Tigernut Extracts Research Articles

Protective Effects of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) on Bisphenol A- Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) have been reported to induced reprotoxicity in rats. This study was conducted to find out the ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus (tigernut) on BPA induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups (n=5): group A: (Control); group B: Bisphenol A (BPA) (25 mg/kg b.w/day); group C: tigernut (200 mg/kg b.w); group D: (25 mg/kg of BPA+ 200 mg/kg of tigernut extract. 25 mg/kg of BPA was dissolved in 0.2 ml of olive oil as vehicle and administration was given by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The body weights were measured. Blood were collected for the testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) assays; the epididymis were processed for sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm abnormality test; while the testes were harvested for histology. Results: There was a significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in body weight; reduced (sperm count, motility, viability, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone) in BPA compared with control group. These parameters however increased significantly (p < 0.05) in tigernut (200mg) and BPA + tigernut (200mg) compared with BPA. Also, histological examination showed widened interstitial spaces, some distorted seminiferous tubules, degeneration of basement membrane, scanty Leydig cells, fewer spermatozoa and vacuolation While BPA + tigernut (group D); showed improved testicular architecture (preserved interstitial spaces and interstitial cells. restoration of the loss of the basement membrane and closely packed seminiferous tubules with well-arranged germinal epithelium. Supplementation with tigernuts following BPA administration produces a reversal of the deleterious effect of BPA on the testis.

Tiger Nut Milk's Antiviral Properties against Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses: Effect of Concentration and Adding Sugar.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has warned scientists of the requirement to look for new antimicrobial compounds to prevent infection by this type of viral pathogen. Natural compounds are becoming a promising avenue of research thanks to their renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic properties. In this work, tiger nut milk's (TNM) antiviral properties, with and without sugar, were studied against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The antiviral properties of TNM were evaluated at different concentrations. The antiviral tests showed that TNM is antiviral against the enveloped bacteriophage phi 6, which is commonly used as a surrogate for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), although it did not have any antiviral effect against the non-enveloped bacteriophage MS2. We also found that adding sugar to this natural drink can improve its antiviral properties against enveloped viruses and render it antiviral against non-enveloped viruses like bacteriophage MS2. The antiviral activity of TNM depends on the TNM concentration. TNM is a natural bioproduct that could help to fight against viral infections and protect against a wide range of viral illnesses. These results confirm that the typical sweetened drink made from tiger nut extract and sugar (known as horchata in Spain) possesses broad-spectrum antiviral properties.

Effect of Some Nut Extracts and Ginger on the Lipid Profile of Hepatitis B Infected Mice

Aim: The determination of the effect of the tiger nut, coconut, coconut &tiger nut milk and ginger extract on the lipid profile of HBV infected mice
 Study Design: The study was conducted using adult mice of which some where infected with hepatitis B virus while some which were not infected, served as control.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Rivers State University animal house and the study lasted for 2 months.
 Methodology: Adult healthy mice were grouped into five (5). The groups 2 to 5 mice were infected with HBV and the infection was confirmed using HBsAg rapid kit after which those in groups, 3, 4 and 5 were given the extracts. The blood samples of the mice were collected and analyzed.
 Results: The results showed that the TC, TG, HDL, LDL and VDL for the group1mice which were not inoculated had mean values of 4.63mmol/l,1.82mmol, 1.79mmol/l, 3.43mmol/l, 0.85mmol/l. The group 2 had mean values of 4.9mmol/l, 2.31mmol/l, 1.72mmol/l, 4.1mmol/l, 0.92mmol/l. The third group given the tigernut and ginger extract showed mean values of 4.7mmol/l, 2.04mmol/l, 1.9mmol/l, 3.83mmol/l, 0.63mmol/l. The fourth group given the coconut and ginger extract had mean values of 4.6mmol/l, 1.97mmol/l, 1.74mmol/l, 3.75mmol/l, 0.9mmol/l respectively. While the fifth group given the combination of coconut, tiger nut and ginger extract had mean values of 5.09mmol/l, 2.04mmol/l, 1.59mmol/l, 4.4mmol/l and 0.93mmol/l respectively.
 Conclusion: The tigernut and coconut individual extract with ginger, had positive impacts with the coconut extract with ginger having a better impact on the lipid profile of the infected mice.

Anti -Anaemic Potentials of Tigernut Extract Administered on Rat Exposed to Phenylhydrazine Induced Toxicity

Anaemia is a public health problem that affect both the rich and poor, and it possess a serious challenge to the health care profession, consequently this research is therefore aim at investigating the anti - anaemic potentials of Tigernut (C. esculentus) extract administered to albino wistar rats exposed to Phenylhydrazine induced toxicity. Forty (40) male albino Wistar rats weighing between 180- 250g were used for this study. They were randomly divided into four (4) groups of ten (10) rats each. Control group received normal feed and drinking water. Extract group received 600mg/kg bw of aqueous extract of Tigernut orally, PHZ group received PHZ induction and PHZ + Extract group received PHZ induction + 600mg/kg bw of aqueous extract of Tigernut. The feeding regimens lasted for 4 weeks, after which blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for estimation of different parameters. Results showed that ingestion of aqueous extract of C. esculentus was able to reverse the significant decrease in RBC (p<0.01), HB (p<0.001), PCV (p<0.001) and Fe+ (p<0.01) values occasion by PHZ induction, back to appreciable level. In conclusion ingestion of C. esculentus extract is capable of reversing the derogatory effect imposed on hemopoietic processes following PHZ induction. Since C. esculentus is cheap and readily available it can therefore be recommended for the management of anaemic condition pending the availability of a viable health facility.

Ameliorative Eefects of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) on Aluminum Chloride Induced Renal Histopathology on Adult Wistar Rats

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is known in Nigeria as aya in Hausa, “Ofio” in Yoruba and “Aki Hausa” in Igbo, is an edible perennial grass-like plant. Tiger nut tubers can be eaten snacked, roasted, fried or baked and liquid (Kunun aya). Tiger nut contain lipid, protein, and carbohydrate (fiber and starch included). Tiger nut can be used to ‘mop up’ and scavenge free-radicals generated by essential metabolic body reactions and environmental pollutants. The major route of aluminium elimination is by the kidneys.Due to its reactivity, aluminum in nature is found only in combination with other elements like chlorine as in aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Al compound are used in a variety of foodstuffs, medications, domestic water supplies, kitchen equipments. herbs and cosmetics. If the kidney cannot excrete Al, it will accumulate in the body. The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effects of tiger nut against aluminium chloride induced renal histopathology in the kidney of wistar rats. Twenty adult males and females wistar rats weighing 80 – 170g were grouped into 4. Group 1 - Control group, received normal saline for 14 days, Group 2 – received 1250mg of liquid tiger (ethanolic extract) nut extract daily by oral route for 14days. Group 3 – received aqueous aluminium chloride 500mg/kg followed by 2500mg/kg of liquid tiger nut extract daily by oral route for 14days and Group 4 – received aqueous aluminium chloride 500mg/kg followed by 3750mg/kg of liquid tiger nut extract daily by oral route for 14days. After sacrifice and tissue processing, groups 1 and 2 presented normal renal histology while groups 3 and 4 presented normal renal histology with lymphocytes between their distal convoluted tubules around the medulla. It was concluded that tiger nut has an ameliorative effect on AlCl3 induced histomorphological changes in the histology of kidney and it has no any negative effect on the histology of kidney.

TIGERNUT: A NUTRIENT-RICH UNDERUTILIZED CROP WITH MANY POTENTIALS

There is a need to explore the nutritional and medicinal potentials of underutilized crops such as tigernut. Most conventional foods that are rich and balanced are scarce and expensive, and cannot be afforded by consumers in developing countries. Promoting tigernut consumption will play an imperative role in the health, nutrition, and economy of many developing countries. This review was intended to provide an overview on the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of various tigernut products. Also to provide information on the effects of various processing operations on the nutritional and functional properties of various tigernut products. Tigernut is rich in essential nutrients, numerous bioactive compounds with proven health benefits were found in all tigernut cultivars. Genetic variations, environmental and growing conditions make the yellow, brown, and black cultivars of tigernut to have different physicochemical, phytochemicals and functional properties. Tigernut and its products are recommended in the production of bakery goods and complementary foods. Tigernut extracts are potential candidates for the production of nutraceutical diets and drugs. Compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties were found in tigernut. The oil can be used in cooking and frying, the oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols. The fatty acids composition of the oil is affected by the extraction methods. In addition to industrial applications, wastes and by-products from tigernut processing can also be used as food and feed ingredients.

The phytochemical, proximate, pharmacological, GC-MS analysis of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut): A fully validated approach in health, food and nutrition

Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) has been grossly underutilized and unexploited despite its nutritional and medicinal potentials. This research aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, proximate, GC-MS and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-elastase, anti-melanogenic and anti-tyrosinase activity in ethanol and n-hexane extracts of tiger nut. The pharmacological activities were measured using spectrophotometry, agar well diffusion, MCF-7 and HeLa cell methods. The tiger nut extracts (ethanol and n-hexane) in the phytochemical and proximate analysis showed the existence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, crude fibres, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, oxalates, phytates and fats content. The ethanol extract showed superior pharmacological (anticancer, antibacterial, anti-melanogenic and antioxidant) activities, especially against the MCF-7 cell line. The results for scavenging activity of ethanol extract (IC50 = 535.57 μg/mL) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) when compared with n-hexane extract (IC50 = 645.5 μg/mL). The GC- MS assessment of both extracts showed the existence of bioactive compounds. Different concentrations (100, 200 and 350 mg/mL) of tiger nut extracts against Shigella sp., Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the highest level of inhibitions at 350 mg/mL. The findings of the current research showed that tiger nut has a high content of nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals.

The Phytochemical, Proximate, Pharmacological, FTIR, GC-MS Analysis of &lt;i&gt;Cyperus Esculentus&lt;/i&gt; (Tiger Nut): A Fully Validated Approach in Health, Food and Nutrition

This research was aimed to investigate and evaluate the phytochemical, Proximate, FTIR, GC-MS and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-elastase, anti-melanogenic and anti-tyrosinase activity in ethanol and hexane extract of tiger nut. The tiger nut extracts (ethanol and hexane) in phytochemical and proximate analysis showed the existence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, crude fibre, tannins, protein, carbohydrates, oxalate, phytate, proteins and fats content. The research findings showed that ethanol extract showed superior pharmacological (anticancer, antibacterial, anti-melanogenic and antioxidant) activities against the cell line (MCF-7). The results for scavenging activity, ethanol extract (IC50 = 535.57 μg/ml) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) when compared with hexane extract (IC50 = 645.5 μg/ml). The GC- MS assessment of both extracts showed the existence of bioactive compounds. In the FTIR analysis, the ethanol extract displayed strong bands at 2915.50 cm-1 which corresponds to C–H stretching and medium band at 1476.80 cm–1 which corresponds to N-H stretching vibrations due to the presence of amino acids. Different concentrations (100, 200 and 350mg/ml) of tiger nut extracts against Shigella specie, Salmonella specie, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the highest level of inhibitions at 350 mg/ml. The findings in this current research showed that tiger nut contain better consumable quality. The bioactive compounds present in tiger nut makes it suitable in the treatment of different diseases such as bacterial infection, cancer, diabetics and inflammation, its level of effectiveness is confirmed in traditional medicine.

Inclusion of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Powder Enhances the Mineral Composition and Antioxidative Potential of Processed Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Beverages.

The functional beverage market has recently increased due to the health benefits in addition to their nutritional and thirst-quenching functions. Tigernut is an economic crop with reported health benefits. This study evaluates the antioxidative potential of processed tigernut extracts fortified with baobab fruit pulp powder. The ferric reducing antioxidant potential, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl were used to determine the antioxidant capacity, while the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to measure the total phenolic content of the beverages. The inclusion of baobab fruit significantly (P<0.05) increased the total phenolic content by 18% (from 31.06 to 36.83 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 mL) and the flavonoid content by 15∼20%, while the vitamin C content peaked at 39.6 mg/100 mL. There was a significant correlation between the phenolic and vitamin C contents. Overall, the antioxidant potentials were elevated with the inclusion of baobab powder. All the beverages included in this study are good sources of Ca, P, and K; the contents of Ca, P, and K in the roasted tuber extracts with baobab peaked at 210.91, 8.70, and 93.35 μg/mL, respectively. However, the K:Na ratio was greater than 5:1. Although, baobab increased the acidity of the beverages, it did not significantly diminish the consumer acceptability, with the values ranging from 7.62 to 8.40 on a 9-point Hedonic scale. The beverages have potential for use as natural antioxidants and could be recommended for consumers with diets deficient in Ca and K, particularly in food insecure communities. They could also be used as a replacement for sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages.

Assessment of diastatic, proteolytic and lipolytic activities of yellow and brown varieties of Cyperus esculentus (Tigernuts) extracts

Analyses of two varieties of Cyperus esculentus (tigernuts) showed that the 100-nutweight of the yellow variety (49.1 g) was higher than the brown variety (14.8 g). The percentage of moisture contents for the yellow and brown varieties were 13.50% and 5.78% respectively. Treatment of soluble starch with tigernut extracts showed that starch hydrolysis occurred. The time for diastatic activity (α- + β- + γ-amylase activities) to completely hydrolyse starch was generally longer than either α- or β-amylase activity at 50℃. Periods and temperatures for complete starch hydrolysis by α-, β- and γ-amylases were virtually the same in the two tigernut extracts. The shortest time for complete starch hydrolyses by diastatic activity occurred at 50℃ and 65℃ for both yellow and brown varieties respectively. Least period for starch hydrolysis by α-amylase activity in both varieties occurred at 50℃, while the least time for β-amylase and γ-amylase activities in both tigernut varieties occurred at 65℃. Quantitative determination of amylolytic enzymes of yellow tigernut extract (TNE) on ‘dry basis’ showed that diastatic activity (183.6º) &gt; α-amylase activity (167.3º) &gt; β-amylase activity (119.8º) &gt; γ-amylase activity (47.5º). Similarly, brown TNE amylolytic enzymes on ‘dry basis’ showed that diastatic activity (175.8º) &gt; α-amylase activity (140.8º) &gt; β-amylase activity (94.9º) &gt; γ-amylase activity (49.6º). The α-amylase activity in yellow tigernut variety was 1.4-fold that of βamylase activity but about 1.5-fold in brown variety. However, α-amylase activity (dry basis) was about 3.5-fold that of γ-amylase in yellow variety but 2.8-fold in the brown variety. Extracts from both tigernut varieties also showed proteolytic and lipolytic activities at about 30℃. Evidently, tigernuts contain various endogenous hydrolytic enzymes and the sweetness of tigernut is invariably due to sugars produced from amylase hydrolysis of innate starch.

In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Cyperus esculentus L. (Tiger Nut) Tubers on some Enzymes Associated with Neurodegeneration and Iron- Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Rats’ Brain Tissue Homogenate

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of Cyperus esculentus L. (raw and processed) tubers on Iron (Fe2+) induced lipid peroxidation and key enzymes linked with neurodegeneration in vitro. Ten grams of tiger nut tubers was weighed and added to 100 mL of distilled water (1:10 w/v), left for 24 h, filtered, centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant and lyophilized. Activities of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BChE), Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation as well as antioxidants status as indicated by 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging ability and Fe chelation were evaluated. Raw tiger nut extracts inhibited activities of AChE and BChE in the brain tissue of rats (0 – 11.54 mg /mL) with EC50 = 3.599 mg /mL and 2.71 ± 0.01 mg /mL respectively, and increased antioxidant activity when compared with the processed tuber. Inhibition on these enzymes as well as prevention of Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation may be the possible mechanism of action by which tiger nut prevents neurodegeneration.

Protective effect of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) extract against scopolamine-induced memory loss and oxidative stress in mouse brain.

Objectives The juice extract of Cyperus esculentus commonly known as tiger nuts (TINUT) is widely used for its numerous health promoting effects including alleviation of symptoms associated with neurological disorders. Herein, we investigated the influence of the aqueous extract of C.esculentus on cognitive disorder and the underlying changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress biomarkers in mice exposed to scopolamine. Methods C.esculentus (50-200mg/kg) or saline (10mL/kg) was given alone or with scopolamine 30min after, to male Swiss mice (6/group) daily for seven days. We evaluated the cognitive performance using Y-maze and object recognition on day seven post-treatment. Brains of the animals were afterwards processed for spectrophotometric determination of AChE activity and contents of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA], glutathione [GSH], catalase, superoxide dismutase and nitrite). Results The extract improves cognitive function and also upturned scopolamine amnesia in mice. The extract markedly reduced brain AChE, MDA, and nitrite contents in mice injected with scopolamine (p<0.05). It also attenuated scopolamine-induced deregulated GSH contents and antioxidant enzymes in mouse brain. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that regular consumption of TINUT might offer beneficial effects in memory-related disorders.

Antimicrobial Activities of Irvingia Gabonesis Leaf and Cyperus Esculentus Extracts on Some Selected Isolates

The rise of antibiotic resistant microorganism is one of the severe problems in health care system of the world and infectious diseases are the second most serious causes of death worldwide. Thus, it is essential to find new compounds that have antimicrobial properties by screening plant species to detect those that can synthesize new drugs [1]. Thus, this study is carried out to determine the antimicrobial activity of bush mango and tiger nut extracts on some selected microorganisms.

Enhancing the antioxidative capacity and acceptability of Kunnu beverage from gluten-free pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) through fortification with tigernut sedge (Cyperus esculentus) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) extracts

Kunnu is an infamous non-alcoholic beverage among the inhabitants of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a fermented product commonly made from millet, sorghum or corn and relatively cheap when compared to carbonated beverages. This study targets value addition of kunnu by fortification with tigernut extracts and coconut milk to further boost the consumption and acceptance among people of all ages. The beverages were then evaluated for the physicochemical properties, phytochemical content and colour analyses. Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to measure the total phenolic content while the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were used to determine the antioxidant capacity. The unfortified kunnu sample had the lowest pH of 3.24 which was significantly increased upon fortification with tigernut extract and coconut milk. Kunnu samples fortified with tigernut had the highest vitamin contents (28.07 mg/ml) and soluble fiber (8%) when compared to the other samples. The total phenol (0.85 mg GAE/ml) and flavonoids (4.59 mg RE/ml) were also highest when the kunnu beverages were fortified with tigernut extract. Fortification with tigernut and/or coconut milk result in elevated antioxidant potentials determined by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP. There was no significant difference in the taste, viscosity, colour and overall acceptability of the beverages when fortified with tigernut extract. The study revealed that fortification with tigernut and/or coconut milk improves the antioxidative potential of the beverages with very good acceptability. The beverage could serve as a healthy replacement for sugar-laden fizzy drinks.

Effects of Plasma-Activated Water and Blanching on Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Tiger Nuts

This study evaluated the effect of plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment and blanching on the microbial and quality attributes of tiger nuts. In this study, 15 min of single PAW-10 washing and blanching at 60 °C for 5 min (BLN) resulted in 3.53 and 3.51 log CFU/g reductions for Klebsiella pneumoniae and 3.22 and 3.14 log CFU/g for total background bacteria. The sequential treatment of PAW-10 and BLN led to 3.7 and 4.36 log CFU/g reductions in K. pneumoniae and total background bacteria, respectively. Total phenolic content, lipid oxidation, DPPH scavenging activity, and sensory attributes of the treated tiger nut extracts did not change significantly compared with the control, whereas pH, total color value, FRAP radical scavenging activity, and total flavonoid content were altered. The microbial inactivation and changes observed in the treated samples were attributed to the synergistic effects of reactive species and blanching during the individual and combined treatment. This result has established PAW in combination with BLN as a promising hurdle intervention to curtail the spread of microorganisms.

A Probiotic Beverage Made from Tiger-nut Extract and Milk Permeate.

Tiger-nut has long been recognized for its generous health benefits. Milk permeate as a by-product, contains lactose, soluble vitamins and salts. Probiotics are live micro-organisms that confer a benefit on the host. The aim of this work was to use a combination of tiger-nut aqueous extract (TNAE) and UF-milk permeate, fortified with probiotic bacteria, to produce a functional dairy beverage. Material s and Methods: Milk-permeate (65%), TNAE (30%) and sugar (5%) were the best portions used to produce permeate-tiger nut beverage. Three probiotic bacteria mixture including, L. plantarum and L. acidophilus culture (1:1), L. plantarum and B. breve culture (1:1) and L. plantarum with both L. acidophilus and B. breve culture (1:1:1) were added to create 3 permeate-tiger nut beverages namely T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The follow up of their bacteriological, physical and chemical characteristics/changes during a storage period of 10 days was evaluated. No changes in the survival of the probiotics bacteria were observed throughout the storage period (10 days). Meanwhile, T3 has low pH value and acetaldehyde content but has high diacetyl content and antioxidant activity followed by T2 and T1. Permeate-tiger nut beverage fortified with probiotic bacteria exhibited higher lightness and lower redness and structure viscosity than the control from day 5 onwards. Also, T3 was less sensory acceptable compared to the others. A mixture of UF-milk permeate (65%), tiger-nut aqueous extract (30%) and 5% sugar, fortified with 1% mixture of probiotic cultures produced a healthy stable beverage.

Mangifera indica L. Leaf Extract in Combination With Luteolin or Quercetin Enhances VO2peak and Peak Power Output, and Preserves Skeletal Muscle Function During Ischemia-Reperfusion in Humans.

It remains unknown whether polyphenols such as luteolin (Lut), mangiferin and quercetin (Q) have ergogenic effects during repeated all-out prolonged sprints. Here we tested the effect of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract (MLE) rich in mangiferin (Zynamite®) administered with either quercetin (Q) and tiger nut extract (TNE), or with luteolin (Lut) on sprint performance and recovery from ischemia-reperfusion. Thirty young volunteers were randomly assigned to three treatments 48 h before exercise. Treatment A: placebo (500 mg of maltodextrin/day); B: 140 mg of MLE (60% mangiferin) and 50 mg of Lut/day; and C: 140 mg of MLE, 600 mg of Q and 350 mg of TNE/day. After warm-up, subjects performed two 30 s Wingate tests and a 60 s all-out sprint interspaced by 4 min recovery periods. At the end of the 60 s sprint the circulation of both legs was instantaneously occluded for 20 s. Then, the circulation was re-opened and a 15 s sprint performed, followed by 10 s recovery with open circulation, and another 15 s final sprint. MLE supplements enhanced peak (Wpeak) and mean (Wmean) power output by 5.0–7.0% (P < 0.01). After ischemia, MLE+Q+TNE increased Wpeak by 19.4 and 10.2% compared with the placebo (P < 0.001) and MLE+Lut (P < 0.05), respectively. MLE+Q+TNE increased Wmean post-ischemia by 11.2 and 6.7% compared with the placebo (P < 0.001) and MLE+Lut (P = 0.012). Mean VO2 during the sprints was unchanged, suggesting increased efficiency or recruitment of the anaerobic capacity after MLE ingestion. In women, peak VO2 during the repeated sprints was 5.8% greater after the administration of MLE, coinciding with better brain oxygenation. MLE attenuated the metaboreflex hyperpneic response post-ischemia, may have improved O2 extraction by the Vastus Lateralis (MLE+Q+TNE vs. placebo, P = 0.056), and reduced pain during ischemia (P = 0.068). Blood lactate, acid-base balance, and plasma electrolytes responses were not altered by the supplements. In conclusion, a MLE extract rich in mangiferin combined with either quercetin and tiger nut extract or luteolin exerts a remarkable ergogenic effect, increasing muscle power in fatigued subjects and enhancing peak VO2 and brain oxygenation in women during prolonged sprinting. Importantly, the combination of MLE+Q+TNE improves skeletal muscle contractile function during ischemia/reperfusion.

Tiger nut and walnut extracts modulate extracellular metabolism of ATP and adenosine through the NOS/cGMP/PKG signalling pathway in kidney slices

BackgroundTiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Müll. Arg.) have been reportedly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, prevent heart attack and improve blood circulation, reduce serum cholesterol level as well as inhibit oxidation reactions. PurposeThis study investigated the effect of tiger nut and walnut hydro-alcoholic extracts on extracellular metabolism of ATP through the NOS/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) in kidney slices. MethodsThe plants were extracted for 24 h in 10 ml of 70% ethanol and 30% distilled water per gram milled material on a mechanical shaker and filtered using Whatman filter paper. The effect of the extracts on ecto-nucleotidases (NTPDase and 5′ nucleotidase) and adenosine deaminase activities, nitrites and nitrates levels (NO, markers of NO production) as well as lipid and protein oxidation reactions in kidney slices were evaluated. Also, the phenolic components of the nut samples were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). ResultsThe results revealed a protective effect of tiger nut and walnut on co-incubation with L-NAME of the enzyme activities, increased NO significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to the vehicle. L-NAME also increased the thiobabituric reactive substances but co-incubation with the extracts caused a significant reduction while protein oxidation across groups showed no significant difference when compared to the vehicle group. HPLC finger printing revealed the presence of quercetin and kaempferol as the most abundant phenolic compounds in tiger nut and walnut respectively. ConclusionTiger nut and walnut extracts showed a protective effect on L-NAME induced kidney slices by reducing the activities of NTPDase (ATP as substrate) and adenosine deaminase, increased NO levels as well as prevent oxidative damage. The effect observed may be attributed to the phenolic compounds present in both nuts as depicted by HPLC finger printing.

Tiger nut extracts inhibit cell migration, RhoA, and RhoC GTPases, but induce Rac1/2/3 in MCF7 and MDA‐MB231 cancer‐origin cell lines

Background/AimsBreast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. The high mortality of breast cancer patients is increasing over the years due to the late stage discovery of the cancer when the cancer cells may have already metastasized. In many developing and underdeveloped countries such as Ghana, the delay in cancer detection is partly due to the cost of the various treatments available which forced the women to first fall on orthodox medicine or herbal products. A proper investigation and mechanism of action of known medicinal plants to help alleviate this burden is therefore needed. Tiger nut is an underutilized crop in Ghana, with high nutritional values, but consumed raw as snack or blended for its milk. A study on its antioxidant and cytotoxicity effects showed that it has an anti‐proliferative effect on MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer‐origin cell lines. This work investigated the effects of Tiger nut extracts on the migration and invasion of the mentioned cell lines, and on the Rho GTPase pathways.MethodologyCell lines were cultured in DMEM (Low glucose) supplemented with 10 % FBS, and 1 % penicillin. The migration effect was studied by the scratching assay where plated cells were wounded, treated, incubated and pictures taken at 0 h, 12 h, and 24 hours time points. The invasion assay was performed using Matrigel invasion kits on MDA‐MB‐231. Finally, cytoplasmic proteins were extracted by lysing the cells with Thermo‐Fisher mper lysis buffer and Western blotted for Rho A, Rho C, and rac1/2/3.ResultsAqueous and Ethanol extracts have been found to inhibit the migration of the investigated cell lines. However, only ethanolic extract was found to reduce the invasiveness of MDA‐MB‐231 at almost 50 %. Rho A, and Rho C were down‐regulated by all extracts whereas Rac1/2/3 was up‐regulated in MCF7.ConclusionRho A and Rho C are known to positively contribute to tumour progression. Their down‐regulation might therefore be responsible for the inhibition in cell migration observed. Even though the over expression of Rac may assemble lamellipodia at the leading edge of the cell, the down regulation of the Rho A, and C could not generate the contractile force needed to migrate. Thus, the cell will be static or round up in case of absence of Rho B, which may be the reason of the anti‐proliferative behaviour observed from previous studies.Support or Funding InformationThe work was supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia. Seyram Elom Achoribo is recipient of The World Academic of Sciences‐Universiti Sains Malaysia (TWAS‐USM) fellowship.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Antioxidative potentials and chromatographic analysis of beverages from blends of gluten-free acha (Digitaria exilis) and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) extracts

The demand for functional beverages has continued to increase because of the health benefits they impart. Acha (Digitaria exilis) and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) provide great economic and health benefits aside their nutritive values. The study aims to further add values to both by producing beverage blends from malted acha and tigernut extracts, spiced with ginger extract. The radical scavenging abilities of the beverage blends were evaluated and the phenolic constituents were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The beverage blends showed good radical scavenging ability with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), however progressive increase in the proportion of tigernut extract in the blends resulted in significant decreases in radical scavenging by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). Total flavonoid and total phenolic content ranged from 0.24 to 0.50 mg rutin Eqv/mL and 0.20 to 0.30 mg gallic acid Eqv/mL, respectively. The beverages were found to be rich in phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid and caffeic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, quercitrin and rutin) with quercetin being the most dominant in all the blends. Sensory evaluation showed that the beverage with 75% tigernut extract had the highest overall acceptability. Thus, the beverage blends possessed significant antioxidant potentials and can be used as replacement to the sugar-laden fizzy drinks.