In this experimental study we have investigated whether the inclusion of the dietary fiber Plantago ovata husk could be recommended as coadjuvant in treatments with oral hypoglycemic drugs. We evaluated the use of Plantago ovata husk-metformin association in diabetic rabbits by determining its effects on glucose and insulin concentrations. Six groups of 6 rabbits were used. Groups 1 to 3 were f...

Background and Objectives: Production and consumption of freshly-cut fruits have been increased in recent decades.  One of the major problems in storage of freshly-cut fruits, the color change, is a result of the oxidative reactions of phenolic compounds by polyphenol oxidases. Various treatments such as coating and refrigeration are used to improve quality and shelf-life of the fresh-cut fruit...

The exact biochemical steps of xylan backbone synthesis remain elusive. In Arabidopsis, three non-redundant genes from two glycosyltransferase (GT) families, IRX9 and IRX14 from GT43 and IRX10 from GT47, are candidates for forming the xylan backbone. In other plants, evidence exists that different tissues express these three genes at widely different levels, which suggests that diversity in the...

Purpose: Psylliumseeds are used in traditional herbal medicine to treat various disorders. Moreover, as a soluble fiber, psyllium has potential to stimulate bacterial growth in digestive system. We aimed to substitute alkali-extractable polysaccharides of psyllium for alginate in beads with second coat of poly-l-lysine to coat Lactobacillus acidophilus. Methods: Beads were prepared using extrus...

H emorrhoids are a very common condition. Hospitalbased proctoscopy studies show prevalence rates of hemorrhoids in up to 86 percent of patients studied with many in an asymptomatic state. Botanicals used internally and topically can treat early stages of hemorrhoids effectively and can be used as adjuncts in more advanced stages when surgical treatments may be necessary. The roles of butcher’s...