1.Assessment of antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of selected commercial beverages.
Abbe Maleyki Mhd Jalil ; Azrina Azlan ; Amin Ismail
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2007;13(2):149-159
This study was aimed at assessing the antioxidant capacity and phenolic (free, bound, and total) contents in selected commercial beverages. Three different types of beverages commonly available in Malaysian supermarkets namely, cocoa, coffee and tea were selected. Phenolic contents were determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing power and scavenging activity) was determined using FRAP and TEAC assays. Based on analysis of variance, coffee showed the highest amount of free phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cocoa and tea (p < 0.05). The major phenolic compound detected in coffee was chlorogenic acid. Cocoa showed higher phenolic content than tea. However, cocoa and tea have similar catechin content and possessed comparable antioxidant capacity. The free phenolic content in the three beverages was found to be highly correlated with antioxidant capacity. In addition, moderate correlation was observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, there was no significant contribution of bound phenolic compounds towards antioxidant capacity. The contribution of antioxidant capacity in these beverages could be due to phenolic compounds in the free form. The study indicated that the beverages studied possessed varying degrees of antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents.
Antioxidants
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Tea
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commercial
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Coffee
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Assessment: Cognition
2.Saffron Extract and Crocin Reduced Biomarkers Associated with Obesity in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Maryam Mashmoul ; Azrina Azlan ; Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2017;23(1):117-127
This study aimed to investigate the effect of saffron extract and crocin on
blood biomarkers associated with obesity using the rat model. Methods: Obesity was induced
by feeding a high-fat diet to 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats for 12 weeks, after which
they were equally distributed into seven groups. Three groups served as controls namely,
normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet plus orlistat (HFD + ORL), while
the remaining four treatment groups consisted of HFD added low or high dose (40 and 80
mg/kg/day) of either saffron extract or crocin in the food. At the end of 8 weeks, blood
samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results: Obese rats
treated with a high dose of saffron extract and crocin showed significantly lower plasma
glucose levels (5.26 and 5.67 mmol/L respectively) than the HFD rats (6.92 mmol/L). Saffron
extract and crocin at a high dose showed significantly lower levels of plasma insulin
(3.97 and 3.88 ng/mL respctively) compared to HFD control (5.41 ng/mL). Adiponectin levels
significantly increased in obese rats fed saffron extract and crocin at high doses (7.44 and
7.92 µg/mL respectively) compared to HFD control (5.34 µg/mL). Ghrelin level significantly
increased from 419.10 to 284.10 pg/mL,while leptin level significantly decreased from 8.08 to
5.68 ng/mL for the high dose crocin groups compared to HFD control. No significant differences
in plasma serotonin levels were found among the groups. Conclusion: Saffron extract
and crocin show potential in reducing blood biomarkers associated with obesity as well as
anti-inflammatory and regulatory potential of adipocytokines in an animal model.
3.Protective Effects of Defatted Dabai Peel Extracts in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits Based on Histopathological Methods
Hock Eng Khoo ; Azrina Azlan ; Amin Ismail ; Sadek Hassan Al-Sheraji
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2015;11(2):59-68
Defatted dabai peel contains a high amount of anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are known to prevent several
types of disease, including cardiovascular-related complications. This study aimed to describe the
effects of different doses of defatted dabai peel extract by histopathological analyses on lesions in the
liver, kidney, heart and aorta. Histopathology methods were applied to determine the protective effects
of defatted dabai peel extracts against hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative damages to animal
organs. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was applied for histopathology examination for liver, kidney,
heart and aorta. Data showed that a high dose of defatted dabai extract (3000 mg per day) applied to
hypercholesterolemic rabbits for eight weeks had mild protective effect, especially reducing the severity
of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis of the renal medulla. The high dose of extract supplementation also
reduced inflammation of aorta and formation of atherosclerosis plaque in the cell wall of right ventricle
of the heart. The high dose of defatted dabai peel extract could be a protective agent against oxidative
stress.
Anthocyanins
4.Evaluation of Selected Metal Elements in Commercial Drinking Water and Tap Water in Peninsular Malaysia
Hock-Eng Khoo ; Azrina Azlan ; Mohd Aizat Idris ; Amin Ismail ; Muhammad Rizal Razman
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2011;9(1):5-11
The present study was carried out to determine the concentrations of selected metal elements (lead, copper, manganese, zinc and iron) in 51 samples of commercial drinking water and tap water available in Malaysia. The results indicated that low metal elements were found in the studied water samples. Lead, manganese, zinc and iron were not detected in some of the studied samples, except copper. The concentrations of the metal elements in the studied samples were well below the maximum permitted concentrations as recommended. Therefore these drinking water are safe for consumption and do not pose adverse effect to the health of consumers due to metal toxicity.
6.Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) on Selected Dietary Supplements (Barley Grass, Wheatgrass and Chlorella vulgaris powders)
Azrina Azlan ; Wan Ying Gan ; Hao Yuan Yoh ; Sharmin Sultana
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):59-69
Introduction: Three selected dietary supplements (DS), barley grass (BG), wheatgrass (WG), and Chlorella vulgaris
(CV), are commercially available. However, more information is needed about the antioxidant properties of the
three DS and their potential health benefits on adults’ health and well-being. Thus, this study aimed to determine
the antioxidant properties and adults’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the three selected DS. Methods: In phase 1, an experimental study was conducted on antioxidant analysis, total phenolic content (TPC) and
DPPH radical scavenging activity for the three DS. For phase 2, a cross-sectional survey (n=338) was conducted
for the three DS through an online platform where convenience sampling was performed. Results: In phase 1, BG
(2.83±0.50mg GAE/g DW) had the highest TPC, followed by WG (2.02±0.20mg GAE/g DW) and CV (1.74±0.65mg
GAE/g DW); DPPH radical scavenging activity, BG (198.23±0.15µg/mL) and WG (177.25±0.17µg/mL) had lower IC50 compared to CV (1185.84±0.28µg/mL). Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between IC50 of the
three DS and standards, butylated hydroxytoluene (24.51±0.37µg/mL) and quercetin (26.04±0.55µg/mL). While in
phase 2, poor knowledge (51.5%), moderate attitude (39.6%), and poor practice (43.2%) levels were observed in
most of the participants. Moreover, working adults reported higher scores in knowledge (3.70±1.51) compared to
students (3.33±1.63, p=0.037). Males had higher scores (29.27±2.42) in attitude compared to females (28.49±2.68,
p=0.030). Besides, participants who were single and completed tertiary education with 4-6 years of working experience showed better practice scores. The overall knowledge (r=0.134, p=0.013) and attitude (r=0.273, p<0.001)
scores correlated significantly with practice scores. Conclusion: Participants’ poor knowledge, moderate attitude,
and inadequate practice in phase 2 caution against over-reliance on supplements, emphasizing the importance of an
active lifestyle and balanced diet for optimal health and longevity.
7.Capsaicin: Current Understanding in Therapeutic Effects, Drug Interaction, and Bioavailability
Suk Huei Chan ; Azrina Azlan ; Amin Ismail ; Nurul Husna Shafie
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(Supp 6, Aug):219-227
Capsaicin (N-vanillyl-8-methyl-6-(E)-none amide) is a unique and significant compound from group component of capsaicinoids. This component can only be found in the plants from the Capsicum genus. It is the primary source of pungency or spiciness of chilli pepper. Traditionally, capsaicin has been used to alleviate pain. Recently, some studies showed significant therapeutic effects of capsaicin in many diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and obesity. Determination of the most effective dosage used and underlying working mechanism of capsaicin are still in progress. Currently, capsaicin research, especially in drug interaction and encapsulation technologies, has not been reviewed. We aim to report current experimental evidence of capsaicin research focusing on its pharmacological properties, interaction with drugs and ways to improve the bioavailability of capsaicin. It is essential to provide a general orientation for further investigation that can discover more potency of capsaicin usage as a medicinal supplement to treat various diseases.
8.Effects of White Rice-Based Carbohydrates Diets on Body Weight and Metabolic Parameters in Rats
Nur Maziah Hanum Osman ; Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof ; Subramaniam Jeevetha ; Amin Ismail ; Azrina Azlan ; Goh Yong Meng ; Nor Azmi Kamaruddin ; Minato Wakisaka
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):234-240
Introduction: We clarified the extent to which white rice (WR)-based carbohydrate diets affect body weight and
metabolic parameters in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, a male Sprague Dawley (n=32) rats fed with WRbased CHO diet in two different proportions of total energy intake (TEI 55% moderate-CHO (MCHO, n=8) and 65%
High-CHO (HCHO, n=8)) or high-fat diet (HFD, n=8) were compared with rats maintained on standard pellet diet
(SD, n=8) for eight weeks period. Carbohydrate sources in the HFD and SD were mainly based on cornstarch (25%
of amylose). Outcomes measures include body weight and metabolic parameters. Results: At baseline, body weight
and metabolic parameters (fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels) were comparable in all rats. Despite higher daily caloric intake in rats fed with HFD (103.9±3.0) than the other diets, no significant differences in
body weight between groups after 8 weeks of study. However, rats’ feds with WR-based CHO diets (both moderate
and high carbohydrates) had higher fasting blood glucose (MCHO=12.8±1.6, HCHO=16.9±2.4) and triglycerides
level (MCHO=1.2±0.0, HCHO=1.3±0.0) than rats in cornstarch-based HFD and SD (p<0.05). Both HFD and HCHO
had higher fasting insulin than MCHO and SD (p<0.05), but the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance
(HOMA-IR) was significantly higher in WR-based CHO diets (both moderate and high carbohydrates) than the rats in
cornstarch-based HFD and SD (p<0.05). Conclusion: A WR-based CHO diet exhibits higher fasting blood glucose,
triglycerides, and insulin resistance state than a high-fat diet without a significant impact on body weight. These
findings may explain the growing incidence of diabetes in Asia and worth studying further.