The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-androgenic effect of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum), safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius) and soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds in form of petroleum ether, ethanol extracts [(300 mg.kg-1 rat body weight)] and whole powder (20% in the diet) using prostate weight method in castrated rats. The safety of the studied plants' was evaluated through determination of liver and kidney functions. Chemical compositions of the studied plants clarified that the highest content of fat (52.5%) and ash (7.5%) were present in sesame seeds, while safflower seeds showed the highest content of crude fiber (11.8%) and carbohydrate (37.8%) also soybean contains high percentage of protein (41.2%). Sesame seeds showed the highest content of total phenolic compound (196.55 mg GAE/100 g), while soybean showed the lowest content (132.5 mg GAE/100 g). Fatty acids analysis revealed that oleic acid was present only in sesame seed oil (66.74%). Linolenic acid (ω-3) (55.77%) was the major fatty acid in flaxseed oil. Soybean oil showed the highest content of linoleic acid (ω-6) (69.84%). All studied plants' oil contains stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. Safflower seed oil showed the highest content of campesterol (9.02%). Administration of different studied plants' to castrated rats produced reduction in prostate weight and significant reduction in testosterone level with variable degrees. All studied plants' showed complete safety towards liver and kidney function. In conclusion, all studied plants could be used as new potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of androgen-related diseases.

AIM:Highlighting the impact of obesity on mental and cognitive functions using serum ceramide kinase enzyme concentration as a biomarker for cognitive evaluation in the middle aged females, and also targeting to control the obesity and simultaneously postponing the deterioration of the cognitive functions, by implementing two slimming dietary therapies each incorporating different functional ingredients known to boost cognition.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Ninety six obese middle aged females, divided into two groups volunteered to follow a low caloric balanced diet combined with two bread supplements composed essentially of barley flour and wheat germ mixed with either 5% turmeric, group (A); or with 5% ginger, group (B) for 4 weeks, phase (1); to be followed by the hypocaloric diet alone for another 4 weeks, phase (2).RESULTS:By the end of phase (1), the biochemical analysis showed a positive response of the levels of C-peptide and modified homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance; also increased levels of the serum ceramide kinase enzyme, coupled with improved cognitive functions tests. Improvement of the relevant metabolic profile, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure and the anthropometric measurements was detected.CONCLUSION:Using dietary therapy supported by special formulas which contain active ingredients succeeded in reducing weight and improving both the metabolic profile and the cognitive functions.

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SUMMARY Hypolipidemic effect of vegetable and cereal dietary mixtures from Egyptian sources.Hyperlipidemia is a predominant risk factor for atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The international guidelines issued by the World Health Organization recommend a reduction in dietary saturated fat and cholesterol intake as a means to prevent hypercholesterolemia and CVD; however, only limited data are available on the benefits of vegetable consumption on CVD risk factors. The aim of this study was to prepare two powder mixtures containing vegetables and cereals and to evaluate their effect in hyperlipidemic rats. The first mixture was prepared from whole wheat, cabbage, parsley and pepper, while the second mixture was prepared from whole wheat, red beet root, parsley and pepper. Whole wheat was used as a source of dietary fiber, while cabbage and beetroot were used as sources of glucosinolates (GLS) and betalains respectively as well as dietary fiber. The chemical compositions of these mixtures were determined. The safety of these mixtures was also evaluated by examining liver and kidney functions. The chemical compositions of the powder mixtures revealed that mixtures (1) and (2) contain 19.1% and 13.3% protein, 2.1% and 2.5 % fat, 69.6% and 77.5% carbohydrates, 1.8% and 1.2% crude fibers, 7.4% and 5.5% ash and 18.3% and 16.8% dietary fibers respectively. Vitamin E was 7.4 and 4.5 mg/100g in mixtures (1) and (2) respectively. β-carotene was 830 and 786µg/100g in mixtures (1) and (2) respectively. Total phenolic compounds were 1910 and 1710 mg as gallic acid equivalents/100g in mixtures (1) and (2) respectively. The results of the animal experiment showed a non-significant reduction in final body weight and body weight gain in rats fed the control diet containing mixture (1) or (2) when compared with different groups. Rats fed the control diet containing mixture (1) or (2) showed a significant reduction in plasma total lipids, T-Ch, LDL-Ch, TG and the ratio of T-Ch /HDLCh in different degrees, while HDL-Ch increased significantly. The studied mixtures showed a hypolipidemic effect, which may be due to the presence of dietary fibers, plant protein, and phenolic compunds.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:This study included 2 groups, Group-1(cases) consists of 120 obese females and Group-2 (controls) consists of 30 non-obese females. The included females were subjected to full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and Kendrick Battery for evaluation of cognitive functions (short term memory and attention). Evaluation of serum Vitamin D, Parathyroid hormone, C-peptide and fasting blood glucose were done. The obese group was put on a balanced low caloric diet (900-1000 K Calories/day) for 2 months, where reevaluation was performed. RESULTS:Comparing obese group with non-obese control group revealed significant lower mean level of serum vitamin D associated with significant lower cognitive functions test and higher fasting blood glucose. After 2 months of low caloric diet, a significant increase in the serum level of vitamin D, accompanied with improvement in cognitive functions and decrease in fasting blood glucose and improved insulin resistance was seen. A correlation is found between vitamin D serum level and cognitive functions.CONCLUSION: A lower vitamin D serum level could be a modifiable risk factor for obesity, insulin resistance and cognitive impairment in middle age females.