This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Takju lees hot water extracts on the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertension rats (SHR). Twenty eight male SHR were grouped by their blood pressure and fed a control diet or experimental diets containing 1% (G1), 2% (G2), or 4% (G4) Takju lees extracts for 4 weeks. Food intake was not significantly different among the groups. However, body weight gain was significantly lower in groups fed the Takju lees extract than the control group. The systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the Takju lees extract containing groups (especially in G4 group) than the control groups. In addition, mean blood pressure {(systolic+dyastolic)/2} decreased with an increase in the amount of Takju lees extract in the diet and feeding period. Takju lees extract decreased angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the Takju lees extract exert an antihypertensive effect by decreasing ACE activity.

We investigated the effect of Takju lees extract on blood glucose levels in the db/db mice (a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus). We fed 40 male db/db mice a control diet (G0, AIN93G) and experimental diets containing 1% (G1), 2% (G2), or 4% (G4) Takju lees extract for 4 weeks. We found no difference in food intake and body weight gain among the animal groups. In the G1 and G2 groups, plasma glucose levels decreased significantly between Days 10 and 21 compared with the G0 group. However, we found no difference in plasma glucose levels between groups G4 and G0. The change in insulin concentrations was not significant among these animal groups, and we found no significant difference in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in the soleus muscle. These results suggest that the Takju lees extract has a beneficial effect in animals with type 2 diabetes.

Takju lees extract is expected to be a promising material for functional food. This study was conducted in order to assess the glycemic index (GI) of Takju lees extract and its effects in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The GI for Takju lees extract was evaluated with 10 healthy young adults (Male 5, Female 5). OGTT was conducted in 20 male db/db mice, fed on a diet containing 2% Takju lees extract for 4 weeks. Those animals were subjected to OGTT after one oral administration of Takju lees extract at 2 g/kg BW. The GI of the Takju lees extract was measured at 97.97. The effects of the Takju lees extract on the oral glucose tolerance test in db/db mice evidenced no differences as compared to the control group. In conclusion, Takju lees extract is a high GI material, and it has no effect on blood glucose levels in a type II diabetic animal model. Further studies will be required to confirm its anti-diabetic effects.

Effects of Takju(Korean turbid rice wine) lees on noodle investigated by substituting Takju lees water extract powder for each 2% and 4% wheat flour in sample II and III, respectively. The lightness(L) of uncooked noodles was decreased, whereas that of cooked noodles was increased with increasing amount of extract added. Redness(a) and difference of total color(δE) were significantly increased according to the amount of extract added in uncooked and cooked noodles. Yellowness(b) of the noodles containing 2% Takju lees water extract powder was exhibited lowest values in uncooked and cooked noodles. In cooking property of noodles, turbidity of soup decreased in proportion to amount of extract added, 2% and 4% in sample II and III, respectively whereas the weight and volume of noodles were not significant than those of control. Tension of cooked noodle was highest in sample II and lowest in sample III. Texture profile analysis of cooked noodle showed an significant increase of hardness in addition of Takju lees water extract powder but not significant different in springiness, chewiness, adhesiveness. Cohesiveness was significantly lowest in sample II. The sensory evaluation showed that significant difference between noodles with 2% addition groups and control was not recognized but was recognized 4%. Therefore, based on cooking properties and sensory evaluation, Takiu lees water extract powder up to 4% could be substituted for wheat flour.

This study was performed to determine the effect of Takju(Korean turbid rice wine) lees on the serum glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: normal control(NC), diabetic control(DC) and diabetic rats(DS) were fed on experimental diet and water ad libitum for 4 weeks. DS diet was containing 20% Takju lees. Body weight gain and food Efficiency Ratio(FER) were significantly lower in DC and DS than NC. DS tended to have higher weight, weight gain and FEF than DC nevertheless food intake. Therefore Takju lees could possibly complement casein as a protein source. Gastrointestianl transit time in DS significantly decreased than NC while not significantly than DC. Serum lipid profiles and AST. ALT and amylase were not significantly different between diabetic DC and DS. Blood glucose was measured at fasting state and 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute by oral glucose tolerance test, DS tended to lower the mean(± SE) incremental blood glucose concentrations than DC and was significantly low at 120 min. But incremental AUG(area under the curve) of postprandial glucose response was not significantly different. In conclusion, in spite of high contents of carbohydrate Takju lees perhaps have a benefit effect on the diabetes.