Philippine indigenous berries are known as rich sources of antioxidants that may promote health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Thus, the study investigated the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and lipid-lowering properties of freeze-dried “duhat” (FDD) (Syzgium cumini L. Skeel) fruit using proximate analysis, in vitro antioxidant assays, and in vivo efficacy using obese diet-induced ICR mice, respectively. Mice were randomly allocated to five groups fed with various diets ad libitum for nine weeks as follows: Group 1 with normal diet (ND) and served as the control, Group 2 with high-fat diet (HFD) that served as the negative control, Group 3 with HFD + 10% w/w FDD powder, Group 4 with HFD + 20% w/w FDD powder, and Group 5 with HFD + 30% w/w FDD powder. Proximate composition of FDD fruit flesh includes 20.16 ± 0.75% moisture content, 2.64 ± 0.06% total crude fiber, 4.50 ± 0.21% crude fat, 7.10 ± 0.20% crude protein, and 62.22 ± 1.11% carbohydrate. It is a rich source of antioxidants with a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 0.02 mg QE/g FDD, total phenolic content (TPC) of 12.52 ± 0.02 mg GAE/ g FDD, and anti-oxidant activity of 96.07 ± 0.86. Results of the in vivo study showed significant reduction in blood TG by 50% at 30% FDD supplementation (w/w) and by 30% at 20% FDD supplementation (w/w) (p < 0.05). Also, a significant increase of up to 45% in HDL-C in the 30% FDD-supplemented group was noted compared to the baseline mean (Week 0) at Weeks 3 and 6 of supplementation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant findings were noted in the blood total cholesterol (TC) levels. The improvement in lipid profile could be attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds found in Philippine duhat. Taken collectively, this study yielded interesting findings that can be further investigated at the cellular and molecular levels.
Objectives “Bignay” (Antidesma bunius), “lipote” (Syzygium polycephaloides) and “duhat” (Syzgium cumini) are indigenous berries in the Philippines that are known to contain high antioxidant properties and other health-promoting and disease-preventing compounds. However, oral toxicity studies on these berries are not yet explored. Hence, this study evaluated the acute oral toxicity of these berries in freeze-dried forms using 6-week old ICR mice following the OECD guidelines 425 (up and down method). Methods Treatment groups were administered with freeze-dried powders of “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” reconstituted in distilled water at various doses: 55 mg/kg body weight (BW), 175 mg/kg BW, 550 mg/kg BW, 2000 mg/kg BW and 5000 mg/kg BW while control group was administered with distilled water. Body weight, feed and water intake were obtained daily. Biochemical profiles were measured prior to administration of reconstituted berries at day 1 and prior to euthanasia. Toxicity, morbidity and mortality cases were observed daily. Euthanasia and necropsy were performed to check for gross organ abnormalities. Results Mice that received the different concentrations of “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” had normal feed and water consumption and gained weight during the test period. No clinical and behavioral signs of toxicity were observed and there was zero morbidity and mortality. Post-mortem evaluation showed no lesions on various organs examined. Blood ALT, BUN and creatinine levels were within normal published values. Conclusions These results show that different concentrations of freeze-dried “bignay”, “lipote” and “duhat” are non-toxic using ICR mice and therefore have high potential to be developed into food supplements and nutraceuticals. Funding Sources Philippine Council for Health Research and Development - Department of Food Science and Technology Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant - Office of Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines.
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