Protective effect of dietary tender cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in the gastrointestinal tract of experimental rats

In this study, the gastrointestinal protective effect of soluble, dietary fiber-rich tender cluster beans, with respect to the
activities of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of antioxidant molecules, was examined in Wistar rats. Dietary intervention
with tender cluster beans (15% freeze-dried powder in the diet for 8 weeks) significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes
(superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and GPX) and the concentrations of antioxidant
molecules in both gastric and intestinal mucosa. Further, in combination with capsaicin (0.01%), the beneficial effect was even higher.
There is a strong indication that tender cluster beans offer a significant gastroprotective effect, and a much greater effect when
combined with capsaicin in terms of increased antioxidant status. In a separate study, these dietary components were found to
alleviate the diminished activities of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant molecules in gastric and intestinal mucosa under conditions
of ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The gastroprotective effect of the cluster bean was also reflected in its positive effect on
gastric mucosal glycoproteins, resulting in a lowering of mucosal injury. Incidentally, the serum and liver also showed an elevated
antioxidant status, thus suggesting desirable lowered oxidative stress results when tender cluster beans are consumed.