Objective: In a previous report, we suggested that the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) regulates the level of erythropoiesis, tissue O
2 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 P
50 was measured with the HEMOX-ANALYZER
in vitro.
Allium sativum extract was also administered orally to healthy volunteers, and the P
50 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 P
50 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.
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