A study of the digestive stimulant action of select spices in experimentalrats

Platel, K Srinivasan, K

K. Platel et K. Srinivasan, A study of the digestive stimulant action of select spices in experimentalrats, J FD SCI M, 38(4), 2001, pp. 358-361

18

INGLESE

Article

Food Science/Nutrition

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE

0022-1155 → ACNP

38

4

2001

358 - 361

ISI

0022-1155(200107/08)38:4<358:ASOTDS>2.0.ZU;2-J

A few spices, which are commonly employed to improve digestion in tradition al systems of medicine were examined for their possible influence on digest ive enzymes of pancreas and small intestine in experimental rats. In one se t of animals, the spices-ajowan, fennel, coriander, onion, garlic and mint were given through the diet for 8 weeks. In another experiment, the same sp ices were administered orally as an appropriate single dose to animals. Pan creatic trypsin was significantly stimulated by all the dietary spices exam ined except mint, while chymotrypsin was stimulated by coriander and onion. These two spices also had a significant stimulating influence on intestina l disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase. Most of the spices tested in th is study showed significant enhancing effect on intestinal enzymes, particu larly lipase and amylase, when given as a single oral dose, while similar b eneficial effects were not observed on pancreatic enzymes. Among the spices examined, onion produced a pronounced stimulation of a majority of digesti ve enzymes of pancreas and small intestine. The positive influences on the pancreatic and intestinal digestive enzymes exerted by spices could contrib ute to their well recognised digestive stimulant action.