Evaluation of the nutritional composition ofMyrothamnus flabellifolius(Welw.) herbal tea and its protective effect against oxidative hepatic cell injury

Abstract

The nutrient composition of Myrothamnus flabellifolius leaf tea extract (MLTE) and its protective effect against oxidative hepatic cell injury were evaluated. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, methyl gallate, and epicatechin were identified in MLTE by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The tea extract showed an appreciable nutritional content of proximate, sugar, vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, omega 6 and 9 unsaturated fatty acids, as well as considerable amounts of various mineral elements. Nineteen amino acids were found. Moreover, MLTE exhibited potent in vitro antioxidant activities, presumably because of its richness in polyphenols (gallic acid and ferulic acid) and vitamin E. In Chang liver cells, pretreatment with MLTE suppressed oxidative lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 113.11 μg/ml) and GSH depletion (IC50 = 70.49 μg/ml) without causing cytotoxicity. These data support the local consumption of M. flabellifolius herbal tea, which may be used against oxidative stress‐induced diseases while providing the body with necessary nutrients. Practical application Herbal teas are one of the most consumed beverages in the world today, due to their refreshing taste and additional health benefits. Myrothamnus flabellifolius herbal tea is a widely used traditional herbal tea in Southern Africa with potentials for commercialization due to its pleasant flavor. This study, for the first time, reported the nutritional composition of the leaf decoction of M. flabellifolius and its protective effect on hepatic oxidative insults. These results can inform the dietary and nutritional use of the tea for optimum benefits, as well as provide preliminary scientific validation of the use of the herbal tea as an antioxidant beverage with good nutritional value.

Evaluation of the in vitro ⍺‐amylase inhibitory, antiglycation, and antioxidant properties ofPunica granatumL. (pomegranate) fruit peel acetone extract and its effect on glucose uptake and oxidative stress in hepatocytes

“…Physiological antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C and reduced glutathione are known to suppress this process, by quenching the action of prooxidants and scavenging free radical. On the contrary, plants are endowed with polyphenols, which are good antioxidant due to their electron‐donating ability (Chukwuma et al, 2019).…”

Exploring the Potential of Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. (Resurrection Tree) as a Phytogenic Feed Additive in Animal Nutrition

“…The concentrations of these sugars varied according to moisture content in plants, with fully hydrated plants containing more sugars than desiccated plants. The same researchers [ 16 ] found raffinose and stachyose at 2.49 and 2.18 g/100 g, respectively, in M. flabellifolius tea extract. In addition to α-α-trehalose (3.3% w / w ), [ 17 ] also identified raffinose (0.2% w / w ) and stachyose (0.2% w / w ), sucrose, saccharose, fructose, and fructane.…”

“…Nutritional components found in leaf extracts of M. flabellifolius include substantial amounts of dry matter, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, minerals and vitamins, fatty acids, reducing sugars, and cholesterol (3 mg/100 g) [ 16 ]. The same authors identified 18 essential and nonessential amino acids together with a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, including three, six, and nine fatty acids, suggesting potential nutritional benefits to monogastric animals.…”

Nutritional and phytochemical profile of pomegranate (“Wonderful variety”) peel and its effects on hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic alterations

“…The assay was performed according to our previously reported methods (Chukwuma et al., 2019) with very slight modifications. Chang liver cells (ATCC® CCL‐13™, American Type Culture Collection, Virginia, USA) at about 85% confluence (cultured in EMEM medium containing 10% FBS) were aliquoted (500 µl) into a 48‐well plate using fresh medium at a density of 10 000 cells/ml.…”