Korean J Nutr.  2003 Jul;36(6):559-569.

Effect of Different Part of Mandarin Intake on Antioxidative Capacity in 15-month-old Rats

• Kim JH
• Kim MK

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the effect of whole mandarin, peel, and pulp intake of Citrus unshiu Marc on the antioxidative capacity of 15-month-old rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 621.9+/-10.1 g were separated into four groups according to body weight. The rats were raised with diets containing 5% (w/w) dried mandarin powder for four weeks. Three powders were used, consisting of mandarin peel, pulp, and the entire fruit. Total flavonoids, antioxidant vitamins and dietary fiber was highest in the mandarin peel powder, followed by the whole mandarin powder and the mandarin pulp. The body weight gains of the whole mandarin and mandarin pulp groups were higher, while that of the mandarin peel group was lower than that of the control group. Food intake and ratios of liver, kidney and epididymal fat pad (EFP) weights to body weight were not significantly different among the groups, but ratios of EFP weights per body weight of the experimental groups tended to be lower than that of the control animals. Plasma and liver TBARS concentrations decreased in all the mandarin groups compared to the control group. Plasma and liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activity decreased in all of the mandarin diet groups. Erythrocyte and liver SOD activity in all of experimental groups was not significantly different from the control group. Plasma vitamin A concentration increased significantly in all of the mandarin diet groups. That of the mandarin peel group was 4 times higher than that of the control group. Plasma total carotenoids and vitamin C level also increased in the mandarin peel group. Plasma vitamin I level was not significantly different among the groups.

Keyword

mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.); antioxidative capacity; lipid peroxide formation; antioxidative enzyme activities

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Animals
Ascorbic Acid
Body Weight
Carotenoids
Citrus
Diet
Dietary Fiber
Eating
Erythrocytes
Flavonoids
Fruit
Humans
Infant*
Kidney
Liver
Male
Plasma
Powders
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Vitamin A
Vitamins
Weights and Measures
Xanthine Oxidase
Ascorbic Acid
Carotenoids
Flavonoids
Powders
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
Vitamin A
Vitamins
Xanthine Oxidase