Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) ‘milk' as a potent ‘nutri-drink' for the prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in a murine model

Abstract

Aim/Background:Given the prevalence of toxicants in foods, beauty products, etc., and the increasing demand for “green” products, there is a need for the development of “nutri-drinks” with hepatoprotective properties. The usefulness of tigernut milk (TNM) in preventing acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury was, therefore, investigated.Materials and Methods:A total of 25 rats were randomized into five equal groups. Four groups were treated with 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 kg/mg body weight (bw) TNM, respectively, per os for 2 weeks before they were challenged with 2500 mg/kg bw APAP. Biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress were determined in the sera of the rats at the end of the study.Results:Serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and dose-dependently from 334.3 ± 16.1 in the negative control group to 65.4 ± 8.3 in the 2000 mg/kg bw TNM group. Other studied liver enzymes were similarly dose-dependently reduced. These data are corroborated by histological findings. Superoxide dismutase activity (U/mg protein) was increased significantly (P < 0.001) from 108.0 ± 7.4 in the negative control group to 291.0 ± 11.3 in the 2000 mg/kg bw TNM group, and indeed all the test groups. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the test rats were slightly lower than that of the negative control group.Conclusion:TNM at the tested concentrations significantly prevented liver injury. Phytochemicals in TNM, working directly as antioxidants or indirectly by inducing the synthesis of glutathione, may be responsible for the observed effect.

Prophylactic Effect of Cyperus Esculentus Milk on High Dose Acetaminophen Model of Hepatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats

“…The observed decrease in liver enzymes activities in rats pre-administered CE can be attributed to abundance of bioactive phytochemicals in C. esculentus tuber extract. Similar effect has been reported in a related study by Onuoha et al, (2017). Phytochemical analysis of C. esculentus revealed its appreciable contents of flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins (Chukwuma et al, 2010).…”

Microbiological Evaluation of Ready-to-Drink Tigernut Drinks Sold within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…Tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a perennial plant which has scaly rhizomes at its base which give rise to hard spherical tubers. Rush nut, yellow nut-grass, Zulu nut, chufa, water grass, Earth almond and edible rush are common names given to tigernut which is actually a tuber and not a nut [1,2]. The usefulness of tigernut tubers obtained from tigernut plant which include preparation of tigernut drink was comprehensively reported by [3].…”

Cyperus esculentus L. Tubers (Tiger Nuts) Protect Epithelial Barrier Function in Caco-2 Cells Infected by Salmonella Enteritidis and Promote Lactobacillus plantarum Growth

“…However, in some cases, particularly in young children and in the elderly, dehydration caused by the disease can be serious and life-threatening. 3 15.85 ± 0.03 [6] DC 4 43.25 ± 0.03 [6] mg/100 g 1 Reference β-sitosterol 49 ± 3 [7] ST + CA 5 11 ± 3 [7] α-tocopherol 2.2 ± 0.3 [7] β + γtocopherol 1.3 ± 0.5 [7] µg/g oil 6 Reference…”

“…3 Soluble dietary fiber: 2.10 ± 0.03; insoluble dietary fiber: 13.74 ± 0.03. 4 Digestible carbohydrates calculated by the difference. 5 Stigmasterol (ST) + campesterol (CA).…”

“…Despite its extended use in certain regions of the world, there is little available information about potentially beneficial uses. In this regard, it has been reported that tiger nut milk prevents liver injury in rats [ 4 ]. Moreover, the administration of an aqueous extract to rats for 30 days lowered blood glucose levels, suggesting a possible role in diabetes treatment [ 5 ].…”