Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture最新文献

Background: Research on non-hormonal alternatives to traditional methods of male contraception has been prompted by the growing world population as well as the need for effective and reversible treatments. This study aimed to examine the possible antifertility potential of two medicinal herbs, i.e., Urtica dioica and Zanthoxylum armatum, that have been utilized for centuries in different cultures.

Methodology: A thorough pharmacognostical analysis was carried out to identify the ingre-dients of these plants. The phytoconstituents from Urtica dioica aqueous 96% methanolic leaf extract and Zanthoxylum armatum fruit essential oil were subjected to in silico molec-ular docking screening. The phytoconstituents were profiled using GC-MS analysis. To in-vestigate how these phytoconstituents interact with important proteins involved in male fer-tility and identify potential candidates for the development of a plant-based oral contracep-tive for men, further in silico molecular docking (receptor protein ID of 7FIH (3.20 Å), 7BPR (1.95 Å), and 2Q7J (1.90 Å) ) experiments were carried out.

Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed a wide variety of bioactive chemicals. Promising interactions between the discovered phytoconstituents and specific protein targets were found by the in silico molecular docking investigation, indicating the possibility of antifertil-ity effects.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the medicinal use of these plants and provide the basis for the development of novel male contraceptive medicines and their fur-ther experimental validation.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the pro-gressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without halt-ing disease progression. This has driven the exploration of natural compounds with neuropro-tective properties. In previous studies, α-phellandrene, a monoterpene present in essential oils of various aromatic plants, has shown promise in mitigating neurodegenerative processes. This study focuses on alpha-phellandrene's therapeutic potential in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease model. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, is commonly used to induce PD-like symptoms in experimental models due to its ability to mimic the neurodegenerative processes observed in human PD. Our review explores the neuroprotective effects of alpha-phellandrene, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental groups of rodents received rotenone to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by alpha-phellandrene treatment. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signals in brain tissues. Results indi-cated that alpha-phellandrene administration significantly improved motor function and re-duced rotenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in dopaminergic neu-rons. Histopathological examinations revealed a notable preservation of neuronal integrity in alpha-phellandrene-treated groups compared to controls. In conclusion, alpha-phellandrene demonstrates considerable neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's dmodel. These findings suggest that alpha-phellandrene could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for PD, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Specifically, our review indicates that alpha-phellandrene may exert neuropro-tective effects by various mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress, modulating neuro-transmitter levels, or inhibiting neuroinflammation. These mechanisms highlight its potential to alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression, underscoring the need for in-depth studies to validate these therapeutic effects in clinical settings.

Despite notable progress in treatment modalities, cancer continues to be a prom-inent cause of death globally. Chemotherapy is the main method used to treat cancer, and chemotherapeutic medications are categorized according to how they work. Nevertheless, the issue of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant obstacle, impacting almost 90% of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy or innovative targeted medicines. MDR pro-cesses involve the quick metabolism of foreign substances, the accelerated removal of drugs from cells, the stimulation of growth hormones, the enhancement of DNA repair ability, and the influence of genetic variables. Recent studies have mostly concentrated on studying the anticancer effects of dietary phytoconstituents as a possible remedy for overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). Various bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, phe-nylpropanoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenoids, and organo-sulfur compounds, have shown potential in fighting cancer. It is worth mentioning that a number of phenylpro-panoids are now being tested in clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness in fighting cancer. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the existing knowledge regard-ing dietary phytoconstituents as possible agents for treating cancer, particularly their ability to overcome MDR. This discussion will focus on the mechanisms by which these com-pounds work, as well as the data from both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, we have explored the potential future applications of these compounds in the development of cancer therapeutics.

Introduction: Saltwater intrusion poses a serious risk to global food security. As a soil amendment, biochar mitigates the negative effects of saltwater intrusion in rice, yet the beneficial effects on agricultural productivity with different exposure times and salt concentrations have not been fully examined.

Methods: A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of 30% (w/w) rice husk biochar on the growth, ion accumulation, and yield of the Phitsanulok 2 rice cultivar under salt stress due to saltwater intrusion. Rice plants were grown in saline soil amended with biochar and were salinized with 6, 8, and 10 dS/m saltwater for 1, 2, and 3 months. A treatment without biochar was taken as the control.

Results: The results showed that biochar amendment significantly increased the survival, shoot height, and tiller numbers of rice treated with the 6-10 dS/m saltwater for 1 and 2 months, as well as the treatment with 6 dS/m salt water for 3 months, in comparison with the control. The grain yield was about 40 g/pot for rice with biochar treated for 1 month with 6-10 dS/m saltwater and for the rice treated for 2 months with 6 dS/m. The results indicated that biochar application could alleviate the intrusion of high-salinity water for 1 month of salt exposure, and it could alleviate the intrusion of medium-salinity water for 2 months.

Conclusion: Therefore, a 30% (w/w) rice husk biochar amendment is a reliable strategy for mitigating the risks of saltwater intrusion for the growth and productivity of rice.

Background: Taraxacum officinale, commonly referred to as dandelion, is a selfgrowing plant/ weed in various parts of India and the rest of the world (particularly the northern hemisphere). The plant's chemical composition, including sesquiterpene lactones, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and many other compounds, contributes positively to the human body, promoting overall health.

Aim: This review aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of dandelion by summarizing its nutritional benefits, phytochemical constituents, and effectiveness in addressing health conditions like diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. It also provides insights into the applications of this plant beyond the food industry to gain researchers' attention to unravel the unexplored aspects of this therapeutic plant. It will further help in laying specific considerations, which are required to be taken into account before the development of functional foods incorporated with dandelion. Scope and approach: Being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other phytoconstituents, dandelion is a natural remedy for various ailments. Whether consumed raw or cooked, the plant's inclusion in the diet poses potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, liver disease, and tumors. It also aids in immune system modulation and fights infections by targeting microbes at their root. Researchers have developed various value-added food products by incorporating different parts of dandelion.

Conclusion: This review highlights the therapeutic potential of dandelion, emphasizing its effectiveness against various health conditions. Insights into dosage, toxicity, and diverse applications further underscore its role as a versatile and promising natural remedy.

Background: Rapid industrialization has polluted waterways, threatened aquatic ecosystems and endangered human health. To solve this problem, sustainable industrial practices and innovative water treatment technology must be implemented to ensure clean and safe water for future generations.

Methods: This study aimed to investigate the adsorbent capacity of Cocos nucifera husk for ineffective removal of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye abundantly found in industrial effluent. Adsorption capacity is measured using parameters such as dye elimination percentage and polymer dosage. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first, pseudo-second, and second order), and intraparticle diffusion were determined to better understand the adsorption process.

Results: The increased dosage of cellulose fiber results in the availability of a greater number of adsorption sites and an increased surface area. However, the dye removal efficacy decreased after reaching a specific dosage of 0.6 g/L. A concentration of 0.05 g/L was most effective in eliminating Methylene blue (MB). The value of the separation factor (0.99) suggested a favorable adsorption isotherm. The reciprocal of the heterogeneity factor (-1.469) demonstrated the concentration-independent adsorption behavior of Fiber. Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherm model showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model demonstrated the highest level of correlation with the experimental data about the mechanism of adsorption. The Methylene blue (MB) adsorption is not limited by the intraparticle diffusion and adsorption is influenced by surface area and concentration variation of fiber as well as solvent concentration, as evidenced by low R2 value and the fact that the intraparticle diffusion plot does not intersect with the origin.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Cocos nucifera husk can be effectively used for the treatment of wastewater.

Background: Amla (Emblica officinalis) is one of the most prominent fruits in terms of nutritional and medicinal properties and is utilized for the preparation of many traditional processed foods and in Ayurvedic formulations.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the enzyme activity and physical and chemical quality parameters during the growth and development stages of amla fruit for the determination of proper harvesting time to get optimum nutrient contents of fruit.

Methods: The amla fruits of the chakaiya variety were harvested at 135 to 270 days after fruit set (DAFS) in 2021 and 2022 to study the various physical, chemical and enzymatic changes during growth and maturation.

Results: The geometrical and gravimetric attributes of the fruit, viz. diameter, height, weight, volume, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio, and radius of curvature increased. However, density decreased with the growth and maturation of the fruit. Furthermore, the rolling resistance, yellowness index and firmness of the fruit increased during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the fruits increased only up to 195 DAFS and after that, continuously decreased. In contrast, ascorbic acid concentration grew in the entire growth and development period. Tannin, phenolic compounds and naringin content of the fruit steadily dropped until the final stage of harvest. Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) activity was detected very low, 0.009 unit/ml at 135 DAFS, but as the fruit grew and matured, activity increased to 0.307 unit/ml at 270 DAFS. Polygalactouronase (PG) activity was not detected until 210 DAFS and, therefore significantly increased with maturity.

Conclusion: Considering the optimal value of all studied physical, chemical and enzymatic attributes of the fruit during the entire harvesting period of 135 to 270 DAFS, the optimal harvesting time of the fruit was 210 DAFS.

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conventional pharmacological interventions have been effective in managing hyperlipidemia, but concerns about side effects and long-term use have prompted interest in alternative approaches, particularly the use of nutraceuticals. This comprehensive review aims to summarize and critically evaluate the current body of knowledge surrounding the role of nutraceuticals in the management of hyperlipidemia. We provide an overview of the different classes of nutraceuticals, including plant sterols, omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, antioxidants, and various herbal extracts, which have been investigated for their lipid-lowering properties. The mechanisms of action of these nutraceuticals are discussed, highlighting their ability to modulate lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cardiovascular health. Furthermore, we review the results of clinical trials and epidemiological studies that have assessed the efficacy of nutraceutical interventions in lowering cholesterol levels, improving lipid profiles, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition to their lipid-lowering effects, we examine the safety profile, dosage recommendations, and potential interactions of nutraceuticals with conventional lipid-lowering medications. We also address the importance of patient adherence to dietary and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with nutraceutical supplementation. While nutraceuticals offer a promising avenue for managing hyperlipidemia, we emphasize the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for their use in clinical practice. Challenges related to standardization, quality control, and regulatory considerations are also discussed. In conclusion, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the potential of nutraceuticals as adjunctive or alternative therapies for managing hyperlipidemia. While further research is needed, the accumulating evidence suggests that nutraceuticals can play a valuable role in promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the burden of hyperlipidemia-related diseases.

Background: Green Coffee Bean (GCB) is covered with silver skin that is shed as a by-product of the roasting process. For the first time, a comparative study was conducted to differentiate the compositional analysis of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin.

Objective: The study aims comparatively assessing nutritional, anti-nutritional and fatty acids composition of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The present study is also intended to find out various organic compounds of green coffee beans.

Methods: The proximate analysis was used to study nutritional composition. Mineral analysis was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy whereas volumetric and gravimetric analysis was used to determine oxalates and alkaloids. Gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy were used for studying fatty acids and organic compounds, respectively.

Results: Protein content was significantly (p<0.05) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, indicating 15% higher protein. Macro mineral content was also found significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, whereby 5.11% higher Phosphorus and 24.12% higher Calcium content was observed. However, iron content was 68.10% lower in green coffee beans with silver skin which might be due to its higher tannin content. Trace minerals zinc and copper were also found to contain 57.18% to 18.11% higher concentrations respectively in silver skin. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed the content of phytic acid and tannin as 161 and 77.29 mg/100g, respectively in green coffee beans with silver skin. The percentages of oxalates and alkaloids were found to be 0.64 and 14.30. These anti-nutritional compounds were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher from green coffee beans without silver skin. Green coffee beans have been found with an utmost number of saturated fatty acids having palmitic acid as the most abundant. The unsaturated part is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid. Chlorogenic acid isomers and caffeine were the organic compounds detected through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Conclusion: These findings reveal the presence of both nutritional and anti-nutritional components in Coffee silver skin, with significantly higher levels of anti-nutritional factors in green coffee with silver skin, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of green coffee and utilization of coffee silver skin as a valuable bioresource.

High pressure processing (HPP) has become a practical food processing technique that meets the preferences of consumers seeking lightly processed, convenient, and fresh-tasting food options. This paper reviewed the latest research on the impact of HPP on the safety and quality of food products. The use of HPP has been showing favorable growth in the food industry primarily due to its potential to not only enhance the nutritional content and sensory attributes of food products but also to substantially extend their shelf-life and bolster safety standards. HPP is the most used among non-thermal food processing technologies. While its direct application to milk for consumption falls short of delivering consistent quality, it proves effective as a pre-treatment step and in products using milk as a primary ingredient. In the context of meat production, HPP reduces microbial loads and extends shelf-life, yet concerns persist regarding its impact on product quality. The absence of in-depth studies regarding the attributes of carrots that support pathogen regeneration emphasizes the need for comprehensive research in this area, which could have far-reaching implications for similar fruit and vegetable products. This review underscores the need for a balanced assessment of HPP's effects on food safety and quality, offering insights that can guide the food industry in adopting this technology while ensuring consumer satisfaction and safety.