Insoluble fiber in young barley leaf suppresses the increment of postprandial blood glucose level by increasing the digesta viscosity

Redirecting barley breeding for grass production through genome editing of Photoperiod-H1

Genome editing enables precise modification to harness an elite grain-producing barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar for grass production.

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Fiber in Young Barley Leaf on Gut Microbiota and Immunity in Mice

The health benefits of young barley leaves, rich in dietary fiber, have been studied for several decades; however, their beneficial effects on the intestinal microenvironment remain to be elucidated. To investigate the effects of young barley leaf-derived dietary fiber (YB) on the gut microbiota and immunity, mice were fed an AIN-93G diet containing cellulose or YB and subjected to subsequent analysis. The population of MHC-II-positive conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and CD86 expression in the cDCs of Peyer's patches were elevated in the YB-fed mice. MHC-II and CD86 expression was also elevated in the bone marrow-derived DCs treated with YB. 16S-based metagenomic analysis revealed that the gut microbiota composition was markedly altered by YB feeding. Among the gut microbiota, Lachnospiraceae, mainly comprising butyrate-producing NK4A136 spp., were overrepresented in the YB-fed mice. In fact, fecal butyrate concentration was also augmented in the YB-fed mice, which coincided with increased retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) activity in the CD103+ cDCs of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Consistent with elevated RALDH activity, the population of colonic IgA+ plasma cells was higher in the YB-fed mice than in the parental control mice. In conclusion, YB has beneficial effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal immune system.

Performance and nutrigenomics modulations in response to the inclusion of biologically treated date-palm mulch and enzyme mixture in the diets of growing rabbits

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Allzyme addition on biologically-treated date-palm mulch (DPM) based diets for growing rabbits. DPM was treated by Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma reesi 230, Plorotus oysterous, and Phanaerochyte chrysosporium. Eighty rabbits were assigned to four groups: a control group, tDPM (10% tDPM inclusion of total diet), Allzyme (Allzyme supplementation), and tDPM + Allzyme (tDPM and Allzyme supplementation). The biological treatment resulted in a significant increase in crude protein and reductions in crude fiber. There was an interaction between tDPM and Allzyme at 9- and 10-week BW. The negative effects of tDPM on BW started at 8-week of age. The tDPM had unfavorable effects on slaughter and meat quality traits. The tDPM-by-Allzyme interaction affected total protein and globulin concentrations. However, blood glucose concentration was influenced by both tDPM and Allzyme. A significant tDPM effect was detected on the expression of INSR, GHSR, and IGF1 genes. However, the Allzyme effect was significant for PPARg and FASN genes. In conclusion, feeding tDPM negatively impacted rabbit's performance, however, Allzyme supplementation alleviated some of those effects. Accordingly, tDPM is recommended to be included in the diets of growing rabbits along with Allzyme supplementation.

Dietary Bamboo Charcoal Decreased Visceral Adipose Tissue Weight by Enhancing Fecal Lipid Excretions in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Bamboo charcoal (BC) powder is prepared from thick bamboo stems via dry distillation and is often used for food coloring. Due to the unique structure of the micropores in bamboo stems, BC powder also serves as an indigestible carrier to prevent the absorption of toxic substances and nutrients from the digestive tract. This study evaluated the health-promoting function of BC, particularly its effects in decreasing visceral adipose tissue in a mouse model with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed either a low-fat (LF) diet (7% fat), HF diet (25% fat), or HF diet with 0.5% BC (HF-BC). After 80 days, the HF-BC diet was found to have decreased epididymal and mesenteric white adipose tissue weights compared to HFD. The inhibition of visceral fat accumulation by BC intake was partly due to enhanced fecal fatty acid excretion induced by its bile acid-binding and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Contrarily, the gut microbiota, known to influence systemic energy metabolism, did not change significantly between the HF and HF-BC groups. These results indicate that dietary BC inhibits visceral fat accumulation, which could reduce obesity development.

Impact of Six Extraction Methods on Molecular Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Young Hulless Barley Leaves

Young hulless barley leaves are gaining recognition for potential health benefits, and the method of extracting polysaccharides from them is critical for potential food industry applications. This study delves into a comparative analysis of six distinct fiber extraction techniques: hot water extraction; high-pressure steam extraction; alkaline extraction; xylanase extraction; cellulase extraction; and combined xylanase and cellulase extraction. This analysis included a thorough comparison of polysaccharide-monosaccharide composition, structural properties, antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), and rheological properties among fibers extracted using these methods. The results underscore that the combined enzymatic extraction method yielded the highest extraction yield (22.63%), while the rest of the methods yielded reasonable yields (~20%), except for hot water extraction (4.11%). Monosaccharide composition exhibited divergence across methods; alkaline extraction yielded a high abundance of xylose residues, whereas the three enzymatic methods demonstrated elevated galactose components. The extracted crude polysaccharides exhibited relatively low molecular weights, ranging from 5.919 × 104 Da to 3.773 × 105 Da across different extraction methods. Regarding antioxidant activities, alkaline extraction yielded the highest value in the ABTS assay, whereas enzymatically extracted polysaccharides, despite higher yield, demonstrated lower antioxidant capacity. In addition, enzymatically extracted polysaccharides exerted stronger shear thinning behavior and higher initial viscosity.

Saponarin, a Di-glycosyl Flavone from Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): An Effective Compound for Plant Defense and Therapeutic Application

Saponarin (SA) is a major di-C-glycosyl-O-glycosyl flavone, which is predominantly accumulated in the young green leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), with numerous biological functions in plants, such as protection against environmental stresses. Generally, SA synthesis and its localization in the mesophyll vacuole or leaf epidermis are largely stimulated in response to biotic and abiotic stresses to participate in a plant's defense response. In addition, SA is also credited for its pharmacological properties, such as the regulation of signaling pathways associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. In recent years, many researchers have shown the potential of SA to treat oxidative and inflammatory disorders, such as in protection against liver diseases, and reducing blood glucose, along with antiobesity effects. This review aims to highlight natural variations of SA in plants, biosynthesis pathway, and SA's role in response to environmental stress and implications in various therapeutic applications. In addition, we also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning SA use and commercialization.

Insoluble Fiber in Barley Leaf Attenuates Hyperuricemic Nephropathy by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Hyperuricemia (HUA), characterized by abnormal serum uric acid (UA) levels, is recognized as an important risk factor for hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), which is strongly linked to gut microbiota. This study investigated the protective effects and regulatory mechanisms of insoluble fiber from barley leaves (BL) against HN, induced by adenine (Ad) and potassium oxonate (PO). The results showed that BL dramatically reduced the levels of serum UA and creatinine (CR) and alleviated renal injury and fibrosis. Moreover, BL modulated oxidative stress and downregulated the expression of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) in the kidneys of mice with HN. In addition, the 16S rRNA sequence data showed that BL also increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, including Bacteroides, Alloprevotella, and Eisenbergiella. Besides, BL treatment also increased SCFAs levels. Of interest, the application of SCFAs in hyperuricemic mice effectively reduced their serum UA. Furthermore, SCFAs dose-dependently inhibited URAT1 and GLUT9 in vitro and potently interacted with URAT1 and GLUT9 in the docking analysis. When taken together, our results indicate that BL and its metabolite SCFAs may be potential candidates for relieving HUA or HN.

Proteinous pancreatic lipase inhibitor is responsible for the antiobesity effect of young barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaf extract

Young barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.) have various health effects and are employed as an ingredient in the production of health-promoting foods. Promoting antiobesity is one such health effect; however, the mechanism and bioactive compounds are unclear. In this research, young barley leaf extract (YB) was demonstrated to possess pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. The addition of YB to a high-fat diet in mice increased fecal lipid content, indicating reduced absorption of lipids as the mechanism underlying antiobesity effect. The investigation of bioactive compounds in YB resulted in the identification of fructose-bisphosphate aldolase as a proteinous lipase inhibitor. Maximum inhibition of the protein was 45%, but inhibition was displayed at a concentration as low as 16 ng/mL, which is a characteristic inhibition compared with other reported proteinous lipase inhibitors.

Acute Oral Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Polysaccharide Fraction from Young Barley Leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Polysaccharides isolated from various plants are considered precious bioactive materials owing to their potent biological activities. Previously, we prepared a polysaccharide fraction (BLE0) isolated from young barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.), demonstrating its anti-osteoporotic and immunostimulatory activities. However, data regarding BLE0 toxicity is lacking. To establish its safety, in vitro genotoxicity (chromosomal aberration and bacterial reverse mutation assays) and acute oral toxicity assays were conducted. In the in vitro genotoxicity assays, bacterial reverse mutation and chromosomal aberration assays showed that BLE0 possessed no mutagenicity or clastogenicity. Furthermore, the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of BLE0 was higher than 5000 mg/kg in female and male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and no adverse effects were observed in terms of mortality and abnormal changes in clinical signs (body weight and necropsy). Based on these results, BLE0 was found to be safe with regards to genotoxicity under our test conditions, demonstrating no acute oral toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg in SD rats.

Barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) inhibits obesity and improves lipid profile in high fat diet-induced rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hordeum vulgare (L.), commonly known as barley belonging to Poaceae family is a widely used cereal. Barley seeds are considered to possess high nutritional value and antioxidant properties. The grass of barley is also considered as a part of health drink in many parts of India. It is claimed to suppress a number of health disorders including obesity, diabetes, circulatory disorders, arthritis, anemia, excessive cholesterol levels, renal difficulties, and cancer. However, the antiobesity potential of barley grass has not been explored till now.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to characterize and evaluate the anti-obesity activity of barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) in high fat diet induced model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Barley grass juice was characterized by GC-MS analysis for identifying the active phytochemical constituents and was subjected to standard in vitro antioxidant studies. For in vivo studies, obesity was induced by high fat diet model in adult male Wistar rats. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) was used as the standard and barley grass juice was administered at two dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg) for a period of 60 days. Anthropometric parameters, lipid profile and liver function markers were screened at regular intervals in all the treatment groups. At the end of the study, histopathological evaluations of liver and carotid artery were performed. The levels of in vivo antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde were also estimated in the liver homogenates. Expression levels of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3 were determined in the liver.

RESULTS

Results indicated that barley grass juice (Hordeum vulgare L.) exhibited potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Rats administered with high fat diet for 60 days showed a significant increase in body weight, BMI, altered lipid profile, liver function markers like AST, ALT, ALP and increased expression of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3. However, administration of barley grass juice for 60 days, profoundly decreased the bodyweight, BMI, improved lipid profile and liver function markers. This was supported by the decreased expression of PPAR-gamma and caspase 3 in liver. Histopathological variations observed in liver and carotid artery of high fat diet group, when treated with BJG showed preserved hepatocytes and reduced atherosclerosis. GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 12 phytochemical constituents in barley grass juice.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the antiobesity activity of barley grass juice and it may be concluded that barley grass juice can be an effective nutraceutical in the management of obesity.

Effects of Eleutherococcus Extract Mixture on Endochondral Bone Formation in Rats

Eleutherococcus extract mixture (EEM) is an herbal mixture of dried stem of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus and germinated barley, which has been highly effective, in previous screening and among the traditional medicines to tonify innate qi and acquired qi, respectively. In this study, we investigate the effects of EEM on endochondral bone formation. Female adolescent rats were given EEM, growth hormone or vehicle for 10 days. Tetracycline was intraperitoneally injected to light the fluorescent band 72 h before sacrifice to determine endochondral bone formation. In order to evaluate endocrine or paracrine/autocrine mechanisms, expressions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), or bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) were evaluated after EEM administration in liver or growth plate (GP). EEM oral administration significantly increased endochondral bone formation and proliferative and hypertrophic zonal heights of tibial GP. EEM also upregulated hepatic IGF1 and IGFBP3 mRNA expressions, and IGF1 and BMP2 expressions in GP. Taken together, EEM increases endochondral bone formation through stimulating proliferation and hypertrophy with upregulation of hepatic IGF1 and IGFBP3 expressions. Considering immunohistochemical studies, the effect of EEM may be due to increased local IGF1 and BMP2 expression in GP, which may be considered growth hormone (GH)-dependent endocrine and autocrine/paracrine pathways.

Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of green sprouts juice and functional dairy micronutrients against streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress and diabetes in rats

Hyperglycemia, the mark normal for diabetes and associated disorders are the main goals of natural diabetes therapies. In this context, the present research was designed to study the effects of fenugreek sprouts juice (FS), barley sprouts juice (BS), cell-free probiotic extract (cell-free PE), whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and their mixture on diabetic rats. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of each item mentioned were determined. Diabetes was induced through the injection of male rats with a single intraperitoneal dose (45 mg/kg) of streptozotocin. After the development of diabetes, diabetic rats were orally administered daily with 1ml of with fenugreek sprouts juice, barley sprouts juice, cell-free probiotic extract, whey protein hydrolysate or their mixture until the end of the study period (45 day). Oral administration of fenugreek sprouts juice, barley sprouts juice, cell-free probiotic extract, whey protein hydrolysate and their mixture to diabetic rats significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved the lipid profile. All the studied items limit the reductions of haemoglobin concentrations and plasma α-amylase activities. Also all the studied items suppressed the elevation of malondialdehyde values and the reduction of catalase activities. Histopathological investigation of pancreas, liver and kidneys of the diabetic rats showed histological alterations. On the other hand, supplementations with the tested materials lead to relieving these injuries. Results revealed that fenugreek sprouts juice, barley sprouts juice, cell-free probiotic extract, whey protein hydrolysate and their mixture had promising effects towards hyperglycemia and associated disorders.

Gut microbiota promotes production of aromatic metabolites through degradation of barley leaf fiber

Barley leaf (BL) contains abundant plant fibers, which are important substrates for the metabolism and degradation by the gut microbiota. Here we show that mice fed a diet supplemented with BL exhibited altered gut bacterial composition characterized by the enrichment of fiber-degrading bacteria Lachnospiraceae and Prevotella. Gut microbiota-mediated BL degradation promoted butyrate and propionate production. Metabolomic analysis showed increased aromatic metabolites such as ferulic acid, 3-phenylpropanoic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid in feces of mice fed with BL. Finally, antibiotic treatment and anaerobic fermentation confirmed the obligate role of gut microbiota in the production of aromatic metabolites during BL degradation. Together, these findings provide insights into a gut microbiota-mediated degradation process of BL fiber components, which results in the production of microbial-associated metabolites that may exert potential active effects on host physiology.

Preventive and Therapeutic Role of Functional Ingredients of Barley Grass for Chronic Diseases in Human Beings

Barley grass powder is the best functional food that provides nutrition and eliminates toxins from cells in human beings; however, its functional ingredients have played an important role as health benefit. In order to better cognize the preventive and therapeutic role of barley grass for chronic diseases, we carried out the systematic strategies for functional ingredients of barley grass, based on the comprehensive databases, especially the PubMed, Baidu, ISI Web of Science, and CNKI, between 2008 and 2017. Barley grass is rich in functional ingredients, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, saponarin, lutonarin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), K, Ca, Se, tryptophan, chlorophyll, vitamins (A, B1, C, and E), dietary fiber, polysaccharide, alkaloid, metallothioneins, and polyphenols. Barley grass promotes sleep; has antidiabetic effect; regulates blood pressure; enhances immunity; protects liver; has anti-acne/detoxifying and antidepressant effects; improves gastrointestinal function; has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and antigout effects; reduces hyperuricemia; prevents hypoxia, cardiovascular diseases, fatigue, and constipation; alleviates atopic dermatitis; is a calcium supplement; improves cognition; and so on. These results support that barley grass may be one of the best functional foods for preventive chronic diseases and the best raw material of modern diet structure in promoting the development of large health industry and further reveal that GABA, flavonoids, SOD, K-Ca, vitamins, and tryptophan mechanism of barley grass have preventive and therapeutic role for chronic diseases. This paper can be used as a scientific evidence for developing functional foods and novel drugs for barley grass for preventive chronic diseases.

Barley Seedling Extracts Inhibit RANKL-Induced Differentiation, Fusion, and Maturation of Osteoclasts in the Early-to-Late Stages of Osteoclastogenesis

The number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing worldwide, and a decrease in bone mass is a main risk factor for fracture. The prevention of bone loss is critical for improving the quality of life for patients. However, the long-term use of antiosteoporotic agents is limited due to their side effects. Barley has been traditionally ingested for thousands of years as a safe, natural food with pharmaceutical properties, and its seedling can enhance the biological activity of the medicinal components found in food. This study aimed to clarify the antiresorptive activity of barley seedling and its mode of action. Barley seedling extracts (BSE) dose-dependently inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation with alteration of IκB degradation, c-Fos, and NFATc1 molecules in the early-to-middle stages of osteoclastogenesis. In the late phase of osteoclastogenesis, BSE also prevented DC-STAMP and cathepsin K, which are required for cell fusion and bone degradation, such as osteoclast function. In conclusion, barley seedling from natural foods may provide long-term safety and be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoclast-mediated bone metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis.

Effects of a Dietary Supplement with Barley Sprout Extract on Blood Cholesterol Metabolism

Objective. Barley sprout (Hordeum vulgare L.) contains 4.97% fat, 52.6% polysaccharide, and 34.1% protein along with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and polyphenolic compounds. Hexacosanol is one such compound from the barley leaf that might improve cholesterol metabolism by decreasing cholesterol synthesis. Method. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of barley sprout extract on serum lipid metabolism in healthy volunteers (n = 51). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: one group consumed a single capsule of barley leaf extract daily (n = 25, 42.48 ± 13.58 years) and the other consumed placebo capsules (n = 26, 40.54 ± 11.1 years) for 12 weeks. Results. After 12 weeks, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein- (LDL-) cholesterol were not lower in the barley sprout extract group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.415 and p = 0.351, resp.) and no differences in clinical or laboratory findings were observed between both groups. Conclusion. Our study failed to show significant lipid-lowering effects of barley sprout extract, possibly due to dosage, duration of therapy, and small sample size. Despite our nonsignificant findings, barley sprout has a possibility as a functional health food; therefore future research is needed.

Effects of young barley leaf powder on gastrointestinal functions in rats and its efficacy-related physicochemical properties

Young barley leaf is consumed as a popular green-colored drink, which is named “Aojiru” in Japan. In the present study, we examined effects of young barley leaf powder (BL) on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) and fecal moisture and weight in comparison with wheat bran (WB) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, an attempt was made to identify BL components responsible for these effects by using various fractions of BL. Additionally, we examined the water-holding capacity and setting volume of BL in vitro. We also examined the granular structures of BL with a scanning electron microscope. As a result, BL supplementation in the diet increased the fecal weight and shortened GTT. Our results demonstrate that the active component responsible for the effect on increasing the fecal volume in BL is the water-insoluble dietary fiber fraction and that this effect is thought to be caused by stimulation of the gut tract by the pH lowering. Furthermore, the high laxative action of BL was thought to be ascribable to the high water-holding capacity due to the complicated structures of BL.