Consumption of star fruit juice on pro-inflammatory markers and walking distance in the community dwelling elderly.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of star fruit juice supplementation on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), nitric oxide (NO), and 6 min walking distance (6MWD) in a group of elderly individuals.

METHODS

Twenty-nine individuals (20 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 72.4±8.3 years completed this study. A two-week control period was followed by four weeks of 100g fresh star fruit juice consumption twice per day after meals.

RESULTS

Plasma TNF-α, IL-23, IL-2, NO and the 6MWD were evaluated twice during the control period (weeks 0 and 2) and once after the star fruit juice consumption (week 6).

RESULTS

The results showed that all parameters in the blood did not change significantly during the control period. After 4 weeks of star fruit juice consumption, a significant reduction in NO, TNF-α and IL-23 was found; however, there was no change in IL-2. Moreover, the 6MWD increased significantly at week 6, when compared to that at week 0 and 2. Furthermore, the results also showed a significantly positive and negative correlation of NO and TNF-α to the 6MWD, but no correlation of IL-23 and IL-2.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study concluded that consumption of star fruit juice at 100g twice daily for one month can significantly depress the pro-inflammation cytokines: TNF-α, IL-23, and NO, while increasing walking distance. Low TNF-α and high NO also present a significant correlation to walking capacity in elderly individuals.