Background: Resistant starch sources, which are only partially digested in the small intestine, can be used to increase colonic availability of short-chain fatty acids. Objective: To study the characteristics of the fermentation of resistant starch, the digestion of resistant starch in the small intestine has to be quantified. We compared the metabolic fates of highly digestible cornstarch (DCS), Hylon VII (type 2 resistant starch), and Novelose 330 (type 3 resistant starch), which are of corn origin and, therefore, naturally enriched in 13 C. Design: After administration of 40 g starch or glucose to 7 healthy volunteers, glucose and exogenous glucose concentrations in serum and 13 CO 2 excretion in breath were analyzed for 6 h.13 C abundance in carbon dioxide was analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and 13 C abundance in glucose by gas chromatography-combustion IRMS. Results: By comparing the area under the curve (2 h) of exogenous glucose concentration in serum ( 13 C glycemic index) after intake of starch or glucose, 13 C glycemic indexes for DCS, Hylon VII, and Novelose 330 were calculated to be 82 ± 23%, 44 ± 16%, and 43 ± 15%, respectively. Comparison of 6-h cumulative percentage dose recovery in breath showed that 119 ± 28% of DCS, 55 ± 23% of Hylon VII, and 50 ± 26% of Novelose 330 was digested in the small intestine. Conclusion: The exogenous glucose response in serum and the 13 CO 2 excretion in breath can be used to estimate small intestinal digestion of resistant starch, which amounts to Ϸ50%.Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:432-8.

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Introduction.The objective of this study was determination of the physico-chemical characteristics of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum graecum L.) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and evaluation of their antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. Materials and Methods. Different varieties of fenugreek and cumin were analyzed for their weight of 1000 seeds and germination rate. The physico-chemical analysis carried out was pH, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity, viscosity, proteins, fats, crude fibers, pectins, total and reducing sugars and minerals. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated by disc diffusion method against tested bacterial strains. Results and discussion. The obtained results showed that the Algerian variety of fenugreek and Syrian one of cumin seeds gave the highest weight with a value of 16.8 and 13.9 g respectively and the better germination rate with a percentage of 70%. The pH and titratable acidity of fenugreek and cumin seeds ranged from 5.6 to 6.5 and 2.8 to 3% respectively. The moisture and ash content varied from 3 to 2.8% and 3 to 7% respectively. Total soluble solids, electrical conductivity, viscosity varied from 2.8 to 5.5 °Brix, 18.1 to 42.8 mvs and 2.4 to 2.8 m/pa/s respectively. The analysis showed that fenugreek and cumin contained a high amount of proteins which was between 23.1 and 26.8%. On the other hand, fats ranged from 8.8 to 21%. While crude fibers, pectins varied from 5.1 to 7.9% and 1.9 to 2.8% respectively. Total and reducing sugars varied from 5.2 to 6.7%, and 0.5 to 1% respectively. According to the present data, mineral and heavy metals profile of fenugreek and cumin showed that they contain potassium as a major mineral in a maximum quantity followed by sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and boron, copper, lead, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt and cadmium. The results of antibacterial activity of methanol extract plants against three bacterial strains revealed the sensitivity of these strains to the extracts plants with DZI (Diameter Zone of Inhibition) of 21 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm for cumin and 10 mm, 08 mm, 09 mm for fenugreek respectively for S. aureus, E. coli and B. subtilis. Conclusion.The overall evaluation of this study concludes that both spices fenugreek and cumin have good chemical composition and revealed their sensitivity on the tested bacterial strains.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) are ones of the most promising medicinal herbs known from ancient times having nutritional value. Nutrients found in these medicinal plants play important roles in curing different diseases and disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of cultivated varieties of garlic and onion and evaluate the antibacterial activity of these plants by disk diffusion method against three pathogenic strains including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 25332.The physico-chemical analysis executed was pH, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity, viscosity, proteins, fats, crude fiber, pectin, total and reducing sugars and minerals. It was found that these plants are good source of proteins, fats, fibers, minerals and energy. The results of antibacterial activity, methanol extract obtained from these plants revealed the sensitivity on the tested pathogenic strains. The strongest antibacterial effect on tested strains was found in garlic extracts.

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