Recent patents on food, nutrition & agriculture最新文献

Aims: Carissa carandas Linn. is a thorny shrub (Family: Apocynaceae), commonly called as Karonda. The shrub can be grown in tropical and subtropical climate region.

Methods and material: The objective of the experimental work was to analyse the efficacy of fruit extract of C. carandas Linn. with respect to hepatoprotective property using supportive evidence of in vitro and in vivo antiradical activity. The antioxidant activity of ethanolic fruit extract was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay, using Ascorbic acid as standard drug. Oral administration of C. carandas Linn. ethanolic fruit extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) revealed a considerable marked protection property against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the carbon tetrachloride, moreover that has been evaluated in terms of biochemical parameters.

Results: Administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induce amplified levels of serum biomarker enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood serum with attenuated in-vivo antioxidant enzymes levels such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase in hepatic tissues. The administration of fruit extract would reduce the CCl4- induced hepatic toxicity; these effects may be due to presence of phytochemicals including carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic components and flavonoids. However, HPLC and TLC studies would ensure the presence of gallic and quercetin in the ethanolic fruit extract of the plant.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the ethanolic fruit extract of C.carandas Linn. exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity which could be partly imputed to its both in-vitro as well as in-vivo antioxidant property, together with effective total phenolic and total flavonoid content and thus concedes for further findings.

Background: Several health problems, especially musculoskeletal disorders, are caused by differences in work cultures and human lifestyles around the world. While the conventional approach to treating such conditions emphasizes a balanced work-life and daily exercise, nutraceuticals have proven to be successful. Nutraceuticals are dietary compounds that help sustain cartilage metabolism homeostasis, reducing articular pain. Dietary intake of a variety of nutraceuticals is thought to be essential for controlling and, more specifically, preventing osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Objective: The current article offers a succinct overview in which data was gathered and searched using specific key terms related to nutraceuticals, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis that were available in public domains for analysis and evaluation.

Methods: The current write-up offers a concise summary of disease and its relevance as to how nutraceuticals are helpful, based on the defined findings and their interpretation. The present review also discusses the existing literature, patents, and current studies in the era of nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis treatment, offering a rational basis for further investigation and research.

Result: This article discusses a wide variety of nutraceuticals with possible uses for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis patients. An analysis revealed that nutraceuticals' efficacy has been established. However, further study and investigation are needed to determine their protection.

Conclusion: As a result of this analysis, it was concluded that more innovation and technology transfer were required. It was also concluded that greater industry-academic collaboration was required to begin more effective research in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis with nutraceuticals.

Background: Selenium (Se) is a crucial component of selenoaminoacids and selenoproteins. Therefore, Se-enriched agricultural products can reduce health complications induced by Se deficiency.

Objective: This research was carried out to investigate the effects of Se bio-enrichment on Basil grown in calcareous and non-calcareous soil systems and also to evaluate the changes in Se concentration in the soil after harvesting.

Methods: The experiment executed in two calcareous and one non-calcareous soil systems, and different Se application methods (control, soil application, seed inoculation, foliar application, and soil + foliar application) were administered. Selenobacteria, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), derived from the soil was used as a biofertilizer, compared to the other Se sources.

Results: The results showed that both soil types and the methods of Se application had significant effects (P ˂ 0.01) on root and shoot dry weights and concentrations of P, K, Zn, Fe, and Se in both of the root and shoot. Shoot dry weight of plants treated with foliar Se was maximum in the calcareous soil. Compared to the control treatment, foliar application of Se increased shoot Se content in both calcareous and non-calcareous soils by 242% and 204%, respectively. Furthermore, the increase in shoot Se concentration in calcareous soil induced by Se application increased the concentration of other nutrients in the shoot and root. Plant growth parameters and concentrations of nutrients were significantly increased by using selenobacter inoculum.

Conclusion: The application of Se-containing compounds can improve vegetable quality. Considering the daily requirement of the human body for minerals and nutrients, enriching basil with Se can play an important role in community health. Moreover, some patents have reported the effectiveness of endophyte bacteria.

Background: Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to colonisation by undesired microflora, which, in pre- and post-harvest conditions, negatively impact the quality of these products, leading to a reduction of yield, shelf-life, and marketability. In the few last years, the use of microbial Biological Control Agents (BCAs) has assumed international relevance in order to control harmful microorganisms, as a promising alternative to chemical interventions.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to discuss the microbial-based solutions applicable for the biocontrol of the main microbial spoilers, phytopathogens, and human food-borne pathogens affecting fruits and vegetables during their production and storage.

Results: A comprehensive overview of the scientific literature investigating the effectiveness of BCA-based products available on the market is provided, as well as of the most recent patents protecting biotechnological applications in this field. Innovative trends are discussed, with a particular focus on the integration of BCAs to minimise spoilage phenomena and microbiological risks adopting combined approaches.

Conclusion: This study underlines the growing interest about biocontrol strategies to counteract the growth of spoilage and/or pathogenic microorganisms indicating that in the next years a considerable increase of commercial products and patents will be developed worldwide to exploit innovative biotechnological solutions in the sector.

Background: Salad vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber and are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Therefore, these plants have the potential to be developed as functional foods.

Objective: Using an in vitro model, this study investigated the physical properties and intestinal glucose and lipid absorption capacities of dry dietary fiber from vegetables typically consumed in salads (types of lettuce, including red oak, red coral, green oak, butterhead, and cos).

Method: Fiber was prepared from each type of lettuce using an enzymatic method and then characterized. Physical properties, including solubility and water-binding, swelling, cation-exchange, and oil-binding capacities, and antihyperglycemic and antihypercholesterolemic effects of fiber were investigated.

Results: The hydration capacity of total dietary fiber and insoluble fiber from the majority of sources was significantly different from that of cellulose. Adsorption and diffusion of glucose were directly proportional to incubation time, and the diffusion rate was significantly lower in the treatments containing fiber compared to the cellulose control. Fiber from these vegetables also inhibited amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities. Moreover, fiber from all sources exhibited significantly higher sodium cholate and cholesterol-binding capacity compared to cellulose, and also retarded pancreatic cholesterol esterase activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that natural dietary fiber from salad vegetables can reduce glucose and lipid absorption and breakdown rates, thus preventing increases in postprandial blood glucose and cholesterol levels, which can be beneficial to human health.

Background: Aloe vera is a plant traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is also used as a cosmetic. Aloe vera gel/extract/juice is used in hair care, moisturizing, cleansing, and thickening agent in formulations. Aloe vera gel is rarely used for burns, wounds, infections, and gastric diseases.

Objectives: To study the patents filed recently and understand the trend in the application of Aloe vera for therapeutic purposes.

Methods: This patent review focuses on granted patents during the year 2013 to 2020. The patents were analyzed, and their therapeutic use was studied to assess the recent trends in Aloe vera formulations.

Results: Most of the patents studied in this article are based on skincare products. Out of those, the maximum patents are on moisturizing compositions. Most of the patents are found in US jurisdiction and a few in Europe and China. As there are certain restrictions on patenting inventions related to composition and natural products in various jurisdictions, patents are only found in a few jurisdictions.

Conclusion: The trend of the use of Aloe vera is still towards cosmetic products. Also, Aloe vera is used in oral care composition, deodorant compositions, anti-inflammatory composition, vitamin compositions, antibiotic compositions, etc.

Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro and micronutrients, in particular, high biological value (BV) proteins and both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Apart from proteins, eggs are excellent sources of various high health value lipid components, carotenoids, minerals, and both water and lipid-soluble vitamins. However, the nutrient-rich nature of this 'superfood' also makes them susceptible to microbial contamination from various sources, such as fecal matter, drinking water for layer chicken, and the surrounding environment. Moreover, drinking water and chicken feed are also sources of heavy metal contamination. The presence of both factors poses serious health concerns for consumers.

Objective: The main aim of this research was to proximate heavy metals and bacterial contaminants in nine different brands of brown organic and conventional white eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: An Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of metals with high sensitivity. Standard plate count was followed by enrichment of bacterial contaminants in a double-strength nutrient broth medium for microbiological assessment.

Results: The results indicated that Pb, Cd, Al, and As were present in high concentrations in all egg brands of both types (organic and conventional). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Ca, Fe, Mn, and Mg were within the range of WHO-recommended thresholds, and these essential minerals were present in adequate amounts in all egg brands. The two major groups predominating the microbial loads were the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp.

Conclusion: The presence of heavy metals, such as Al, As, Pb, and Cd, in nearly all the brands in amounts that exceeded the established ADI and EDI thresholds was considerably concerning. In particular, the elevated levels of Cd and Pb in group 1 and group 2A probable human carcinogens, respectively, demands that local regulatory authorities investigate the sources of heavy metal contamination and alleviate this considerable risk to human health. Furthermore, this study could be a benchmark for establishing food safety and hygiene standards for local egg production, storage, handling, and transport in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Malnutrition induced by dietary restriction produces several metabolic changes that affect body weight, the digestive system, and annex organs, including the liver. Malnutrition generates an inflammatory state and increases oxidative stress. The liver is one of the body vital organs, becoming necessary to analyze the impact of food supplementation on the repair of possible changes that may occur in this organ due to malnutrition.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of a low-cost supplementation derived from Buriti and dairy byproducts on liver recovery in malnourished mice, focusing on the expression of oxidative stressrelated genes, as well as biochemical and histological parameters.

Methods: Swiss mice were divided into six groups and submitted to two treatment phases: food restriction, for malnutrition onset; and renutrition, with mice being fed with different diets.

Results: Our results indicate that dietary supplementation was successful in recovering liver damage caused by malnutrition in animal models. The new supplement has been shown to recover liver damage with similar or superior results compared to the commercial reference supplement on the market.

Conclusion: Our work presents a new composition of low cost food supplement based on buriti and dairy by-products, proven to be effective in the malnutrition treatment of malnutrition. The improvements were proven through the recovery of body weight, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Background: Luffa cylindrica is a plant that is widely distributed in Africa and Asia and can be grown in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. Few patents dealt with Loofah biological properties, including some functional foods formulated from its leaves.

Objective: This study aimed to structurally and functionally characterize the bioactive compounds of L. cylindrica leaves grown in two different environments.

Methods: The extracts of L. cylindrica leaves collected from two Tunisian locations: Essouasi (LE), a semi-arid region and Medenine (LM), an arid region, were investigated for their phenolic compounds and fatty acids using HPLC/TOF-MS and GC-MS techniques, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated with DPPH, Chelating effect, Hydroxyl radical and Superoxide anion scavenging activities while the anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines was assessed using xCELLigence real time cell analyzer and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay.

Results: The antiproliferative capacity of both extracts was time and dose-dependent, with LE presenting the lowest HeLa cell index (CI = 0.035 ± 0.018, 250 μg/ml). LE also showed the best cytotoxic capacity (56.49 ± 0.8%) and antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ = 54.41 ± 1.12 μg/ml for DPPH and 12.12 ± 0.07 μg/ml for chelating effect). 14 phenolic compounds were detected in LE, with ferulic acid being the major compound (5128.5 ± 4.09 μg Phenols/g), while LM had only 6 phenolics. GCMS analysis showed the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in LE.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that L. cylindrica leaves, especially when collected from semiarid regions, are promising for formulating nutraceuticals of interest.