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Article
Publication date: 4 October 2019

Kholowd AlKhaldi, Manal Daghestani and Thanaa Al-Haddad

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the inhibition activity of Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) fruits extracts with solvents of increasing polarity against…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the inhibition activity of Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) fruits extracts with solvents of increasing polarity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and to determine the inhibition mode of the most effective extract against both enzymes.

Design/methodology/approach

Hexane, acetone, ethanol and aqueous extracts of T. terrestris fruits were prepared using ultrasonic sequential extraction and analyzed for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities by specific assay for each enzyme. The modes of inhibitions were detected using Lineweaver–Burk plots.

Findings

T. terrestris fruits extracts showed inhibition activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase which was in the dose-dependent manner. Hexane extract had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition activity (IC50 = 27.28 μg/ml, p =0.003), followed by acetone and ethanol extracts (IC50 = 60.58 μg/ml and IC50 = 84.21 μg/ml, respectively). The inhibition mode of hexane extract was noncompetitive. While acetone extract showed the highest inhibition activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 6.18 mg/ml, p =0.002), hexane and ethanol extracts showed no significant difference (IC50 = 13.04 mg/ml and IC50 = 14.20 mg/ml, respectively, p =0.09). The inhibition mode of acetone extract was competitive.

Originality/value

T. terrestris fruits extracts had strong inhibition activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and they can be used as a promising anti-diabetic agent.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2012

Sukriti Das and Bratati De

The purpose of this paper is to determine the α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties of grains of some red and white varieties of rice from India.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties of grains of some red and white varieties of rice from India.

Design/methodology/approach

Methanolic extracts of different rice varieties were analyzed for their α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties. Total phenol and total anthocyanin contents were measured.

Findings

The white varieties of rice grains showed weak α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity and no α‐amylase inhibitory activity. The red varieties of rice grains showed good α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities. The activities in these red varieties of rice, as determined by the IC50 values, were found to be correlated to total anthocyanin content. α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, the anthocyanin reported from rice grains was studied. But the IC50 values of different red varieties of rice were much less than that of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside indicating higher activity of red rice grain extracts than the purified pigment. This might be due to synergistic activity with other components present in rice extract.

Originality/value

The report shows hypoglycaemic potential of red varieties of rice grains.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2018

Amit Madhu and J.N. Chakraborty

Enzymatic desizing using α-amylase is the conventional and eco-friendly method of removing starch based size. Conventionally, enzymes are drained after completion of process;…

Abstract

Purpose

Enzymatic desizing using α-amylase is the conventional and eco-friendly method of removing starch based size. Conventionally, enzymes are drained after completion of process; being catalysts, they retain their activity after reaction and need to be reused. Immobilization allows the recovery of enzymes to use them as realistic biocatalyst. This study aims to recover and reuse of α-amylase for desizing of cotton via immobilization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the application of α-amylase immobilized on Chitosan and Eudragit S-100 for cotton fabric desizing. A commercial α-amylase was immobilized on reversibly soluble-insoluble polymers to work out with inherent problems of heterogeneous reaction media. The immobilization process was optimized for maximum conjugate activity, and immobilized amylases were applied for grey cotton fabric desizing.

Findings

The desizing performance of immobilized amylases was evaluated in terms of starch removal and was compared to free enzyme. The immobilized amylases showed adequate desizing efficiency up to four cycles of use and were recovered easily at the end of each cycle. The amylase immobilized on Eudragit is more efficient for a particular concentration than chitosan.

Practical implications

Immobilization associates with insolubility and increased size of enzymes which lead to poor interactions and limited diffusion especially in textiles where enzymes have to act on macromolecular substrates (heterogeneous media). The selection of support materials plays a significant role in this constraint.

Originality/value

The commercial α-amylase was covalently immobilized on smart polymers for cotton fabric desizing. The target was to achieve immobilized amylase with maximum conjugate activity and limited constraints. The reversibly soluble-insoluble polymers support provide easy recovery with efficient desizing results in heterogeneous reaction media.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2013

Vellingiri Vadivel and Hans Konrad Biesalski

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the antioxidant and type II diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of phenolic extract from raw and traditionally processed Indian…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the antioxidant and type II diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of phenolic extract from raw and traditionally processed Indian under‐utilized food legume grains, Bauhinia purpurea L. (purple camel's foot seeds).

Design/methodology/approach

The methanolic extract was prepared from the raw and traditionally processed seed samples and analyzed for total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity and type II diabetes related enzyme inhibition properties of methanolic extract and their relationship with phenolic content was demonstrated.

Findings

The methanolic extract of raw seed materials contained total free phenolic content of 14.45±1.62 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract DM. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1203 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of ß‐carotene degradation (45.37 percent) and scavenging activity against DPPH (63.60 percent) and superoxide (42.14 percent) radicals were exhibited by the raw samples. Further, it also recorded 80.69 percent of α‐amylase and 63.74 percent of α‐glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics under in vitro starch digestion bioassay. Sprouting+oil‐frying caused an apparent increase on the total free phenolic content, antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity, while soaking+cooking as well as open‐pan roasting treatments show diminishing effects.

Originality/value

Identification of suitable processing technique offered a good strategy to improve the phenolic content and health relevant functionality of B. purpurea seeds, which could be envisaged as a dietary ingredient in the formulation of supplementary foods with therapeutic value to manage type II diabetic patients.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

D. Clem J. Maidment and Jo M. Ringham

The α‐amylase activity of ten human saliva samples was measured using phadebas, iodine and gel‐diffusion procedures. Highly significant correlations (p = 0.001) were found between…

1442

Abstract

The α‐amylase activity of ten human saliva samples was measured using phadebas, iodine and gel‐diffusion procedures. Highly significant correlations (p = 0.001) were found between the results of the three methods, namely phadebas and iodine r = –0.907, phadebas and gel diffusion r = +0.928, and iodine and gel diffusion r = –0.948. The suitability of the three methods for use in an educational context is discussed.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Lutendo Patricia Mathivha, Vuyisile Samuel Thibane and Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the health and medicinal importance of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC) and special tea (Monsonia burkeana Planch. ex Harv), two of…

1983

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the health and medicinal importance of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC) and special tea (Monsonia burkeana Planch. ex Harv), two of Southern African indigenous herbal teas.

Design/methodology/approach

The two herbal teas, A. phylicoides and M. burkeana were extracted individually and in combined ratios for analysis. The phenolic content was determined and the different phenolic compounds were identified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-diabetic activity of the teas was determined by evaluating the inhibition of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro. The anti-proliferative activity was measured on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium) assay.

Findings

Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetin were identified to be present in significant quantities by TLC. The HPLC quantified the presence of catechin (1.567 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (1.862 mg/g) in special tea while chlorogenic acid (1.288 mg/g) was present in bush tea. Bush tea and special tea expressed significant levels of phenolic content and high antioxidant activities. Special tea (S100) expressed high inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and HeLa cell line proliferation when compared to bush tea (B100).

Originality/value

Both bush tea and special tea could provide an alternative for treatment and management of both diabetes and cervical cancer. However, future studies are needed to investigate their synergistic effect with a wide range of other commercial herbal teas.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 121 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2019

Seok-Tyug Tan, Amin Ismail, Muhajir Hamid, Pei-Pei Chong, Jian Sun and Seok-Shin Tan

Literature has shown that phenolic acids and flavonoids are bearing with hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic properties. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the possibility of…

Abstract

Purpose

Literature has shown that phenolic acids and flavonoids are bearing with hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic properties. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the possibility of phenolic-rich soya bean husk powder extract (SHPE) in combating diabetes and obesity using in vitro models.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypoglycemic properties were evaluated by determining the ability of SHPE (25-100 µg/mL) in inhibiting a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzymes and in triggering insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 cells. Murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used for evaluating the anti-adipogenic properties of SHPE through the determination of relative lipid accumulation, triglyceride content and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity.

Findings

The hypoglycemic properties of SHPE was in the dose-dependent manner, where 100 µg SHPE/mL exhibited a significant higher (p < 0.05) a-amylase inhibitory activity (56.8 ± 0.11 per cent) and insulin secretion activity (0.73 ± 0.02 µg/l) against other concentrations. In contrast to the aforementioned findings, a significant lower a-glucosidase inhibitory activity (52.0 ± 0.44 per cent) was also observed in 100 µg SHPE/mL. Nevertheless, findings revealed that all the SHPE were able to inhibit the activity of a-amylase and a-glucosidase and stimulated the insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 cells. On the other hand, the anti-adipogenic properties of SHPE were in the reverse dose-dependent manner, where 100 µg SHPE/mL demonstrated a significant lower (p < 0.05) relative lipid accumulation (48.5 ± 0.03 per cent), intracellular triglyceride content (5.7 ± 0.07 mg/dL) and GPDH activity (1.0 ± 0.01 mU/mL). These findings reflected that 100 µg SHPE/mL was a potent anti-adipogenic agent when compared with other concentrations. In conclusion, soya husk could emerge as a potential hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic agents in in vitro models.

Originality/value

This was the first study to explore the effectiveness of phytochemicals derived from soya bean husk in ameliorating hyperglycemia and adipogenesis. Promising findings that derived from the present study could enable the scientists to re-evaluate the potential use of agricultural wastes, especially in the formulation of nutraceuticals.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 49 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Mohamed Tiss, Zoubeida Souiy, Lotfi Achour and Khaled Hamden

This study paper aims to evaluate the Phytochemical Composition, anti-obesity, anti-antipyretic and analgesic effect of Ephedra alata (Ea) extracts.

Abstract

Purpose

This study paper aims to evaluate the Phytochemical Composition, anti-obesity, anti-antipyretic and analgesic effect of Ephedra alata (Ea) extracts.

Design/methodology/approach

Obesity was induced in male Wistar rats through a high-fat/fructose diet (HF/FD). Control rats received a standard diet.

Findings

Results of this study showed that the Ea methanol extract (MEEa) exhibited a prominent selective inhibitory effect against lipase activity (IC50 = 1.29 mg/ml) as compared to water and ethyl acetate extracts (with IC50 = 1.63 and 1.89, respectively). Also, MEEa exert antipyretic and analgesic activities. In high-fat-high-fructose diet rats, the administration of MEEa inhibited lipase activity in the intestine, pancreas and serum by 53%, 40% and 53%, respectively. It was found to significantly decrease body weight by 20% (p = 0.09) and delay the absorption of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, MEEa efficiently decreased a-amylase activity in the intestine, pancreas and serum by 43%, 26% and 46%, respectively, and blood glucose level by 35% (p = 0.06).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study demonstrates for the first time that MEEa are efficient in preventing obesity and hyperglycemia, pain and fever.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1993

Dhan Bhandari

Reviews the factors affecting bread‐making quality in UK wheat:condition; milling quality (endosperm quality, high flour yield and goodflour colour); water absorption; baking…

Abstract

Reviews the factors affecting bread‐making quality in UK wheat: condition; milling quality (endosperm quality, high flour yield and good flour colour); water absorption; baking quality; protein quantity and quality; α‐amylase activity.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 93 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2010

Thaina de Almeida Lima, Octávio Luiz Franco, Eduardo Gomes Gonçalves, Maurício Pereira Sales and Fabian Borghetti

Tuber crops are extremely important for humans, being extensively used in many cultures and mainly in poor and developing countries. Tanias (Xanthosoma Schott) belong to the…

321

Abstract

Purpose

Tuber crops are extremely important for humans, being extensively used in many cultures and mainly in poor and developing countries. Tanias (Xanthosoma Schott) belong to the Aracea family and have been commonly used as a staple food since pre‐Columbian times. Nowadays, tanias are integrated in the staple diet of several countries in the Americas, West Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In order to shed light on their potential and possible risks for human nutrition, nutritional and anti‐nutritional evaluations of different compounds synthesized by tania corms were carried out by using seven tropical species.

Design/methodology/approach

Classical analyses for non‐structural carbohydrates and nitrogenated compounds as well inhibitory assays towards α‐amylases and proteases were employed.

Findings

Tests for quantitation of reducing sugars, soluble polysaccharides, free amino acid content and total protein amounts presented variable scores among studied species. Nevertheless, the amounts of non‐starchy polysaccharides and sugars were less than those observed in other tuber crops, such as potato, cassava, sweet potato and yam. Otherwise, when anti‐nutritional compounds were evaluated, no digestive enzyme inhibitory activity was detected in performed assays. Moreover, Xanthosoma atrovirens, Xanthosoma brasiliense and Xanthosoma mafaffa showed agglutination activity towards blood type B, probably due to the presence of lectins.

Research limitations/implications

In summary, data here presented suggest that it is not possible to indicate a single tania candidate as the best choice for human consumption.

Originality/value

The paper presents a pioneer comparison of nutritional and antinutritional compounds between different species of tania corms.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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