The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Grant Abstract: Effect of Black Walnut Extract Supplementation in Zucker Rats

Grant Number: 3P40OD011062-21S1
PI Name: Bryda
Project Title: Effect of Black Walnut Extract Supplementation in Zucker Rats

Abstract: The long term goal of this project is to investigate the potential health benefits derived from dietary supplementation with black walnut extract using a rat model of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and liver disease. The project builds on previous studies that have shown that black walnuts have a diverse phytochemical profile that includes a number of compounds known to have advantageous, protective properties, e.g., antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The specific objective of this proposal is to measure the impact of daily dietary supplementation with black walnut extract on relevant health parameters in the Zucker rat, a model of obesity and diabetes. In addition, a metabolomic approach will be undertaken to identify specific biomarkers related to hepatoprotective mechanisms conferred by walnut extract supplementation. The results of this study will identify specific, health-related benefits of black walnut extract supplementation, elucidate the modes of action, and allow our group to establish an efficient pipeline for evaluating plant-derived supplements and nutraceuticals. This pipeline will span from initial extraction, high- throughput screening, metabolomic profiling and biochemical analysis to characterization using in vitro assays and culminating in robust testing in rats with a variety of common human disease symptoms. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: RELEVANCE TO HUMAN HEALTH There is great interest in identifying plant-derived products that have potential health benefits particularly for individuals with cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The proposed studies will investigate the specific, health- related benefits of black walnut extract dietary supplementation in a rat model of obesity and diabetes.

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