Antihyperglycemic and cholesterol-lowering potential of dietary fibre from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The major component of lemongrass by weight is dietary fibre (DF), but no literature has been reported on its DF components and fermentation products when ingested. OBJECTIVE: This study analysed DF components of lemongrass, investigated the potential of the major product from total DF (TDF) fermentation to inhibit α-amylase and HMG-CoA reductase, key enzymes of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, respectively, and determined the serum glucose- and cholesterol-lowering potential of TDF in an animal model. METHODS: Lemongrass DF components were analysed, TDF was fermented in vitro; the major fermentation product was isolated for enzyme inhibitory assays; and postprandial blood glucose- and cholesterol-lowering potential of TDF was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: TDF in lemongrass was 65.7 g/100g and soluble DF, 2.8 g/100 g. Significant amount of propionate (10.9 mM/g TDF) was produced after TDF fermentation; propionate inhibited 20.4% α-amylase activity, and 13.1 % HMG-CoA reductase activity in vitro. TDF further exhibited antihyperglycemic and cholesterol-lowering potential in an animal model. CONCLUSIONS: DF from lemongrass was shown to reduce hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in an animal model, through mild inhibition of α-amylase and HMG-CoA reductase. Thus, lemongrass DF may have a significant role in mitigating the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia.

Analysis of the inhibition of lipoperoxidation and carbonylation in human plasma by natural infusions used in Mexico

“…In our research we were able to observe that when preparing an infusion using 5 g of leaves in 300 mL of water it was able to inhibit the DPPH radical by 13.25% and when adding Stevia its activity increased up to 23.5% and that if we compare it with the study carried out by Villalobos [44] where they prepared a tea with lemon tea leaves obtained an inhibition of 79.9%, if we compare the percentages of both studies they are completely different, it could be associated with the fact that in Villalobos' study the leaves were allowed to be at the boiling point for 30 minutes which could have collaborated in the extraction of more antioxidant compounds…”

Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Activity of Plant Materials Derived from Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Species

“…Particularly important is the content of tannins, which in herbal medicine play an important role in stopping hemorrhages because by causing precipitation of proteins, they make them resistant to the action of proteolytic enzymes. They form a membrane of coagulated protein, thus protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa [58][59][60][61][62]. Both the extracts and the essential oil have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties (Figure 4).…”

Feature Paper Special Issue for Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Diseases

“…There are several growing topics in the current medical and biomedical literature; among them are the potentialities of the application of artificial intelligence [ 1 , 2 ], bioethical concerns regarding its use [ 3 ] and regarding palliative care [ 4 ], precision medicine [ 5 ], new challenges concerning vaccines [ 6 ], the use of bioactive compounds as potential adjuvants in therapies [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ], gene therapy [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], etc. Most of these topics have been critically addressed by Dr. Trosko in his enlightening commentary [ 14 ], in which he ponders the reliability of interpretations made by artificial intelligence regarding the interaction between our genes and so-called environmental factors, which gives rise to precision therapy for the treatment and prevention of common diseases with a special focus on human carcinogenesis.…”