Composition, valorization and therapeutical potential of molasses: a critical review

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rise in population is driving up the global food demand, which, in turn, influences the processing of foods that leads to the ample generation of waste material throughout the world. Molasses is one of the wastes generated from the sugarcane processing industry by repeated crystallization during sugar preparation. The yield varies from 2.2 to –3.7% per tons of sugarcane. Due to its composition and economic importance, it is the major choice (as a carbon source) for food, feed and fermentation industries in the fructification of ethyl alcohol, liquor (rum), dry yeast, acetone, butanol, certain organic acids, etc. However, the on-going scenario of global research, the largest quantity of molasses is being utilized for the manufacture of ethanol. Traditionally, this is used for the manufacture of hukas, tobacco and liquors. However, due to its improper management, such as storage, packaging and transportation, the entire production of molasses is not being commercially utilized. It possesses numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-obese, anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, anti-anaemic, improves bone and hair health, used for the treatment of skin and anaemia. The present review is aimed to enlighten the composition, types of molasses, its respective utilization (traditional/conventional), health benefits and regulations. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT