Amelioration of Abnormalities Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome by Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) Consumption and Aerobic Exercise in Rats

Abstract

The present study evaluates the protective effects of an antioxidant-rich extract of Spinacea oleracea (NAOE) in abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rats. HPTLC of NAOE revealed the presence of 13 total antioxidants, 14 flavonoids, and 10 phenolic acids. Rats administered with fructose (20% w/v) in drinking water for 45 days to induce abnormalities of MetS received NAOE (200 and 400 mg/kg, po), the standard drug gemfibrozil (60 mg/kg, po), aerobic exercise (AE), and a combination of NAOE 400 mg/kg and AE (NAOEAE) daily for 45 days. All treatments significantly altered the lipid profile and attenuated the fructose-elevated levels of uric acid, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and marker enzymes (AST, LDH, and CK-MB) in serum and malondialdehyde in the heart and restored the fructose-depleted levels of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). A significant decrease in blood glucose and insulin levels decreased insulin resistance, and improved glucose tolerance was observed in the treatment animals when compared with the fructose-fed animals. The best mitigation of MetS was shown by the NAOEAE treatment indicating that regular exercise along with adequate consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach in diet can help control MetS.

The Effects of Biostimulants, Biofertilizers and Water-Stress on Nutritional Value and Chemical Composition of Two Spinach Genotypes (Spinacia oleracea L.)

“…Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a leafy vegetable crop which is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean basin in open-field and protected conditions. It is a common ingredient of many dishes and food products due to the exceptional nutritional value and the important bioactive properties of its leaves [31][32][33]. Apart from beneficial compounds content, spinach may be also rich in antinutrients such as nitrates and oxalates with severe implications on human health that have to be considered, and proper cultivation practices are usually applied to limit the content of such compounds [34][35][36][37].…”

The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of spinach on prevention and treatment of some metabolic and histologic features in a rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…The dose of 400 mg kg −1 was based on the two studies by Panda et al . The benefits of 14 and 45 days supplementation with HES (400 mg kg −1 ) were reported in these studies …”

“…In line with the results of our study, they reported a significant improvement in glucose and lipid profile after 45 days' supplementation. The greatest improvement was observed when spinach extract was accompanied by aerobic exercise . In another study, a 100‐day treatment with spinach thylakoids in female apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice reduced food intake, body weight, serum glucose, triglyceride, and fatty acid compared to the control .…”

Administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of spinach improves oxidative stress and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD rats

“…In one study, consumption of spinach powder (%5 of diet) for 6 weeks increased SOD activity in liver of the rats (43). Panda et al showed that 200 and 400 mg/kg HES for 45 days in rats, as part of a high-fructose diet, enhances the activity of SOD and GPx in heart (44). In a clinical trial, Bohlooli et al evaluated the effects of spinach supplementation on antioxidant status and muscle injury in marathon runners.…”

“…Random numbers were generated using online random number generators. The dosage of 400mg/kg was based on the two studies by Panda et al which reported the benefits of 14 and 45 days supplementation with HES (400mg/kg) (31,32).…”