Lutein and zeaxanthin in leafy greens and their bioavailability: olive oil influences the absorption of dietary lutein and its accumulation in adult rats.

This study determined the lutein level in various green leafy vegetables (GLVs) and the influence of olive and sunflower oils on the postprandial plasma and eye response of dietary lutein in adult rats, previously induced with lutein depletion (LD). Fresh GLVs (n = 35) were assessed for lutein (L) and its isomer zeaxanthin (Z) levels by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among GLVs analyzed, Commelina benghalensis L.

Effect of horse gram lectin (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin) on degranulation of mast cells and basophils of atopic subjects: identification as an allergen.

Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus) is widely consumed in the tropical south Asian countries including rural areas of India. Since D. biflorus agglutinin (DBA) is an important dietary lectin in horse gram, we have studied its effect on the degranulation of mast cells and basophils of atopic subjects.

Influence of phospholipids on beta-carotene absorption and conversion into vitamin A in rats.

This study determines the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in mixed micelles on beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate levels in rats in order to delineate the role of micellar phospholipids in the intestinal uptake of beta-carotene and its conversion into vitamin A. The rats were fed a single dose of beta-carotene solubilized in lysoPC (LPC group), PC (PC group) or no phospholipids (NoPL, control group) in micellar form. The level of beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate in plasma and beta-carotene in liver was analyzed by HPLC after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 h of feeding.

Determination of major carotenoids in a few Indian leafy vegetables by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Leafy vegetables [Basella rubra L., Peucedanum sowa Roxb., Moringa oleifera Lam.