Lablab purpureus (L) bean flour ameliorates plasma proteins and accretion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, ω‐3) in the plasma, liver, and brain of malnourished rats

Abstract

Lablab purpureus (L) bean is an undervalued or underutilized orphan crop in many tropical countries, where different forms of malnutrition are associated with stunting growth and cognitive deficiencies. We previously reported that L. purpureus contains ω-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, ω-3), which can act as the precursor of ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, ω-3). Inadequate level of DHA impairs growth, development, and cognitive performance. Therefore, we evaluated if supplementation of L. purpureus seed flour (LPS) affects the nutritional status, in terms of body weight gain, plasma proteins, and DHA levels of malnourished model rats. Three groups of rats, namely, controls, malnourished alone (MN), and 15% LPS-supplemented malnourished (MN + LPS) rats were fed with LPS for 12 weeks. Afterward, body weight, liver weight, brain weight, plasma proteins, micronutrients, lipid profile, and fatty acid profile of plasma, liver, and brains were determined by standard methods. The levels of liver lipid peroxide (LPO) and proinflammatory TNFα were also measured. The body weight, liver weight, serum total proteins and micronutrients (iron/potassium), and the levels of docosahexaenoic acid significantly increased in the plasma, liver, and brain of MN + LPS rats. Moreover, LPO and TNFα levels reduced significantly in MN + LPS rats. in vitro analysis revealed a significant free radical scavenging and antioxidative potential of L. purpureus seed extract. Thus, L. purpureus not only replenishes protein-energy malnutrition, but also increases the levels of DHA, an indispensable polyunsaturated fatty acid for brain cognition. Finally, our results suggest that L. purpureus might benefit human malnutrition and related cognitive deficits. K E Y W O R D Sbrain, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Lablab purpureus, malnutrition

Debulking different Corona (SARS-CoV-2 delta, omicron, OC43) and Influenza (H1N1, H3N2) virus strains by plant viral trap proteins in chewing gums to decrease infection and transmission

“…Investigational New Drug application on CTB-ACE2 chewing gum has been approved by the FDA (IND 154897) and Phase I/II placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial is underway to assess viral load in saliva before and after chewing of CTB-ACE2/placebo gum. Because Lablab bean is consumed globally, used as dry powder in protein enriched diet [ 96 , 97 ], this would be Generally Regarded As Safe by FDA, thereby decreasing hurdles in the regulatory approval process. Recruitment and informed consent, those meeting enrollment criteria will be randomized 1:1 (CTB-ACE2 chewing gum/placebo gum).…”