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Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of processed (boiled and sprouted) cowpea‐incorporated experimental diets on serum cholesterol and serum antioxidant capacity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed Wistar rats. Seven weeks old male Wistar rats were fed 20% fat as a control (CD), for comparison with 20% fat‐enriched diets containing 20% whole raw cowpea diets (Bombay Raw Diet; BRD and MI35 Raw Diet; MRD), boiled cowpea diets (Bombay Boiled Diet; BBD and MI35 Boiled Diet; MBD) and sprouted cowpea diet (Bombay Sprouted Diet; BSD) for 6 weeks. The increase in serum total cholesterol as a result of high‐fat diet was significantly countered by boiled and raw cowpea‐incorporated diet‐fed rats. Increased serum non‐HDL‐C level caused by HFD was significantly (p < 0.05) countered by raw, boiled, and sprouted cowpeas, while HDL–C was increased by raw MI and boiled Bombay incorporated diets. Boiling has improved the hypocholesterolemic ability of Bombay cowpea and BBD has significantly (p < 0.05) modulated serum HDL‐C level and liver weight in rats. These findings were supported significantly high soluble fiber content in processed cowpea powder than that in raw cowpea powder. The decrease in serum antioxidant activity as a result of HFD was significantly countered by BRD. Processing has reduced the antioxidant activity in cowpeas and serum antioxidant activity in rats. Cecal lactobacilli population was significantly high in all cowpea diet‐fed groups compared to control. Modulated serum cholesterol level in cowpea diet‐fed rats was accompanied by dietary fiber composition, antioxidant activity in cowpeas and fecal weight, cecal weight and cecal lactobacilli population in rats compared to control. Both processed and raw cowpea‐incorporated diets have modulated HFD‐induced hypercholesterolemia by modulating serum antioxidative capacity, cholesterol metabolism, and cecal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic effect of banana blossom were studied in high-cholesterol fed rats. Experimental groups were fed for 4 weeks, with casein as the basal diet (CN), in comparison with two diets containing 0.5% cholesterol (CD) and 0.5% cholesterol + 21% banana blossom powder (CDB). Serum total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol level, and serum glucose concentrations were lower in CDB fed group compared with CD fed group. Lower serum cholesterol and glucose level (P < 0.05) in CDB fed group were followed by higher faecal weight, caecal weight, caecal Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria population in CDB fed group compared to CD diet fed group. Lower serum AST level in banana blossom fed rats showed the reduction in oxidative stress induced by high cholesterol diet. Based on these data, it could be speculated that banana blossom incorporated experimental diets may modulate the hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic responses in Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated the physiological importance of potato peptides in rats fed on cholesterol-free diet. The diet contained 20% potato peptides was compared with two diets containing either 20% casein or 20% soy peptides. The study found high concentration of potato peptides and soy peptides on the fecal excretion of neutral and acidic sterols. The observed changes in the serum cholesterol levels in rats are associated with different mechanisms.

Nutrition and diet are key modifiable risk factors for the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like cardio-vascular diseases and diabetes in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The nutritional transition in dietary behaviours in LMICs has most likely contributed to this problem. Although traditionally assumed to be environmental, dietary choices are also genetically influenced. Twin study designs can be used to investigate the relative influence of genes and environment on nutrition intake, eating behaviours and associated psychological health. The overall aim of this project is to: provide proof-of-concept for the feasibility of using dietary (biomarker) data within the Children-of-Twin design in nutrition studies, develop laboratory skills and statistical genetic skills and establish a Sri Lankan-specific food composition database. Currently, a pilot study is being conducted with 304 individuals (38 Monozygotic twin pairs, 38 Dizygotic twin pairs and their male or female adult offspring). Questionnaire data on nutritional intake, eating behaviours, psychological well-being, physical health, and bio-specimens are being collected. A Sri Lankan-specific food composition database was developed, training sessions on macro and micro element analysis in biological samples and statistical genetics skills development were conducted and Community Engagement and Involvement programs were carried out in two districts of Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbohydrate is the primary source of energy in the human diet and plays an important role in a healthy diet. In this study, 15 different carbohydrate sources (white raw rice, red raw rice, white basmati rice, red basmati rice, wheat, atta flour, soy, black gram, corn, finger millet, water lily seeds, kithul, chickpea, oats, and palmyra sprouts) in Sri Lanka were investigated for their physicochemical and functional properties. Results: The shape of the extracted starch granules varied according to the source, and the amylose content ranged from 17.22% to 36.12%. Kithul and black gram showed the highest water swelling capacity and water absorption index, respectively. Flour of white raw rice and finger millet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) freeze–thaw stability than other sources. Flour of Soy, black gram, and chickpea showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) dietary fiber content and potassium content than other samples. Water lily seeds showed remarkable in vitro prebiotic activity from the studied carbohydrate sources. Conclusion: The study indicates the potential utilization of raw white rice, palmyra, and finger millet starch in the food processing industry as alternatives to conventional starch sources. Furthermore, the flour from water lily seeds, white basmati rice, soy, and black gram has the potential for use in functional food preparation, offering a wide range of health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that tests the effects of white wheat bread containing 10% sugar beet fiber (BBP) on rats' serum cholesterols and hepatic messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). It notes that total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations were determined. Results show that there were no significant variations in rats that fed on white bread powder without sugar beet fiber (BP) and BBP. It also cites changes in the rats' serum lipid levels.

• Sesbania grandiflora is an edible medicinal plant widely distributed in Asia, it exhibited diverse biological effects. • One of its folk uses is to treat or alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus. • LC-HRMS proved that its leaves and twigs are rich in flavonoids and terpenes. • Vomifoliol, loliolide, quercetin, and kaempferol are potent inhibitors of metabolic enzymes involved in type 2 diabetes. Sesbania grandiflora L. Poir is an edible medicinal plant widely distributed in Asian countries. One of its folk medicinal uses is the alleviation or treatment of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A number of animal studies confirmed its use in treating T2DM; however, none of them explored the chemistry or the possible mechanism. This study aims to unveil the chemical profile of S. grandiflora through LC-HRMS dereplication analysis, followed by isolation, identification and quantification of the major secondary metabolites with potential α-amylase and α glucosidase inhibitory effect as the potential anti-diabetic mechanism. LC-HRMS chemical profiling of its leaves and twigs identified 32 metabolites. Bio-guided fractionation and HPLC purification led to the isolation of 14 major metabolites that were screened for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. For the first time, two terpenoids; vomifoliol (11) and loliolide (14) showed inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase with IC 50 values of 64.5 and 388.48 µM, respectively. Quercetin (10) exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition with IC 50 value of 17.45 µM. Further, predicated molecular modelling studies demonstrated strong binding interactions between active compounds and enzyme-substrate binding pockets supporting the observed enzyme inhibitory activity. Interestingly, the quantitative analysis of the most potent inhibitors indicated their existence at a high percentage within S. grandiflora extract. Our findings suggested S. grandiflora is a useful dietary supplement to control postprandial blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]