O BESITY is one of the main causes of chronic inflammatory disorders and has an impact on the healthcare system by increasing healthcare costs. Replacing refined grains with whole grains like millets that are economical and available helps to reduce weight as well as improve the nutrient content of food. This study was conducted to investigate the positive effects of finger millet flour (FMF) as a replacement for wheat flour (WF) on obese rats fed a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) as well as its effect on the sensory qualities of the resultant snack. The results revealed that the FMF is a good source of dietary fiber, B vitamins, particularly niacin (1.11 mg/100 g), minerals such as Ca, K, P, and Fe, as well as essential amino acids, mainly leucine, valine, and phenylalanine. The FMFalso showed high levels of phenols (2624 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (2.37 mg CE/g), and phytic acid (6.05 mg/g), which represent high antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. In comparison to HCD alone, HCD supplemented with FMF reduced body weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and body mass index of obese rats and improved the serum lipid profile, particularly by reducing triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL-c compared to HCD alone. Additionally, HCD supplemented with FMF controlledinsulin, leptin, and cortisol hormones and improvedserum antioxidant biomarkers by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and raising glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The healthy snacks were more fragile, crispy, and palatable when WF was substituted with FMF up to 70 and 100%.
Globally, gastric ulcer is one of the most serious diseases. Although, there are several antiulcer drugs, however most of them have adverse reactions. This research aims to investigate the protective effects of Plantago major extracts, water extract Plantago (WE) and ethanolic extract Plantago (EE) against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer in rats.Also, to determine the active constituents and fatty acids content of Plantago major. Gastric ulcer was induced by a single oral dose of IND (30 mg/ kg). Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) and Pantozol (Panto), a reference drug, were administered orally 14 days prior to IND ingestion. Plantago major contains high levels of total antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenols. Gas chromatography analysis showed a high percent of linoleic acid (33.79%), oleic acid (29.41%), and palmitic acid (19.25 %) in Plantago. Gross evaluation of gastric mucosal lesions showed that Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) and Panto pretreatment reduced gastric lesions, diminished ulceration of surface epithelium, and maintained the normal histological structure of gastric mucosa induced by IND. Besides, significantly reduced ulcer index, total gastric acidity, gastric pH, and serum oxidative stress compared with the IND group. Pretreatment with Plantago (WE), Plantago (EE) and Pantosignificantly increased gastric tissue content of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In conclusion, pretreatment with Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) showed a better ulcer healing capacity compared favorably well with Panto results, these results could be attributed to its high content of active antioxidant constituents.
Equisetum arvense L. (common horsetail) has medicinal characteristics that have been known since ancient times and are used to cure a variety of ailments. The effect of E. arvense L. on rats with induced osteoporosis was investigated. Forty female rats were randomized in 5 equal groups (n=8). The first group was working as tricks (SHAM) (negative control), while the other 4 groups were operating with ovariectomized (OVX) and fed on basal diet deficient in calcium and were given orally prednisone acetate (4.5 ml/kg body weight/day twice a week) for two weeks as source of glucocorticoid, to induce osteoporotic models. Three weeks after ovarian removal, Group 2 kept as positive control (OVX) and the other three groups were fed on basal diet supplemented with 5, 10 and 15% of dried E. arvense L, respectively for 8 weeks. The results showed that rats fed on dried E. arvense L. at all tested levels had significant increase (P<0.05) in serum of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone alkaline phosphates (b-ALP), free thyroxin (T4), calcitonin (CT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while significant reduction (P<0.05) in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)was detected. In addition, significant increase (P<0.05) in bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), Ca and P contents in Femur ash were recorded in cured groups as compared to the positive control group. Our findings exhibit that E. arvense L. had a potent anti-osteoporotic effect in ovariectomized rats due to enhanced bone building, delayed bone loss and normalization of hormones levels that regulate calcium metabolism. Thus E. arvense L. might represent as a natural therapy for the avoidance of osteoporosis in women at postmenopausal period.
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