Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of the spelt grass juice

Abstract

Spelt is a grain rich in bioactive compounds - different phytochemicals, so it is often mentioned in the context of being beneficial to human health. We aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of the spelt grass juice. Twenty volunteers consumed a beverage once a day, by dissolving one dose in 200 ml of still water, for 2 months. All individuals were clinically and biochemically examined. The individual profiles of LDL and HDL particles were determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis, while the concentrations of non-cholesterol sterols were measured using the gas chromatography - flame ionization detector. High-sensitivity Creactive protein (hsCRP) was measured using the commercially available kit. Concentrations of oxidative stress status parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. Though no change was observed in lipid profile parameters, values of coronary risk (CRI) (p < 0.05) and the atherogenic indexes (AI) (p < 0.05) after the supplementation were lower compared with values before the dietary intervention. After analyzing the markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, we only noticed a significant increase in campesterol concentrations (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found a statistically significant reduction in hsCRP concentrations in subjects who underwent spelt juice supplementation (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in PAB (p < 0.001), AOPP (p < 0.05) and PON1 (p < 0.001) was recorded after supplementation. On the other side, TAS values and concentration of SH groups were significantly higher after the dietary intervention (p < 0.001, both). We suggested a possible beneficial effect of the spelt grass supplementation on the overall lipid profile, the prooxidant-antioxidant balance, and inflammatory parameters.