Views: 12 Author: golden horizon biologics Publish Time: 2016-04-24 Origin: Site
Scientists have identified substances from the tequila plant that enhance absorption of calcium in the body and promote the formation of new bones, a finding that may lead to new treatments for osteoporosis.
Apart from being the raw material for making a very traditional drink in Mexico, the blue variety of the Agave tequilana has substances capable of improving the absorption of calcium and magnesium, essential minerals to maintain bone health.
Promoting New Bone
The consumption of fructans contained in the agave, in collaboration with adequate intestinal micriobiota, promotes the formation of new bone, even with the presence of osteoporosis, said Mercedes Lopez, from Centre for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav) in Mexico.
The researchers conducted various experiments with animal models. The procedure consisted of removing the ovaries from female mice in order to induce osteoporosis.
The next step was to administer agave fructans and eight weeks later a femur sample was taken to measure the absorption of minerals and osteocalcin, protein that indicates the production of new bone.
Diameter of Bones Relatively Higher
It was found that mice that consumed this fructans synthesised nearly 50 per cent more of such protein, in addition that the diameter of their bones was higher compared with the subjects which were not supplied with derivatives of the agave, Mr. Lopez said.
These substances reach the large intestine intact and interact with the microbiota living there to become short-chain fatty acids.
These catch minerals available in the tract and help to transport them through the cells.
