Effects of Momordica charantia Saponins on In vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Population

Dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract modulates rumen microbes and improves the functional food value of milk by altering phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and fatty acid profile in lactating goats

Twenty-four cross-breed (Alpine × Beetal) lactating goats (average body weight: 37.5 ± 2.7 kg and milk yield: 1.78 ± 0.31 kg/day) were chosen for the ninety days duration of the experiment and divided into three groups following a completely randomized design. Group I acted as control (T0) and received only a basal diet as per requirement, whereas group II (T1) and group III (T2) received basal diet added with Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and milk antioxidant status were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Relative abundance of methanogen, protozoa, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens in the rumen were lower, while Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens population was higher (p < 0.05) in T2 and T1 compared to T0. Saturated fatty acids levels in milk were lower, whereas different polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Nutritional indices of milk increased in both supplemented groups. Overall, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of DMI may enhance the functional characteristics of milk by boosting TPC and antioxidant status, as well as the FA profile and nutritional quality indices of milk fat.

Potential Use of Kasedbok (Neptunia javanica Miq.) on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbial Populations in Thai Native Beef Cattle

This experiment was conducted to determine the influence of Kasedbok (Neptunia javanica Miq.) on the feed utilization, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in Thai Native beef cattle. Four animals with a mean body weight of 295 ± 15 kg were randomly arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments, utilizing 0, 80, 160, and 240 g/kg Kasedbok in concentrate. Local feed resources, including cassava chips, rice bran, palm kernel meal, and soybean meal, were utilized to formulate the concentrate diets, which contained between 11.8 and 12.0% crude protein (CP). The trial was conducted for four periods of three weeks each. The first two weeks consisted of an adaptation period, while the final week was a sampling period. The findings of the current study reveal that feed intake, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility were similar between treatments. In addition, there was no effect of Kasedbok levels on rumen pH, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, or volatile fatty acid. However, increasing the inclusion level of Kasedbok linearly decreased CP digestibility and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentration (p = 0.04). In contrast, the population of fungal zoospores improved significantly (p = 0.03), while the bacterial and protozoal counts remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Furthermore, when the level of Kasedbok was increased from 0 to 80, 160, and 240 g/kg DM, the cost of concentrate decreased by 4.1, 7.8, and 10.6 USD/100 kg DM, respectively. The results of this experiment suggest that utilizing 240 g/kg of Kasedbok in a concentrated mixture will not affect feed utilization, rumen fermentation, improve microbial population, and reduce feed cost in Thai native beef cattle.

Alfalfa Silage Treated With Sucrose Has an Improved Feed Quality and More Beneficial Bacterial Communities

Alfalfa silage is one of the main roughages in the production of dairy cow, which can provide nutrition with high quality to improve milk quality and production. Sucrose additions have been widely used to improve the silage quality. In this study, the effects of sucrose on the fermentation quality and bacterial communities of alfalfa silage were investigated here using 0, 0.5, and 1% sucrose ensiling treatments for 15, 30, and 60 days. The ensiling time significantly decreased the crude fiber content and increased the ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid content, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus in the silages. The 1% sucrose-treated silage at 60 days had the lowest neutral detergent fiber acid, acid detergent fiber, and crude fiber content and the highest relative feed value. Moreover, sucrose-treated silage contained less acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, and had a lower pH than the controls for each duration. Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus were the dominant genera in all groups, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Lactobacillus was higher in the 1% sucrose-treated group than in the control. These results suggested that sucrose supplementation could improve alfalfa silage quality and increase its beneficial bacterial content.

Saponins of Momordica charantia increase insulin secretion in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway

Saponins are the main bioactive substances with anti-hyperglycemic activities of Momordica charantia. This study aimed to verify the effects of M. charantia saponins on insulin secretion and explore the potential underlying mechanisms in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. We injured INS-1 cells with 33.3mM glucose and then treated them with saponins. Saponins improved cell morphology and viability as demonstrated by inverted microscopy and CCK8 detection and significantly increased insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner as shown by ELISA. Thus, we obtained the optimal concentration for the subsequent experiments. Potential mechanisms were explored by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and RT-qPCR techniques. First, saponins increased the mRNA and protein levels of IRS-2 but decreased the serine 731 phosphorylation level of IRS-2. Moreover, saponins increased the phosphorylation of Akt protein and decreased the protein level of FoxO1, which were both reversed by the PI3K inhibitor ly294002. Furthermore, saponins increased the protein level of the downstream molecule and insulin initiating factor PDX-1, which was also reversed by ly294002. Saponins also increased Akt and PDX-1 mRNA and decreased FoxO1 mRNA, which were both reversed by ly294002. Saponins increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and intracellular insulin content, which were reversed by ly294002, as determined by ELISA. The immunofluorescence results also confirmed this tendency. In conclusion, our findings improve our understanding of the function of saponins in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and suggest that saponins may increase insulin secretion via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Astragalus root extract improved average daily gain, immunity, antioxidant status and ruminal microbiota of early weaned yak calves

BACKGROUND

Early weaning in yak calves is being attempted to improve yak reproduction rate. However, this has to be done with caution because of the high mortality rate of calves due to the lack of nutrients and the harsh environmental conditions. Twenty-four weaned male yak calves were used in a 60 day feeding trial in which astragalus root extract (ARE) was supplemented. They were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments (n = six per treatment) that differed in ARE level: 0 g kg^-1 (control), ARE₀ ; 20 g kg^-1 , ARE₂₀ ; 50 g kg^-1 , ARE_50; and 80 g kg^-1 dry matter intake (DMI), ARE₈₀ .

RESULTS

Final bodyweight and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly higher and the DMI/ADG ratio was significantly lower in calves with ARE supplementation than control (ARE₀ ) calves. Ruminal concentrations of acetate and propionate and serum concentration of superoxide dismutase in ARE₈₀ calves were higher than in the other groups and serum concentration of insulin was higher in ARE₈₀ calves than in ARE₂₀ calves. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations in ARE-fed calves were higher than in controls. Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) concentration was higher in ARE₅₀ and ARE₈₀ groups than ARE₀ calves and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration was higher in ARE₈₀ than in ARE₀ calves. Serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations increased with age in ARE-fed calves. ARE supplementation increased the abundance of fiber degrading bacteria.

CONCLUSION

ARE at a dosage of 5% to 8% DMI can be supplemented to early weaned yak calves to improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Saponins of Momordica charantia increase insulin secretion in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway

Saponins are the main bioactive substances with anti-hyperglycemic activities of Momordica charantia. This study aimed to verify the effects of M. charantia saponins on insulin secretion and explore the potential underlying mechanisms in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells. We injured INS-1 cells with 33.3mM glucose and then treated them with saponins. Saponins improved cell morphology and viability as demonstrated by inverted microscopy and CCK8 detection and significantly increased insulin secretion in a concentration-dependent manner as shown by ELISA. Thus, we obtained the optimal concentration for the subsequent experiments. Potential mechanisms were explored by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and RT-qPCR techniques. First, saponins increased the mRNA and protein levels of IRS-2 but decreased the serine 731 phosphorylation level of IRS-2. Moreover, saponins increased the phosphorylation of Akt protein and decreased the protein level of FoxO1, which were both reversed by the PI3K inhibitor ly294002. Furthermore, saponins increased the protein level of the downstream molecule and insulin initiating factor PDX-1, which was also reversed by ly294002. Saponins also increased Akt and PDX-1 mRNA and decreased FoxO1 mRNA, which were both reversed by ly294002. Saponins increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and intracellular insulin content, which were reversed by ly294002, as determined by ELISA. The immunofluorescence results also confirmed this tendency. In conclusion, our findings improve our understanding of the function of saponins in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and suggest that saponins may increase insulin secretion via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

The effect of total and individual alfalfa saponins on rumen methane production

BACKGROUND

Ten varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were evaluated for saponin content. Two of the most promising varieties were chosen so that their effect on rumen fermentation and methane production could be studied. Initially, four Hohenheim gas tests (HGT) were performed to test the effect of increased levels of total saponin extracted from the two alfalfa cultivars (Kometa and Verko) - either as fresh material or ensiled - on the total bacteria, total protozoa, methane emission, and selected methanogenic population. Afterwards, seven particular saponins were extracted from fresh alfalfa of the Kometa variety and tested in 24 h batch fermentation culture experiments.

RESULTS

The ensiled forms of both the Verko and Kometa alfalfa varieties seem to be good sources of saponin, capable of reducing methane production (P < 0.05) without negatively affecting the basic fermentation parameters. Of the two evaluated varieties, Kometa was the most effective, and the saponins extracted from its roots 3-Glc,28-Glc Ma, medicagenic saponin, and 3-Glu Ma showed the most evident effect (P = 0.0001). The most promising aerial alfalfa saponin in mitigating methane production was soysaponin I K salt (P = 0.0001). Three mixtures of saponins were tested and all were found to mitigate methane production; however, one mixture (MIX 1) did so only to a very small extent.

CONCLUSION

Saponins have been observed to have differing effects depending on their source; however, the mode of action of saponins depends on their direct or probable indirect effect on the microorganisms involved in methane production. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of herbal feed additives containing saponins on rumen fermentation pattern

Macrotyloma uniflorum (kulthi) seeds, Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) roots or Acacia concina (shikakai) pods were supplemented to total mixed rations (TMR) @ 0-3% (on DM basis) to assess the impact of herbal feed additives (HFAs) on the in vitro rumen fermentation pattern. The saponin content and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl- hydrate (DPHH) antioxidant activity was highest in A. racemosus than other HFAs. But total phenols, non tannin phenols, true tannins, condensed tannins, vitamin C and flavanoid contents were highest inM. uniflorum and lowest in A. concina. The dose/level of supplementation of HFAs, irrespective of their nature did not affect net gas production (NGP) and availability of metabolizable energy (ME) from TMR, but digestibility of nutrients and partitioning factor (PF) decreased in comparison to the unsupplemented group. The total and individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production; and acetate to propionate ratio was improved when the TMR was supplemented with HFAs at 1% level. The methane and ammonia-N production was depressed at 2% level as compared to control group. Irrespective of the dose, the total VFAs, acetate, and propionate production was higher while ammonia-N decreased in M. uniflorum supplemented TMR than other HFAs supplemented groups. Methane production from the TMR was comparable in the diet supplemented with different HFAs, however, diet supplemented with M. uniflorum resulted in lower methane production. Amongst the tested HFAs, M. uniflorum was a richer source of most of the bio-active compounds. Based on in vitro fermentation parameters, M. uniflorum supplemented to TMR @ 2% gave the best results.

Momordica charantia mitigates hepatic injury following adjuvant treatment with antiretroviral drugs in diabetic animal models

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) is a medicinal plant, used in traditional practice for treating diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the possible hepato-protective effect of M. charantia following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in diabetic rats. 48 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups (A-G) of 7 animals per group and treated according to protocols. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (45 mg/kg body weight). The animals were euthanized on the 10th week with liver removed for examination and blood obtained via cardiac puncture and centrifuged to collect the sera. Blood glucose levels (BGL) were consistently and significantly raised (p < 0.05) in all groups not receiving the adjuvant M. charantia. Treatment with M. charantia reverses the increase in BGL to near normal. Markers of liver injury assayed showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in AST, ALP and ALT levels in groups not receiving M. charantia. Adjuvant HAART and M. charantia caused significant declines in the liver enzymes (p < 0.05). Serum GGT was not markedly altered. Treatment with M. charantia significantly restored liver enzymes elevations to near normal comparable to control. Histopathological observations ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis and massive fibrosis following treatment of HAART in diabetic groups not receiving M. charantia. Treatment with M. charantia did not show any sign of hepatotoxicity as judged from the histological and biochemical observations.

Renal histopathological and biochemical changes following adjuvant intervention of Momordica charantia and antiretroviral therapy in diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important primary cause of end-stage kidney disease. This study explores the mechanisms of the reno-protective effects of Momordica charantia (M. charantia) in diabetic rats following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen triplavar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=48) were divided into 7 groups (A-G).Treatment groups (B-G) had 7 animals per group and control group (Group A) had 6 animals per group. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (STZ 45 mg/kg body weight). The animals were euthanized on the tenth week with kidneys removed for examination and blood obtained via cardiac puncture.

RESULTS

Key renal parameters showed no albuminuria, normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and electrolytes in all groups treated with M. charantia. Untreated diabetic (Group B) and HAART treated diabetic (Group C) showed severe albuminuria, a significantly raised BUN and serum creatinine (P<0.05) and gross electrolyte disturbances. Blood glucose levels were consistently and significantly raised in all groups not receiving the adjuvant M. charantia (P<0.05). Levels of oxidative stress enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase and activities of Reduced Gluthaione (GSH) and Malondiadehyde (MDA) were significantly lower in all groups not receiving M. charantia. Histopathology in untreated diabetic and HAART treated animals showed severe degenerative changes in the glomeruli and inflammatory cellular infiltration while M. charantia treated animals showed an essentially normal glomerular appearance with capillary loops and normal cytoarchitecture.

CONCLUSION

M. charantia extract administration improved blood glucose levels, reinstates renal function, reduces body weight loss and restores hyperglycemia.

Effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Muell. Arg. pomace as a source of plant secondary compounds on digestibility, rumen environment, hematology, and milk production in dairy cows

Mao pomace meal (MPM) contains condensed tannins and saponins at 92 and 98 g/kg, respectively, and these substances can be used to manipulate ruminal fermentation in ruminant. Four multiparous lactating Holstein cows with 45 ± 5 days in milk were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four different levels of MPM supplementation at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/head/day, respectively. Cows were fed with concentrate diets at 1:1.5 of concentrate to milk yield ratio and urea-treated (3%) rice straw was fed ad libitum. The results revealed that feed intake, nutrient digestibility, blood urea nitrogen, and hematological parameters were not affected by MPM supplementation (p > 0.05). However, ruminal pH and propionate were increased quadratically (p < 0.05) in cows receiving MPM whereas acetate, acetate to propionate ratio and estimate methane production were decreased (p < 0.05). Supplementation of MPM linearly decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen and protozoal population at 4 hr postfeeding (p < 0.05). Milk production and milk composition were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of MPM at 200 g/head/day could modify ruminal fermentation and reduce methane production without adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility, hematological parameters, and milk production in dairy cows.

Momordica charantia: a popular health-promoting vegetable with multifunctionality

Products derived from edible medicinal plants have been used for centuries to prevent, treat, and even cure multiple diseases. Momordica charantia L., widely cultivated around the world, is a typical one bred for vegetables and medicinal usage. All parts of M. charantia possess important medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, anticancer, hypotensive, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anthelmintic, neuro-protective, as well as hepato-protective properties both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the active components and medicinal properties of M. charantia, especially the activities and mechanisms of its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. The anti-diabetic properties involve inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidase and glucose transport, protecting islet β-cells, enhancing insulin secretion, increasing hepatic glucose disposal, decreasing gluconeogenesis, and even ameliorating insulin resistance. Moreover, the expressions of PPARs could also be activated and up-regulated. Meanwhile, its anticancer properties are mostly due to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and expression of serum factors associated with immunity. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of M. charantia and its benefits for development as a functional food.

Medicinally active principles analysis of Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) DC. growing in the United Arab Emirates

Background

Tephrosia apollinea is a leguminous plant and is native to southwest Asia, Arabia, northwestern India and northeast Africa. In traditional system, it is used for medicinal and coloring purpose. The present study aims to explore the phytochemical, proximate analysis, element contents and antioxidant potential of T. apollinea extract.

Methods

The phytochemical screening was done with qualitative methods. Proximate analysis and elemental composition were performed from powdered sample. In vitro antioxidant assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and reducing power-scavenging assays were used for evaluating the antioxidant properties.

Results

Qualitative screening of methanolic extract of T. apollinea showed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins. The methanolic extract of T. apollinea exhibited a significant dose dependent inhibition of DPPH activity, with a 50% inhibition (IC⁵⁰) at a concentration found to be 29.41 µg/ml, which was compared with standard GAE (IC⁵⁰ = 31.09 μg/ml). The reducing power shows good linear relationship in both standard gallic acid (R² = 0.956) and T. apollinea extract (0.984).

Conclusions

The results of our study clearly suggested that the methanolic extract of T. apollinea may serve as potential source of natural antioxidant for nutraceutical application.