Ziziphus spina‐christi (L.) fortified with Camellia sinensis mediates apoptosis, Notch‐1 signaling, and mitigates obesity‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver

Abstract

The habit of drinking tea is highly prevalent and could be utilized to introduce more health benefits through fortification with medicinal plants. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the nutritional quality and health benefits of fortified Ziziphus tea (ZT) with green tea (GT) against obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were carried out on the fortified tea. In the in vivo study, 15 SD rats were used for each group. Flow cytometry was utilized for caspase 3 analysis. ELISA was used for the detection of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and adiponectin levels. Real‐time PCR was used to detect Notch‐1 and Hes‐1 gene expression. The composition of fortified (GT+ZT) showed a significant improvement in the nutritional value represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrate, mineral contents, and antioxidant capacity. Treatment with GT+ZT restored the disturbance in body weight, lipid profile, liver function, glucose, insulin sensitivity index, and oxidative status. It reversed the changes in TNF‐α and adiponectin levels. Their protective effects against NAFLD were indicated by the inhibition of hepatic caspase‐3 activity, suppression of Notch‐1, and Hes‐1 gene expression and amelioration of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced histological alterations. Collectively, our findings, elucidate the precise mechanism of fortified ZT+GT for the attenuation of obesity‐induced metabolic disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, TNF‐α, adiponectin, apoptosis, and Notch‐1 signaling pathways, and provide a foundation for an easily implemented healthy habit of drinking. Practical applications The incorporation of bioactive compounds into functional foods is a growing market. Consumer attention in well‐being has increased rapidly toward a fortified diet that provides additional health effects. The fortified (GT+ZT) tea may potentially serve as an easily implemented healthy drinking habit to prevent and manage obesity and NAFLD and reduce the risk of other diseases. Fortification with ZT improved the health‐promoting functionality of GT through the enhancement of total protein, carbohydrates, antioxidant, and mineral contents. This was reflected by their synergetic therapeutic activity in ameliorating the disturbance in obesity‐related disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and Notch‐1 signaling pathways. Therefore, (GT+ZT) could be considered functional foods which attribute to functional improvement and reduction in disease risk.

Potential Protective Effect of Zingiber officinale in Comparison to Rosuvastatin on High-fat diet-induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

“…This indicates destruction of liver tissue in the group with HFD. This in agreement with the finding of a recent study [20] which recorded that liver enzymes were significantly increased after induction of NAFL in rats. This indicates hepatic destruction in the rat-induced NAFL group.…”

“…The histological examination of liver structure in rat-induced NAFL was also accompanied by changes in lipid profile and liver enzyme. This coincides with the results of recent studies [4], [13], [20].…”

Some Antioxidant Properties of Components from the Flower of Ochna integerrima and Their Beneficial Effects on HaCaT Keratinocytes and in Silico Analysis on Tyrosinase

“…Recently, phenolic compounds have been widely studied because of their biological effects, especially antioxidant activity [19,20] . Their ability to donate hydrogen atoms or electrons to free radicals is a crucial function of phenolic compounds.…”

“…Recently, phenolic compounds have been widely studied because of their biological effects, especially antioxidant activity. [19,20] Their ability to donate hydrogen atoms or electrons to free radicals is a crucial function of phenolic compounds. A previous study reported that total phenolic and flavonoid contents have high correlations with free radical scavenging activity assessed using Pearson test.…”

The Role of Notch Signaling Pathway in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…( 2018 ) showed nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) could profoundly ameliorate hepatic lipogenesis and IR by repressing NICD. Besides, researchers also found plant extracts (such as curcumin) have been shown to suppress NOTCH1, which could ameliorate fatty liver and enhance insulin sensitivity in the high-fat diet (HFD) model ( Zhao et al, 2017 ; Saadati et al, 2019 ; El et al, 2021 ).…”