Abstract
Objective: In a previous report, we suggested that the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) regulates the level of erythropoiesis, tissue O2 consumption, physical activity, and behavior in mice. Here, we explore the possibility that dietary factors alter the oxygen affinity of Hb.
Material and Methods: A blood sample was collected from a healthy volunteer. Then, the hemolysate was mixed with various plant extracts, and P50 was measured with the HEMOX-ANALYZER in vitro. Allium sativum extract was also administered orally to healthy volunteers, and the P50 and blood concentrations of 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) were measured.
Results: Based on screening test, various plant extracts produced changes in P50 in vitro. We selected a candidate extract, Allium sativum, and it increased P50 significantly in vitro. Furthermore, P50 was significantly increased 2 hours after the single administration of Allium sativum extract in vivo. P50 was increased significantly at 2 and 3 weeks after the start of the once-daily administration of Allium sativum extract, while the blood concentrations of 2, 3-DPG were decreased in vivo.
Conclusions: The oxygen affinity of Hb is altered by dietary factors including Allium sativum.
