Coffee leaf valorisation into functional wheat flour rusk: their nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory properties

Coffee leaves are currently emerging as a promising agri-food resource rich in phenolics. This study aims to valorise coffee leaf powder (CLP) by incorporating it in refined wheat flour rusk formulations and analyse its physio-chemical, rheological, functional and sensory characteristics. The progressive replacement of CLP improved the dietary fibre (2.51 ± 0.2%), ash (1.09 ± 0.11%), and water absorption capacity (59.7 ± 0.1%) of the flours. It considerably enhanced the falling number and sedimentation values of the flour blends while decreased the loaf volume. Progressive increase in the dietary phenolics (232.21-435.19 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (6.0-7.5 mg/100 g), and ABTS antioxidant activity (963.89-1607.25 µMTEAC/g) of the rusks was observed upon CLP addition. Rusks with 3% CLP were found to have significantly acceptable physical and sensory characteristics. Thus, supplementation of CLP in rusk helps in valorising coffee leaves besides providing a functional bakery product to the coffee industry.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05927-z.

Functioning of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in honey coffee (Coffea canephora) and their effect on metabolites, volatiles and flavor profiles

Post-harvesting and microbial activity of coffee play a critical role in the metabolites and the sensory quality of the brew. The pulped natural/honey coffee process is an improvised semi-dry technique consisting of prolonged fermentation of depulped coffee beans excluding washing steps. The starter culture application in coffee industry plays an important role to enhance the cup quality. This work focuses on the fermentation of pulped natural/honey Robusta coffee with a starter culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 173) and the identification of fermentation patterns through 1H NMR, microbial ecology, volatomics and organoleptics of brew. Fermentation was accelerated by yeast populace (10 cfu log/mL) for 192 h. Principal compound analysis performed on 1H NMR led to the investigation of metabolites such as sugars, alkaloids, alcohols, organic acids and amino acids. Detection of some sugars and organic acids represented that the starter cultures imparted few metabolic changes during the process. A major activity of sugars in fermentation with 83.3 % variance in PC 1 and 16.7 % in PC 2 was observed. The chemical characteristics such as carbohydrates (41.88 ± 0.77 mg/g), polyphenols (34.16 ± 0.79 mg/g), proteins (58.54 ± 0.66 mg/g), caffeine (26.54 ± 0.06 mg/g), and CGA (21.83 ± 0.04 mg/g) were also evaluated. The heatmap-based visualization of GC-MS accorded characterization of additional 5 compounds in treated (T) coffee contributing to sweet, fruity and caramelly odor notes compared to untreated (UT). The sensory outlines 72.5 in T and 70.5 in UT scores. Preparation of honey coffee with Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the first report, which modulated the flavor and quality of coffee.

Pulped natural/honey robusta coffee fermentation metabolites, physico-chemical and sensory profiles

The pulped natural/honey coffee (HC) of Coffea canephora (Robusta) is an innovative modified semi-dry technique. Studies have focused on HC and washed coffee (WC) fermentation, microbial metabolites, quality of green and roasted, using 1H NMR, GC-MS, and sensory investigation. Pipecolate and 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutarate have been identified for the first time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) variability of the roasted beans, with PC 1 depicting 87.4 % and 12.6 % PC 2 respectively highlights the impact of major sugars and secondary metabolites acquired through HC. The HC fermentation (192 h) influenced carbohydrates, organic acids, and secondary metabolites besides flavor precursors compared to WC (72 h). Although HC and WC beans share similar physical qualities, enhanced volatile compounds, enriched concentration, organoleptics with pleasant, sweet, tea rose and chocolaty flavors attributes were embodied in HC than WC. The pulped natural post-harvest technique in robusta is a value addition with quality that can fetch a better premium.

Coffee oligosaccharides and their role in health and wellness

Coffee oligosaccharides (COS) are novel sources of prebiotics comprising manno-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides, and cello-oligosaccharides. These oligosaccharides function as prebiotics, antioxidant-dietary fiber owing to important physicochemical and physiological properties, adjuvants, pharma, nutraceutical food, gut health, immune system boosting, cancer treatment, and many more. Research suggests COS performs prebiotic action, as it enhances gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria in the colon and releasing functional metabolites such as SCFAs. However, research on COS concerning other metabolic illnesses is still lacking. Among various production strategies, pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis are preferred for the production of COS. Functional oligosaccharides can add value to coffee waste and reduce the environmental impact of coffee manufacturing, besides providing more options for healthy and active ingredients. This review updates COS, production, bio-activity, their role as a functional food, food supplements/natural food additives, prebiotics and many applications of health sectors. Research is desirable to extend information on COS and their bio-activity, besides in vivo and clinical trials, to assess their effects in prior human formulations into the food and therapeutic arena.

Modulatory effect of green coffee bioactives on high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL6 mice model

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of green coffee bioactives in ameliorating the effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity through in vitro and in vivo assessments.

METHODS

Green coffee extract (GCE) was obtained by implementing a novel green extraction technique. The efficacy of GCE to inhibit in vitro pancreatic amylase and lipase was evaluated. Further, in vivo studies were conducted using a C57BL6 mice model grouped as starch-fed diet control, HFD control, HFD + positive control, HFD + GCE (100 mg/kg body weight), and HFD + GCE (200 mg/kg body weight). Animal body weight, diet intake, and fecal fat excretion were measured during the feeding period. On completion of the experiment, blood serum was collected for biochemical analysis, and organs were harvested for assessing the obesity-related biomarkers.

RESULTS

The obtained GCE was enriched with polyphenols and alkaloids. GCE led to significant (P < 0.05) in vitro inhibition of pancreatic amylase and lipase. GCE supplementation considerably prevented weight gain in treated groups post-consumption of HFD. It also led to increased fecal fat excretion and regulated the high-fat-mediated blood glucose levels. GCE effectively modulated the blood lipid profile, morphology of adipose and liver tissues, and liver antioxidant defense enzymes and resulted in hepatoprotective effects. It also downregulated the genes associated with lipid biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

GCE exhibits promising results in suppressing the consequences associated with HFD-induced obesity. It has the potential to be incorporated into food products benefiting consumer health and food industries.

Coffee leaf extract exhibits anti-obesity property and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced C57BL6 obese mice

In the present study, the effect of coffee leaf extract (CLE) on in vitro enzyme inhibition was studied. Furthermore, its impact on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (C57BL/6) at the levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight along with positive control (orlistat) and the normal group maintained with starch-fed diet (SFD) was observed. CLE had significant α amylase and lipase enzyme inhibitory properties. In HFD-induced obese mice, treatment with CLE significantly reduced the body weight gain. The investigation demonstrated that CLE administration lowered blood glucose, total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL levels while increasing the HDL levels. It reduced the development of fatty liver by reducing hepatic fat accumulation and decreased the fat cell size in the adipose tissue. Further, CLE significantly increased the liver antioxidant enzyme activities and lowered the levels of hepatotoxicity markers in the serum when compared to the HFD-fed mice. The treatment also downregulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic transcription factors (SREBP-1c, CEBP-α) and enzymes (ACC, FAS) than HFD. Overall, the results indicate that coffee leaves have anti-obesity potential and can be used as functional ingredients in the development of innovative products for managing lifestyle disorders such as obesity.

Influence of milk fat on the physicochemical property of nanoencapsulated curcumin and enhancement of its biological properties thereof

Curcumin, bioactive from turmeric Curcuma longa, has been known for its therapeutic properties. However, its lipophilic nature and poor bioavailability are the constraints to harnessing its properties. Encapsulation in nano-size helps to alleviate the constraints and enhance its biological properties due to its higher surface area. The study aims to encapsulate curcumin in a nanometer size range by solubilizing in lipid (milk fat) and using milk protein as a water-soluble carrier. The lipid:curcumin ratio (1:0.05, 1:0.1, 1:0.2, 1.5:0.1, 1.5:0.2, 2.0:0.1 and 2:0.2% (w/w)) produced nanoemulsion with droplets sizes 30-200 nm. The sample containing lipid: curcumin, as 1.0:0.05 resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 92.6%, and its binding interaction with the carrier, was KD = 4.7 µM. A high solubility of curcumin in milk fat and digestion during in vitro lipolysis increased its bioaccessibility. A simulated gastro-intestinal in vitro studies showed that cumulative release percentage of nanoencapsulated curcumin was 60% at pH 7.4 compared to 0.8% of native curcumin. The anti-microbial property of nanoencapsulated curcumin was more potent than native curcumin against food pathogenic organisms such as S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, P. aeruginosa, C. violaceum.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05684-5.

Valorization of coffee leaves as a potential agri-food resource: bio-active compounds, applications and future prospective

This article intends to summarize all the up-to-date information on coffee leaves, rendering it to be used as a potential agri-food resource in the growing functional foods and pharma industries. Coffee leaves have been processed for herbal tea and ethno-medicine since centuries in the parts of the world where coffee is grown traditionally. Currently, interest in the valorisation of coffee leaves for its application in the food industry is proliferating and the research related to it is scanty and, therefore, worthwhile to congregate. The current review compromises the botanical description, chemical composition, bio-actives and ethnomedicinal properties of coffee leaves. It encompasses the existing pharmacological studies on coffee leaves including the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities to pave path for future research. Furthermore, applications and patents associated with coffee leaves in different fields such as therapeutic agents, beverages, packaging material, tobacco substitute etc. have been summarized. The investigation reveals that, despite of many patents on coffee leaves only few products could reach the worldwide market; also in spite of coffee leaves having a rich ethno-medicinal use the study on its pharmacological activities are scarce which creates a huge scope to carry out in-vitro and in-vivo research on its various bio-activities. Future insights reflecting the supplementary research regarding the sensory attributes, changes in phytochemical composition, flavour development and product formulations which is vital are also discussed. In conclusion, this review addresses the breach and specifies the requirements to convert the existing knowledge into commercialized food products with functional properties. Thus, coffee leaves being a copious resource of bio-actives serve as a potential agri-food resource and a promising future in the emerging functional food and nutraceutical industry.

Assessment of biogrowth assemblages with depth in a seawater intake system of a coastal power station

Marine biogrowth infestation of a seawater intake system was investigated. A digital camera fixed onto a skid was used to record the biogrowth at intervals of 5 m up to a depth of 55 m. Divers inspected the intake shaft and collected the biogrowth samples for biomass estimation. A biomass density of 7.5 kg m^-2 and 28.2 kg m^-2 was recorded at 5 and 30 m depths respectively. Inspection by the divers revealed that hard-shelled organisms such as oysters and brown and green mussels were observed in plenty up to a thickness of 15 cm and bryozoans grew as epibionts. At lower depths (<40 m), hydroids grew on the shells of green mussels along with silt accumulation. The biofouling community was composed of 46 organisms, exhibiting variation in distribution and abundance. The study explains the extent and type of marine biogrowth phenomena with depth and describes biofouling preventive methods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08927014.2021.1933457 .

New trends in specialty coffees - "the digested coffees"

Specialty coffee has gained immense popularity for its unique flavor and improved quality. There are large varieties of coffee trending every day due to the widened demand. Still, specialty coffee holds its place for its distinct processing inside the animal digestive system. Specialty coffees are also considered the most expensive due to coffee varieties with novelty in processing which leads to limited availability and less productivity. The digested coffee's uniqueness and rarity led to higher consumer demand, which paved the way for animal abuse in captivity and the production of fake authenticity to tackle the increased market requirement. In the context of coffee processing through conventional methods, the application of enzymes and microbes has brought about an improvement in coffee fermentation. Much research has been focused on the isolation of microbial cultures from the animal excreta and gastrointestinal tract. This review emphasizes the types of specialty coffee, its uniqueness compared to the traditional varieties, the bio-processing method of specialty coffee inside the animal gut and its taste profile.

The chemistry of chlorogenic acid from green coffee and its role in attenuation of obesity and diabetes

An overview of green coffee, the unroasted bean enriched with antioxidants, is presented in the following article. Green coffee beans are known to have a higher content of chlorogenic acid (CGA) with potential health benefits like activity against hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc. There are three major classes of chlorogenic acids present in green coffee beans, namely: caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), di-caffeoylquinic acid (diCQA) and feruloylquinic acid (FQA). Another pivotal component of the green beans is caffeic acid. A compilation of the different research studies and reviews pertaining to the diverse biomolecules present in the green coffee, their structure and the different sources of CGA is presented. The traditional and modern methods of the extraction of CGA are also studied. Green coffee upon roasting develops its aromatic characteristics but the flavor development comes with a reciprocation of reduced chlorogenic acid content. Thus, the effect of processing is also addressed. There are numerous studies conducted to show the health benefits associated with the consumption of green coffee out of which, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects are particularly concentrated in this article.

Microencapsulation of antioxidant phenolic compounds from green coffee

Green coffee is a prime source of antioxidants to functional food and nutraceuticals. Arabica and Robusta varieties were screened and decaffeinated using ethyl lactate and extracted with a polar solvent to obtain chlorogenic acid (CGA) enriched green coffee extract (GCE). The physicochemical qualities (moisture, pH, particle size, and color) and bioactive compounds (total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine) of GCE were assessed. The GCE had 12.78 ± 2.1 mg GAE g^-1 phenolics and 10.98 mg g^-1 chlorogenic acid (CGA). To improve the stability of CGA, the GCE encapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin (MD) and skim milk (SM) as coating agent individually and in combination. Physicochemical, antioxidant properties, and biofunctionalities of microparticles were evaluated. Highest encapsulation efficiency of GCE with maltodextrin (1:1) was 86%±3 with the smaller particle size (2.3 ± 0.1 µm). Under the simulated gastric juice and bile salts solution, microencapsulation provided significantly better protection compared to non-encapsulated GCE. MGE elicits use as adjuvant/supplements in food, fortified for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Perceived stress, anxiety, and coping states in medical and engineering students during examinations

AIM

This study aims to study the factors associated with stress, anxiety, and coping states in students of 1^st and 2^nd year in medical and engineering colleges during examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, longitudinal study was conducted on 200 undergraduate medical and engineering students from 1^st to 2^nd year (50 in each year), after obtaining ethical approval from the institutional ethics committee. All the participants gave written informed consent. All students filled a questionnaire which consisted of a general information sheet, perceived stress scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, brief COPE inventory, and sources of stress questionnaire 1 month before and 1 month after their university examinations. Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Chi-square test as appropriate.

RESULTS

In medical students, perceived stress was significantly higher in those in the management quota (both years), living in shared accommodation and from nuclear family (1^st year) and male (2^nd year). Only accommodation had a statistically significant relationship with perceived stress in 2^nd year engineering students. A statistically significant association of perceived stress and anxiety with academic performance was observed. Anxiety in students was significantly more before the examination compared to after the examination. The association of all the coping strategies used, with the academic performance, was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In both medical and engineering students, there was a significant association of perceived stress and anxiety with academic performance. Both medical and engineering students used active coping a little more than avoidant coping strategies during the examination time. The association of all the coping strategies used, with the academic performance, was statistically significant, thereby proving the importance of coping states in academic performance.

Synthesis and quorum sensing inhibitory activity of key phenolic compounds of ginger and their derivatives

Phenolic components of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) viz. [6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol and zingerone exhibited quorum sensing inhibitory activity (QSI) against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibitory activity of all the compounds was studied by zone inhibition, pyocyanin, and violacein assay. All the compounds displayed good inhibition at 500ppm. [6]-Azashogaol, a new derivative of [6]-shogaol has been synthesized by Beckmann rearrangement of its oxime in the presence of ZnCl2. The structure elucidation of this new derivative was carried out by 1D ((1)H NMR and (13)C NMR) and 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC and NOESY) spectral studies. This compound showed good QSI activity against P. aeruginosa. An isoxazoline derivative of [6]-gingerol was prepared and it exhibited good QSI activity. Present study illustrated that, the phenolic compounds of ginger and their derivatives form a class of compounds with promising QSI activity.

In vitro antifungal activity of dehydrozingerone and its fungitoxic properties

The efficacy of Dehydrozingerone (DZ; dehydroderivative of zingerone) as an antifungal agent and its mode of action against food spoilage fungal pathogens was studied and presented. DZ is a constituent of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizomes) and structural half analogue of curcumin. Its efficacy against Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum was evaluated. Effect of DZ on the growth and sporulation of A. ochraceus was also studied. The fungal species were susceptible to DZ and the minimum inhibitory concentration and fungicidal concentration ranged from 755 to 911 μM and 880 to 1041 μM respectively. The mycelial and spore germination was significantly inhibited; reduction in the weight of the cell mass, carbohydrate, protein, DNA and RNA constituents in the cells isolated from cultures of A. ochraceus grown with DZ were observed. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed morphological observations such as cell lysis, inhibition and morphological alterations in hyphae and sporulation in A. ochraceus on treatment with DZ.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Current investigations revealed that DZ is a potential antifungal agent and can find application as an additive or adjuvant in food and pharmaceutical industries after appropriate toxicological studies.

Antihyperglycemic effect of water extract of dry fruits ofTerminalia chebula in experimental diabetes mellitus

Water extract of dry fruits ofTerminalia chebula (Hindi-Harda, Telugu-Karakkaya) at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight improved the glucose tolerance as indicated by 44% of reduction in the peak blood glucose at 2(nd) hour in glucose tolerance test in diabetic (streptozotocin induced) rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with an initial fasting blood glucose of 253±9.4 mg/dl daily once with the water extract (200 mg/kg) for two weeks brought down the fasting blood glucose to 123±8.4 mg/dl which is only slightly above the normal value. These results indicate that water extract of Terminalia chebula improves glucose tolerance and brings down fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats.

Acute and chronic toxicity studies on partially purified hypoglycemic preparation from water extract of bark ofFicus bengalensis

Acute and chronic toxicity studies were conducted to assess toxicity of a partially purified preparation from the water extract of the bark ofFicus bengalensis, which was demonstrated in our earlier studies to have significant hypoglycemic and hypocholesteroiemic effect on alloxan induced, mild and severe diabetes in rabbits. LD(50) of this preparation was found to be ∼1 gm/kg in rats when given orally. For chronic toxicity studies 3 doses of aqueous preparation were given to 3 groups of rats. First group received 5 times ED(50) (50 mg/kg), second group 10 times ED(50) (100 mg/kg) and the third group 15 times ED(50) (150 mg/kg) for 3 months. Fourth group which served as control was given water. After three months, blood was collected for studying biochemical and hematological parameters. Blood glucose, serum cholesterol, liver and kidney function tests, haemoglobin, total and differential leukocyte count were determined. Animals were sacrificed and histopathological examination of liver, heart and kidneys was carried out. Results of the study showed that partially purified preparation fromFicus bengalensis is not toxic by all the above mentioned parameters.

A rabbit model for studying hypocholesterolemic effect of drugs and hypocholesterolemic effect of extracts of garlic (Allium sativum)

An experimental model of hypercholesterolemic rabbits suitable for studying the hypocholesterolemic effect of compounds was developed. Rabbits were made hypercholesterolemic by oral administration of cholesterol (100mg/kg body weight/day) suspended in groud nut oil by gastric intubation (Ryle's tube). Cholesterol can be given to rabbits from 10 days to 6 months depending on the degree of hypercholesterolemia required and duration of study of hypocholesterolemic effect. In one month cholesterol feeding experiment, the serum cholesterol level in normal controls (not given cholesterol) was 67±11.3 mg/dl and in cholesterol fed animals 191.3±70.6 mg/dl. In 2 months experiment, besides hypercholesterolemia, abnormal serum lipid profile and increase in lipid content in liver, heart and aorta were also seen. To such animals when water and methanol extracts of garlic were given along with cholesterol, there was significant decrease in serum cholesterol level. The advantage of this method over the method in which cholesterol is mixed with diet to induce hypercholesterolemia is that exactly same and calculated amount of cholesterol can be given for each animal. This minimises the variations in serum cholesterol levels in different animals.

Trifluoperazine and CEF-allicin from garlic (Allium sativum) as potential new antitubercular drugs active against drug resistantMycobacterium tuberculosis

Trifluoperazine (TFP) and a compound called CEF-allicin purified from garlic (Allium sativum) possess antitubercular activity against both drug susceptible and resistant clinical isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. They are bactericidal in nature with multiple sites of primary action. This new use for known drug TFP was based on our observation that mycobacteria have calmodulin like protein which regulates their metabolism and a calmodulin antagonist has antitubercular activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of TFP againstM. tuberculosis was 4-5 μg/ml. It inhibited considerably by 6hrs, the synthesis of total lipids from(14)C-acetate and proteins and DNA as judged by the uptake of(14)C-glycine and(3)H-thymidine respectively by the bacilli. With 50 clinical isolates from our hospital at Delhi, the MIC was 4μg/ml, for 40% and 8μg/ml, for 50% of the isolates susceptible as well as resistant to one or more of the five drugs isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. The MIC of CEF-allicin was 25μg/ml, for bothMycobacterium tuberculosis and isoniazid resistant clinical isolate TRC-C 1193. It inhibited in 6hrs or less the synthesis of total lipids completely and proteins and DNA ofM. tuberculosis from its labeled precursors almost completely.

Fermentative recovery of lipids and proteins from freshwater fish head waste with reference to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysate

Effectiveness of fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for recovering lipids and proteins simultaneously from freshwater fish head (FWH) was evaluated. Three different proteolytic LAB (Pediococcus acidilactici NCIM5368, Enterococcus faecium NCIM5335 and Pediococcus acidilactici FD3) isolated from fish processing wastes were employed in the fermentation process. The fermentation conditions involved 10 % (w/w) glucose, 2 % (w/w) NaCl and 10 % (v/w) LAB cultures at 37 °C. The process resulted in 38.4 % of degree of hydrolysis (in case proteins) and a recovery of 63.6 % of the oil present in the material. The fermentation process did not affect the fatty acid profile of lipids. The hydrolyzed protein rich fermentation liquor exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 - 5.1 mg protein) as well as antagonistic properties towards several bacterial and fungal pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of fermentated liquor (with E. faecium NCIM5335 as starter) were 10 and 12 mg/ml for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella itridicus, respectively. A higher MIC (60 and 96 mg/ml for Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively) was observed in case of fungal pathogens. Both the oil and protein hydrolysate rich liquor from fish head can be used as biofunctional ingredients in both human food as well as livestock feed formulations.

Mechanism of Antidiabetic Action of Compound GII Purified from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) Seeds

To study the mechanism of action of water soluble compound GII purified from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds which was shown earlier to have antidiabetic effect in the subdiabetic, moderately and severely diabetic rabbits. In rabbits (1-1.5 kg bw) diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of 80 mg/kg bw of alloxan. They were fed with GII at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw daily once in the morning for 15 days in the subdiabetic and moderately diabetic and 30 days in the severely diabetic rabbits. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL + VLDL cholesterol [(LDL + VLDL)C], HDL cholesterol [(HDL)C], total tissue lipids, glycogen and enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, polyol pathway) hexokinase, glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase were estimated. Liver and kidney function parameters were also estimated. Treatment with GII for 15 days in the subdiabetic and moderately diabetic rabbits and for 30 days in the severely diabetic rabbits (i) decreased the elevated lipids TC, TG, (LDL + VLDL)C and increased the decreased (HDL)C, (ii) decreased the elevated liver and heart total lipids, TC and TG, (iii) increased the decreased liver and muscle glycogen, (iv) increased the decreased hexokinase, glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, (v) decreased the increased glucose-6-phosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, aldose reductase. Results thus show that treatment with GII compound purified from fenugreek seeds for 15 days in the subdiabetic and moderately diabetic and 30 days in the severely diabetic rabbits corrects the altered serum lipids, tissue lipids, glycogen, enzymes of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, polyol pathway and antioxidant enzymes. Histopathological abnormalities (fatty infiltration and other cellular changes) seen in the pancreas, liver, heart and kidneys were repaired after treatment with GII. In fact partially damaged pancreas was repaired. Liver and kidney function test results were normal in the GII treated animals indicating that GII treatment is safe and free from any side effects.

Anti-hyperglycemic compound (GII) from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) seeds, its purification and effect in diabetes mellitus

An anti-hyperglycemic compound named GII was purified from the water extract of the seeds of fenugreek (T. foenum-graecum) and shown to be different from trigonelline and nicotinic acid isolated earlier from the same plant. GII (50 mg/kg body weight, po) reduced blood glucose in glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the sub-diabetic and moderately diabetic rabbits and significantly reduced the area under the curve (AUC) of GTT. Treatment for 7 days of the sub-diabetic rabbits with GII (50 mg/kg body weight, po) improved glucose tolerance without reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG) which was nearly normal. The results suggest that there is no risk of hypoglycemia in near normal animals (may be humans also) with abnormal GTT. Treatment of the moderately diabetic rabbits with GII (100 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks) reduced FBG to nearly normal value and improved GTT. GII was more effective than the standard drug tolbutamide. Intermittent therapy given on days 1-5, 11-15, 26-30 and 56-60 to moderately diabetic rabbits leaving in between days without treatment brought down FBG to normal and AUC during GTT was normal. After 15 days treatment with GII (100 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks) glycosylated hemoglobin came down and insulin increased to normal values in the sub-diabetic, moderately diabetic and severely diabetic rabbits. GII treatment (100 mg/kg body weight for 15 days) brought down all the altered serum lipids (TC, HDLC, TAG, PLs and FFAs) to normal levels. The results suggest that intermittent therapy, instead of daily therapy is possible and GII has good potential as an oral anti-diabetic drug with intermittent therapy.