Search

Objectives: Previous study have shown that the seeds of the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) have anti-diabetic properties without any evidence on the processing method. This present study was carried out to investigate the effect of fermentation on antioxidant as well as anti-diabetic properties of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seeds. Methods: The sample was pulverized after five days of typical fermentation alongside raw sample and examined for its antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Antioxidant assays such as FRAP, ABTS, NO, and DPPH were carried out to determine the in-vitro inhibitory effects on diabetes-related enzymes α-amylase and αglucosidase, while amino acids, proximate and minerals content were carried out. Results: The findings revealed that fermentation changed the antioxidant properties of the seed powder. While total phenols and flavonoids decreased, inhibition was observed with α-amylase and α-glucosidase, although raw has higher results. Interestingly, the analysis of 18 amino acids on raw and fermented samples indicated an increase value with fermentation. Moreover, there were elevations in Zn, Mn, K, and vitamins C, D, E, and B1. Conclusion: In summary, the study indicates that tamarind fermented seed powder holds promise for exerting anti-diabetic effects, likely due to its rich content of amino acids and vitamins endowed with antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the well-established models for examining neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity is the Drosophila melanogaster model of aluminum-induced toxicity. Anti-cholinesterase drugs have been combined with other neuroprotective agents to improve Alzheimer's disease management, but there is not much information on the combination of anti-cholinesterases with dietary polyphenols to combat memory impairment. Here, we assess how curcumin influences some of the critical therapeutic effects of donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor) in AlCl3-treated Drosophila melanogaster. Harwich strain flies were exposed to 40 mM AlCl3 – alone or in combination with curcumin (1 mg/g) and/or donepezil (12.5 µg/g and 25 µg/g) – for seven days. The flies' behavioral evaluations (memory index and locomotor performance) were analyzed. Thereafter, the flies were processed into homogenates for the quantification of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase, total thiol, and rate of lipid peroxidation, as well as the mRNA levels of acetylcholinesterase (ACE1) and cnc/NRF2. Results showed that AlCl3-treated flies presented impaired memory and increased activities of acetylcholinesterase and lipid peroxidation, while there were decrease in total thiol levels and catalase activity when compared to the control. Also, the expression of ACE1 was significantly increased while that of cnc/NRF2 was significantly decreased. However, combinations of curcumin and donepezil, especially at lower dose of donepezil, significantly improved the memory index and biochemical parameters compared to donepezil alone. Thus, curcumin plus donepezil offers unique therapeutic effects during memory impairment in the D. melanogaster model of neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical vegetables remain one of the major sources of functional foods and nutraceuticals, while their constituent phytochemicals, especially alkaloids, have been reported to exhibit neuroprotective properties. Here, the protective effect of alkaloid extracts from Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Water bitter leaf (Struchium sparganophora) on manganese (Mn)- induced toxicity in wild type fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model was investigated. Flies were exposed to 30 mM of Mn, the alkaloid extracts (20 and 200 µg/g) and co-treatment of Mn plus extracts, respectively. The survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies were assessed 7 days post-treatment, after which the flies were homogenized and assayed for activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase, superoxide dismutase SOD), as well as total thiol, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neural L-DOPA levels. Results showed that the extract significantly reversed Mn-induced reduction in the survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies. Furthermore, both extracts counteracted the Mn-induced elevation in AChE and MAO activities, as well as reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, with a concomitant mitigation of Mn-induced elevated ROS and neural L-DOPA level. The HPLC characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of N-propylamine, Vernomine and Piperidine as predominant in Water bitter leaf extract, while 2, 6-dimethylpyrazine and sesbanimide were found in scent leaf extract. Therefore, the alkaloid extract of these leaves may thus be sources of useful nutraceuticals for the management of pathological conditions associated with manganese toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]