Coconut (Cocos nucifera (L.)) Water Improves Glucose Uptake with Concomitant Modulation of Antioxidant and Purinergic Activities in Isolated Rat Psoas Muscles

The present study investigated the effect of coconut water on glucose uptake and utilization, and metabolic activities linked to hyperglycemia in isolated rat psoas muscles. Coconut water was subjected to in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic assays, which cover 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Psoas muscles were isolated from male Sprague Dawley rats and incubated with coconut water in the presence of glucose. Control consisted of muscles incubated with glucose only, while normal control consisted of muscles not incubated in coconut water and/or glucose. The standard antidiabetic drug was metformin. Incubation with coconut water led to a significant increase in muscle glucose uptake, with concomitant exacerbation of glutathione level, and SOD and catalase activities, while suppressing malondialdehyde level, and ATPase and E-NTDase activities. Coconut water showed significant scavenging activity against DPPH, and significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. LC-MS analysis of coconut water revealed the presence of ellagic acid, butin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, baicalin, and silibinin. Molecular docking analysis revealed potent molecular interactions between the LC-MS-identified compounds, and AKT-2 serine and PI-3 kinase. These results indicate the potential of coconut water to enhance glucose uptake, while concomitantly improving antioxidative and purinergic activities. They also indicate the potential of coconut water to suppress postprandial hyperglycemia. These activities may be attributed to the synergistic effects of the LC-MS-identified compounds.

A Review of Natural Polysaccharides: Sources, Characteristics, Properties, Food, and Pharmaceutical Applications

Natural polysaccharides, which are described in this study, are some of the most extensively used biopolymers in food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications, because they are renewable and have a high level of biocompatibility and biodegradability. The fundamental understanding required to properly exploit polysaccharides potential in the biocomposite, nanoconjugate, and pharmaceutical industries depends on detailed research of these molecules. Polysaccharides are preferred over other polymers because of their biocompatibility, bioactivity, homogeneity, and bioadhesive properties. Natural polysaccharides have also been discovered to have excellent rheological and biomucoadhesive properties, which may be used to design and create a variety of useful and cost-effective drug delivery systems. Polysaccharide-based composites derived from natural sources have been widely exploited due to their multifunctional properties, particularly in drug delivery systems and biomedical applications. These materials have achieved global attention and are in great demand because to their biochemical properties, which mimic both human and animal cells. Although synthetic polymers account for a substantial amount of organic chemistry, natural polymers play a vital role in a range of industries, including biomedical, pharmaceutical, and construction. As a consequence, the current study will provide information on natural polymers, their biological uses, and food and pharmaceutical applications.

Discrimination and characterization of different coconut water (CW) by their phenolic composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using LC-MS/MS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and HS-GC-IMS

Three varieties of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water (CW) at two maturity stages were investigated for physicochemical and nutritional properties. The profile of phenolic compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). Most of the properties of CW changed significantly with maturity rather than variety. The five most relevant phenolic compounds in CW were chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycinnamic acid, L-epicatechin, and procyanidins B2 and B1. Variety played a more important role in phenolic composition than maturity, and Wenye No. 4 can be distinguished from other two varieties. Alcohols and esters were the main VOCs in CW identified by HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS, respectively. Five and four compounds (VIP scores > 1) were characteristic compounds for CW by HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS, respectively. The VOCs of Wenye Nos. 2 and 3 were more similar than those of Wenye No. 4. These findings could provide useful information for the selection of raw materials of CW used for different industrial purposes.

A concise review on oil extraction methods, nutritional and therapeutic role of coconut products

The coconut palm belongs to the Arecaceae family, which is distinct from other fruits, known for its versatility. Fresh coconut products are valuable for many food preparations owing to their nutritional and flavour properties. For example, tender coconut yields coconut water, a refreshing nutritious drink that provides good nutrients including electrolytes and other interesting compounds. The mature coconut meat which is rich in fat and protein, aids in coconut milk extraction and is a major component in the wet and dry process of oil extraction. Coconut milk has market potential owing to its increasing applications in food and beverage industries. Coconut is also known for its by-product namely coconut flour, which is rich in protein and dietary fiber, could be used in the preparation of functional foods. The different methods involved in the oil extraction process which helps in more efficient oil recovery were discussed briefly. The nutritional health-promoting functional role of coconut water and virgin coconut oil is highlighted in review paper.

Anti-cataract effects of coconut water in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anti-cataract effects of coconut water (CW) in vivo and in vitro, and to explore the potential pathogenic mechanism.

METHODS

In this study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (CO), diabetic (DM), diabetic treated with CW (DM + CW), and diabetic treated with Glibenclamide (DM + Gli). Except for the CO group, in the other three groups, intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) was conducted to establish diabetic models. The experiment was conducted for 20 weeks. The slit-lamp examination was undertaken during the period of experiment (20 weeks), and then, all rats were sacrificed. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the left lens were measured by using biochemical assays. The right lens was used for pathological analysis. The rat lens epithelial cells (LECs) were cultured in vitro and the subcultured cell were divided into four groups, namely the normal glucose group (5 mmol /L glucose, Group I), the high glucose group (40 mmol/L glucose, Group II), high glucose +5% CW group (Group III), and high glucose +10% CW group (Group IV). LECs were cultured under the conditions as described above for 48 h. Cell proliferation and the morphological changes were observed with interted phase contrast microscope.The level of cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. the level of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px were also detected.

RESULTS

The lens opacity index decreased in diabetic rats, and LECs apoptosis ratio also decreased in high glucose environments that received CW. Under treatment with CW, reduced MDA level and elevated activities of SOD and GSH-Px were detected, both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The increased severity of cataract and LECs apoptosis were noted in diabetic rats that received normal water, while CW markedly mitigated the enhanced cataract severity and the reduction of LECs induced by diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION

CW is a functional food that can protect the lens from diabetic cataract. The possible underlying mechanism may be partly explained via the decreased oxidative stress in lens. However, further research needs to be conducted to indicate the pathogenic mechanism of anti-diabetic effects of CW.

Impact of licochalcone A on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus of C57BL/6 mice

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common chronic microvascular complication of diabetes. Therefore, it is of great significance to effectively prevent and treat DN. Licochalcone A (LicA) is a flavonoid found in licorice; previous studies have shown that LicA can reduce blood glucose, blood lipids and improve insulin resistance. There has been no research on whether LicA can prevent and treat DN. In this study, an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice induced by high fat diet/streptozotocin was established, and the intervention of LicA was applied to investigate the protective effect of LicA on the kidneys of DN mice. After 4 weeks of intervention, LicA could effectively reduce blood glucose and alleviate the phenomenon of weight loss in mice. Meanwhile, the levels of MDA, SOD and GSH-Px in the kidney tissue and serum were recovered to different degrees. Besides, LicA decreased the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in the kidney tissue and increased the level of HDL-C in the kidney tissue. The 24 h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels of mice in the treatment group of LicA were significantly lower than those in the model group. Furthermore, HE staining, PAS staining and Masson staining indicated that LicA improved the pathological damage of kidneys, and the kidney index of mice also decreased. Western blotting results indicated that LicA could significantly down-regulate the protein expression of AGEs/RAGE, TGF-β1, HIF-1α and GLUT1, and up-regulate the protein expression of Nrf2. It provides a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of LicA.

Medicinal Plants Galega officinalis L. and Yacon Leaves as Potential Sources of Antidiabetic Drugs

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of extracts of medicinal plants Galega officinalis L. (aboveground part) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl.) (leaves) as potential sources of biologically active substances with antidiabetic action have been studied. The pronounced hypoglycemic effect of Galega officinalis extract, devoid of alkaloids, at a dose of 600 mg/kg in experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proven. The established effect is evidenced by a decrease in the concentration of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood, increase glucose tolerance of cells, increase C-peptide and insulin content in the plasma of rats' blood. The effective hypoglycemic effect of the extract in the studied pathology was confirmed by histological examination of the pancreas. The cytoprotective effect of the studied extract on pancreatic cells at a dose of 1200 mg/kg was experimentally confirmed. In the standard cut area, an increase was found in the number of Langerhans islets, their average area, diameter, volume, and a number of β-cells relative to these indicators in animals with diabetes. Comparative screening of the antioxidant properties of 30, 50, 70, and 96% water-ethanol extracts of yacon indicates the highest potential of 50% water-ethanol extract to block free radicals in in vitro model experiments. The non-alkaloid fraction of Galega officinalis extract showed moderate antioxidant activity and was inferior to yacon extract in its ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bind metal ions of variable valence. The level of antioxidant potential of the studied extracts is due to differences in the quantitative content of compounds of phenolic nature in their compositions. The obtained data on the biological effects of Galega officinalis extract on the structural and functional state of β-cells of the pancreas and antioxidant properties of Galega officinalis and yacon extracts substantiate the prospects of using these plants to create antidiabetic medicines and functional foods based on them.

The Effect of Coconut Water on Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells

Coconut water is reported to have lipid-lowering effects in animal studies. However, there is lack of published reports regarding its effect on adipocytes. This study observed the effect of coconut water on adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The sample used in this study was mature coconut water from tall variety. Based on a preliminary study, the sample was heat-treated and added with certain amino acids as precursors for Maillard reaction to improve its original flavor. As a comparison, aromatic coconut water was used since it is highly preferred as a fresh beverage. Six samples were supplemented to 3T3-L1 cells, which were then analyzed for cell proliferation, lipid accumulation, triglyceride content, and gene expression. Arginine and vitamin C contents of the samples were also determined. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and followed by Tukey's test. Results showed that aromatic coconut water could slightly suppress lipid accumulation, while mature coconut water had a significantly lower percentage of accumulation compared to the control sample (p<0.05). Canned and fresh samples had no significant difference in terms of lipid-lowering activity (p>0.05). Similarly, the addition of lysine and proline in canned samples did not significantly affect the cells' differentiation. There was no significant effect on expressions of C/EBP-α and PPARγ, indicating the possibility of other pathways involved in hypolipidemic effect of coconut water. This study showed that coconut water might have potential to inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells due to its bioactive compounds.

Effects of coconut water on blood sugar and retina of rats with diabetes

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of coconut water on the general condition (fasting blood sugar and body weight) and retina of diabetic rats.

Methods

Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into normal controls (NC), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes+coconut water (DM+CW), and diabetes+glibenclamide (DM+Gli) groups. After 4 weeks of normal feeding, coconut water was given to group III-DM+CW and 0.6 mg/kg glibenclamide to group IV-DM+Gli. The blood sugar, body weight, total retinal thickness, pathological changes, and VEGF expression in the retina were analyzed at different time points.

Results

The fasting blood sugar was 4-6 mmol/L in group I-NC and continuously increased in group II-DM, whereas gradually decreased after the 4th experiment week in the remaining two groups. The rats, except in group I-NC, have lost weight. In group II-DM, the total retinal thickness was significantly increased after the 8th and 12th experiment week, and the pathological changes in retina were observed. VEGF was almost fully expressed in the ganglion cell layer and inner granular layer and partially expressed in the outer granular layer in group II-DM, and mainly expressed in the ganglion cell layer and inner layer in group I-NC, with a lighter color. Group III-DM + CW and group IV-DM + Gli demonstrated similar VEGF expression as in group I-NC.

Conclusions

Coconut water has the potential to reduce blood sugar and diabetic retinal damage, serving as a candidate drug or nutrient for treating diabetes and its complications.

Effects of Coconut Water on Retina in Diabetic Rats

Coconut water (CW) is a natural aseptic nutritious beverage, containing several biologically active compounds. This study aimed to determine the antiretinopathy effects of CW on diabetic Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using streptozotocin (STZ) and explore its potential mechanism. After allowing the rats to acclimatize for 7 days, 48 healthy adult male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups, involving control (Ctrl), diabetic rats (DM), diabetic rats treated with CW (DM-CW), and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (DM-Gli). The diabetic models were established by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). The Ctrl group was injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate solution. The experiment was totally conducted during 20 weeks, and then, all rats were sacrificed. The serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured; additionally, the activities of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the retina were investigated using biochemical assays. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of retinal tissues. In presence of treatment with CW, serum level of MDA was decreased, while serum levels of SOD and GSH-Px were increased; besides, the activities of IL-6 and ICAM-1 in the retina were reduced compared with the DM group. The antiretinopathy feature of CW was confirmed by the increased number of neurons in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), total retina thickness (TRT), and thickness of the retinal nuclear layer (RNL) in diabetic rats. CW can be protective against diabetic retinopathy (DR), and its effects are comparable to Gli. The possible underlying mechanism may be partly explained by decreasing oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activities in the retina. However, further research should be conducted to reveal the exact mechanism.

Akkermansia muciniphila can reduce the damage of gluco/lipotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation, and normalize intestine microbiota in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to investigate how Akkermansia muciniphila can implicate type 2 diabetes mellitus and the mechanisms underlying the effects A. muciniphila on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with A. muciniphila and solvent. After 4 weeks of treatment, diabetic rats orally administered with live or pasteurized A. muciniphila exhibited significant increase in the blood concentration of high-density lipoprotein, and decrease in the hepatic glycogen, serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide, malondialdehyde and total glucagon-like peptide-1. Moreover, diabetic rats orally administered with A. muciniphila showed significantly increased species alpha diversity and gene function in gut microbes. These results indicated that A. muciniphila can improve liver function, reduce gluco/lipotoxicity, alleviate oxidative stress, suppress inflammation and normalize intestine microbiota of the host animal, thereby ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Akkermansia muciniphila might be considered as one of the ideal new probiotics used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in future.

Cocos nucifera water improves metabolic functions in offspring of high fat diet fed Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Maternal high fat diet has been implicated in the aetiology of metabolic diseases in their offspring. The hypolipidaemic actions of Cocos nucifera water improve metabolic indices of dams consuming a high fat diet during gestation. This study investigated the effects of C. nucifera water on metabolism of offspring of dams exposed to high fat diet during gestation.

METHODS

Four groups of pregnant Wistar rat dams (n=6) were treated orally from Gestation Day (GD) 1 to GD 21 as follows: standard rodent feed+10 mL/kg distilled water (Control), standard rodent feed+10 mL/kg C. nucifera water, high fat feed+10 mL/kg distilled water (high fat diet), and high fat feed+10 mL/kg C. nucifera water (high fat diet+C. nucifera water). The feeds were given ad libitum and all dams received standard rodent feed after parturition. Fasting blood glucose was measured in offspring before being euthanized on Postnatal Day (PND) 120. Serum insulin, leptin, lipid profile and liver enzymes were measured.

RESULTS

Serum total cholesterol (TC), insulin, alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in high fat diet offspring compared with controls. Similar changes were not observed in high fat diet+C. nucifera water offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the adverse effects of maternal high fat diet on offspring's metabolism can be ameliorated by C. nucifera water.

Cocos nucifera and metformin combination for modulation of diabetic symptoms in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Background

Cocos nucifera, belonging to Arecaceae family, holds quite an importance in the Indian traditional medicinal system. C.nucifera inflorescence (CnI) has been reported in the literature to be useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, and dyspepsia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CnI as an adjuvant with metformin in ameliorating Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM).

Objectives

To evaluate antidiabetic activity of CnI in combination with metformin in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods

Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg; i.p.). Plasma glucose level (PGL) was estimated after 72 h of STZ injection. Ethanolic extract of CnI (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) per se and in combination with metformin (22.5 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily to rats for a period of 28 days. PGL level was estimated on 7^th, 14^th and 21^st day followed by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and PGL both on the 28^th day of treatment. DPPH assay was performed to evaluate antioxidant activity of CnI extract.

Results

Extract of CnI (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg alone and the combination of extract (250 mg/kg) along with metformin (22.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased PGL (p < 0.0001) on 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th days. Histopathological analysis of pancreatic tissue showed that treatment with CnI extract per se and in combination with metformin improved the damaged architecture of pancreas.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of CnI and metformin produced a significant antidiabetic effect than that of the extract alone and provides a scientific rationale for their use in antidiabetic therapy as an adjuvant.

Protein Hydrolysates and Biopeptides: Production, Biological Activities, and Applications in Foods and Health Benefits. A Review

In recent years, a great deal of interest has been expressed regarding the production, characterization, and applications of protein hydrolysates and food-derived biopeptides due to their numerous beneficial health effects. In this regard, research is mainly focused on investigating the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds. Based on their amino acids composition, sequences, hydrophobicity, and length, peptides released from food proteins, beyond their nutritional properties, can exhibit various biological activities including antihypertensive, antioxidative, antithrombotic, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and antibacterial activities among others. Protein hydrolysates are essentially produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of whole protein sources by appropriate proteolytic enzymes under controlled conditions, followed by posthydrolysis processing to isolate desired and potent bioactive peptides from a complex mixture of active and inactive peptides. Therefore, because of their human health potential and safety profiles, protein hydrolysates and biopeptides may be used as ingredients in functional foods and pharmaceuticals to improve human health and prevent diseases. In this review, we have focused on the major variables influencing the enzymatic process of protein hydrolysates production. The biological properties of protein hydrolysates will be described as well as their applications in foods and health benefits.

Protective effect of coconut water concentrate and its active component shikimic acid against hydroperoxide mediated oxidative stress through suppression of NF-κB and activation of Nrf2 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Conventionally coconut water has been used as an 'excellent hydrating' drink that maintain the electrolyte balance and help in treating diverse ailments related to oxidative stress including liver function. The present study was aimed to elucidate whether and how the coconut water concentrate (CWC) and its major active phytoconstituent shikimic acid (SA) can effectively protect murine hepatocytes from the deleterious effect of hydroperoxide-mediated oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioactivity guided fractionation of CWC resulted in the isolation of a couple of known compounds. Freshly isolated murine hepatocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (1 and 3mM) in the presence or absence of CWC (200 and 400 μg/ml) and SA (40 μM) for the determination of antioxidative, DNA protective, cellular ROS level by modern methods, including immunoblot and flowcytometry to find out the possible mechanism of action.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment of hepatocyte with CWC and SA showed significant prevention of H2O2-induced intracellular ROS generation, nuclear DNA damage along with the formation of hepatic TBARS and cellular nitrite. Further, the H2O2 induced cell death was arrested in the presence of CWC through the inhibition of CDC42 mediated SAPK/JNK pathways and activation of other molecules of apoptotic pathways, including Bax and caspase3. Moreover, CWC and SA help in maintaining the GSH level and endogenous antioxidants like Mn-SOD, to support intracellular defense mechanisms, probably through the transcriptional activation of Nrf2; and inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

CWC and its active components SA reversed the H2O2 induced oxidative damage in hepatocytes, probably through the inhibition of NF-κB, with the activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and reduction of apoptosis by interfering the SAPK/JNK/Bax pathway.