Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate and Albumin on theIn VitroWater-Holding Capacity and Some Physiological Properties ofTrigonella foenum graecumL. Galactomannan in Rats

Abstract

This study seeks to improve the beneficial effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) galactomannan (GM) in lowering the plasma lipid profile and weight. Three different combinations of diets were prepared with fenugreek GM--(a) fenugreek GM + water (GM); (b) fenugreek GM + sodium bicarbonate (GMB); and (c) fenugreek GM + bicarbonate + albumin (GMBA)--and their in vitro water retention capacity and in vivo lipid-lowering effect were studied. Distilled water and sodium bicarbonate were used as controls. The sodium bicarbonate significantly increased the in vitro water-holding capacity of fenugreek GM (49.1 +/- 8.7 vs. 21.6 +/- 0.9 g of water/g of dry weight, P < .01). Administration by oral intubation of the combination GMBA to male albino Wistar rats (250 mg/kg of body weight) over a 4-week period was the most effective in reducing body weight (-27.0 +/- 0.4%, P < .001). Within this period, the combinations GMBA and GMB brought about the most significant reduction in the levels of plasma total cholesterol (P < .005). The GMBA combination was also the most effective in reducing levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001) and the atherogenicity indices. GM, GMB, and GMBA brought about significant (P < .01, .001, and .001, respectively) increases in the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with the highest increase coming with GMBA. A significant increase in plasma triglycerides (P < .05) was brought about by the GMBA combination, probably resulting from the rapid reduction of body weight observed. Food intake was reduced by GM, GMB, and GMBA, while water intake increased in that order. The GMB combination significantly reduced transit time (P < .01) compared to GM. On the other hand, GMB and GMBA improved glycemic control, compared to GM. We conclude that albumin and sodium bicarbonate have the ability to improve some beneficial physiological effects of fenugreek GM. This finding could have applications in the areas of human obesity, weight loss, and the control of blood lipids.

Nutraceutical Supplements for Weight Loss

“…The physiological effects of fenugreek seeds can be attributed to its fiber and high saponin content 166 . Fenugreek has been previously reported to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance, 167 , 168 reduce oxidative stress, 169 , 170 improve the lipid profile, and reduce body weight 171 in animal models. It has also shown immunomodulatory effects in animal models 172 .…”

Potential Effect of Mucilage of Calophyllum inophyllum Nuts on Some Metabolic Syndrome Features Associated with a High-fat/High-sucrose Diet in Wistar Rats

“…HFS-fed rats tended to lose body weight significantly when treated with nut mucilage of Calophyllum inophyllum at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg (Figure 2a). Such observation is an illustration of the weight-loss properties commonly attributed to soluble dietary fibers like mucilages and gums (Dakam et al, 2007;Boban et al, 2006;Enzi et al, 1980). It is recognized that the weight-loss properties of soluble fibers are closely linked to the viscosity when they are in contact with water molecules in the gut (Papathanasopoulos & Camilleri, 2010).…”

“…Fenugreek galactomannan was used as reference soluble dietary fiber and was administered to a group of HFS-fed rats (HFS-Fg500). Treatment doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) were determined according to a previous study of metabolic effects of fenugreek galactomannan in rodents (Dakam et al, 2007). The experimental scheme is summarized below: SD-Ctrl: standard laboratory diet + distilled water HFS-Ctrl: high-fat/high-sucrose diet + distilled water HFS-Sat: standard laboratory diet + distilled water HFS-Ci250: high-fat/high-sucrose diet + C. inophyllum nut mucilage at 250 mg/kg HFS-Ci500: high-fat/high-sucrose diet + C. inophyllum nut mucilage at 500 mg/kg HFS-Fg500: high-fat/high-sucrose + fenugreek galactomannan at 500 mg/kg Distilled water, nut mucilage, and fenugreek galactomannan were administered to rats by a single daily oral gavage over 14 days.…”

“…This property allows mucilages and other soluble fibers to have favorable effects on MetS individual features. Indeed, several studies have shown clearly that mucilages and other soluble dietary fibers occurring in plants like fenugreek, guar, or okra can alleviate hyperglycemia (Chukwuma, Islam & Amonsou, 2018;Butt, Shahzadi, Sharif & Nasir, 2007;Dakam, Kuate, Azantsa & Oben, 2007), hyperlipidemia (Butt et al, 2007;Dakam et al 2007;Enzi et al, 1980) and excess body fat (Butt et al, 2007;Dakam et al 2007;Enzi et al, 1980). Therefore, it has been suggested that mucilages and other water-soluble fibers may be viewed as an interesting and cost-effective approach in tackling the growing incidence of MetS (Papathanasopoulos & Camilleri, 2010).…”

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“…Animal trials on fenugreek have shown impressive results for health issues connected with weight gain and obesity, including improvements in fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles 11 – 14 . Some of these effects have been replicated in humans, and fenugreek has been definitively shown to reduce fasting blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance in people with type 1 diabetes and to enhance lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and glucose control in folks with type 2 diabetes 15 , 16 .…”