Obesity and Insulin Resistance Components of Metabolic Syndrome Induced by High-fructose Diet in Wistar Rats could be attenuated by Spices-Supplemented Diets

Abstract

Constant consumption of fructose-sweetened diets and beverages has led to increasing incidences of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MS). This research was designed to evaluate the potentials of supplementing diets with some locally available spices in ameliorating obesity and insulin resistance in induced metabolic syndrome. Thirty out of thirty-five rats weighing 128.08±5.29g were induced with MS, divided into six groups and treated with diets supplemented with powders of garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and equal mixture of the spices while the other 5 rats were maintained on normal diet throughout the experiment. The weight and blood glucose were recorded weekly, while serum insulin level was determined on the 56th day of the treatment after which HOMA-IR was computed. The group of MS-induced rats fed normal diet had significantly (p<0.05) higher weekly average weight gain of 11.43g±0.63g compared with other groups. Our data show that blood glucose level (mmol/L) ranged from 4.61±0.22 - 5.99±0.17; Insulin (μU/mL) 8.00±0.41 - 22.00±0.58 and HOMA-IR 1.65±0.14 - 5.47±0.07. The treated groups had significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage decrease in blood glucose and HOMA-IR when compared with the control but all the MS-induced rats maintained on supplemented diets had significantly (p<0.05) lower blood glucose and HOMA-IR when compared with MS-induced rats maintained on normal diet. From our finding, obesity and insulin resistance due to consumption of MS-causing diets could be ameliorated by consumption of diets fortified with any of the four spices, but fortification with a blend of the spices could give a better result.

Cardio-and-Hepatoprotective Benefits of Some Spices in Wistar Rats Induced with Metabolic Syndrome

“…The feed ingredients were appropriately mixed in accordance with the method of Idoko 14 and Imam et al 10 to formulate the experimental diets (Table 1).…”

“…The spices were thoroughly mixed with the standard diet and highfructose diets in a ratio of 2:98 to formulate the following diets 10 A.…”

“…The inducement was as presented in our previous report 10 where the rats were grouped into two of 5 rats (control) and 30 rats (test group) with the control and test groups being fed standard diet and highfructose diet respectively for seven weeks, the point at which metabolic syndrome was confirmed in them. The rats were maintained on their respective diet ad libitum for additional eight (8) weeks.…”

“…9 Although, the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome are not clearly illustrated, it is increasingly becoming clearer that the syndrome may be a disorder of energy utilization and storage. 10 One major pathologic process of this disorder seems to be generation of free radicals. [11][12] These radicals can directly cause cardiovascular damage and damage to other vital organs of the body such as the liver, or stimulate other pathways that lead to cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…Idoko et al 14 reported that 2 % inclusion of garlic and/or turmeric in metabolic syndrome-causing diet could be hepato-and nephroprotective in Wistar rats. Similarly, Imam et al 10 reported that 2% inclusion of turmeric, garlic, ginger and African black pepper decrease weight gain and improve insulin sensitivity in rats induced with metabolic syndrome, but came short of establishing if such inclusion could ameliorate damages done to the heart and liver due to metabolic syndrome. This research was therefore conducted to study changes in lipid profile and liver functions in metabolic syndrome-induced Wistar rats fed diets supplemented with spices.…”