Aqueous extracts of hulled barley containing coumaric acid and ferulic acid inhibit adipogenesis in vitro and obesity in vivo

Grains in a Modern Time: A Comprehensive Review of Compositions and Understanding Their Role in Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer

Globally, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Cancer are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are considered to be two of the most significant public health concerns of the 21st century. Over the next two decades, the global burden is expected to increase by approximately 60%. Several observational studies as well as clinical trials have demonstrated the health benefits of consuming whole grains to lower the risk of several chronic non-communicable diseases including T2D and cancer. Cereals grains are the primary source of energy in the human diet. The most widely consumed pseudo cereals include (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn). From a nutritional perspective, both pseudo cereals and cereals are recognized for their complete protein, essential amino acids, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids. The bran layer of the seed contains the majority of these components. Greater intake of whole grains rather than refined grains has been consistently linked to a lower risk of T2D and cancer. Due to their superior nutritional compositions, whole grains make them a preferred choice over refined grains. The modulatory effects of whole grains on T2D and cancer are also likely to be influenced by several mechanisms; some of these effects may be direct while others involve altering the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and lowering harmful bacteria, increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering solubility of free bile acids, breaking protein down into peptides and amino acids, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and other beneficial metabolites that promote the proliferation in the colon which modulate the antidiabetic and anticancer pathway. Thus, the present review had two aims. First, it summarized the recent knowledge about the nutritional composition and bioactive acids in pseudo cereals (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn); the second section summarized and discussed the progress in recent human studies, such as observational (cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies) and intervention studies to understand their role in T2D and cancer including the potential mechanism. Overall, according to the scientific data, whole grain consumption may reduce the incidence of T2D and cancer. Future studies should carry out randomized controlled trials to validate observational results and establish causality. In addition, the current manuscript encourages researchers to investigate the specific mechanisms by which whole grains exert their beneficial effects on health by examining the effects of different types of specific protein, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids that might help to prevent or treat T2D and cancer.

Effects of roasting and steeping on nutrients and physiochemical compounds in organically grown naked barley teas

Barley tea, a popular beverage with cultural traditions in East Asia, has long been esteemed for its flavor, aroma, thirst-quenching properties and perceived health benefits attributed to bioactive compounds. This study investigated the nutritional, bioactive, and antioxidant aspects of three commercial naked barley varieties, focusing on the impact of roasting and subsequent steeping for tea. Roasting did not affect total dietary fiber or β-glucan content. The process reduced sugar content and led to the disappearance of free amino acids, contributing to high levels of acrylamide and color changes. Roasting diminished total phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, resulting in reduced antioxidant activity. Metabolite analysis identified compounds in roasted grains that could influence tea flavor and aroma. Roasted barley tea made from these varieties was not a source of dietary fiber or antioxidants, but also contained no acrylamide. Therefore, consumers seeking such benefits from barley are urged to consume whole grain foods.

A comparison between partially peeled hulless barley and whole grain hulless barley: beneficial effects on the regulation of serum glucose and the gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Though the hypoglycemic effect of whole grain hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been documented, whether glucose metabolism would be improved by hulless barley with moderate peeling is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in glucose metabolism and gut microbiota between partially (10%) peeled hulless barley (PHB) and whole grain hulless barley (WHB) intervention in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that both PHB and WHB interventions significantly improved the impaired glucose tolerance, fat accumulation in fat and liver tissues, and the impaired intestinal barrier in mice. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota was improved and the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria such as genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Ileibacterium, and norank_f__Mutibaculaceae was increased by both, PHB and WHB, interventions. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with the area under the blood glucose curve. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that hulless barley improved the gut microbiota and impaired glucose tolerance in mice, and also showed that there was little loss of hypoglycemic effect even when hulless barley was moderately peeled.

Health-promoting properties of barley: A review of nutrient and nutraceutical composition, functionality, bioprocessing, and health benefits

Barley is one of the world's oldest cereal crops forming an important component of many traditional diets. Barley is rich in a variety of bioactive phytochemicals with potentially health-promoting effects. However, its beneficial nutritional attributes are not being fully realized because of the limited number of foods it is currently utilized in. It is therefore crucial for the food industry to produce novel barley-based foods that are healthy and cater to customers' tastes. This article reviews the nutritional and functional characteristics of barley, with an emphasis on its ability to improve glucose/lipid metabolism. Then, recent trends in barley product development are discussed. Finally, current limitations and future research directions in glucolipid modulation mechanisms and barley bioprocessing are discussed.

Protective Effects of Ferulic Acid on Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease in which protein, fat, carbohydrates and other substances are metabolized in a disorderly way. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid found in many vegetables, fruits, cereals and Chinese herbs that has a strong effect on ameliorating MetS. However, no review has summarized the mechanisms of FA in treating MetS. This review collected articles related to the effects of FA on ameliorating the common symptoms of MetS, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and obesity, from different sources involving Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar, etc. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms of FA in improving various metabolic disorders according to the collected articles. FA ameliorates diabetes via the inhibition of the expressions of PEPCK, G6Pase and GP, the upregulation of the expressions of GK and GS, and the activation of the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway. The decrease of blood pressure is related to the endothelial function of the aortas and RAAS. The improvement of the lipid spectrum is mediated via the suppression of the HMG-Co A reductase, by promoting the ACSL1 expression and by the regulation of the factors associated with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, FA inhibits obesity by upregulating the MEK/ERK pathway, the MAPK pathway and the AMPK signaling pathway and by inhibiting SREBP-1 expression. This review can be helpful for the development of FA as an appreciable agent for MetS treatment.

Purification and Identification of Lipid-Lowering Protein from Barley Extract after Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation

Previous studies have found that the protein in barley extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 has the ability to inhibit lipid accumulation. However, the isolation, purification, and structural identification of the protein with lipid-lowering activity were still needed. In the present study, barley protein fermented by L. plantarum dy-1 with the optimal lipid-lowering ability was isolated and purified in three steps: using ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography. Combined with the model of HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid, the results showed that the pure protein LFBEP-C1 had the best lipid-lowering potential. Furthermore, our research found that LFBEP-C1 enriched the content of hydrophobic amino acids in LFBEP-C1. Ultraviolet spectroscopy analysis indicated that the glycosidic bond in LFBEP-C1 was an O-type glycosidic bond. The FTIR and circular dichroism spectra indicated that α-helix and random coil were the main secondary structures of LFBEP-C1. Mass spectrometry determined the theoretical molecular weight of LFBEP-C1 as 48 kDa, and its amino acid coverage was 63%. These findings suggest that the protein LFBEP-C1 with the best lipid-lowering activity was isolated and purified, and its structural characteristics were identified.

Targeting Nanotechnology and Nutraceuticals in Obesity: An Updated Approach

HYPOTHESIS

This review article represents a brief layout of the risk factors and pathophysiology responsible for obesity, customary treatment strategies, and nanotechnology-based nutraceutical for the therapeutics of obesity.

EXPERIMENTS

An exhaustive search of the literature was done for this purpose, using Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. A literature study was conducted using publications published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2022.

FINDINGS

This was revealed that risk factors responsible for obesity were genetic abnormalities and environmental and socio-economic factors. Several research articles published between 2000 and 2022 were based on phytoconstituents-based nanoformulation for obesity therapeutics and, therefore, have been systematically compiled in this review. Various nutraceuticals like Garcinia cambogia, quercetin, resveratrol, capsaicin, Capsicum, Curcuma longa, Camella Sinensis, Zingiber officinalis, Citrus aurantium, Aegle marmelos, Coffea canephora, Asparagus officinalis, Gardenia jasminoides, Catha edulis, Clusia nemroisa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cirsium setidens, Betula platyphylla, Tripterygium wilfordi possessing anti-obesity actions are discussed in this review along with their patents, clinical trials as well as their nanoformulation available.

CONCLUSION

This review illustrates that nanotechnology has a great propensity to impart a promising role in delivering phytochemicals and nutraceuticals in managing obesity conditions and other related disorders.

Metabolites of oregano (Origanum vulgare) seed and their anti-obesity effects on 3T3-L1 adipocytes through down-regulated adipogenesis

Metabolites of the 80% ethanol extract (OSE) and ethyl acetate fraction (OSEA) of oregano seed were analyzed by GC-MS, and anti-obesity effects of OSE and OSEA were evaluated in 3T3-L1 adipocyte. OSE possessed high content of glucose, fructofuranose, and sucrose while OSEA had high content of phenolic chemicals. OSEA contained higher levels of gallic acid, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid, and catechin than OSE. OSEA inhibited lipid droplet accumulation with concentration dependent manner in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during differentiation. OSEA showed more inhibition ability than OSE by 13.7-fold at the level of 125 μg/mL. Additionally, relative mRNA and protein expression levels of pparγ, c/ebpα, fas, and srebp-1c which are related to adipogenesis were significantly lower in OSEA treatment group than in OSE treatment group (p < 0.05). Therefore, OSEA could be used as anti-obesity functional ingredient.

Regular Consumption of Green Coffee Phenol, Oat β-Glucan and Green Coffee Phenol/Oat β-Glucan Supplements Does Not Change Body Composition in Subjects with Overweight and Obesity

Many in vitro and in vivo studies support that green coffee polyphenols (GCP) and beta-glucans (BG) present important hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects. However, their weight-management/-reducing properties are less clear. Considering that these compounds act on different metabolic pathways, their combination could increase their beneficial health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of regularly consuming supplements containing GCP, BG or the novel GCP/BG combination on body composition in overweight/obese subjects without changing their dietary and physical activity habits, hence addressing the difficulty to adapt to lifestyle changes. A randomised, cross-over, blind trial was carried out in 29 volunteers who consumed GCP (300 mg), BG (2.5 g) or GCP/BG (300 mg + 2.5 g) twice a day for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of each of the interventions, body weight, body mass index, body fat%, intracellular and extracellular water, skinfolds (tricipital, bicipital, subscapularis, suprailiac, leg and thigh) and body circumferences (waist, hip, thigh, calf, branchial) were measured. Along the study, volunteers filled out 72 h dietary records, and physical activity was measured using accelerometers. The results show that dietary intake and physical activity were unchanged throughout the study; however, there were no changes in any of the body composition parameters analysed with any of the food supplements. In conclusion, the regular intake of GCP, BG and GCP/BG, without changes in diet and physical activity, is not an efficient strategy to lose weight or induce other positive changes in body composition, although results should be taken with caution as the study was underpowered.

Chemical changes and antioxidant activities of heated whole barley extracts

Chemical profiles of ethanolic (70%) and aqueous extracts of whole barley heated at 150, 190, and 230 °C were analyzed by GC-MS and their antioxidant properties were studied in vitro, in bulk oil, or in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. More chemicals were detected in the ethanolic extract than in the aqueous extract from heated barley; heating decreased the contents of detected chemicals. Organic acids, mono- and di-saccharides, sugar alcohols, and glycerol were the major chemicals detected in both the extracts. Ethanolic extracts possessed higher in vitro antioxidant activities than the aqueous extracts. However, this trend was not clearly observed in the bulk oil and O/W emulsion. For O/W emulsions, ethanolic extracts obtained following heating at 150 °C prevented lipid oxidation better than others. Therefore, heat treatment at 150 °C is recommended to enhance the antioxidant activities of whole barley.

Antioxidant properties and inhibition of lipid formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes of in vitro digested mageu, a commercial sample

Mageu is a fermented, non-alcoholic maize-derived product unique to southern Africa. The aim of this study was to identify the health benefits of a polyphenolic extract of commercially produced mageu related to the antioxidant properties and effects on lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A pooled sample of mageu Number 1 brand (original non-flavored) was subjected to in vitro gastroduodenal digestion (GDD). Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography of unfractionated undigested (UD) and GDD mageu revealed that with digestion there was an increased extraction of 1.2, 1.83, 1.45, 4.86, and 3.17-fold of caffeic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4 hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid, respectively. An associated increase in the total phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity in the <3 kDa fraction was obtained. In contrast with digestion, inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation and low-density lipoprotein oxidation was found in the <30 kDa fraction indicating the contribution of larger, possibly feruloylated polysaccharides, to activity. Cellular antioxidant activity in Caco-2 cells was >90% for all UD fractions, but with GDD was reduced. All fractions had low scavenging of nitric oxide in the lipopolysaccharide/murine cell model. Exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to all the UD and GDD mageu fractions (at 1% and 10% concentrations) during differentiation resulted in at least a 35% reduction in lipid accumulation, which was not associated with a loss of cellular viability. In conclusion, mageu, UD, and subjected to GDD contains phenolic acids with beneficial bioactive properties that contribute to antioxidant activity and reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mageu is a non-alcoholic fermented maize product which when digested has increased bioactivity. Its reported health benefits are due to its caloric content therefore the practical application of this research is to validate the scientific benefits of this food and encourage increased consumption of this functional food. This is especially important in the context of the South African population where this product is widely consumed as increasing obesity is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable disease. Furthermore, as a non-alcoholic drink, consumption can be promoted for all ages' groups and religions, and a commercialized manufacture processes can be optimized to increase phenolic acid release.

Natural Dietary and Medicinal Plants with Anti-Obesity Therapeutics Activities for Treatment and Prevention of Obesity during Lock Down and in Post-COVID-19 Era

Overweight and obesity have become global epidemics, especially during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential of medicinal plants as a better and safe option in treating obesity and overweight has gained attention in recent years. Obesity and overweight has become a major public health concern, and its incidence rising at an alarming rate. Obesity is one of the major types of metabolic syndrome, resulting in various types of problems such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and excess fat accumulation. The current searching was done by the keywords in main indexing systems including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, the search engine of Google Scholar, and Institute for Scientific Web of Science. The keywords were traditional medicine, health benefits, pharmaceutical science, pomegranate, punicalin, punicalagin, and ellagitannins. Google Scholar was searched manually for possible missing manuscripts, and there was no language restriction in the search. This review was carried out to highlight the importance of medicinal plants which are common in traditional medicinal sciences of different countries, especially Asia to prevent and treatment of obesity and overweight during the global pandemic and the post-COVID-19 era.

Sodium Pentaborate Pentahydrate ameliorates lipid accumulation and pathological damage caused by high fat diet induced obesity in BALB/c mice

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the most popular topic in the field of research. In order to defeat this highly widespread disease, the mechanism of fat accumulation at the molecular level and its elimination are crucial. The use of boron has been showing promising results during the recent years.

METHODS

In this study, anti-obesity potential of Sodium Pentaborate Pentahydrate (SPP) used as a dietary supplement on BALB/c mice fed with a high-fat diet was evaluated. Mice were divided into four groups with different diets, consisting of a normal diet, a high-fat diet (HFD) (containing 60 % fat), a HFD-supplemented with 0.5 mg/g body weight (BW) of SPP and a HFD-supplemented with 1.5 mg/g body weight (BW) of SPP. The animals were then observed for 10 weeks and physically monitored, and were sacrificed at the end of the experiment for physical and physicochemical evaluation.

RESULTS

According to the physical parameters measured -body weight, food and water intake ratios-, the results indicate that SPP decreased weight gain in a dose dependent manner. Measurement of the hormone levels in the blood and fat accumulation in organs of mice also supported the anti-obesity effects of SPP. Expressions of adipogenesis related genes were also negatively regulated by SPP administration in white adipose tissue (WAT) tissue.

CONCLUSION

These findings promise a treatment approach and drug development that can be used against obesity when SPP is used in the right doses. As a future aspect, clinical studies with SPP will reveal the effect of boron derivatives on obesity.

Antidiabetic Function of Lactobacillus fermentum MF423-Fermented Rice Bran and Its Effect on Gut Microbiota Structure in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Rice bran is an industrial byproduct that exerts several bioactivities despite its limited bioavailability. In this study, rice bran fermented with Lactobacillus fermentum MF423 (FLRB) had enhanced antidiabetic effects both in vitro and in vivo. FLRB could increase glucose consumption and decrease lipid accumulation in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. Eight weeks of FLRB treatment significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose and lipids and elevated antioxidant activity in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) mice. H&E staining revealed alleviation of overt lesions in the livers of FLRB-treated mice. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing showed notable variation in the composition of gut microbiota in FLRB-treated mice, especially for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria such as Dubosiella and Lactobacillus. In conclusion, our results suggested that rice bran fermentation products can modulate the intestinal microbiota and improve T2DM-related biochemical abnormalities, so they can be applied as potential probiotics or dietary supplements.

Attenuation of glycation and biochemical aberrations in fructose‐loaded rats by polyphenol‐rich ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa (jacq.) Benth. (Mimosaceae) leaves

Background

Different parts of the Parkia biglobosa plant are employed in traditional medicine in different African communities. However, information ratifying its use and biochemical influence on health is still scanty in literature. Thus, the present study assessed the influence of the ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves (EAFPB) on some biochemical parameters of sub-chronic fructose-loaded rats.

Methodology

Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (n = 5). The normal control group was maintained on normal diet only while the high fructose solution (HFS) control (placebo), reference and treatment groups received high fructose solution (3 g/kg/d b.w of fructose) for 30 days before treatment. Based on pilot study, two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/d b.w) of EAFPB were selected and were administered to two groups of test animals while the reference group received 300 mg/kg/d b.w. of metformin for 14 days. Thereafter, blood was collected from fasted animals for biochemical analyses for the examination of level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), liver status (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin level), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoproteins levels) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde – MDA level).

Results

EAFPB was shown to have a good DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 0.395 mg/ml). Chromatographic analysis of EAFPB revealed 28 known flavonoids (mainly kaempferol (21.31 mg/100 g), quercetin (12.84 mg/100 g), and luteolin (6.75 mg/100 g)), four hydrocinnamic acids derivatives (mainly P-coumaric acid (6.73 mg/100 g)), and 11 phenolic acids derivatives (mainly chlorogenic acid (48.18 mg/100 g) and protocatechuic acid (21.58 mg/100 g)). Relative to normal control, it was observed that fructose overload significantly increased serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST, and levels of MDA, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride in placebo. However, EAFPB significantly tapered the elevated serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST. In addition, relative to placebo, the increased levels of HbA1c, MDA, and lipid health markers were also rebated by EAFPB.

Conclusions

Ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves attenuates biochemical aberrations in fructose-loaded rats, an effect attributable to the rich store of polyphenolic compounds in the fraction.

Graphical abstract

GC × GC-MS analysis and hypolipidemic effects of polyphenol extracts from Shanxi-aged vinegar in rats under a high fat diet

Oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbiota disorders can be induced by long-term high-fat diets (HFD). In order to confirm that polyphenols can improve these symptoms, polyphenols from Shanxi-aged vinegar (SAVEP) were extracted, and the components were detected by Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS). 41 polyphenols include 18 phenolic acids and 17 polyphenols, which have not been reported. The mechanism of SAVEP on oxidative stress and inflammatory stress induced by HFD in rats and its regulating effect on intestinal flora disorder were studied. The results showed that SAVEP could significantly improve the lipid, inflammatory stress and oxidative stress related indicators compared with the Model group ("Model" refers to the group that successfully constructed a hyperlipidemia model by feeding HFD without any drugs or SAVEP in subsequent experiments.). In addition, SAVEP decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared with the Model group, and elevated the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. Conclusively, SAVEP can alleviate the oxidative stress and inflammatory stress caused by HFD, improving intestinal microbial disorders. The Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that Desulfovibrio, Lactobacillus and Akkermansia were correlated negatively with all of the inflammatory indicators, whereas Ruminococcus was the opposite. These results suggest that SAVEP may be a novel strategy against oxidative stress and inflammation, restoring the normal microbial community ecology of the gut and the treatment of metabolic syndromes.

Association of whole grains intake and the risk of digestive tract cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between whole grains intake and digestive tract cancer risk; however, the results are still controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the association.

METHODS

Studies published before March 2020 were searched in database and other sources. The risk ratio (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using fix or random-effects models.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 34 articles reporting 35 studies, 18 studies of colorectal cancer, 11 studies of gastric cancer and 6 studies of esophagus cancer, involving 2,663,278 participants and 28,921 cases. Comparing the highest-intake participants with the lowest-intake participants for whole grains, we found that the intake of whole grains were inversely related to colorectal cancer (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.93, P < 0.001), gastric cancer (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.79, P < 0.001), esophagus cancer (RR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44-0.67, P < 0.001), respectively. However, subgroup analysis of colorectal cancer found no significant association in the case-control studies and studies of sample size < 500, and subgroup analysis of gastric cancer found no significant association in the cohort studies and studies of American population. No study significantly affected the findings in the sensitivity analysis. No publication bias was found in the studies for colorectal cancer and esophagus cancer except in the studies for gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides further evidence that whole grains intake was associated with a reduced risk of digestive tract cancer. Our result supports the dietary guidelines that increase whole grains intake to reduce the risk of digestive tract cancer.

Plants mentioned in the Islamic Scriptures (Holy Qur'ân and Ahadith): Traditional uses and medicinal importance in contemporary times

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Over the past thousand years, Islamic physicians have collected cultural, philosophical, sociological and historical backgrounds for understanding diseases and medications. The Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) said: "There is no disease that Allah has created, except that Allah also has created its cure." Therefore, Islamic scholars are encouraged to explore and use both traditional and modern forms of medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

(1) To identify some of the medicinal plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'ân and Ahadith textbooks of the period 700-1500 AD; (2) to compare them with presently used traditional medicines; (3) to evaluate their value based on modern research; and (4) to investigate the contributions of Islamic scholars to the development of the scientific branches, particularly medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed relating to 12 medicinal plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'ân and Ahadith using textbooks, Al-Azhar scholars, published articles, the plant list website (http://www.theplantlist.org/), the medicinal plant names services website (http://mpns.kew.org/mpns-portal/) and web databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Islamic Golden Age was a step towards modern medicine, with unique insights and multi-disciplinary aspects. Traditional Islamic Medicine has had a significant impact on the development of various medical, scientific and educational activities. Innumerable Muslim and non-Muslim physicians have built on the strong foundation of Traditional Islamic Medicine by translating the described natural remedies and effects. The influences of different ancient cultures on the traditional uses of natural products were also documented in Islamic Scriptures in the last part of the second millennium. The divine teachings of Islam combine natural and practical healing and incorporate inherited science and technology.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we discuss Traditional Islamic Medicine with reference to both medical recommendations mentioned in the Holy Qur'ân and Prophetic Traditional Medicine (al-Tibb al-Nabawi). Although the molecular mechanisms and functions of some of the listed medicinal plants and their derivatives have been intensively studied, some traditional remedies have yet to be translated into clinical applications.

Whole Grain Consumption for the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers among females worldwide. Several epidemiological studies have indicated the inverse correlation between the intake of whole grains and the incidence of breast cancer. Whole grains are the most fundamental and important food source of bioactive phytochemicals, which have well-defined roles in the management of each stage of breast carcinogenesis. To better understand the value of whole grains in future prevention and treatment of breast cancer, the effects and possible mechanisms of six different whole grain cereals, which are the most commonly consumed throughout the world, are introduced in the current review. Moreover, the bioactive compounds extracted from whole grains are adequately formulated and the underlying mechanism of action is illustrated. In addition, the present limitations and future perspective of whole grain consumption for breast cancer are also concluded. The objective of this review is to promote the development of nutraceutical and functional food from whole grains and its application for reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Inhibitory effect of fermented selected barley extracts with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 on the proliferation of human HT-29 Cells

The objective of this study was to understand the changes of nutrition constituents in extracts of four varieties of barley fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 (LFBEs) and to uncover the potential apoptosis-related mechanism induced by LFBE to inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 cells. The contents of total polysaccharide, polyphenol, and protein in the four LFBEs significantly changed as the fermentation time went by and exerted different inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HT-29 cells. Results indicated that LFBE (YangSi No.3) inhibited proliferation of HT-29 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manners. The scanning electron micrograph illustrated that LFBE caused representative apoptotic trait and flow cytometric analysis suggested that LFBE brought about apoptosis by ceasing cell cycle at S phase. Western-blotting results indicated that LFBE promoted apoptosis was relevant to the regulation of apoptosis-related proteins, such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and the release of Cytochrome-C from mitochondria. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Abundant studies have reported that extracts of fermented barley held the activities of anti-obesity, antitumor, and so on. However, little information about the comparison in the chemical profile and antiproliferation property among different barley varieties (namely, YangSi barley No.1, YangSi barley No.3, DaZhong 88-91, XiYin No.2) was observed. Results indicated that LFBE (YangSi No.3 barley) exhibited the best inhibitory property by inducing the apoptosis of HT-29 cells. These findings may be beneficial to select a higher nutritional value barley and optimize the fermentation conditions to maximize the bioactive concentration expected in foods for the human.

Morphological, histological, chemical and functional characterization of Prosopis alba flours of different particle sizes

Prosopis alba (algarrobo) flours are traditional food resources from Argentina. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of particle sizes of Prosopis flour on its chemical composition and functional properties. Flours were obtained by mechanical methods (F1 to F4, >840, 840 to 500, 500 to 149 and <149 µm, respectively). F1 and F2 contain 40% mesocarp while F3 and F4 show 80 and 90%, respectively. Mesocarp reserve parenchyma is rich in free and bound phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and fibers of the vascular system, CaCO₃ crystals, and minerals (Fe, Ca, Mg, K). Apigenin C-glycosides and phenylpropanoids acids were identified in all fractions whereas F4 showed the highest level. All fractions showed functional properties. F3 and F4 showed the highest activity as H₂O₂ and HO^• scavenger. F1 and F2 showed the highest activity as reductor agents and lipoperoxidation inhibitors. Flours with different granulometry may be suitable as functional ingredient or nutraceutical whereas flours with a smaller particle size (F3 and F4) are more interesting as functional ingredients because of their high content of bound phenolic compounds and particle homogeneity and could be used either alone or together.

Whole grain cereal attenuates obesity-induced muscle atrophy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in obese C57BL/6N mice

Whole grain comprises starchy endosperm, germ, and bran tissues, which contain fibers, minerals, vitamins, and several phytochemicals. Whole grain cereal (WGC)-based food products supply beneficial nutrients (essential for health care) and macronutrients (essential for body maintenance and support). The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of WGC on obesity-induced muscle atrophy in obese C57BL/6N mice. WGC attenuated the body weight gain, fat pad mass, adipocyte size, food efficiency ratio, serum lipid profile, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Furthermore, WGC increased muscle mass and muscle strength by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Accordingly, WGC up-regulated the expression of factors that regulate muscle hypertrophy and myogenesis, whereas it down-regulated the atrophy-related factors. Overall, these results demonstrate that WGC effectively attenuates obesity-induced muscle atrophy as well as overall obesity, suggesting that WGC can be used as a functional food.

Ferulic Acid on Glucose Dysregulation, Dyslipidemia, and Inflammation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats: An Integrated Study

Obesity is considered to be a low-grade chronic inflammatory process, which is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. An integral evaluation of the effects of ferulic acid on biomarkers of glucose dysregulation, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and antioxidant potential induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats was carried out. Three groups of male Wistar rats (six per group) consumed a basal diet (BD), which was supplemented with either lard at 310 g/kg (HFD) or lard and ferulic acid at 2 g/kg (HFD + FA), ad libitum for eight weeks. Body weight gain, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy in abdominal fat tissues were higher in the HFD group than in the HFD+FA group. The rats fed a HFD + FA significantly inhibited the increase in plasma lipids and glucose, compared with the HFD group. Biomarkers associated with inflammation were found at higher concentrations in the serum of rats fed a HFD than the HFD + FA group. Plasma antioxidant levels were lower in HFD rats compared to rats fed the HFD + FA. These results suggest that ferulic acid improves the obesogenic status induced by HFD, and we elucidated the integral effects of ferulic acid on a biological system.

Bioactive phytochemicals in barley

Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that regular consumption of whole grain barley reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. The presence of barley fiber, especially β-glucan in whole grain barley, has been largely credited for these health benefits. However, it is now widely believed that the actions of the fiber component alone do not explain the observed health benefits associated with the consumption of whole grain barley. Whole grain barley also contains phytochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and folate. These phytochemicals exhibit strong anti-oxidant, antiproliferative, and cholesterol lowering abilities, which are potentially useful in lowering the risk of certain diseases. Therefore, the high concentration of phytochemicals in barley may be largely responsible for its health benefits. This paper reviews available information regarding barley phytochemicals and their potential to combat common nutrition-related diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The anti-obesity effect of fermented barley extracts with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in diet-induced obese rats

Fermented cereals have significant potential for improving the nutritional quality and health effects of foods and ingredients.

Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 fermented barley suppresses body weight gain in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

BACKGROUND

Cereal fermentations have shown significant potential in improvement and design of the nutritional quality and health effects of foods and ingredients. In the present study, the effect of supplementary Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 fermented barley (LFB) on obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats was investigated.

RESULTS

LFB treatment showed a lower rate of increase in body weight and percentage of body fat and a reversal of HFD-induced glucose intolerance, with ameliorated hyperinsulinemia, decreased levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, and inhibited concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, LFB treatment also showed the strongest inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-kB activation and exhibited the greatest effects in blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of NF-kB and inhibiting p38 and JNK1 phosphorylation compared with HFD and raw barley treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It was clear that Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation significantly improves the anti-obesity properties of barley. The results establish the foundation for ameliorating diet-induced obesity of product with LFB as nutritional supplements. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

p-Coumaric acid and its conjugates: dietary sources, pharmacokinetic properties and biological activities

p-Coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is a phenolic acid that has low toxicity in mice (LD50 = 2850 mg kg(-1) body weight), serves as a precursor of other phenolic compounds, and exists either in free or conjugated form in plants. Conjugates of p-coumaric acid have been extensively studied in recent years due to their bioactivities. In this review, the occurrence, bioavailability and bioaccessibility of p-coumaric acid and its conjugates with mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides, alkyl alcohols, organic acids, amine and lignin are discussed. Their biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antivirus, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregation, anxiolytic, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-arthritis activities, and their mitigatory effects against diabetes, obesity, hyperlipaemia and gout are compared. Cumulative evidence from multiple studies indicates that conjugation of p-coumaric acid greatly strengthens its biological activities; however, the high biological activity but low absorption of its conjugates remains a puzzle. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.