Phytomodulatory effects of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii (Nees & Arn. Ex Munro) shoots on the hepatic status of healthy male Balb/c mice

Abstract

Objectives: Bamboo shoot being rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds is emerging as a potential ingredient for modern functional foods and nutraceuticals. The young shoots however need to be processed for safe human consumption due to the presence of antinutrients. Processing can alter the value of nutrients and bioactive components with either desirable or adverse effects on the therapeutic quality of shoots. The present study was designed to evaluate the biochemical and histological alterations occurring in the liver of Balb/c mice by fermented, brine preserved and boiled shoots of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii.Methods: The levels of serum bilirubin, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed by using commercially available standard kits.Results: Results revealed significant structural alterations in the liver on administration of aqueous extract of 5% brine preserved shoots which was also associated with enhanced activity of SGOT and SGPT. Fermented shoots decreased the level of SGOT, SGPT and LDH significantly but boiled shoots did not cause any major change in the liver function parameters studied.Conclusion: Fermentation is not only beneficial for extending shelf-life, but can also enhance therapeutic properties of bamboo shoots in safe and effective manner.