Bioavailability of Iron, Zinc, Phytate and Phytase Activity during Soaking and Germination of White Sorghum Varieties

The changes in phytate, phytase activity and in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc during soaking and germination of three white sorghum varieties (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), named Dorado, Shandweel-6, and Giza-15 were investigated. Sorghum varieties were soaked for 20 h and germinated for 72 h after soaking for 20 h to reduce phytate content and increase iron and zinc in vitro bioavailability. The results revealed that iron and zinc content was significantly reduced from 28.16 to 32.16% and 13.78 to 26.69% for soaking treatment and 38.43 to 39.18% and 21.80 to 31.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytate content was significantly reduced from 23.59 to 32.40% for soaking treatment and 24.92 to 35.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytase enzymes will be activated during drying in equal form in all varieties. The results proved that the main distinct point is the change of phytase activity as well as specific activity during different treatment which showed no significant differences between the varieties used. The in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc were significantly improved as a result of soaking and germination treatments

Effect of exercise therapy on lipid profile and oxidative stress indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Yoga has been shown to be a simple and economical therapeutic modality that may be considered as a beneficial adjuvant for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the impact of Hatha yoga and conventional physical training (PT) exercise regimens on biochemical, oxidative stress indicators and oxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This prospective randomized study consisted of 77 type 2 diabetic patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group that were matched with a similar number of type 2 diabetic patients in the conventional PT exercise and control groups. Biochemical parameters such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined at baseline and at two consecutive three monthly intervals. The oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde – MDA, protein oxidation – POX, phospholipase A2 – PLA2 activity) and oxidative status [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities] were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The concentrations of FBG in the Hatha yoga and conventional PT exercise groups after six months decreased by 29.48% and 27.43% respectively (P < 0.0001) and there was a significant reduction in serum TC in both groups (P < 0.0001). The concentrations of VLDL in the managed groups after six months differed significantly from baseline values (P = 0.036). Lipid peroxidation as indicated by MDA significantly decreased by 19.9% and 18.1% in the Hatha yoga and conventional PT exercise groups respectively (P < 0.0001); whilst the activity of SOD significantly increased by 24.08% and 20.18% respectively (P = 0.031). There was no significant difference in the baseline and 6 months activities of PLA2 and catalase after six months although the latter increased by 13.68% and 13.19% in the Hatha yoga and conventional PT exercise groups respectively (P = 0.144).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study demonstrate the efficacy of Hatha yoga exercise on fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes and suggest that Hatha yoga exercise and conventional PT exercise may have therapeutic preventative and protective effects on diabetes mellitus by decreasing oxidative stress and improving antioxidant status.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12608000217303</p

Toxicological aspects of the use of phenolic compounds in disease prevention

The consumption of a diet low in fat and enhanced by fruits and vegetables, especially rich in phenolic compounds, may reduce risks of many civilization diseases. The use of traditional medicines, mainly derived from plant sources, has become an attractive segment in the management of many lifestyle diseases. Concerning the application of dietary supplements (based on phenolic compounds) in common practice, the ongoing debate over possible adverse effects of certain nutrients and dosage levels is of great importance. Since dietary supplements are not classified as drugs, their potential toxicities and interactions have not been thoroughly evaluated. First, this review will introduce phenolic compounds as natural substances beneficial for human health. Second, the potential dual mode of action of flavonoids will be outlined. Third, potential deleterious impacts of phenolic compounds utilization will be discussed: pro-oxidant and estrogenic activities, cancerogenic potential, cytotoxic effects, apoptosis induction and flavonoid-drug interaction. Finally, future trends within the research field will be indicated

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Not AvailableFor formulating an appropriate breeding strategy, genetic control of grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in sorghum was studied in a half-diallel mating design with nine parents. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were important in the genetic control but dominant gene action was predominant in case of Fe. In case of grain Zn additive gene action was more important with a ² gca/² sca ratio of 0.94. Predictability ratio was 0.14 for grain Fe and 0.65 for Zn. Significant correlation between mean parental performance and GCA effects (r = 0.86 for Zn, r = 0.67 for Fe) indicated that selection of genotypes with high mean Zn and/or Fe levels would be highly effective in selecting for high GCA.The results suggest the scope for heterosis breeding to improve grain Fe, while for improving grain Zn progeny selection in pedigree breeding will be effective. High Fe and Zn levels in both of the parental lines would be required to develop heterotic hybrids with high grain micronutrient contents.Not Availabl

Effect of different processing methods on resistant starch content and in vitro starch digestibility of some common Indian pulses

In the present study, the effect of various processing methods like soaking, autoclaving, storage and pullulanase treatment on resistant starch content and in vitro starch digestibility of dhals (split pulses) of pulses pigeon pea, green gram and black gram was assessed. Results showed that these processing methods including pullulanase treatment significantly decreased the resistant starch (RS) content in all the samples. Further, results of in vitro starch digestibility demonstrated that autoclaving significantly increased the predicted glycemic index (pGI) and slowly digested starch (SDS). However, decrease in rapidly digested starch (RDS) and starch digestive index (SDI) was observed after autoclaving. Results suggested that RS and RDS are getting converted into SDS after processing treatments. Moreover, present findings suggest that, the processed dhals of pigeon pea, green gram and black gram could have added health promoting potential due to their high content of SDS

Effect of different processing methods on resistant starch content and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">in vitro</i> starch digestibility of some common Indian pulses

541-546In the present study, the effect of various processing methods like soaking, autoclaving, storage and pullulanase treatment on resistant starch content and in vitro starch digestibility of dhals (split pulses) of pulses pigeon pea, green gram and black gram was assessed. Results showed that these processing methods including pullulanase treatment significantly decreased the resistant starch (RS) content in all the samples. Further, results of in vitro starch digestibility demonstrated that autoclaving significantly increased the predicted glycemic index (pGI) and slowly digested starch (SDS). However, decrease in rapidly digested starch (RDS) and starch digestive index (SDI) was observed after autoclaving. Results suggested that RS and RDS are getting converted into SDS after processing treatments. Moreover, present findings suggest that, the processed dhals of pigeon pea, green gram and black gram could have added health promoting potential due to their high content of SDS