Effect of Black Garlic and Mugwort Extracts on Lipids Profile during Restraint Stress

This study investigated black garlic and mugwort extracts have anti-stress activity. The antioxidant activities
of extracts from black garlic (BEP), mugwort (MEP), and three mixtures (MPA, 95:5; MPB, 90:10; MPC, 85:15,
w/w% for BEP and MEP, respectively) were tested in vitro. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities
for the mixtures (MPA, MPB and MPC) were significantly elevated in a dose-dependent manner by the amount
of mugwort extract. A restraint stress was imposed on six groups of Sprague-Dawley rats supplemented with
an AIN-93 diet (RSC) or one of five kinds of hot water extract drinks containing (black garlic, RS1; mugwort,
RS2; and mixtures of black garlic : mugwort at 95:5, RS3; 90:10, RS4, and a mixture of black garlic : mugwort
: apple extract : xylitol=90.25:4.75:2:3, RS5; v/v%) for 4 weeks. The normal group was fed with the AIN-93 diet
and not exposed to restraint stress. Food intake was higher in the group fed with garlic extract (RS1), while
the body weight gain and food efficiency ratio did not significantly change. The total serum cholesterol content
in the RS1 and RS2 groups was significantly lower than the RSC group (control), and the RS5 group was not
significantly different compared to the RS3 group. The serum triglyceride content was significantly higher RS3
∼RS5 groups than RS1 and RS2 groups. In terms of HDL-C and LDL-C contents, AI and CRF in the serum
were not significantly different between RS3 and RS5 groups. AST and ALP activities of RS1∼RS5 groups
were significantly lower than the RSC group. The liver total lipid and cholesterol contents of RS1∼RS5 groups
were significantly lower than RSC group, and triglyceride content was significantly lower in the RS1 group.
Glycogen in the liver tissue was significantly higher in the RS2 and RS3 group compared to the RSC group.
These results show that the intake of a mixture of black garlic and mugwort extracts may be effective in the
alleviation of hyperlipidemia caused by restraint stress.

Key words: black garlic, mugwort, restraint stress, lipids profile, antioxidant