In vitro effect of dibenzyl trisulfide on the p50 of the oxygen haemoglobin dissociation curve.

Objectives: Dibenzyl trisulfide (DTS) has been reported to have cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects. It also affects erythrocyte deformability. We investigated the effects of DTS on the p50 of the oxygen haemoglobin dissociation curve.

Renal and Hepatic Function in Hypercholesterolemic Rats Fed Jamaican Bitter Yam (Dioscorea polygonoides).

Background: We reported that Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has antilipemic potential in rats; however there is limited data on the toxicological profile of the yam. We therefore investigated the effects of bitter yam consumption for 6 or 12 weeks on renal and hepatic function in rats fed a high (4%) cholesterol diet.

Methods: Twenty four rats were divided into six groups (n = 4); three of which were used for each investigation (6 or 12 weeks).

Effects of Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) and diosgenin on blood and fecal cholesterol in rats.

A sapogenin-rich preparation from Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic rats and mice. Also, diosgenin supplementation has been reported to have antilipemic effects in several animal species. We investigated potential mechanisms of the lipid-lowering actions of bitter yam and also whether the actions were mediated by diosgenin.