The gastroprotective effect of the foxtail millet and adlay processing product against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats

Abstract

Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) and adlay ( Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf.) seeds have substantial benefits possesses remarkable edible and nutritive values, and ease of processing and food manufacturing. They have nutraceutical properties in the form of antioxidants which prevent deterioration of human health and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for many diseases. The present study is designed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of foxtail millet and adlay processing product (APP) diet on water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) induced ulceration in rats. We examined the effects of intake of AIN-93G diet containing either foxtail millet (10, 20 and 40%, 4 weeks) or APP (15 and 30%, 5 weeks) on macroscopic ulcer index (UI), plasma calcium level, lipid peroxidation products (estimated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH), digestive enzyme activities, and histopathology were determined. The results showed that pretreatment with millet and adlay diets significantly prevented the gastric mucosal lesion development. In addition, ulcerated rats showed depletion of NPSH levels whereas treatment with millet and adlay reverted this decline in stress-induced rats. Histological studies confirmed the results. The finding suggests that millet and adlay diets promote ulcer protection by the decrease in ulcer index, TBARS values and increase NPSH concentrations. Millet and adlay diets retain the advantage of being a natural product which may protect the gastric mucosa against ulceration.

Alteration of intestinal microflora by the intake of millet porridge improves gastrointestinal motility

“…Foxtail millet has long been considered healthy food that promotes gastrointestinal health in China. Lin showed that millet has a great beneficial effect on gastric mucosal barrier protection ( 10 ). Several studies reported that millet exhibit significant protective effects on the viability of Lactobacillus ( 32 , 33 ).…”

“…Millet porridge helps coordinate the intestines and stomach, tonify deficiency, and can stimulate the appetite. It also prevents indigestion and assists in treating gastric ulcers and digestive ulcers ( 10 ). Nutritional research on foxtail millet has revealed many health benefits, including blood-sugar-lowering effects ( 11 ), and anti-oxidative ( 12 ), antifungal ( 13 ), antihypertensive ( 14 ), and anti-inflammatory behavior ( 15 ).…”

(-)-Carveol Prevents Gastric Ulcers via Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antisecretory and Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Animal Models

“…In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase in ischemic tissue and are mediators of stress-induced gastrointestinal injuries. ROS trigger lipid peroxidation with subsequent loss of membrane integrity and cell death ( Lin et al, 2020 ). (-)-Carveol showed a gastroprotective effect in all doses evaluated, which suggests that gastric cytoprotection may be involved in this effect.…”

Processing induced changes on coarse cereals (majorly millets) derived antioxidant compounds - a review

“…This was attributed to the antioxidants present in the grains that promoted ulcer protection by decreasing ulcer index, TBARS values, and increasing non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) concentrations. [17] Polyphenols (taxifolin and catechin)…”