Open AccessGerminated Pigeon Pea ( Cajanus cajan ): a novel diet for lowering oxidative stress and hyperglycemia
Author(s) -
Uchegbu Nneka N.,
Ishiwu Charles N.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
food science and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2048-7177
DOI - 10.1002/fsn3.343
Subject(s) - cajanus , germination , dpph , alloxan , glutathione , antioxidant , food science , chemistry , lipid peroxidation , oxidative stress , biology , biochemistry , diabetes mellitus , botany , endocrinology , horticulture , enzyme
This work studied the antioxidant activity of extract of germinated pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan ) in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. Germination was carried out in a dark chamber under room temperature (28°C). The total phenolic, 1,1,diphenyl‐2‐picrylhy‐drazyl free radical ( DPPH ) scavenging, the inhibition of α ‐amylase and α ‐glucosidase were done in vitro and blood glucose levels of the animal were investigated. Lipid peroxidation ( LPO ) and reduced glutathione ( GSH ) were analyzed spectrophotometrically. The total phenolic and DPPH scavenging activity increased by 30% and 63%, respectively, after germinating pigeon pea. Also after germination there was an increase in the inhibitory potential of pigeon pea extract against α ‐glucosidase compared with the nongerminated pigeon pea extract. There was a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in fasting blood glucose level of alloxan‐induced rats. Consumption of germinated pigeon pea extract gave rise to a reduced fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats. On administration of germinated pigeon pea extract, LPO reduced drastically but there was an increase in the level of GSH . This study concluded that intake of germinated pigeon pea is a good dietary supplement for controlling hyperglycemia and LPO .