/DTG, DSC, SEM, AFM and XRD. TGA confirmed thermal stability while SEM and AFM indicated porous and rough surface of the polymers. Both, zwitterionic monomer and radiation dose changed mesh size (from 87.94 to 529.33 nm) and crosslinking density (from 0.33 × 10−6 to 12.13 × 10−6 mol/cm3). The grafted polymers showed antioxidant nature of the material which exhibited 48.99 ± 1% free radical scavenging in DPPH assay. Polymer indicated biocompatible nature which showed 81.02 ± 5.91% thromboses percentage and less than 2% hemolytic index during blood-polymer interactions. Furthermore, detachment force required to detach the polymer from mucous membrane was Fmax=0.169 ± 0.035 N which required work of adhesion Wad=0.125 ± 0.014 N.sec showing the mucoadhesive nature of the polymeric hydrogels. The antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin diffusion occurred slowly with non-Fickian mechanism and Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Overall, results reflected their suitability of these DD carriers for colon in slow and sustained manner.