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The effect of finger millet feeding on the early responses during the process of wound healing in diabetic rats
Abstract
In the present study, the role of finger millet feeding on skin antioxidant status, nerve growth factor (NGF) production and wound healing parameters in healing impaired early diabetic rats is reported. Hyperglycemic rats received food containing 50 g/100 g finger millet (FM). Non-diabetic controls and diabetic controls received balanced nutritive diet. Full-thickness excision skin wounds were made after 2 weeks prior feeding of finger millet diet. The rate of wound contraction, and the levels of collagen, hexosamine and uronic acid in the granulation tissue were determined. The skin antioxidant status and lipid peroxide concentration were also monitored during the study. In hyperglycemic rats fed with finger millet diet, the healing process was hastened with an increased rate of wound contraction. Skin levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol in alloxan-induced diabetic rat were lower as compared to non-diabetics. Altered activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also recorded in diabetics. Interestingly, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were elevated in the wound tissues of all the groups, when compared to normal (unwounded) skin tissues. However, in diabetic rats the TBARS levels of both normal and wounded skin tissues were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) when compared with control (non-diabetic) and diabetics fed with FM. Impaired production of NGF, determined by ELISA, in diabetic rats was improved upon FM feeding and further confirmed by immunocytochemical observations reflects the increased expression of NGF in hyperglycemic rats supplemented with FM-enriched diet. Histological and electron microscopical evaluations revealed the epithelialization, increased synthesis of collagen, activation of fibroblasts and mast cells in FM-fed animals. Thus, increased levels of oxidative stress markers accompanied by decreased levels of antioxidants play a vital role in delaying wound healing in diabetic rats. However, FM feeding to the diabetic animals, for 4 weeks, controlled the glucose levels and improved the antioxidant status, which hastened the dermal wound healing process.
... Grain-producing finger millet is a cereal grass. Finger millet grows to a height of 170 cm and is a sturdy, tufted, tillering annual grass (FAO, 2012;De Wet, 2006;Quattrocchi, 2006). The term "finger millet" comes from the panicle-shaped inflorescence, which has four to nineteen finger-like spikes and matures to resemble a fist (De Wet, 2006;Quattrocchi, 2006). ...
... Finger millet grows to a height of 170 cm and is a sturdy, tufted, tillering annual grass (FAO, 2012;De Wet, 2006;Quattrocchi, 2006). The term "finger millet" comes from the panicle-shaped inflorescence, which has four to nineteen finger-like spikes and matures to resemble a fist (De Wet, 2006;Quattrocchi, 2006). Up to 70 alternating spikelet with four to seven tiny seeds each are carried by the spikes (Dida et al., 2006).The seed pericarp is easily separated from the seed coat and is not dependent on the kernel (FAO, 2012). ...
... Considerable progress has been made in the healing of cutaneous wounds by using finger millet. According to a few rat studies that also shown improved antioxidant status and blood sugar regulation (Rajasekaran et al., 2004;Shobanaet al.,2009). ...
Millets have long been a traditional dietary staple in arid
regions worldwide. In Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, finger millet is a vital
crop, while it is of lesser importance in Telangana. These grains are highly
nutritious, containing abundant protein with sulfur-containing amino
acids, essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, B-vitamins, and minerals like
calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They offer various health
advantages, including lowering blood sugar levels, regulating blood
pressure, and addressing thyroid, cardiovascular, and celiac diseases.
Nevertheless, there have been no studies on the genetic composition,
molecular mechanisms, nutritional properties, and functional
characteristics of this crop. This paper reviews the empirical studies on the
nutritional aspects, functional aspects and health benefits of finger millets
from seed structure to processed products, which are conducted in India.
... Aldose reductase is an enzyme that helps avoid the buildup of sorbitol and lowers the risk of diabetes-related cataract disorders. Consuming millets therefore aids in regulating blood sugar levels [41] and, thanks to antioxidants, promotes cutaneous wound healing [30]. In 2010, as part of the National Agricultural Innovation Project, the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR) and the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, evaluated the Glycemic Index (GI) of foods based on sorghum (NAIP). ...
... Millets demonstrated the findings by lowering αglucosidase and pancreatic amylase, hence limiting the enzymatic breakdown of complex carbohydrates and postprandial hyperglycemia. Consuming millets therefore aids in regulating blood sugar levels and, thanks to antioxidants, promotes cutaneous wound healing [30]. In 2010, as part of the National Agricultural Innovation Project, the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR) and the Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, evaluated the Glycemic Index (GI) of foods based on sorghum (NAIP). ...
There are billions of people who are malnourished and facing food
insecurity worldwide. By 2030, the United Nations has established a
global goal to eradicate hunger, but we are still very far from achieving
it. Food security has been challenged during the past ten years by climate
change, population growth, and economic recession. To attain food and
nutrition security, the food system must be transformed. Today, it is
highly challenging to ensure food security so that the plant can produce
its best products due to environmental stress factors that limit the
production of important cereals. India has food security, but it lags
behind in terms of nutritional security. The world's agriculture has
advanced in many ways, such as biofortification, genetically modified
crops, fortification, etc., but it has neglected the natural gift of nutriacereals,
which are resilient to climate change, highly tolerant of drought
and other extreme weather conditions, rich in high nutrition and dietary
fiber, and serve as good sources of protein, micronutrients, and
phytochemicals. Additionally, it contains phytates, polyphenols, tannins,
anthocyanins, phytosterols, and pinacosanols, all of which are significant
contributors to ageing and metabolic illnesses. Due to their beneficial
nutrient content, which includes carbohydrate, vitamins, proteins, and
minerals, cereals are essential components of a nutritious and healthy
diet. Millets are known as nutri-cereals because of their great nutritional
value and potential to make a significant contribution to food and
nutritional security. Additionally, they show very intriguing nutritional
profiles that include macro and micronutrients as well as bioactive
substances.
... Antioxidants play a significant role in preventing tissue damage and promoting the wound healing process 39 . The study conducted by Rajasekaran et al. (2004)investigated the antioxidant effects of finger millet on the dermal wound healing process in rats with diabetes-induced oxidative stress, examining its impact on the modulation of inflammation. The study reported a positive influence of finger millet feeding on the skin's antioxidant status, production of nerve growth factor (NGF), and various wound healing parameters in early diabetic rats, contributing to the improvement of impaired healing processest 40 . ...
... The study conducted by Rajasekaran et al. (2004)investigated the antioxidant effects of finger millet on the dermal wound healing process in rats with diabetes-induced oxidative stress, examining its impact on the modulation of inflammation. The study reported a positive influence of finger millet feeding on the skin's antioxidant status, production of nerve growth factor (NGF), and various wound healing parameters in early diabetic rats, contributing to the improvement of impaired healing processest 40 . ...
... The abnormal physiological response is due to damages caused by free radicals in cells, leading to necrosis and deeper wounds (King, 2001). Including antioxidant-rich foods in the diet increases the body's potential for wound healing (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). A study on the effect of finger millet consumption in diabetic rats for nerve growth factor production and wound healing showed that including finger millet in the diet enhances wound healing capability. ...
... Antioxidants can effectively prevent tissue damage and promote the wound-healing process. Studies have shown that finger millet has good antioxidant effects on the dermal wound healing process in rats with diabetes-induced oxidative stressmediated inflammation (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). • Aging: The non-enzymatic glycosylation process, involving the interaction of proteins' amino groups with reducing sugars' aldehyde groups, is a major cause of diabetes complications and aging. ...
Global warming, water scarcity, population growth, rising food prices, urbanization, and other socio-economic factors pose significant threats to agriculture and food security in the 21st century. This situation is particularly grave for low-income individuals in the Asia-Pacific region. To tackle this challenge and eradicate hunger and poverty, it is imperative for scientists to explore alternative food sources, covering all stages from production through processing to consumption. Cereal grains serve as a crucial food source and hold substantial importance in human diets. Therefore, revamping the food system becomes crucial to achieve food and nutritional security. A pragmatic approach toward reaching this goal involves ensuring universal access to affordable, wholesome, and nourishing food through the utilization of millets—nutrient-dense grains (often referred to as Nutri-cereals) that offer a rich array of vital macronutrients, micronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and phytochemicals. Leveraging these grains holds the potential to significantly alleviate the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. Millet, a drought-resistant grain, constitutes a primary source of carbohydrates and proteins for populations residing in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Given its crucial contribution to national food security and potential health advantages, there is a growing focus among food scientists. Additionally, the United Nations designated 2023 as the International Year of Millet, underscoring its importance. This article delves into various methods of production and processing, highlighting opportunities to enhance the production and nutritional qualities of millet. We attribute millets to inadequate rainfall distribution, poor crop management high prices of farm inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides and low adoption of improved varieties by the farmers. It also outlines the constraints, challenges, and future prospects associated with promoting millet as a viable food source for the burgeoning population. Despite the promise that millets hold, they have not received adequate research attention. Therefore, increased research efforts on integrating genomics in genome-wide marker-trait association are imperative, encompassing germplasm collection, protection, evaluation, consumption patterns, development of high-yielding cultivars, processing techniques, and policy interventions. Such initiatives are necessary to bolster the cultivation of millets and harness their potential to address the escalating global food challenge.
... Aldose reductase inhibitors reduce the frequency of cataract problems associated with diabetes by limiting the accumulation of sorbitol (Chethan et al., 2008) [25] . Finger millet feeding lowers blood glucose and improves antioxidant status in diabetic mice (Hegde et al., 2005) [35] and accelerates the diabetic rats' recovery (Rajasekaran et al., 2004) [50] . Because finger millet has a high amount of fiber, diets exhibited a mild glycemic response. ...
... Aldose reductase inhibitors reduce the frequency of cataract problems associated with diabetes by limiting the accumulation of sorbitol (Chethan et al., 2008) [25] . Finger millet feeding lowers blood glucose and improves antioxidant status in diabetic mice (Hegde et al., 2005) [35] and accelerates the diabetic rats' recovery (Rajasekaran et al., 2004) [50] . Because finger millet has a high amount of fiber, diets exhibited a mild glycemic response. ...
... Antioxidants, by their nature, help prevent tissue damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals and aid in accelerating the wound healing process. The remarkable antioxidant effects of finger millet have been observed in studies involving dermal wound healing in diabetic rats with oxidative stress-induced inflammation, as reported by Rajasekaran et al. in 2004. In the context of wound healing, oxidative stress often hampers the body's ability to heal wounds efficiently, particularly in conditions like diabetes where high levels of oxidative stress can significantly impact the healing process. ...
... This underscores the significance of natural antioxidants, such as ferulic acid from finger millet, in managing wound healing and combating oxidative stressrelated complications. (Rajasekaran et al., 2004) ...
... Inhibitors like aldose reductase prevents the accumulation of sorbitol and reduce the risk of diabetes induced cataract diseases (Chethan et al., 2008). Finger millet feeding controls blood glucose level improves antioxidant status and hastens the dermal wound healing process in diabetic rats (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). ...
... Antioxidants significantly prevent tissue damage and stimulate the wound healing process. Rajasekaran et al. (2004) reported good antioxidant effects of finger millet on the dermal wound healing process in diabetes induced rats with oxidative stress-mediated modulation of inflammation. ...
Nutritional quality of food is a key element in maintaining human overall physical well-being because nutritional well-being is a sustainable force for health and development and maximization of human genetic potential. Therefore, for solving the problem of food insecurity and malnutrition, food quality should be taken into consideration. Nutritionally, the energy value, protein and macro nutrient contents of millets is comparable and sometimes higher than cereals. They significantly contribute to human diet owing to their high levels of energy, P, Ca, Fe, Zn, lipids, dietary fibres and high-quality proteins. Millet grains are gluten-free, non-acid-forming, easy to digest with low glycemic index. Its low glycemic index is reported to be a good choice for people with celiac disease and diabetes as consumption of the grain assist in the regulation of blood glucose level. They are also known to contain polyphenols and phytates which are known to influence the bioavailability of minerals. Millet proteins are good sources of essential amino acids except lysine and threonine but are relatively high in methionine. For example, pearl millet was found significantly rich in resistant starch, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains about 2.8 % crude fiber, 7.8 % crude fat, 13.6 % crude protein and 63.2 % starch. Foxtail millet protein characterization showed that it is a potential functional food ingredient and the essential amino acid pattern suggests possible use as a supplementary protein source to most cereals because it is rich in lysine. Finger millet is known to have several potential health benefits and the health benefits are attributed to its polyphenol contents. It has a carbohydrate content of 81.5 %, protein 9.8 %, crude fiber 4.3%, and mineral 2.7 %. Its crude fiber and mineral contents are markedly higher than those of wheat (1.2 % fiber, 1.5 % minerals) and rice (0.2 % fiber, 0.6 % minerals); its protein is relatively better balanced; it contains more lysine, threonine, and valine than other millets. Kodo millet and little millet were also reported to have 37 to 38 % of dietary fiber, which is the highest among the cereals; and the fat has higher polyunsaturated fatty acids. The protein content of proso millet (11.6 %) was found to be comparable with that of wheat with significant higher content of leucine, isoleucine, and methionine. Thus, the presence of all the required nutrients in millets makes them suitable for ensuring future food and nutritional security.
... Antioxidant levels of skin glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol were also reported to be lower in alloxan-induced rats when compared with non-diabetic rats. Rajasekaran et al. (2004) Devi et al. (2014) Excision wound rat model 300 mg aqueous paste once (16 days) • Significant increase in protein and collagen and decrease in lipid peroxides. ...
... inhibition of amylase and α-glucosidase in enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides ultimately delays the glucose absorption in the body, hence controlling the absorption of glucose.Rajasekaran et al. (2004) ...
High nutrient variability and food security are the needs of the hour. Millets may be as effective as other cereal crops for dealing with severe malnutrition and increasing global population problems. Due to their physiologically active components, millets have attracted more research interest. Finger millet (FM), one of the climate‐resilient and minor cereal crop species, is well known for several health benefits, primarily attributed to its nutritional value and polyphenolic content. FM seed coat phenolics exhibit excellent anti‐diabetic, anti‐oxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐osteoporosis, wound healing, anti‐lithiatic, inhibiting collagen glycation, cross‐linking, and enzyme properties, which may serve well for the pharmacological purposes. Furthermore, the processing of FM is an important factor in its commercial use. It is necessary to invent some novel technologies to increase the productivity of FM by lowering the cost of processing and its effective utilization in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The literature presented will further explore the potential prospects of processing as well as value‐added utilization and its nutritional and pharmacological aspects in view of initiating further research in the food industry to formulate ready‐to‐eat and ready‐to‐cook products, thereby acting as future crops for sustainability.
... Malting is practiced at the industrial level for brewing especially in Rajasekaran et al. [93] Nephroprotective properties ...
Millets, often overshadowed by larger cereal counterparts, are undergoing a renaissance in the realm of nutrition and health. This review delves into their captivating nutritional and nutraceutical potential, uncovering their secrets and highlighting their importance in contemporary diets. Millets emerge as nutritional powerhouses, providing a well-rounded mix of macronutrients, dietary fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Their significant health benefits include aiding in weight management, controlling glycemic levels, and promoting heart health. Additionally, their antioxidant-rich nature contributes to disease prevention and overall well-being. Notably, millets act as gluten-free champions, offering safe options for individuals with celiac disease and gluten allergenicity. In addition to their nutritional value, millets showcase anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, paving the way for potential nutraceutical applications. This review also explores culinary innovation, presenting tempting millet-based recipes to seamlessly integrate them into everyday meals, making their inclusion a delightful reality. Additionally, the by-products such as husks and seed coatings obtained from millets are abundant in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds. Despite the numerous health benefits associated with millets, their full potential remains untapped, with their primary uses revolving around feed and fodder.
... According to Narayanan et al. [75], millet consumption has the potential to lower both fasting and postprandial blood glucose amounts. These results are consistent with prior research that has shown millet can improve antioxidant status and regulate blood sugar concentrations [76]. Millet has also been revealed to be helpful for individuals with type 2 diabetes [77]. ...
Abstract
Millet (M) and banana peel (Bp) possess significant nutritional qualities and have been shown to reduce obesity resulting from a high-fat diet (HFD). The present research assessed the effect of millet flour and banana peel mixtures on lipid profiles, liver and kidney functions, and characterized food products derived from these mixtures. Thirty-five male albino rats were allocated into five groups for a biochemical analysis. The control group (n = 7) received a basal diet, while the remaining 28 rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce obesity. These rats were then separated into four sub-groups (n = 7 each): sub-group 1 as the positive control (+ve) receiving only HFD, while sub-groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered HFD supplemented with millet flour and banana peel mixtures (M90+Bp10 %, M80+Bp20 %, and M70+Bp30 %), respectively for an additional 8 weeks. The chemical composition analysis showed that banana peel (Bp) has higher levels of fat, ash, fiber, magnesium, and potassium, while millet flour is richer in carbohydrates. Bp also had superior antioxidant activity and total phenol content (13.32 % and 10.54 mg/100g) compared to millet flour (3.75 % and 4.55 mg/100g). Biochemical tests on the HFD plus (M70+Bp30 %) group revealed improved lipid profiles, leptin, antioxidant enzymes, and kidney and liver functions. Glucose levels were higher in the HFD group (137.33 mg/dl) than in the control (85.70 mg/dl), but these levels were reduced with millet and banana peel treatment. The histology of liver tissues confirmed the biochemical results. Sensory evaluation of pancakes and toast from the (M70+Bp30 %) mixture by forty panelists showed high acceptability, aligning with the biochemical outcomes. This study suggests that a banana peel and millet flour mixture could help reduce obesity.
... These antioxidants protect tissues by healing wounds. The roles of antioxidants present in finger millet in healing dermal wounds in diabetic rats and modulating inflammation have been reported [103]. The presence of bio-active compounds including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and lignin in millets contributes to their ability to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress [104]. ...
Millets are an important traditional food known for their dietary diversity. They play a key role in ensuring human health and well-being. Millets, which are small-seeded grains cultivated widely in various areas of the world, have emerged as significant contributors to this paradigm shift. They are nutrition powerhouses, that boast raised levels of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Since they are gluten free, those with celiac disease may utilize them and serve as alternatives to wheat products. The promotion of these grains as a staple food holds significant promise for facing the global challenges of malnutrition, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Moreover, millets contain bio-active compounds like flavonoids, lignin, phenolic acids reduce inflammation and serve as antioxidants. Millets have positive health benefits related to blood sugar, cardiovascular disease and obesity, and the gastrointestine. This article provides an overview of the functional role of millets as promising food for human health.
... , reported that wound healing is impaired in diabetic patients and studies have shown that finger millet extracts results in ameliorating this impairment by improving the nerve growth factor (NGF) production and improved antioxidant status. Rajasekaran et al., (2004) reported that ragi feeding improved the antioxidant status on skin which hastened the dermal wound healing process. ...
Cereal grains are the most important source of food and play a major role in human diets all over the world. Millet is one of the most importantdrought-resistant crops, providing a significant source of carbohydrates and proteins to people living in the semiarid tropics of Africa and Asia.Finger millet is one of the ancient millets in India. In terms of nutritional composition, finger millet ranks higher than the other cereal grains.Finger millet contain both water soluble and water insoluble vitamins. It is a good source of dietary fiber, minerals, phytates and amino acids.Processing of finger millet involves soaking, malting, popping, milling. Food processing procedures have been found to boost the nutritionalquality of food by improving the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients, while simultaneously reducing the presence of anti-nutrients. Theplant possesses various health-promoting qualities, including anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumerogenic,antibacterial, phytochemical activity, enzyme inhibitory capabilities, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, people afflicted with cardiovasculardisease, cancer, and other cognitive disorders also experience advantageous effects.
... Improved levels of adiponectin as well as high-density lipoprotein were observed in obese mice suffering from high conditions of fat (Park et al., 2008). Finger millet has been shown to help wound healing as it controls levels of sugar in the body (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). ...
Pigmented millets, also known as colored millets, refer to a specific type of millet grain that exhibits a range of vibrant colors. This variety of millets is distinct from the traditional white or yellow millet, as they showcase pigments in shades of red, pink, purple, brown, or black. These pigments are derived from natural compounds called anthocyanins, which not only give pigmented millet their striking colors but also contribute to their potential health benefits. Like other millet varieties, pigmented millets are gluten-free and rich in essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins (including niacin, thiamin, and vitamin B6), minerals (such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus), and antioxidants. Additionally, the presence of anthocyanins provides added health benefits, as these compounds have been associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer properties. This chapter aims to explore their nutritional quality with a focus on polyphenols and antioxidant compounds, their health benefits, and food applications.
... Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, called neuropathy, which can lead to impaired sweating, decreased pain sensation, impaired temperature, touch, and pressure perception, increased inflammation, dry skin, cracking, bone deformities, tissue necrosis, and paralysis as a result of autonomic, sensory, and motor nerve dysfunction [96]. Thermal damage develops when a person loses their protective sensibility to environmental temperature, and the body loses the capacity to perceive the wound location [36]. ...
... Finger millet feeding to the diabetic animals, for 4 weeks, controlled the glucose levels and improved the antioxidant status, which hastened the dermal wound healing process (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). Dehulled and heat-treated barnyard millet has been reported benefitial for type 2 diabetes in which low glycemic index for dehulled millet (50.0) and heat-treated (41.7) was recorded (Ugare et al., 2011). ...
Food safety and preservation against foodborne pathogens necessitate the utilisation of alternative natural additives. Aromatic plants have long been employed to enhance flavour and extend the shelf life of food, owing to the essential oils derived from their secondary metabolism.
This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils extracted from Moringa oleifera and Sesamun indicum seeds against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, specifically Lasiodiplodia spp., Streptomyces spp., and Aspergillus flavus, isolated from millet grains.
The antifungal activity of the essential oils was assessed using parameters such as mycelial growth inhibition, sporulation inhibition, and seed contamination index. The findings demonstrated that the essential oil derived from Sesamun indicum (sesame) exhibited the most potent antifungal properties compared to the essential oil from Moringa oleifera.
Millet serves as a staple crop for millions of individuals in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, particularly in northern Nigeria. With its ability to respond well to management practices, millet holds potential as a significant component of intensive agriculture. However, there is a growing demand for alternative and more effective methods of fungal control that are safer, cost-effective, and address concerns associated with synthetic fungicides, such as mammalian toxicity, environmental pollution, and pathogen resistance.
To address this need, the study explores the potential of utilising essential oils derived from tropical plants to test their efficacy in controlling fungal infections in millet cultivation. By evaluating the antifungal properties of these essential oils, the research aims to contribute to the development of safer and sustainable approaches to fungal control in millet production.
... Millets were effective in curing diabetes-associated complications such as cataracts, dermal wounds, fatty liver, etc. Finger millet-fed diabetic rats exhibited hastened dermal wound healing (53). through altered activities of antioxidant enzymes, enhanced expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), increased synthesis of collagen, and activation of fibroblasts and mast cells. ...
Millets are ancient small grains grown in arid and semiarid regions of the world. They are staple food for many people in Asia and Africa. They are abundant sources of minerals and vitamins, giving them the name Nutricereals. Moreover, millets contain valuable phytochemicals that impart therapeutic properties for various disorders and diseases, thus giving them nutraceutical value. A wide array of biochemical compounds are present in the plant parts as well as the grains. In the oldest texts of medicine in India and China, millets are mentioned for use for their medicinal value. There has been expanding interest and emerging facts about millets and their therapeutic uses. Ample evidence shows that consumption of millets amounts to correction of life style and metabolic disorders. Therapeutic properties of millets can be viewed in two ways, supplementary nutrition through minerals and vitamins, and therapeutic value through the presence of phytochemicals and specialty compounds that include flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanidins and others that have antioxidant potential. Millets are gluten free, have low glycemic index and the phytochemicals aid in correction of lifestyle disorders and prevention of ailments like carcinogenesis. Supplementary benefits include treatment of anemia and calcium deficiency especially for pregnant women and young children. With the improvements in analytical methods for detection of various compounds, it is possible to identify the compound-specific genotypes in millets that can cater to the pharmacy industry. End-use specific genotypes can be bred to meet the demand. Millets being climate resilient, can contribute to a healthier life and better world through economic usage of natural resources.
... The healing of cutaneous wounds has been improved with the use of finger millet. According to a few rat studies that also shown improved antioxidant status and blood sugar control (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). In a study, finger millets' polyphenols were discovered to have significant anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. ...
Millets have been long known to Indian tradition, and also worldwide in ancient times, but with the green revolution and modernization coming into the picture often their importance was lost. With climate change being the potential threat to mankind and food security associated with it, millets have been considered a way to resolve sustainability goals. Millets are power pack with nutrients and it can assist mankind in overcoming malnutrition due toe to its tolerant and hardy nature that favors their growth even in the adverse condition of stress.
... Mathanghi and Sudha also reported on the wound-healing properties of finger millet. 59,66 Anti-aging activity Eleusine coracana's methanol fraction has been demonstrated to have significant antioxidant activity in terms of inhibiting glycosylation and cross-linking, two processes that occur as part of the ageing process. The ability of the extract to inhibit glycosylation was discovered by incubating rat tail tendons in 50 mM glucose solution and 3 mg finger millet extract in methanol. ...
... Contains antioxidants that assist your body battle stress and delay the onset of ageing. contains E which is excellent for your skin [3,36] ...
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is one of the important small millets with high nutraceutical value in the world. Most of the millet farmers attracted by Finger millet cultivation due to its wide adoptability in different soil types and climate. It also grows well in hot climates with short rainfall periods and cool climates with warm millets. A multitude of small farmers grow finger millet with limited water resources and in many countries this crop is often referred to as “poor people's crop”. The grains of finger millets are very small in size with brown, light brown and white in colours based on different cultivars. The white cultivars have been developed mainly for the baking industry, the brown and light brown types used for porridge while the brown cultivar is utilized for brewing traditional opaque beer in Southern Africa. Finger millet has the highest source of calcium and iron when compared to the other cereals. Finger millet contains high concentration of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytochemicals and essential amino acids; presence of essential minerals; as well as a gluten‑free status. Diet is a major focus of public health strategies aimed at maintaining optimum health throughout life, thus preventing early onset of chronic diseases as well as promoting healthier ageing. Many researchers have described that finger millet helps in natural weight loss, strengthens bone, prevents diabetes, prevents anti-ageing, maintains blood pressure levels, protects from disease, improves in hemoglobin status in children etc.,. Studies on the different properties of foods have shown that consumption of certain foods may provide greater health benefits. Finger millet is not only used for human consumption, but it is also used as feed for cattle and birds. Finger millet is used in the preparation of different foods both in natural and malted forms, like porridge, puddings, pancakes, biscuits, roti, bread, noodles, and other snacks. Besides this, it is also used as a nourishing food for infants when malted and is regarded as wholesome food for diabetic patients. Therefore, necessary need to needs to increase production and productivity through various improved technologies to meet our requirements in future and also strengthen public distribution system for achieving nutritional security.
... Antioxidants, antimicrobials, and bioactive can be included in the proper management of wounds. Rajasekaran et al. (2004) studied the wound healing activity of whole finger millet flour feeding (50%) in the diet of alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. In this study, skin antioxidant status, production of nerve growth factor, and wound healing parameters were observed. ...
Millet are small-seeded grains belongs to the family, Poaceae. Millets have high health benefits and nutraceutical value compared to major cereals. Hence millets are considered as ‘Nutri-cereals’. Finger millet (Ragi) is commonly available in India and it is consumed as staple food for low-income groups in about 25 countries especially in Asia and Africa. It is widely cultivated, because of their shorter cultivation period, lower water demand, grows on adverse climate and gives high yield. Ragi is rich in nutrients especially good balance of amino acids, calcium, other minerals, polyphenols and dietary fiber. It is known for several health promoting benefits such as antidiabetic, antioxidants, hypocholesterolemic, low glycemic index, prebiotic activity and anti-microbial properties. Finger millet is used in the preparation of food items such as unleavened breads, pancakes, bakery products and porridges. It improves nutritional security and has excellent malting qualities that extends the grain use in food processing and value addition. This book chapter deals with nutritional and bioactive properties, health benefits, techno-functional properties and finger millet utilization in value added food products.
... Finger millet-based foods have been conveyed to having low glycemic index because of rich in fiber and also alpha amylase prohibition qualities that is studied to reduction of polymeric carbohydrates digestion and absorption (Kumari and Sumathi, 2002) [13] . Millets also help in controlling sugar level in blood and dermal wound healing process (Rajesh Keran N S et al., 2004) [19] . Studies conducted by Pradhan et al., 2010 [18] showed that persons, who have taken millet in diet, had decreased level of blood glucose. ...
In present scenario so many lifestyle diseases like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, asthma, osteoporosis etc. are prevalent today across all sections of society and Millets which are climate resilient, hardy and dry land crops also termed as Nutri cereals can contribute substantially for food and nutritional security. Millets are still main food for millions of poor population in Africa and Asia. Millets are considered to be healthier than other cereals and serve as good source of protein, micronutrients and phyto-chemicals. The millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fibre. Millets are found to be very suitable for consumption for people living with diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, heart disease, Celiac diseases, osteoporosis etc. In this review significance of different types of millets and their health benefits has been discussed in detail.
... The high content of dietary iber makes a feeling of fullness after consumption of inger millet and therefore it is excellent as a reduced snack (Thilakeratne, 2010). Antioxidants in inger millet assist in wound healing in diabetes patients by partially protecting the insulin producing cells from alloxan-mediated cell damage thereby promoting the healing process (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). Finger millet is currently gaining popularity among Sri Lankan elderly population for the above mentioned qualities of this crop. ...
... Studies with early diabetic rats with poor wound healing show how finger millet affects skin antioxidant status, nerve growth factor production, and tissue repair characteristics.. Higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower antioxidant levels are both linked to slower wound healing. In contrast, a four-week diet of finger millet helped diabetic animals' skin lesions heal more quickly while decreasing their blood sugar levels and increasing their antioxidant status [125]. Moreover, phenolic compounds isolated from millet showed promise as potential anti-diabetic agents. ...
Climate change, water scarcity, escalating food bills, population growth, and other social implications are probable to substantially endanger agricultural and global food security in the twenty-first century, particularly for the world's poorest residents who live in deserts and partitions. Scientists and nutritionists are challenged by these effects to look into the production, processing, and consumption of alternative food sources in order to eradicate eagerness and poverty. The world's main food supply and a large portion of the diet of the ordinary human are cereal grains. Millet, which is also a significant source of carbs and proteins for the locals, is a drought-resistant crop in Africa and Asia's semi-arid tropical areas. Furthermore, millet grain is gaining popularity among technologists, food scientists, and nutritionists due to its important impact on national food availability and potential medical benefits. To assess the possible health benefits and nutritional worth of millet grains, this report reviewed recent advancements in the research that had been conducted up to that point. As well as the difficulties, constraints, and prospects for promoting millet use as food for a vast and expanding population, processing technologies used to enhance the millet's edible and nutritional qualities are examined. Bhatt, et.al, 2023 Agricultural Mechanization in Asia 12574 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License.
... Studies with early diabetic rats with poor wound healing show how finger millet affects skin antioxidant status, nerve growth factor production, and tissue repair characteristics.. Higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower antioxidant levels are both linked to slower wound healing. In contrast, a four-week diet of finger millet helped diabetic animals' skin lesions heal more quickly while decreasing their blood sugar levels and increasing their antioxidant status [125]. Moreover, phenolic compounds isolated from millet showed promise as potential anti-diabetic agents. ...
Climate change, water scarcity, escalating food bills, population growth,and other social implications are probable to substantially endangeragricultural and global food security in the twenty-first century,particularly for the world's poorest residents who live in deserts andpartitions. Scientists and nutritionists are challenged by these effects tolook into the production, processing, and consumption of alternativefood sources in order to eradicate eagerness and poverty. The world'smain food supply and a large portion of the diet of the ordinary humanare cereal grains. Millet, which is also a significant source of carbs andproteins for the locals, is a drought-resistant crop in Africa and Asia'ssemi-arid tropical areas. Furthermore, millet grain is gaining popularity among technologists, food scientists, and nutritionists due to itsimportant impact on national food availability and potential medicalbenefits. To assess the possible health benefits and nutritional worth ofmillet grains, this report reviewed recent advancements in the researchthat had been conducted up to that point. As well as the difficulties,constraints, and prospects for promoting millet use as food for a vast andexpanding population, processing technologies used to enhance themillet's edible and nutritional qualities are examined
... Studies with early diabetic rats with poor wound healing show how finger millet affects skin antioxidant status, nerve growth factor production, and tissue repair characteristics.. Higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower antioxidant levels are both linked to slower wound healing. In contrast, a four-week diet of finger millet helped diabetic animals' skin lesions heal more quickly while decreasing their blood sugar levels and increasing their antioxidant status [125]. Moreover, phenolic compounds isolated from millet showed promise as potential anti-diabetic agents. ...
Climate change, water scarcity, escalating food bills, population growth, and other social implications are probable to substantially endanger agricultural and global food security in the twenty-first century, particularly for the world's poorest residents who live in deserts and partitions. Scientists and nutritionists are challenged by these effects to look into the production, processing, and consumption of alternative food sources in order to eradicate eagerness and poverty. The world's main food supply and a large portion of the diet of the ordinary human are cereal grains. Millet, which is also a significant source of carbs and proteins for the locals, is a drought-resistant crop in Africa and Asia's semi-arid tropical areas. Furthermore, millet grain is gaining popularity among technologists, food scientists, and nutritionists due to its important impact on national food availability and potential medical benefits. To assess the possible health benefits and nutritional worth of millet grains, this report reviewed recent advancements in the research that had been conducted up to that point. As well as the difficulties, constraints, and prospects for promoting millet use as food for a vast and expanding population, processing technologies used to enhance the millet's edible and nutritional qualities are examined. Bhatt, et.al, 2023 Agricultural Mechanization in Asia 12574 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License.
... The enzymes like aldose reductase which helps in prevention of accumulation of sorbitol and reduces the risk of diabetes induced cataract diseases. Hence consuming millets helps control the blood glucose level and also helps in the dermal wound healing process with the help of antioxidants (Rajasekaran, 2004) ...
... Enhances the antioxidant status and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and better controls the blood glucose levels, Sarita and Singh (2016). (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). ...
Food and nutrition insecurity is a problem for the majority of developing nations; incidentally, some underutilized crops have the potential to increase food security. A minor cereal grain called finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is widely cultivated in various regions of India and Africa and is consumed for its numerous health advantages. There is a wealth of research on the nutritional and health benefits of this crop, but little is known about how varietal difference and processing affect these qualities. Therefore, this study reviewed the effects of variety and different processing methods on the nutrition, antinutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidative properties of finger millet and its probable uses in ensuring nutrition and food security. Finger millet is a nutritious cereal with relatively high values of protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and energy. The amount of minerals, particularly calcium and potassium, is larger than what is found in the most popular grains, including wheat and rice. The grain of finger millet is non-glutinous and contains only 1.3% fat; in contrast to other types of millet which are noticeably higher in dietary fibre, protein, ash, and fat. The coloured varieties particularly have high levels of minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The nutritional and phytochemical qualities of finger millet are affected by the cultivars, varieties, and geographical locations. This study elucidates the qualities of finger millet varieties and methods of processing which will help in the selection of appropriate cultivars for food applications.
... The high content of dietary iber makes a feeling of fullness after consumption of inger millet and therefore it is excellent as a reduced snack (Thilakeratne, 2010). Antioxidants in inger millet assist in wound healing in diabetes patients by partially protecting the insulin producing cells from alloxan-mediated cell damage thereby promoting the healing process (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). Finger millet is currently gaining popularity among Sri Lankan elderly population for the above mentioned qualities of this crop. ...
Dengue has been recognized as one of the major public health concerns in Sri Lanka nowadays. Suppression of vector population and limiting the vector-human contact has become the main strategies in the disease control programmes. In control of dengue vectors, chemical-based methods are widely used to reduce vector densities. However, downsides allied with the chemical-based control approaches such as the development of resistance against insecticides, adverse impact to the non-target organisms and environment have widened the attention toward eco-friendly methods in the integrated vector control concept for vector management. In Sri Lanka, several biological-based control approaches have been evaluated and used in control progammes with different magnitudes. However, many of these approaches have not been involved in the vector control strategic plan. The present work reviews the biological vector control approaches which have been evaluated in Sri Lanka at some scale and reiterate the potential strengths in integrated vector management.
... The production of H₂O₂ and ROS in the inflammatory process in the wound area causes increases in the TBARS level. Inflammatory responses are required for wound repair following injury [32].In our current findings, the negative effect of diabetes, lipid peroxidation in hyperglycemic rats with bFGF application could not be eliminated. The reason for this can be shown as increased oxidative stress due to diabetes.bFGF ...
Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that includes multiple biological pathways and has some successive healing periods. Most growth factor is responsible for wound healing. Fibroblast growth factor has a positive effect on wound healing problems that can be caused by diabetes. In the present study, we aimed to investigate exogenous effect bFGF supplementation on serum TBARS, RSH and NOx levels in hyperglysemic rats. Experiments were performed on 30 male Wistar albino rats (weight range: 200-250 g ). Rats were hyperglycemic with STZ (ip, 60 mg/kg). The experimental groups were divided into untreated and bFGF-treated subgroups. bGF was applied locally to the dorsalateral wounds of rats (10 ng/ml). After these administrations, on the 3th and 7th days of wound healing, the animals were sacrificed. Serum TBARS, RSH and NOx levels were recorded spectrophotometrically. The results were expressed as mean ± Standard deviation and the mean differences were compared by Anova Variance Analysis (p<0,05). When compared with the treatment group, on the 7th day and the 3rd day, it was found that the serum TBARS levels increased statistically in hyperglycemic rats(p<0,05). Both in the 3rd day of the untreated and 3rd day of the rats treated with bFGF may significant decrease in the serum RSH levels. bFGF application was found both enhancing and reducing effects on oxidative stres. In subsequent studies, the effect of bFGF, which has positive effects on diabetic wound healing, on oxidative events can be investigated in detail using different doses and different treatment periods.
... The high content of dietary iber makes a feeling of fullness after consumption of inger millet and therefore it is excellent as a reduced snack (Thilakeratne, 2010). Antioxidants in inger millet assist in wound healing in diabetes patients by partially protecting the insulin producing cells from alloxan-mediated cell damage thereby promoting the healing process (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). Finger millet is currently gaining popularity among Sri Lankan elderly population for the above mentioned qualities of this crop. ...
Microalgae are a diverse group of ubiquitous microorganisms which have important ecosystem services and industrial applications in sustainable bioeconomy
... The high content of dietary iber makes a feeling of fullness after consumption of inger millet and therefore it is excellent as a reduced snack (Thilakeratne, 2010). Antioxidants in inger millet assist in wound healing in diabetes patients by partially protecting the insulin producing cells from alloxan-mediated cell damage thereby promoting the healing process (Rajasekaran et al., 2004). Finger millet is currently gaining popularity among Sri Lankan elderly population for the above mentioned qualities of this crop. ...
Role of microalgae in sustainable bioeconomy
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is projected to affect approximately 98 million individuals in India by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies that incorporate diet and physical activity. Ayurveda has recognized Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, or Madhumeha, and provided comprehensive guidelines for its management. This study reviews classical Indian dietary interventions and evaluates their contemporary relevance for T2DM management. A comprehensive analysis of thirty traditional dietary items, assessed for their nutritional content and glycemic impact, highlights the alignment of ancient recommendations with modern scientific evidence. Key dietary strategies include incorporating low-glycemic index cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding high-glycemic and processed foods. The study combines traditional Ayurvedic insights with current dietary guidelines, highlighting that integrating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes is essential for effective T2DM management and improved patient outcomes.
As the global agrifood systems face challenges to feed an ever-growing global population, resilient cereals like millets provide an affordable and nutritious option, and efforts need to be scaled-up to promote their cultivation. This was the message at the opening ceremony of the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM) at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations. Millets encompass a diverse group of cereals including pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, little, kodo, browntop, finger and Guinea millets, as well as fonio, sorghum (or great millet) and teff. They are an important source of nourishment for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. They are deeply rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ culture and traditions and also help towards food security in areas where they are culturally relevant. Greater millet production can support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and can provide decent jobs for women and youth. The revenue created can boost economic growth. With the possibility of a health cereal alternative with millets, the risks associated with production shocks can be mitigated. The IYM 2023 and the push towards increasing millet production will contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. IYM 2023 hopes to galvanise interest in millets among various stakeholders like farmers, the youth and civil society and push governments and policy makers to priorities the production and trade in these cereals.
Deeply rooted in indigenous peoples’ culture and traditions, millets (also called ‘nutricereals’ are ancestral crops high in nutritional value. As the global agrifood systems face challenges to feed an ever-growing global population, resilient cereals like millets provide an affordable and nutritious option and help guarantee food security.
This book presents the basic principles and practices of millets and other potential crops towards climate resilience and nutritional security. It discuses the role of millets in sustainable agriculture, the medicinal use of foxtail millet, exotic fruits in India, and climate-resilient fruit and vegetable crops.
The goal of this work is to promote the sustainable cultivation of millets, also under adverse and changing climatic conditions and improving their quality, highlighting their potential to provide new sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.
Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan)
Millets are underutilized minor cereal crops belonging to the Poaceae family. These small seeded, nutrient dense grains aredrought resistant, glutenfree and non-acid forming. They fall into two major categories, namely, the major millets, and the minor millets. Pearl millet and sorghum are classified as major millets. The minor millet category comprises foxtail millet, proso millet, finger millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet and little millet.They are rich source of phytochemicals with medicinal properties in the form of antioxidant activities, which help lower many health diseases.They have a low glycemic index, high fibre content, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). It is a splendid source of essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and also some other bioactive compounds that eventually help through multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cholesterol, anti-hypertensive, anthropometric effects and regulation of gut microbiota composition.In addition to staple food crops, such as wheat and rice millets are highly nutritious and beneficial and have great potential to help the world combat the food insecurity many countries face today.The current review is to collect the available information from existing literature related to the nutritional importance and health-benefiting properties of millet and trying to present the collected data in an easily-documented pattern.
Nutritional insecurity imposes a severe threat to the exponentially growing world’s population. Currently, global nutritional security is predominantly dependent on cereal-based diets which are poor in micronutrients. In Asia, Africa, and the semi-arid tropical regions, major cereal grains and millets are the primary sources of energy. The most important millet species are foxtail, finger, proso, and pearl millets. Regarding the amounts of macro- and micronutrients they contain, millets are equivalent to major cereals. Millets are more nutritious than other cereals as they contain a substantial number of proteins, minerals, essential amino acids, and vitamins. Millets are rich in phytochemicals and are gluten-free. The storage stability and nutritional value of millets can be enhanced by employing diverse processing and biofortification methods. Till now, only limited attempts are done for the biofortification of millets due to the presence of antinutrients. Genetic engineering modifications like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and conventional traditional breeding methods, and agronomic methods, including chemical modification, are common methods to be utilized to reduce the antinutrients or to enhance the better nutritional values of millet. This chapter provides detailed information regarding functional properties, nutritional status, numerous techniques for enhancing the nutritional value of millets and potential tools for crop improvement to enhance the use of these traditional crops in meeting food and nutritional security.
Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by abnormal Metabolism of glucose. The maintenance of glucose levels in blood without any side effects is still challenging in the medication of this disease. Various medical approaches like Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani etc are striving a lot for success in this field of medication. Present study is aimed to evaluate the Antidiabetic activity of Millets in combination with Kamadhenu Ark as solvent for the probable alpha Amylase and alpha Glucosidase inhibitory activities to reduce hyperglycemia. The Millets namely Paspalum scrobiculatum, Panicum miliaceum, Panicum sumatrense were selected for the study. The Kamadhenu Ark Extracts were prepared by Maceration method. The extracts were used for the estimation of alpha amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity. Extract of Panicum miliaceum exhibited highest α amylase and α glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 0.239 and 1.526 mg/ml, respectively, which was comparable with acarbose (0.258 and 1.985 mg/ml). Extracts of Paspalum scrobiculatum and Panicum sumatrense have shown low activity. Present study paves a new path revealing the effective inhibition of α amylase and α glucosidase by Kamadhenu Ark extract of Panicum miliaceum (Proso Millet KPM).
Millets in general and the small millets in particular, consumed in whole form with its botanical parts such as endosperm, bran and germ, are rich in nutrients and phyto-nutrients. Important cultivated small millets are finger millet, little millet, kodo millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet and proso millet. Each millet is unique in their content of nutrients and phyto-components with health beneficial effects or nutraceuticals. Bioactive components in the millet include- phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids, small peptides, dietary fibre, etc. These components as well as small millet fractions can influence the biochemical and molecular pathways in metabolic syndrome and play key role in prevention of life style disorders.
Millets are nutri-cereals, ancient crops, farmer friendly, climate resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable crops. The nutritional properties of each millet are unique but overall, they are nutritionally superior to white rice and refined wheat when consumed in whole grain forms. Millets being rich in complex carbohydrates contain higher levels of insoluble fibre and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pigmented millets are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and are reported to have several health benefits which include antioxidant, antimicrobial and blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties etc. These were established through in vitro, animal feeding and human feeding trials. In India refined grain-based diets which are deficient in pulses are being consumed. There is therefore a need for alternative cereal staples and this is where millets can help. Processing is known to impact the nutritional properties of millets. Dehulling / polishing reduces dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral contents while increasing available carbohydrates. Such millets are nutritionally inferior as they can increase the glycemic load. Characterization of millet germplasm, landraces for nutritional property and phytochemicals can be helpful to identify millets with superior nutritional qualities. The glycemic index of millet foods ranges from low to high, is unique for each millet food. Inclusion of pulses and soluble fibres in millet foods is helpful in lowering the glycemic response. Continuous glucose monitoring studies showed that finger millet diets as compared to white rice diets produced 18% lower fasting insulin levels. Studies on the drivers and barriers of millet consumption, millet consumption patterns will provide more insights on the preferred forms of millet foods. There is a need for data base on the nutritional and glycemic properties of millets and this can help create a millet food atlas. Collaboration between different stake holders along millet value chain is essential to promote healthier forms of millets in this population.
Millets, small-seeded grasses, are gaining interest for their nutrition and health benefits. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of millets' pharmacological activities, highlighting their rich bioactive compounds. These compounds, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and dietary fibers, contribute to antioxidant effects, safeguarding against chronic diseases. Millets also possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating conditions, like arthritis and asthma. They show anti-carcinogenic potential, possibly preventing various cancers' development through mechanisms, like apoptosis induction and inhibiting tumor growth. Moreover, millets offer hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, beneficial for managing conditions, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes. Their high dietary fiber and resistant starch content regulate blood lipids and glucose, reducing the cardiovascular risk. Additionally, millets act as antimicrobials, inhibiting pathogens and serving as natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials. They exhibit immunomodulatory effects, enhancing immune function and response. Overall, millets' pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory traits, position them as functional foods with varied health benefits. Further research can integrate millets into preventive and therapeutic approaches for diverse diseases.
The General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) has declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets' to promote millets' nutritional, health, environmental, and economic advantages. Millets' unique qualities and advantages have made them important contributors to numerous sustainable development goals (SDGs). Prioritizing millets can lead to a sustainable and inclusive future. Millets are small-seeded grasses with great nutritional value and environmental resistance, surviving drought and flood. Millets were the first cereal grain cultivated, making it one of the oldest agricultural cereals. From historical records, millets were the first cereal grain to have been domesticated, making it one of the oldest farmed grains in the world.
Millets are cereal crops and exotic berries always viewed as a dietary staple and the main provenance of protein in most of the developing world. Millets are the minor cereals of grass family, poaceae. Due to their short burgeoning season, these can develop from seeds to ready to harvest crops in about 65 days. Millet is also an important food item for the population living in the arid parts of many other countries, especially in eastern and central Africa, and in the northern coastal countries of western Africa. Millets are nutritionally surpassing as their grains contain high amount of proteins, minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins. Therefore, a legitimate consumption can help to conquered malnutrition among majority of our Indian population. These have often been called the coarse grains; however, due to their nutritional benefactions, these are now being referred as 'nutria-millets/nutria-cereals'. Millets are also rich in phytochemicals (polyphenols, tannins and phytosterols) and antioxidants; however, they do contain some anti-nutritional factors that can be condensed by certain processing treatments. Conventional methods of cereal processing (popping and flaking) as well as the existent ones (roller drying/extrusion cooking) can be successfully engaged for preparing different millet based ready-to-eat products. Further, the public needs to be made apprised of the benefits confabulate by millets and their role in combating the ill effects of westernized torpid lifestyle so that they can lead a healthy life. This review aims to focus on the role of millets as functional food for global use.
Nano urea, a product of cutting-edge nanotechnology, represents a
paradigm shift in agricultural practices. This article aims to provide a
comprehensive overview of its attributes, benefits, challenges, and potential
contributions to a more food-secure and environmentally conscious world.
We will explore the composition, mechanisms, and the potential it holds for
sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. In particular, we will examine the
various application methods and the benefits they bring to different crop
systems. This paper will also discuss the regulatory aspects of nano-urea and
its economic viability for farmers. In most of the crops, the effect of nano
urea is under intensive research stage. In rabi maize, using nano urea along
with the recommended dose of fertilizer has shown superior results. 75% of
RDN + Two foliar sprays of nano urea (AT and PI) have shown higher
yields and harvest index in rice. In black wheat, 50% Conventional urea +
50% of Nano urea fertilizer has shown superior results when compared to the
RDN. In finger millet, RDN + 2 sprays of nano urea has shown higher
economic yields. In sunflower, the nano urea treatments did not show any
significantly superior yield and yield attributes when compared to the
treatment with RDN. However, pearl millet, rice, maize and most of the
crops 50% RDN + 2 sprays of nano urea was also on par with the treatment
with RDN. So the agricultural community can be advised to use technologies
like nano-urea, which could improve production without reducing crop yield.
The ever-increasing population and malnutrition in tropical and sub-tropical countries upsurge the demand and security for poor people’s food and nutrition. In erratic climatic conditions, millets can survive as they require less water, short cultivation period and are somewhat tolerant to biotic (bacteria and fungi) and biotic stresses (drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency, etc). Millets possess several nutrient rich components and several health benefits. Despite having superior nutritional, health and agricultural advantages, millets have not received their due attention. Among the millets, foxtail millet is one of the major millets in terms of its second in global production and millets’ yield, quality, and quantity are affected by various diseases. This review provides an overview of the origin and distribution of eight millets, their morphological characteristics with chemical composition, potential health benefits and the fungal, bacterial and viral diseases affecting the growth and yield of millets and their effective management in the framework of ensuring food and nutritional securities in the tropical and sub-tropical countries
Small millets are a traditional dry land staple meal and are well known as Nutri-cereals due to their high nutrient content. Foxtail millet (Kangni), Finger millet (Mandua), Little millet (Kutki), Kodo millet, Barnyard millet (Jhangora), and Proso millet are the most important farmed species of small millets (Cheena). Minor millets are high in macro-and micronutrients such as Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, phosphorous, fiber, and B complex vitamins. Millets contain antioxidants, which are vital to the human body, and so have nutraceutical benefits. These tiny millets grow well in marginal soil, require little water to cultivate, and can tolerate harsh climatic conditions. Small millets are more environmentally friendly since they use less water and have fewer input requirements, making them farmer friendly. As a result, new high-yielding varieties and proper crop management practices must be developed in order to increase the area under minor millet crops and attain nutritional security in the country.
This research work was carried out to explore the possibility of utilization of underutilized but highly nutrient rich pearl millet and pumpkin pulp in cookies. Cookies are generally made from Maida flour that provides high energy but low in fibre. Bakery products are often high in energy and fat and the most consumed bakery products is cookies. This research work proposed a healthy composition of cookies by incorporating pumpkin pulp while replacing usual principal ingredients like Maida flour with Pearl Millet (Bajra) and refined sugar with honey. The quality cookies were prepared from 50% pearl millet flour and 50% pumpkin pulp,60% pearl millet flour and 40% pumpkin pulp, 70% pearl millet flour and 30% pumpkin pulp and 80% pearl millet flour and 20%pumpkin pulp. There was decrease in carbohydrates and fat and increase in moisture, vitamins, ash and dietary fibre .Good quality cookies can be prepared by substituting pumpkin pulp(40%) with pearl millet flour (60%).This study evaluated the health benefits of millet pumpkin cookies based on their nutritional value and sensory analysis. pearl Millets are rich in all nutritious aspects like vitamins, fats, protein and also high in micronutrients such as folic acid, niacin and Vitamin B6, B complex vitamins that help in providing various medical and health benefits, millets into diet will reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems helps in treating constipation, diabetes ,obesity, hyperlipidemia. Pumpkin flesh is rich in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, Mg, K and a variety of carotenoids being the important sources of these amazing phytonutrients and its prevent various diseases, such asantidiabetic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory.
The present Investigation was carried out to study biochemical properties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glausum L.) genotypes. The various biochemical parameters such as corbohydrate NDBH-2(64.24g/100g), Protein Content pearl millet-3(11%), amino acids like tryptophan content NDHB-5(1.23mg/100g), lysine content NDBH-2(0.55mg/100g), Anti nutritional factors such as total phenolic content pearlmillet-5(49.69%) and tannin content pearl millet-6(1.84mg/100g) were recorded maximum in present investigation.
In recent years, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) has gained popularity as healthy food due to its nutritional and phytochemical properties. The finger millet is known for several health benefits due to its polyphenol content and dietary fiber. Therefore, it does not need to be identified as a new source of nutraceuticals or other natural and nutritional materials with desirable functional characteristics. Using finger millet to make value-added foods and evaluating its nutritional and health characteristics is the focus of this review. It has much higher protein levels, fats, calcium, and dietary fiber than rice and wheat. Several amino acids are found in this millet, including isoleucine, leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine, which are all lacking in other starchy foods. This review focuses on finger millet's nutrient profile, amino acid profile, micronutrient profile, and value-added product as well as their role in health benefits.
In most of the African and Asian countries food insecurity and hunger are the main problem. Millets are grown as vital crop in the semiarid tropics region for centuries in such countries. Millets which are referred as poor man's crop does not only attract the growers due to its less harvesting time and its ability to grow in harsh climatic conditions, even at drought conditions but also due to food business operators to produce products that are free from gluten. Along with macro and micro nutrients, millets are rich in dietary fibers, resistant starch, antioxidants, polyphenols and other nutraceutical compounds. It also contains various phytochemical that are known to have positive health effects. Millets are utilized as traditional food such as tortilla, roti, injera, tuwo, kisra etc. as well as different millet‐based products like bread, biscuits, kurdai, flakes, idli, dosa, upma, utappa, chakli, chiwada and cakes. This chapter highlights the nutritional importance of millet based functional foods targeting the health benefits along with case studies. Classifications of millets on the basis of their cultivation under harsh growing conditions are also discussed in this chapter. Future prospects of millets based functional foods with a health benefitting nutraceuticals property are also discussed.
The rate of autoxidation of epinephrine and the sensitivity of this autoxidation to inhibition by superoxide dismutase were both augmented, as the pH was raised from 7.8 → 10.2. O2⁻, generated by the xanthine oxidase reaction, caused the oxidation of epinephrine to adrenochrome and the yield of adrenochrome produced per O2⁻ introduced, increased with increasing pH in the range 7.8 → 10.2 and also increased with increasing concentration of epinephrine. These results, in conjunction with complexities in the kinetics of adrenochrome accumulation, lead to the proposal that the autoxidation of epinephrine proceeds by at least two distinct pathways, only one of which is a free radical chain reaction involving O2⁻ and hence inhibitable by superoxide dismutase. This chain reaction accounted for a progressively greater fraction of the total oxidation as the pH was raised. The ability of superoxide dismutase to inhibit the autoxidation of epinephrine at pH 10.2 has been used as the basis of a convenient and sensitive assay for this enzyme.
The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on proliferation/differentiation of mast cells was investigated in vitro. Although NGF alone neither supported colony formation of bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) nor induced development of mast cell colonies from nonadherent bone marrow cells (NBMC), addition of NGF to the suboptimal dose of interleukin 3 (IL3) significantly increased the numbers of mast cell colonies produced by BMCMC or NBMC in methylcellulose. When stimulated by IL3 alone, cells in mast cell colonies were not stained by berberine sulfate, a fluorescent dye. In contrast, mast cells developing in methylcellulose cultures obtaining both 11,3 and NGF were stained by berberine sulfate. The fluorescence was abolished by the treatment of heparinase but not of chondroitinase ABC, suggesting that mast cells stimulated by 11,,3 and NGF produced and stored heparin proteoglycan. The histamine content of BMCMC maintained by IL-3 was also increased by addition of NGF. Since BMCMC showed mucosal mast cell-like phenotype, NGF appeared to induce the phenotypic change to connective tissue-type mast cells (CTMC). In the culture containing BMCMC, 3T3 fibroblasts, and IL-3, the phenotypic change of BMCMC to CTMC was observed as well. Since NGF was detected in this coculture and since addition of anti-NGF monoclonal antibody suppressed the phenotypic change, NGF produced by fibroblasts appeared to induce the phenotypic change. Neither BMCMC alone nor IL3 alone increased the concentration of NGF. Therefore, there is a possibility that BMCMC stimulated by IL3 may induce the production and/or release of NGF by fibroblasts .
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide which, in addition to
its effect on nerve cells, is believed to play a role in inflammatory
responses and in tissue repair. Because fibroblasts represent the main
target and effector cells in these processes, to investigate whether
NGF is involved in lung and skin tissue repair, we studied the effect
of NGF on fibroblast migration, proliferation, collagen metabolism,
modulation into myofibroblasts, and contraction of collagen gel. Both
skin and lung fibroblasts were found to produce NGF and to express
tyrosine kinase receptor (trkA) under basal conditions, whereas the
low-affinity p75 receptor was expressed only after prolonged NGF
exposure. NGF significantly induced skin and lung fibroblast migration
in an in vitro model of wounded fibroblast and skin
migration in Boyden chambers. Nevertheless NGF did not influence either
skin or lung fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, or
metalloproteinase production or activation. In contrast,
culture of both lung and skin fibroblasts with NGF modulated their
phenotype into myofibroblasts. Moreover, addition of NGF to both
fibroblast types embedded in collagen gel increased their contraction.
Fibrotic human lung or skin tissues displayed immunoreactivity for NGF,
trkA, and p75. These data show a direct pro-fibrogenic effect of NGF on
skin and lung fibroblasts and therefore indicate a role for NGF in
tissue repair and fibrosis.
The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on proliferation/differentiation of mast cells was investigated in vitro. Although NGF alone neither supported colony formation of bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) nor induced development of mast cell colonies from nonadherent bone marrow cells (NBMC), addition of NGF to the suboptimal dose of interleukin 3 (IL-3) significantly increased the numbers of mast cell colonies produced by BMCMC or NBMC in methylcellulose. When stimulated by IL-3 alone, cells in mast cell colonies were not stained by berberine sulfate, a fluorescent dye. In contrast, mast cells developing in methylcellulose cultures obtaining both IL-3 and NGF were stained by berberine sulfate. The fluorescence was abolished by the treatment of heparinase but not of chondroitinase ABC, suggesting that mast cells stimulated by IL-3 and NGF produced and stored heparin proteoglycan. The histamine content of BMCMC maintained by IL-3 was also increased by addition of NGF. Since BMCMC showed mucosal mast cell-like phenotype, NGF appeared to induce the phenotypic change to connective tissue-type mast cells (CTMC). In the culture containing BMCMC, 3T3 fibroblasts, and IL-3, the phenotypic change of BMCMC to CTMC was observed as well. Since NGF was detected in this coculture and since addition of anti-NGF monoclonal antibody suppressed the phenotypic change, NGF produced by fibroblasts appeared to induce the phenotypic change. Neither BMCMC alone nor IL-3 alone increased the concentration of NGF. Therefore, there is a possibility that BMCMC stimulated by IL-3 may induce the production and/or release of NGF by fibroblasts.
The early wound healing phases, and zinc and copper metabolism were assessed in traumatized insulin dependent diabetic rats. Granulation tissue was obtained by implanting Ivalon sponges subcutaneously and analysed on the fourth and seventh postoperative days by applying quantitative biochemical methods. The DNA content on day 4 and the amounts of RNA, hydroxyproline and hemoglobin on day 7 were significantly lower in granulation tissue from diabetic rats. The alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), was raised in the diabetic granulation tissue. The concentrations of zinc and copper were found to be increased in the kidney of diabetic rats compared with operated, non-diabetic controls. Our data suggest that the early granulation tissue formation is disturbed, with a prolonged inflammatory phase, decreased collagen formation and reduced vascularization. Zinc and copper are accumulated in the kidney of rats with uncontrolled, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
Four full-thickness skin wounds made in normal mice led to the significant increase in levels of nerve growth factor (NGF)
in sera and in wounded skin tissues. Since sialoadenectomy before the wounds inhibited the rise in serum levels of NGF, the
NGF may be released from the salivary gland into the blood stream after the wounds. In contrast, the fact that messenger RNA
and protein of NGF were detected in newly formed epithelial cells at the edge of the wound and fibroblasts consistent with
the granulation tissue produced in the wound space, suggests that NGF was also produced at the wounded skin site. Topical
application of NGF into the wounds accelerated the rate of wound healing in normal mice and in healing-impaired diabetic
KK/Ta mice. This clinical effect of NGF was evaluated by histological examination; the increases in the degree of reepithelialization,
the thickness of the granulation tissue, and the density of extracellular matrix were observed. NGF also increased the breaking
strength of healing linear wounds in normal and diabetic mice. These findings suggested that NGF immediately and constitutively
released in response to cutaneous injury may contribute to wound healing through broader biological activities, and NGF improved
the diabetic impaired response of wound healing.
Oxidants may be natural carcinogens and contribute to several stages of malignant transformation. Active oxygen released by inflammatory phagocytes may induce mutations in protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in neighbouring target cells. In addition, oxidants can promote cell growth. Like polypetide growth factors they activate kinases. Because they break DNA, they also induce the poly ADP-ribosylation of chromosomal proteins. Both phosphorylation and poly ADP-ribosylation appear to participate in the transcriptional induction of the growth-related protooncogene c-fos. Growth stimulation by oxidants is modulated by the cellular antioxidant defenses. Maximal growth promotion is observed when cells are protected from excessive toxicity but still maintain a sufficient oxidant signal for the induction of growth-competence genes.
: Disrupted vasculature and high energy-demand by regenerating tissue results in wound hypoxia. Wound repair may be facilitated by oxygen therapy. Evidence supporting the mode of action of hyperbaric oxygen in promoting wound healing is sketchy, however. Topical oxygen therapy involves local administration of pure oxygen. The advantages of topical oxygen therapy include low cost, the lack of systemic oxygen toxicity, and possibility of home treatment. While this modality of wound care is of outstanding interest, it clearly lacks the support of mechanism-oriented studies. The search for mechanisms by which oxygen supports wound healing has now taken another step. Respiratory burst-derived oxidants support healing. Oxidants serve as cellular messengers to promote healing. Although this information is of outstanding significance to the practice of oxygen therapy, it remains largely unexplored. The search for “natural remedies” has drawn attention to herbals. Proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins are a group of biologically active polyphenolic bioflavonoids that are synthesized by many plants. Proanthocyanidins and other tannins facilitate wound healing. A combination of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and resveratrol facilitates inducible VEGF expression, a key element supporting wound angiogenesis. Strategies to manipulate the redox environment in the wound are likely to be of outstanding significance in wound healing.
The free radical quenching action of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) on 1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (5.407×1017 spins/ml−1) and hydroxyl (0.6015×1015 spins /ml−1) radicals was studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. A 10 ml concentrate of the methanol extract was prepared using 25 g of the cereal grains and all analysis done after 1:10 dilution. DPPH radical quenching with 50 μl of the extracts showed that the brown finger millet quenched 94% whereas the white finger millet quenched only 4%. The phenolic content of brown finger millet was 96% higher than the white variety. Processing of the brown finger millet by germination and/or fermentation decreased the quenching activity. In comparison, foxtail millet, pearl millet and sorghum, quenched 91, 59 and 52 percent respectively, while wheat, rice (dehusked) and rice husk quenched 18, 1.8 and 20% respectively. Brown finger millet (50 μl) also quenched 77% of hydroxyl radicals. The results indicate that finger millet is a potent source of antioxidant compounds.
Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly formed in the human body. Free-radical mechanisms have
been implicated in the pathology of several human diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis
and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, the superoxide radical (O
2
·−
) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are known to be generated in the brain and nervous system in vivo, and several areas of the human brain are rich in iron, which appears to be easily mobilizable in a form that can stimulate
free-radical reactions. Antioxidant defenses to remove O
2
·−
and H2O2 exist. Superoxide dismutases (SOD) remove O
2
·−
by greatly accelerating its conversion to H2O2. Catalases in peroxisomes convert H2O2 into water and O2 and help to dispose of H2O2 generated by the action of the oxidase enzymes that are located in these organelles. Other important H2O2-removing enzymes in human cells are the glutathione peroxidases. When produced in excess, ROS can cause tissue injury. However,
tissue injury can itself cause ROS generation (e.g., by causing activation of phagocytes or releasing transition metal ions
from damaged cells), which may (or may not, depending on the situation) contribute to a worsening of the injury. Assessment
of oxidative damage to biomolecules by means of emerging technologies based on products of oxidative damage to DNA (e.g.,
8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), lipids (e.g., isoprostanes), and proteins (altered amino acids) would not only advance our understanding
of the underlying mechanisms but also facilitate supplementation and intervention studies designed and conducted to test antioxidant
efficacy in human health and disease.
Cellular systems are subject to constant oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress has been implicated as a factor in the aetiology of a variety of degenerative diseases and in the ageing process. ROS are capable of causing adverse modifications of macromolecules including lipids, DNA and proteins. Cellular systems also possess antioxidant defence systems whose role is to minimise adverse oxidative changes. The balance between prooxidant forces and antioxidant defence systems influences the body’s susceptibility to prooxidant damage. A variety of nutrient and non-nutrient dietary constituents, including vitamins C, E and carotenoids, have been shown to affect this prooxidant/antioxidant balance and consequent risk of certain degenerative diseases. Defining optimal intakes of these nutrients and non-nutrients is a key challenge in nutrition research.
This review examines the mechanisms which may cause impaired wound healing in patients with diabetes mellitus
This chapter discusses selected methods for the determination of ascorbic acid in animal cells, tissues, and fluids. Methods for determining ascorbic acid are numerous. In general, chemical analyses for the vitamin are divided into two groups; the determination of the reduced form and the determination of the oxidized form. The former group of analyses is usually based upon the oxidation–reduction properties of ascorbic acid. These are widely used as the fundamental reactions in the measurement of vitamin C. The latter group of analyses is usually based upon the oxidation of the ascorbic acid and the subsequent formation of a hydrazone or a fluorophore. Best results are obtained if samples, especially plasma, are quickly stabilized with either trichloroacetic acid or metaphosphoric acid and immediately analyzed. Prompt stabilization is especially important in the case of plasma or serum. The greater stability of ascorbic acid in acid solution is because of the decreased tendency for the hydrolysis of the lactone ring with decreasing pH.
Levels of glutathione, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities in rat lung and liver have been investigated. After perfusing the lung to remove contaminating blood, this organ was found to have an apparent concentration of glutathione (2mM) which is approx. 20% of that found in the liver. Both organs contain very low levels of glutathione disulfide. Neither phenobarbital nor methylcholanthrene had a significant effect on the levels of reduced glutathione in lung and liver. In addition, the activities of some glutathione-metabolizing enzymes--glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activity assayed with four different substrates--were observed to be 5-to 60-fold lower in lung tissue than in the liver.
N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine, N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)hydroxylysine, and the fluorescent cross-link pentosidine are formed by sequential glycation and oxidation reactions between reducing sugars and proteins. These compounds, termed glycoxidation products, accumulate in tissue collagen with age and at an accelerated rate in diabetes. Although glycoxidation products are present in only trace concentrations, even in diabetic collagen, studies on glycation and oxidation of model proteins in vitro suggest that these products are biomarkers of more extensive underlying glycative and oxidative damage to the protein. Possible sources of oxidative stress and damage to proteins in diabetes include free radicals generated by autoxidation reactions of sugars and sugar adducts to protein and by autoxidation of unsaturated lipids in plasma and membrane proteins. The oxidative stress may be amplified by a continuing cycle of metabolic stress, tissue damage, and cell death, leading to increased free radical production and compromised free radical inhibitory and scavenger systems, which further exacerbate the oxidative stress. Structural characterization of the cross-links and other products accumulating in collagen in diabetes is needed to gain a better understanding of the relationship between oxidative stress and the development of complications in diabetes. Such studies may lead to therapeutic approaches for limiting the damage from glycation and oxidation reactions and for complementing existing therapy for treatment of the complications of diabetes.
Oxidants, which are generated by multiple pathways in mammalian organisms, may be natural carcinogens and contribute to several stages of malignant transformation. Active oxygen released by inflammatory phagocytes and more stable "clastogenic factors" can induce mutations and chromosomal aberrations in neighboring target cells. These oxidant-induced DNA sequence changes, though rare, may affect the activities of proto-oncogenes and suppressor genes. In addition, oxidants can promote cell growth. Like polypeptide growth factors they activate kinases. Because they break DNA, they also induce the poly ADP-ribosylation of chromosomal proteins. Both phosphorylation and poly ADP-ribosylation appear to participate in the transcriptional induction of the growth-related proto-oncogene c-fos. Growth stimulation by oxidants is modulated by the cellular antioxidant defenses. Maximal growth promotion is observed when cells are protected from excessive toxicity but still maintain a sufficient oxidant signal for the induction of growth-competence genes.
This chapter describes the malondialdehyde (MDA) as index of lipid peroxidation. The determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) has attracted widespread interest, because it appears to offer a facile means of assessing lipid peroxidation in biological materials. Malondialdehyde occurs in biological materials in free state and in various covalently bound forms. Urine also contains small amounts of MDA adducts with guanine, the phospholipid bases serine and ethanolamine, and other unidentified reactants. Free MDA is a minor and variable excretory product. It is apparent from the occurrence of these derivatives in urine that MDA forms adducts with proteins, nucleic acids, and other substances in vivo, and this compromises the assessment of lipid peroxidation in the tissues based on the determination of free MDA. The pH required for maximum yield of MDA varies among biological materials depending on the nature of the derivatives present. MDA may be generated during hydrolysis by the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the sample and by the degradation of preexisting oxidation products. Pigments present in the sample, or generated during hydrolysis, also can interfere in the colorimetric assessment of MDA. These problems, and possibilities for their resolution, are discussed in the chapter.
Many of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus involve defects in the connective tissue such as poor wound healing, diminished bone formation, and decreased linear growth. Because collagen is the major protein component of these connective tissues, we examined collagen production in diabetic rats as a probe of this generalized defect in connective tissue metabolism. Doses of streptozocin ranging from 35 to 300 mg/kg were used to induce diabetes of graded metabolic severity in rats. Parietal bone or articular cartilage was removed and incubated at 37 degrees C with 5 microCi L-[5-3H]proline for 2 h, and collagen and noncollagen protein production were quantitated after separation with purified bacterial collagenase. Within 2 wk after induction of diabetes, collagen production was significantly reduced in bone and cartilage from diabetic rats to 52% (P less than .01) and 51% (P less than .01) of control (buffer-injected) levels, respectively. In contrast, noncollagen protein production in bone and cartilage from diabetic animals was no different from in tissue from control rats. The correlation between collagen relative to total protein production (relative rate) and the degree of hyperglycemia was highly significant for both bone (r = -.77, P less than .001) and cartilage (r = -.87, P less than .001). Other factors found to correlate with altered collagen production were the duration of diabetes and the amount of weight loss. Thus, diabetes is associated with a marked decrease in collagen production, which was seen early after induction of diabetes and was specific when compared with noncollagen protein production. Cumulative effects of these marked changes in collagen production may contribute to the chronic connective tissue complications in diabetes.
Manual and automated methods for the determination of blood glucose have been devised using an oxidase/peroxidase system, with dl adrenaline, a non-carcinogen, as oxygen acceptor. The manual technique employs a stable single solution protein precipitant and the other reagents used are also stable. The automated methods are operated at 40/hr sample speed and washover between samples, over a very wide concentration range, is negligible.
A variety of methods have been developed by various investigators for the analysis of vitamin E in animal tissues, but many of the earlier procedures involving column chromotography and gas–liquid chromatography are rather complicated and time consuming. The most commonly used methods are based on the saponification and solvent extraction of lipids, the removal or destruction of interfering substances, and the determination of tocopherol spectrophotometricaily or spectrofluorometrically. The methods chosen are for common animal tissues, such as blood and organ tissues. A high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for vitamin E has been introduced as a method of choice, but HPLC equipment is expensive and not readily available in every laboratory. The standard colorimetric and fluorometric methods are easily carried out using common laboratory equipment and are often adequate for routine analysis of vitamin E in animal tissues for biological research and for clinical testing. For more sophisticated and sensitive detection of commonly occurring α-tocopherol along with trace amounts of other forms of tocopherol and tocotrienol in animal tissues, the HPLC method is highly recommended.
Delayed wound healing is a troublesome complication of Diabetes. Results from recent investigations concerning the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for diabetic wound healing deficiency are preliminary in nature. Some studies have demonstrated that direct application of certain growth factors/cytokines can facilitate wound healing in diabetic models. It is possible that refractory diabetic wounds are the result of deficiencies in growth factors/cytokines important for the normal wound healing process. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) levels were examined by radioimmunoassay in wound tissue of normal and diabetic rats (streptozotocin-induced diabetes). Immunohistochemical analysis was utilized to localize and characterize PDGF immunopositive cells at the wound site of normal and diabetic animals. At the wound site, normal animals demonstrated significantly elevated PDGF levels compared to diabetic animals at 5 days post-wounding (no differences were observed in the spleen or contralateral control tissue). There appeared to be a visible increase in PDGF immunopositive cells at the wound site in both experimental and control groups. By day 10 post-wounding, PDGF levels at the wound site in normal animals were reduced becoming similar to PDGF levels in diabetic animals. This corresponded to an apparent reduction of PDGF immunopositive cells in both groups (similar to baseline levels). PDGF levels in both groups remained stable until day 20 post-wounding when a significant elevation of wound site PDGF levels occurred in the diabetic group. The findings suggest that absence of an initial increase in PDGF may play an important role in poor wound healing observed in diabetic animals. The reduction in PDGF may be related to decreased cellular PDGF production rather than a lack of PDGF-producing cells. Perhaps the diabetic state inhibits cellular PDGF gene expression signaled by wounding or interferes with normal PDGF expression at the wound site.
The development of recombinant growth factors for the treatment of nonhealing or badly healing wounds has reached the clinical-trial phase. These first studies in humans are yielding valuable information on the physiological role of growth factors in different types of wounds, their mode of action and their stability under in vivo conditions. Data from these early trials in humans can be interpreted in the light of the continuing scientific progress being made in wound-healing research, and thus lead to an improvement in the design of future studies. Growth-factor-based therapeutics are expected to enter the marketplace in the middle of this decade, and to become a highly profitable sector of the health-care industry by the turn of the century.
The late complications of diabetes represent in large part microvascular dysfunction. The development of techniques to measure microvascular function has resulted in a clearer picture of the stages of development of microangiopathy and the key pathophysiological processes involved. Considerable evidence supports the hemodynamic hypothesis of pathogenesis, which argues that early insulin-dependent diabetes is characterized by increased microvascular pressure and flow. Resultant injury to the microvascular endothelium causes adaptive microvascular sclerosis contributing to a loss of vasodilatory reserve and autoregulatory capacity with increasing disease duration. High susceptibility to microangiopathy appears to be characterized by both high capillary pressure and increased permeability, although the interrelationship between these variables needs to be better defined. In normotensive non-insulin-dependent diabetes subjects, a different pattern of microvascular functional abnormalities is apparent; it is hypothesized that these differences represent the impact of a prediabetic insulin-resistant phase on microvascular behavior and may in part explain the differential expression of vascular pathology in the two major types of diabetes. The physiological framework that has been defined reveals those pivotal processes upon which scientific attention should be centered and facilitates the generation of plausible molecular and cellular mechanisms that fit the physiological facts.
This project compared the effects of hydrocolloid (HC) and hydrogel (HG) occlusive dressings and a polyethylene (PE) semi-occlusive dressing on the healing of acute full-thickness skin wounds on the forelimbs of 10 dogs. All treatments resulted in a similar degree of healing at postoperative days 4 and 7. No significant differences existed in the number of wounds that were more than 90% healed at postoperative day 28 between the group treated with the HG dressing and the group treated with the PE dressing. There were significantly fewer wounds more than 90% healed at postoperative day 28 in the group treated with the HC dressing. Wounds under the HG dressing had the largest mean percentage of contraction at postoperative days 21 and 28. Wounds under the HG dressing also had the largest contraction/re-epithelialization ratio (postoperative days 21 and 28) compared with wounds under the PE and HC dressings. Wounds under the PE dressing had a significantly higher mean percentage of re-epithelialization than wounds under both occlusive dressings on postoperative days 14, 21, and 28. Wounds under the two occlusive dressings had exuberant granulation tissue present more often than wounds under the PE dressing. The two occlusive dressings had significantly higher bacterial counts on wounds compared with wounds under the PE dressing; analysis of variance (ANOVA), P = .0008. Wounds under the HC dressing showed the poorest healing in all parameters.
Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome initially characterized by a loss of glucose homeostasis. The disease is progressive and is associated with high risk of atherosclerosis, kidney and nerve damage as well as blindness. Abnormalities in the regulation of peroxide and transition metal metabolism are postulated to result in establishment of the disease as well as its longer term complications. Diabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative reactions, particularly those which are catalyzed by decompartmentalized transition metals, but their causative significance in diabetic tissue damage remains to be established.
Growth factors have been shown to improve healing in impaired models but not after malnutrition. The effects of growth factors on altered tissue repair caused by malnutrition were examined.
Nondiabetic and diabetic mice fed a 1% protein diet received full-thickness skin wounds. Wounds were treated topically with vehicle, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF, 10 micrograms) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 1 microgram), for 5 days.
Malnourished animals developed significantly impaired wound closure. PDGF or bFGF did not enhance closure in nondiabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/m mice, whether fed normal or restricted diets. The same treatment regimen was effective in reversing the delayed wound closure in their genetically diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db littermates. The growth factors significantly enhanced tissue repair in diabetic mice fed a 1% protein diet starting as early as day 15 and continuing until day 21. Protein-depleted diabetic wounds had significantly decreased cellularity and granulation tissue formation. These deficiencies were reversed with growth factor treatment.
Despite the lack of effects in nondiabetic animals, growth factors improve healing in diabetic mice with restricted protein intake. The differential effects may result from different healing mechanisms: nondiabetic animals heal mainly by contraction; diabetic animals require granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization.
Cutaneous wound repair consists of multiple integrated networks of cell-matrix-cytokine interactions. It is generally believed that a better understanding of these networks will lead to improved care of cutaneous wounds, whether freshly made by the surgeon's scalpel or previously existing and not healing secondary to underlying abnormalities.
This review is intended to update the readership in some of the salient aspects of wound repair networks.
To facilitate the review of multiple integrated networks, cutaneous wound repair was arbitrarily divided into three phases: inflammation, tissue regeneration including re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation, and tissue reorganization.
Throughout the entire process of wound repair it is clear that cells produce or alter various cytokines and extracellular matrix. The cytokines and matrix in turn alter the behavior of the producer cells (autocrine response) or neighbor cells (paracrine response).
The dynamic reciprocity among cells, cytokines, and matrix material helps explain how integrated wound healing networks are sequential as well as tightly controlled.
Reepithelialization is an important component of wound healing. In the first 48 hours keratinocyte migration and proliferation are important events in this process. Although the literature agrees that the risk/benefit of antiseptics has not been established, hydrogen peroxide is still commonly used in the management of acute and chronic wounds.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen peroxide on human keratinocyte migration and proliferative potential.
The viability and proliferative potential of human keratinocytes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was assessed by trypan blue exclusion, cell morphology, substratum attachment, and thymidine incorporation. Using concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that do not affect keratinocyte viability, keratinocyte migration was evaluated by a standard motility assay.
Hydrogen peroxide in concentrations < or = 700 microM was found to have no effect on keratinocyte viability. At these low concentrations, however, hydrogen peroxide had a profound inhibitory effect upon keratinocyte migration on extracellular matrix and decreased the proliferative potential of the cells in a concentration-dependent fashion.
Hydrogen peroxide, in very low concentrations (1000-fold less than the "everyday use" dilution) inhibits keratinocyte migration and proliferation.
This study was undertaken to examine the healing of molar tooth extraction sockets in the streptozotocin-treated, diabetic rat.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was induced in a group of mature Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting streptozotocin. Control animals were injected with citrate buffer only. A third group of rats were also injected with streptozotocin, but the diabetes was controlled by daily injections of insulin. After 2 weeks, all of the rats underwent extraction of the right maxillary molar teeth under general anesthesia. The rats were killed at varying intervals and the maxilla and calvaria recovered in continuity. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), the latter to identify diabetic microangiopathy.
At 10 days after tooth extraction in the control and insulin-streptozotocin-treated rats, thick collagen fibers formed a pretrabecular scaffold that dictated the direction of the forming trabeculae. The collagen fibers in the diabetic socket were thin and scanty, and formed a narrow layer in the apical part. There was no evidence of diabetic microangiopathy in the extraction sockets of diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic, or normal rats.
These histologic observations suggest that in uncontrolled, insulin-dependent diabetes, the formation of the collagenous framework in the tooth extraction socket is inhibited, resulting in delayed healing and increased alveolar destruction.
In the present investigation the involvement of free radicals in a self-healing cutaneous wound has been demonstrated. The levels of different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants have been studied in 2,4,7 and 14 days old wounds and compared with normal skin. Except for glutathione reductase (GR), all other enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were found to decrease following wounding. The decrease was 60-70% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) at 2, 4 and 7 days, while in the case of catalase (CAT) the decrease was 40-60% during this period. Although a complete recovery in the activity of CAT was observed, SOD and GPx did not recover completely and GST was found to be slightly elevated on 14th day post wounding. Non-enzymatic antioxidants viz, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and glutathione were also found to decrease to about 60-70% and except glutathione none of them was found to recover completely at 14th day postwounding. Interestingly thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalent, a marker of lipid peroxidation, decreased following wounding which could be because of meagre availability of lipid substrate and/or of ascorbic acid. The results indicate that wounding results in loss of different free radical scavengers both enzymatic and non-enzymatic which either partially or completely recover following healing.
Growth factors encourage tissue regeneration and differentiation, accelerate wound healing, and modulate neural repair. Thus, growth factor administration may become a useful treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, which are characterized by the degeneration of neuronal cell populations. Controlled-release polymer delivery systems may be an important technology in enabling the prevention of neuronal degeneration, or even the stimulation of neuronal regeneration, by providing a sustained release of growth factors to promote the long-term survival of endogenous or transplanted cells.
Injury to the skin initiates a series of events including inflammation, new tissue formation, and matrix remodeling. During the early inflammatory phase, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages infiltrate the wounded tissue. Once activated, they produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of their defense mechanism. Although this process is beneficial, increased levels of ROS can inhibit cell migration and proliferation and can even cause severe tissue damage. Therefore, cells must develop strategies for the detoxification of these molecules. To gain insight into the mechanisms which underlie this process, we analyzed the temporal and spatial expression pattern of various ROS-scavenging enzymes during the healing process of full-thickness excisional wounds in mice. Here we demonstrate a strong mRNA expression of two types of superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as of catalase, and the selenoenzymes glutathione peroxidase (SeGPx) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase in normal and wounded skin. Most importantly, mRNA levels of the SODs and of SeGPx increased strongly after skin injury. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence studies revealed the presence of these transcripts at multiple places in the wound, whereby particularly high expression levels were detected in the hyperproliferative epithelium and the hair follicles at the wound edge. These data suggest an important role of ROS-scavenging enzymes in the detoxification of ROS during cutaneous wound repair.
The activity of asiaticoside, isolated from Centella asiatica, has been studied in normal as well as delayed-type wound healing. In guinea pig punch wounds topical applications of 0.2% solution of asiaticoside produced 56% increase in hydroxyproline, 57% increase in tensile strength, increased collagen content and better epithelisation. In streptozotocin diabetic rats, where healing is delayed, topical application of 0.4% solution of asiaticoside over punch wounds increased hydroxyproline content, tensile strength, collagen content and epithelisation thereby facilitating the healing. Asiaticoside was active by the oral route also at 1 mg/kg dose in the guinea pig punch wound model. It promoted angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model at 40 microg/disk concentration. These results indicate that asiaticoside exhibits significant wound healing activity in normal as well as delayed healing models and is the main active constituent of Centella asiatica.
1. Oxidative stress is believed to be a pathogenetic factor in the development of diabetic complications. In the present study, we investigated the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata for antihyperglycaemic and anti‐ oxidant effects in normal and streptozotocin‐induced type I diabetic rats.
2. Normal and diabetic rats were randomly divided into groups and treated orally by gavage with vehicle (distilled water), metformin (500 mg/kg bodyweight) or the extract (400 mg/kg bodyweight), twice a day for 14 days.
3. At the end of the 14 day period, the extract, like metformin, significantly increased bodyweight ( P < 0.01) and reduced fasting serum glucose in diabetic rats ( P < 0.001) when compared with vehicle, but had no effect on bodyweight and serum glucose in normal rats. Levels of liver and kidney thiobarbituric acid‐ reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly increased ( P < 0.0001, P < 0.01, respectively), while liver glutathione (GSH) concentrations were significantly decreased ( P < 0.005) in vehicle‐treated diabetic rats. Liver and kidney TBARS levels were significantly lower ( P < 0.0001, P < 0.005, respectively), whereas liver GSH concentrations were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in extract‐ and metformin‐treated diabetic rats compared with vehicle‐treated diabetic rats. Andrographis paniculata significantly decreased kidney TBARS level ( P < 0.005) in normal rats. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities were significantly lower in vehicle‐treated diabetic rats compared with vehicle‐treated normal rats. The extract, as well as metformin, significantly increased the activity of SOD and CAT, but had no significant effect on GSH‐Px activity in diabetic rats. The extract and metformin did not produce significant changes in the activity of these anti‐oxidant enzymes in normal rats.
4. Our results show that oxidative stress is evident in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats and indicate that the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata not only possesses an antihyperglycaemic property, but may also reduce oxidative stress in diabetic rats.