Sudha Sairam

Physico-chemical characteristics of defatted rice bran and its utilization in a bakery product

Defatted rice bran (DRB), a byproduct of rice milling is a rich source of dietary fiber and minerals. In the present study, the physico-chemical characteristics, antioxidant potential of defatted rice bran (Laboratory-LDRB and Commercial -CDRB) and its utilization in preparation of bread were studied. The effect of incorporation of CDRB at varying levels (5, 10 & 15%) on the quality characteristics of bread including physical, rheological and sensory attributes were evaluated and the dietary fiber content and antioxidant activity were determined. The results indicated that LDRB had better nutrient profile, physical and antioxidant properties than CDRB. On the basis of physical characteristics, breads with 5% and 10% CDRB were found to be acceptable as such and those containing 15% were acceptable with addition of bread improvers. The dietary fiber content and total antioxidative activity of bread increased with increasing levels of CDRB, which also improved the shelf life. The results reveal that DRB can be incorporated in breads upto 10% and 15% as such or with bread improvers respectively, as source of fiber and natural antioxidant, as a functional ingredient.

Moringa oleifera Lam.: Protease activity against blood coagulation cascade.

Background: The present study evaluated the protease activity of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) leaf (MOL) and root (MOR). Materials and Methods: Protease activity was assayed using casein, human plasma clot and human fibrinogen as substrates. Results: Caseinolytic activity of MOL was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of MOR. Similar observations were found in case of human plasma clot hydrolyzing activity, wherein MOL caused significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) plasma clot hydrolysis than MOR. Zymographic techniques were used to detect proteolytic enzymes following electrophoretic separation in gels. Further, both the extracts exhibited significant procoagulant activity as reflected by a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in recalcification time, accompanied by fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activities; clotting time was decreased from 180 ± 10 sec to 119 ± 8 sec and 143 ± 10 sec by MOL and MOR, respectively, at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Fibrinogenolytic (human fibrinogen) and fibrinolytic activity (human plasma clot) was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), plate method and colorimetric method. Zymographic profile indicated that both the extracts exerted their procoagulant activity by selectively hydrolyzing Aα and Bβ subunits of fibrinogen to form fibrin clot, thereby exhibiting fibrinogenolytic activity. However, prolonged incubation resulted in degradation of the formed fibrin clot, suggesting fibrinolytic like activity. Conclusions: These findings support the traditional usage of M. oleifera extracts for wound healing.

Safety evaluation of artocarpus altilis as pharmaceutical agent in wistar rats

This study was designed to elucidate the acute toxicity of Artocarpus altilis leaf and bark extracts. In acute toxicity study, no mortality or any toxic reaction was recorded in any group after 14 days of administering the extracts (2000 mg Kg−1 BW). The extracts (ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM) did not cause any behavioural or physical changes in experimental rats. There was no significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference in the biochemical parameters analysed between the groups. Slight elevation in activities of AST and ALT in extract treated groups was observed, but this did not exert any deleterious effect on the normal metabolism which was supported by the histopathology of liver. Histopathological studies showed no remarkable changes after 14 days of oral administration of ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM extracts. The study contributes to establishing the nontoxic quality parameters of Artocarpus altilis leaf and bark parts and the results suggest the safety of the extracts in therapeutic uses.

Antioxidative Effect and DNA Protecting Property of Moringa oleifera Root Extracts

Moringa oleifera root (dehydrated) powder, extracts - aqueous (WE), acetone (AE) and methanol (ME) were analyzed for phytochemical and antioxidant components by various in vitro assays. The root was found to be a good source of phytochemicals viz, glutathione, a-Tocopherol polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponins. All three solvent extracts exhibited a dose dependent antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties were established on free radicals; its ability to reduce iron and FeSO4-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation. All three extracts were able to protect DNA from oxidative damage. The suggestive antioxidant mechanism of action of Moringa oleifera is by scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Effect of Artocarpus altilis on Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes and Glucose Uptake by Yeast Cells: An Ex-vivo Study

Medicinal plants are known to posses therapeutic properties and have been used since ancient times to treat various human diseases/disorders effectively. In the present study, the effect of Artocarpus altilis leaves (AL), bark (AB), and fruit (AF) on glucose hydrolyzing enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, sucrase, and effect on glucose uptake by yeast cells was investigated. Inhibition of all three enzymes by the cold and hot aqueous extracts of AB was the highest followed by AL and AF. AL and AB in powder form increased the activity of α-glucosidase. The highest glucose uptake by yeast cells was by AL followed by AB and AF. The enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. The results suggest that the possible mode of action of A. altilis as hypoglycemic agent is by inhibiting carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes and by facilitating the glucose diffusion through cell membrane, hence can be effectively utilized as therapeutic agents in the management of type II diabetes.