Evaluation of Lignan Compound Content and Bioactivity of Raw Omija and Sugared Omija in Serum of Sprague Dawley Rat

This study evaluated the lignan contents of raw omija (R) and sugared omija (S), byproducts discarded after the use of raw omija, by HPLC and determined their bioactivity by feeding rats R and S for eight weeks. S retained 63% more lignan than R. Body weight gains in the raw omija-fed group (RO) and sugared omija-fed group (SO) decreased significantly compared to that of the control group (CON, p < 0.05). Glucose and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the serum of the experimental groups were lower than those in CON, especially in SO (p < 0.05). The amount of atrial natriuretic peptide in RO decreased significantly compared to that in CON (p < 0.05). The renin activity in RO increased and that in SO decreased compared to the same in CON (p > 0.05). Therefore, it was suggested that sugared omija contains lignan compounds and potentially contributes to bioactivity in that it decreases blood glucose levels and blood pressure.