Dietary Supplementation of Carob and Whey Modulates Gut Morphology, Hemato-Biochemical Indices, and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Rabbits

Kaïs Rtibi,Khouloud Marzouki,Abedrraouf Salhi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.10

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the carob powder (CP) and sweet whey powder (WhP) inclusion into weaning feed on the gut morphology, hemato-biochemical parameters, and antioxidant biomarkers. The addition of 10 g/kg (basal diet +10 g/kg of CP, of WhP) or the mixture (5 g/kg of CP and 5 g/kg of WhP) in the rabbit's standard diet was assessed. A total of 40 weaned New Zealand White rabbits (4 weeks old) was distributed according to body weight (BW) into four treatments (n = 10) and the feed additives were provided for 7 weeks. Tissue samples and blood were obtained after slaughter. Final BW, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology, and carcass dressing were positively affected by CP–WhP treatments compared with the control diet. Also, CP–WhP treatments significantly increased total proteins, calcium and iron levels, fecal cholesterol excretion, total antioxidants capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in different tissues and significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in blood serum. These changes were associated with a diminution of blood tumor necrosis factor alpha, lipid peroxidation, and carbonyl proteins in rabbit tissues. Both the additives separately and especially in the mix may enhance productive performance, protein profile, gut function, immunity, and antioxidant activity, with reducing lipid peroxidation, essential inflammatory mediator, and protein-carbonyl residues of growing rabbits. These findings suggest that CP–WhP dietary supplementation provides novel insights into a variety of bioactive compound mixtures with different beneficial modes of actions.

Opposite Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice Depending on Fruit Maturity Stage on Gastrointestinal Physiological Parameters in Rat

Kais Rtibi,Slimen Selmi,Dhekra Grami,Mohamed Amri,Hichem Sebai,Lamjed Marzouki 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Journal of medicinal food Vol.21 No.6

The phytochemical composition and the effect of the green and ripe Opuntia ficus-indica juice on some gastrointestinal (GI) physiological parameters such as stomach emptying and small-intestinal motility and permeability were determined in rats administered multiple concentrations of the prickly pear juice (5, 10, and 20 mL kg−1, b.w., p.o.). Other separate groups of rats were received, respectively; sodium chloride (0.9%, b.w., p.o.), clonidine (α-2-adrenergic agonist, 1 mg kg−1, b.w., i.p.), yohimbine (α-2-adrenergic antagonist, 2 mg kg−1, b.w., i.p.), and loperamide (5 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.). In vivo reverse effect of juice on GI physiological parameters was investigated using a charcoal meal test, phenol-red colorimetric method, loperamide-induced acute constipation, and castor oil-caused small-bowel hypersecretion. However, the opposite in vitro influence of juice on intestinal permeability homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system. Mature prickly pear juice administration stimulated significantly and dose dependently the GI transit (GIT; 8–26%) and gastric emptying (0.9–11%) in a rat model. Conversely, the immature prickly pear juice reduced gastric emptying (7–23%), GIT (10–28%), and diarrhea (59–88%). Moreover, the standard drugs have produced their antagonistic effects on GI physiological functions. The permeability of the isolated perfused rat small-intestine has a paradoxical response flowing prickly pear juices administration at diverse doses and maturity grade. Most importantly, the quantitative phytochemical analyses of both juices showed a different composition depending on the degree of maturity. In conclusion, the prickly pear juice at two distinct phases of maturity has different phytochemical characteristics and opposite effects on GI physiological actions in rat.

Protective Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. Against a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney in Rat

Kais Rtibi,Slimen Selmi,Mohammed-Amine Jabri,Jamel El-Benna,Mohamed Amri,Lamjed Marzouki,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.9

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential protective role of Ceratonia siliqua L. against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in liver and kidney of rats. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water for over 7 days. However, carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE; 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde, H2O2 content, as well as the levels of antioxidant enzymes in organs were measured to observe the possible mechanisms. As a result, the CPAE counteracted DSS-induced increase of MPO activity, lipoperoxidation, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT). DSS administration increased also in the organs hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels, whereas the CPAE pretreatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. It was concluded that the CPAE exerted a potential protective effect against DSSinduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat organs. Consequently, it is essential that adequate care is taken when we use carob pods for patients with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Hepato-Nephroprotective Actions of Salvia officinalis Decoction Extract Against Extraintestinal Alterations Induced with Acetic Acid-Colitis Model in Rats

Saber Jedidi,Kais Rtibi,Houcine Selmi,Foued Aloui,Nourhe`ne Dhawefi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Journal of medicinal food Vol.26 No.6

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with multiple extraintestinal disorders, including hepato-nephrological disruptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepato-nephroprotective effect of Salvia officinalis leaf decoction extract (SLDE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis accompanied with liver and kidney injuries. Wistar albinos rats were pretreated with SLDE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.) during 10 days and intoxicated for 24 h by acute rectal administration of AA (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg−1, b.w.). Our results showed that S. officinalis treatment protected against AA-induced liver and kidney injuries by plasma transaminase activities and preservation of the hepatic and renal tissue structures. The level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also reverted back to near normalcy by treatment. Lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly by officinal sage supplementation. Treatment with SLDE increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (–SH groups and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in liver and kidney tissues. Also, SLDE treatment significantly protected against inflammation markers and reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. This study suggests that the S. officinalis has a beneficial effect in controlling kidney and liver injuries by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic contents, which reduce the risk of developing extraintestinal complications.

Protective Action of Eruca sativa Leaves Aqueous Extracts Against Bisphenol A-Caused In Vivo Testicular Damages

Dhekra Grami,Kaıs Rtibi,Imen Hammami,Slimen Selmi,Luca De Toni,Carlo Foresta,Lamjed Marzouki,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.6

Eruca sativa action on the male reproductive system and fertility has not been precisely defined. In this study, the aim was to investigate the ameliorative activity of E. sativa aqueous extracts (ESAE) on reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of animals each; control (0.4 mL of corn oil/rat), ESAE at the higher dose (200 mg/kg), BPA [100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.), perorally (p.o.)] alone, or in combination with varied doses of ESAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w, p.o.). The diverse doses were administrated orally for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that BPA-treatment produced a diminution of density, motility, and viability of sperm with disruption of spermatozoa morphology and fertilizing potential as well as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels. These results were accompanied by testis and epididymis histological damages, which were shown by an induction of testicular dysfunction as seen with a lower number of Leydig-cells and spermatocytes as well as a reproductive stress which was modeled. The oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde production, thiol group (-SH) decline and antioxidant enzyme activities disturbance, in particular superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in reproductive tissues. ESAE coadministration at the two lower doses improved all histological and biochemical parameter injuries. These finding suggested the ESAE ability to prevent the testicular damages in rats, which might be linked to functional-bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds with higher antioxidant capacity.

Phytochemical/Antioxidant Properties and Individual/Synergistic Actions of Salvia officinalis L. Aqueous Extract and Loperamide on Gastrointestinal Altering Motor Function

Saber Jedidi,Kais Rtibi,Slimen Selmi,Foued Aloui,Houcine Selmi,Dalanda Wannes,Houcem Sammari,Nourhe`ne Dhawefi,Abbes Chaaˆbane,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.12

Medicinal plants are known by pharmacological relevance and were used for long time to prevent/treat numerous gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The current study focuses on the phytochemical/antioxidant characteristics of sage aqueous extract (SAE), as well as its pharmacological actions on altering motor function in the intestine and related disruptions. In vitro phytochemical/antioxidant properties were investigated by colorimetric/biochemical methods. Male rats were divided into seven groups of six animals in each: control (C), castor oil (CO), CO + loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), CO + various doses of SAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and the mixture (MIX: SAE, 50 mg/kg, b.w., p.o. + LOP, 5 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) group. In vivo GI/physiological/pharmacological actions of SAE were explored based on the watery/frequent stools, enteropooling, and GI transit time, as well as their associated disturbances. The aqueous extract of S. officinalis contains high tannins/flavonols/anthocyanin contents and a strong, free radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 48.56 ± 0.34 μg/mL). SAE/MIX significantly reduced CO-induced diarrhea in a dose-dependent manner. SAE/MIX decreased also the gastric and intestinal mucosal malondialdehyde/hydrogen peroxide levels and preserved the normal activities/levels of enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants. Added to that, we showed that SAE/MIX pretreatment provided stability of lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), hepatic transaminases, renal injury indicators, and C-reactive protein/alkaline phosphatase levels changed by CO intoxication. These findings suggested that SAE/MIX exerted benefic individual/synergistic effects confirming their use as a strategy in the treatment of GI physiological disorders.

Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Trigonella foenum graecum Seeds Aqueous Extract (Fenugreek) and Omeprazole Against Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer

Slimen Selmi,Dhouha Alimi,Kais Rtibi,Saber Jedidi,Dhekra Grami,Lamjed Marzouki,Karim Hosni 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.5

Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) is used in traditional phytomedicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidiabetic, and several other therapeutic virtues. The current study was intended to investigate the protecting effects of fenugreek seeds’ aqueous extract (FSAE) using experimentally ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric peptic ulcer in rats, as immense alcohol consumption can lead to gastric ulcer. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 each: control, EtOH (4 g/kg body weight [b.w.]), EtOH + several doses of FSAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.), and EtOH + Omeprazole (OM, 20 mg/kg orally [p.o.]). Animals were p.o. pretreated with FSAE for 21 days and exposed to a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) for 2 h. Gastric ulcer in rats was induced with a single dose of EtOH. Ulcer index, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and thiol groups (-SH) content in stomach, and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Our recorded results showed that EtOH induced gastric damage, evidenced by the level of oxidative stress markers such as MDA and H2O2 in rats exposed to EtOH. However, significant increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were recorded, such as SOD, CAT, and GPx, and a decrease in nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as (-SH). Moreover, histopathological examinations showed the presence of lesions associated with severe tissue damage in the untreated rats. Interestingly, FSAE meaningfully protects against all gastric damages caused by EtOH. We propose that FSAE exhibits protective effects in EtOH-induced peptic ulcer in rats. This protection might be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

The Effects of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on Emotional Behavior Impairment and Metabolic Disorders Induced by Estrogen Deficiency in Rats

Mohamed Ammari,Haifa Othman,Kaıs Rtibi,Mohsen Sakly,Hafedh Abdelmelek 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.9

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) contains a wide variety of polyphenols with high antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of carob pods (AECP) on emotional behavior impairments and metabolic disorders in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: group 1, control non-OVX rats; group 2, OVX rats; and group 3, OVX rats orally treated with AECP (500 mg/kg) for15 days after ovariectomy. Elevated plus-maze and open-field tests were performed on the 26th and 27th post-ovariectomy days, respectively. Afterwards, the rats were anesthetized and their serums were collected for biochemical analysis. We found that AECP improved emotional behavior impairments revealed by elevated plus-maze and open-field tests in OVX rats. Moreover, ovariectomy significantly increased triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the serum. AECP administration significantly reversed ovariectomy-induced biochemical alterations. Thus, we suggest that the AECP may have an anxiolytic-like effect and prevent biochemical disorders associated with menopause or ovariectomy.

Effects of Dates Pulp Extract and Palm Sap (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on Gastrointestinal Transit Activity in Healthy Rats

Abdellaziz Souli,Hichem Sebai,Kais Rtibi,Latifa Chehimi,Mohsen Sakly,Mohamed Amri,Jamel El-Benna 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.7

The current study was performed to measure the chemical composition and the effects of dates pulp extract and palm sap on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) activity in healthy adult rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats fasted for 24 hourswere used and received per orally (p.o.) sodium chloride (NaCl) (0,9%) (control group) or various doses of dates pulp extract (150 and 300 mg/kg, body weight [b.w.]) and palm sap (0.4 and 4 mL/kg, b.w.). Two other groups of rats (batch tests) received, respectively, clonidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, 1 mg/kg, b.w.) and yohimbine (an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, 2mg/kg, b.w.). Chemical analysis showed that the dates pulp extract is more rich in sugars and minerals, especially potassium and sucrose, as compared with palm sap composition. On the other hand, in vivo study showed that the aqueous dates pulp extract significantly, and dose dependently, increased the GIT activity while the palm sap slightly increased it. Moreover, a converse effect has been observed using clonidine (decreased 68%) and yohimbine (increased 33%) on the GIT activity. These findings suggest that dates pulp extract and palm sap have a stimulating effect on GIT activity in rats and confirm their use in traditional Tunisian medicine for the treatment of constipation.

Protective Effect of Lavandula stoechas and Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oils Against Reproductive Damage and Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Hichem Sebai,Slimen Selmi,Kais Rtibi,Najoua Gharbi,Mohsen Sakly 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.2

The authors aimed in the present study to assess the protective effect of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils (ROEO) and Lavandula stoechas essential oils (LSEO) against reproductive damage and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Essential oil samples were obtained from the aerial parts of the plants by hydrodistillation and analyzed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Rats were divided into four groups: healthy control (HC); diabetic control (DC); healthy +ROEO (H + ROEO), healthy + LSEO (H + LSEO), diabetic +ROEO (D + ROEO), and diabetic + LSEO (D + LSEO). The use of GC-MS allowed to the identification of 15 and 22 compounds in ROEO and LSEO, respectively. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test showed that ROEO and LSEO had an important antioxidant capacity. In vivo, we initially found that ROEO and LSEO treatment protected against the decrease in alloxan-induced body weight gain, relative reproductive organ weights, testosterone level, as well as sperm quality decline. On the other hand, we showed that alloxan administration was accompanied by an oxidative stress status assessed by an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, as well as a depletion of sulfhydril group content (-SH) and antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in testis, epididymis, and sperm. More importantly, ROEO and LSEO treatment significantly protected against oxidative damage of the male reproductive organ systems in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggested that ROEO and LSEO exerted a potential protective effect against alloxan-induced reproductive function damage and oxidative stress in male rat. The beneficial effect of ROEO and LSEO might be related, in part, to their antioxidant properties.