Pereskia aculeata Miller Flour: Metabolic Effects and Composition

Sandra Maria Barbalho,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Paulo Sergio Marinelli,Patrı´cia Cincotto do Santos Bueno,Leticia Maria Pescinini-Salzedas,Mirele Cristine Batista dos Santos,Marie Oshiiwa,Claudemir Gregor 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.9

Pereskia aculeata Miller is known in Brazil as ora-pro-nobis (OPN) and has been used commonly in the folklore medicine. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition and the effects of OPN flour on the metabolic profile and intestinal motility of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (n = 10): G1 (control group) and G2 (treated with OPN flour). For the intestinal motility: G3 (control group), G4 (treated with senne), and G5 (treated with OPN flour). After 40 days, G1 and G2 were euthanized and metabolic profiles were analyzed (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDL-c], C reactive protein, AST, ALT, Lee Index, weight, and visceral fat). The flour of OPN was effective in reducing percentage of weight gain, visceral fat, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and increased HDL-c. Significance was also found in the distance covered by the activated charcoal from the pylorus to the beginning of the cecum, which was higher in animals treated with OPN. Our results indicate that OPN flour may bring health benefits, as the improvement of the intestinal motility, and it is associated with reduction of visceral fat and lipid profile, as well as the increase of HDL-c levels. With these results, we may suggest that the incorporation of this flour in different industrial products may be a convenient and effective way for the intake of healthier products.

Phytochemical Characteristics of Seeds and Its Effects on the Intestinal Motility and Toxicity of Joannesia princeps

Adriano Cressoni Araujo,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Patricia C. S. Bueno,Juliana Agostinho Lopes,Bruna Ferreira da Silva,Letı´cia Cabrini Girotto,Marina Guirro de Paula,Paulo Vitor Zeb 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.1

Joannesia princeps is a plant commonly used in folk medicine as laxative for menstrual discomfort and as antihelminthic and antimicrobial to reduce edema and improve tissue healing. The seeds are used in many regions of Brazil as laxative; however, studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using seeds of this plant on intestinal motility of Wistar rats, evaluate the effects and acute toxicity of its management, as well as determine its phytochemical profile. The evaluation of the effect on the intestinal motility was performed according to the model described by Michelin and Salgado (2004) with modifications. For the evaluation of acute toxicity, we used the model described by Craveiro et al. (2008) and Goloni et al. (2005), and for the analysis of the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, and other components, we used the method described by Carvalho et al. (2006). The results showed that J. princeps exhibits laxative effects similar to those of Senna species such as Cassia angustifolia and the phytochemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, and/or steroids compounds. Acute toxicity showed in the first 12 h: piloerection, contortion, decreased respiratory rate, diarrhea, and weight loss. After this period, these changes were no longer observed. It was concluded that the seeds of this plant have potential laxative activity, confirming the popular use and that the dose of 5 g/kg can be considered safe for consumption.

Dipteryx alata Vogel May Improve Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in Wistar Rats Dipteryx alata and Atherogenic Indices

Adriana Maria Ragassi Fiorini,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Marie Oshiiwa,Claudemir Gregorio Mendes,Rogerio Lopes Vieites,Agnaldo Bruno Chies,Priscilla Bianca de Oliveira,Maricelma da Si 한국식품영양과학회 2017 Journal of medicinal food Vol.20 No.11

Worldwide prevalence of noncommunicable chronic degenerative diseases is among the main causes of death worldwide. The consumption of some foods such as nuts and seeds may be beneficial in preventing these diseases. Dipteryx alata Vogel (DA), known popularly as Baru, belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a native fruit tree from the Brazilian savanna. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of seeds of DA on the metabolic and oxidative profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10): G1 (control group), and G2 (treated with DA 20%), G3 (treated with DA 30%), and G4 (treated with DA 40%). After 40 days, animals were euthanized and metabolic and oxidative profiles were analyzed (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides [TGs], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c], very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [VLDL-c], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], C reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Lee index, weight, visceral fat, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and ferric–xylenol orange method. The use of the seeds was effective in reducing TGs, VLDL-c, LDL-c, and increasing HDL-c but did not interfere in the percentage of weight gain, visceral fat, levels of total cholesterol, and oxidative stress. Based on our results, it is possible to say that the use of DA may improve the lipid profile of Wistar rats and we may suggest that the consumption of DA almonds or products prepared with them may be an effective option for the intake of healthy products.

Effects of Green Wheat (Triticum turgidum) and Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Metabolic Profile of Wistar Rats

Patricia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza,Isabela Ramos Arau´jo de Medeiros,Isabella Vasconcelos Zattiti,Manuela dos Santos Buen 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.12

Studies have shown that the consumption of a diet containing whole grains may improve metabolic homeostasis and is related to the reduction of risk factors for the development of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into G1 (control group), G2 (T. turgidum), and G3 (T. aestivum). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated after 45 days of treatment with both types of wheat. Our results showed that the use of the common or green wheat improved body weight percentage, visceral fat, glycemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic indices such as atherogenic index, CCR1, and CCR2. Furthermore, wheat may also improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The health-promoting properties of wheat occur probably due to the content of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fibers. We suggest that the intake of T. aestivum and T. turgidum may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Green and Ripe Coffee in the Metabolic Profile and Muscle Enzymes in Animals Practicing Physical Exercise

Henrique Bosso,Giovanna Emanuella Piffer Soares Arantes,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza,Patrıcia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,Agnaldo Bruno Chies,Priscilla 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.4

Many studies have shown that plants can be therapeutic alternatives in the prevention or treatment of various diseases. Among these, green coffee may present different pharmacological effects related to the regulation of glycemia and lipid metabolism and is related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of using green and ripe coffee on the metabolic profile and muscular enzymes after the practice of physical exercises in Wistar rats. We included six groups: G1 (control group), G2 (group submitted to swimming), G3 (group that consumed green coffee), G4 (group that consumed green coffee and was submitted to swimming), G5 (group that consumed ripe coffee), and G6 (group that consumed ripe coffee and was submitted to swimming). Our results showed that there was a significant reduction in the percentage of visceral fat in G3, G5, and G6. We did not observe significant modifications in glycemia, lipids, lactate dehydrogenase, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and ferric-xylenol orange. The levels of creatine phosphokinase showed a reduction in the groups G2 and G4. No significant differences were found in the atherogenic indices. There is a global demand for natural compounds that can be safe, cheap, related to minimum side effects, and provide health benefits. Our results show that the use of green or ripe coffee may contribute to reduce the percentage of visceral fat and consequently may protect against further complications once this tissue produces proatherogenic hormones. Furthermore, green coffee may play a role in protecting muscle injury after the practice of physical exercises.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia and Annona muricata on Erhlich Tumor Cells in Swiss Albino Mice and In Vitro Fibroblast Cells

Cleber da Silveira Torres,Francisnaira da Silva Santos,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Adriano Cressoni de Araujo,Sandra Maria Barbalho,Patricia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,Maricelma Silva Soares de Souza,Danilo 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.1

Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Annona muricata (AM) are popularly used for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of the juice of the MC fruit, and the ethanolic extract of AM leaves on Erhlich tumor cells, in mice and in vitro fibroblastic cells. The animals were divided into G1 and G2: controls; G3: treated with AM, and G4 juice: treated with MC. The animals were subjected to intraperitoneal inoculation of 103 tumor cells and then treated with the plants. G1 and G2 received a saline solution. Cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and maintained at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere. After growth, the cells were trypsinized and incubated again. Subsequently, serial dilution of extracts and juice was performed and incubated again for 48 h. We evaluated the ascites growth, the survival rate, and cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells. AM and MC did not interfere in the ascites pattern. MC, but not AM showed significance in the survival rate. Both AM and MC produced cytotoxicity activity in T3T cells. Despite advances in medicine, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the world and traditional medications are not always effective. The use of MC may bring beneficial effects to patients since they interfere with different mechanisms of action during carcinogenesis. However, we suggest that further investigations should be performed.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Daiene Santos Buglio,Ledyane Taynara Marton,Lucas Fornari Laurindo,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Roge´rio Leone Buchaim,Ricardo de Alvares Goulart,Cla´udio Jose´ Rubira,Sandra M. Barb 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.8

Advancing age is one of the risk factors for developing many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative alterations, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have indicated that supplementation with resveratrol (RSV) might improve cerebrovascular function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of RSV on MCI and AD. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were used to perform the search, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five studies met the eligible criteria; three with AD and two with MCI. In AD patients, the use of RSV reduces Aβ levels, improves brain volume, reduces the Mini-mental status score, and improves AD scores. In patients with MCI, this polyphenol prevents decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increases the Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV can activate the human silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) and can inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase, and nuclear factor-κB, resulting in the reduction of the proinflammation pathways. It is also associated with the increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduction of interferon-γ and IL-17. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can be related to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, doing maintenance, and enabling the recovery of these conditions directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. We suggest that the use of RSV can bring beneficial effects to patients with MCI or AD.

Antidiabetic and Antilipidemic Effects of Manilkara zapota

Sandra Maria Barbalho,Patrı´cia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,De´bora Souza Delazari,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,,Daniel Pereira Coqueiro,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza,Fla´via M.V. 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.3

Manilkara zapota is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family; its parts are used in alternative medicine to treat coughs and colds and possess diuretic, antidiarrheal, antibiotic, antihyperglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic effects. There are no studies on metabolic profile after using the fruit, and this study aimed at evaluating the effects of the leaf and pulp of M. zapota fruit on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Male rats were treated for 50 days with M. zapota leaf juice or fruit juice, after which their biochemical and body composition profiles were analyzed (glycemia, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), insulin, leptin, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, Lee Index, and body mass index). Our results indicate significantly lower levels of glycemia, insulin, leptin, cholesterol, and triglycerides and augmented levels of HDL-c in animals treated with the leaves or fruit of this plant. The percentage of weight gain also declined in animals treated with M. zapota fruit pulp. The use of the M. zapota may be helpful in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and their complications.

Annona montana Fruit and Leaves Improve the Glycemic and Lipid Profiles of Wistar Rats

Sandra Maria Barbalho,Maricelma da Silva Soares de Souza,Patrı´cia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,,Fla´via Maria Vasques Farinazzi-Machado,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Carla Omete Menegui 한국식품영양과학회 2012 Journal of medicinal food Vol.15 No.10

Species of the family Annonaceae has been used traditionally as a medicinal plant in tropical regions of South and North America and in Africa. Annona montana is known popularly as false graviola and originates from tropical America and can be cultivated throughout Brazil. There are no studies in the literature that associate A. montana with the metabolic profile of animals. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the effects of the consumption of pulp and leaves of this plant on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. The animals, which were treated for 40 days, were divided into two control groups—treated with water via gavage and ad libitum, respectively, and two treated groups—one treated with leaf juice and the other with pulp juice of the fruit. Glycemia, lipids, and body weight were found to decrease and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels to increase in the animals treated with leaf juice. The group treated with pulp juice showed a reduction in lipids and augmented HDL-c. The use of A. montana may have beneficial effects in the prevention of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and may thus contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Passiflora edulis on the Metabolic Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rat Offspring

Sandra M. Barbalho,De´bora C. Damasceno,Ana Paula Machado Spada,Ira Eliane dos R.N. Lima,Adriano Cressoni Arau´jo,Elen Landgraf Guiguer,Karla Aparecida Martuchi,Marie Oshiiwa,Claudemir Gregorio Mendes 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.12

Dry extract of the genus Passiflora has been shown to help control glycemia and lipid levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of passion fruit (P. edulis) on the biochemical profile of offspring from diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The diabetes group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dL;the nondiabetic (control) group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels less than 120 mg/dL. After the diagnosis of diabetes,the mating phase was started. By day 21 of pregnancy, the offspring were born; the dams were kept in individual cages with their offspring until the weaning period. The offspring were then divided into 4 groups (n = 15 each): G1 were offspring from control dams, G2 were offspring from treated nondiabetic dams, G3 were offspring from diabetic dams, and G4 were offspring from treated diabetic dams. For 30 consecutive days, G1 and G3 offspring were treated with vehicle (oral gavage) and G2 and G4 offspring were treated with passion fruit juice (oral gavage). After 30-day treatment, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and blood was drawn immediately for analysis of the biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). The G2 and G4 rats showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and an increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The use of passion fruit juice improved lipid profiles, suggesting that this plant may have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemias and hyperglycemia.