Background: Essential oils that are extracted from plants have shown beneficial effects on humans and animals, evidenced by traditional medicine. They possess many essential phytocomponents that act as antimicrobial agents, and most of them are safe for external usage. Introduction: Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the grass, such as Cymbopogon flexuosus, and is used for antimicrobial activity for a long time. The efficacy of this oil is limited due to the poor solubility and microbial penetration, easy vaporization, and lower stability. Nanoformulations and nanoencapsulations are nanotechnology fields that aim to improve the bioavailability of many natural compounds and enhance their stability. Lemongrass oil has also been nanoformulated as nanoemulsion, and various antimicrobial activities against various pathogens have been demonstrated, which are superior to free lemongrass oil. Methodology: We have used the search engines PubMed and Google Scholar for the mentioned keywords and selected the recent references related to this topic. Conclusion: In this review, we have discussed various antimicrobial properties of lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion and its application, such as antibacterial, antifungal, pesticidal, food preservative, and antibiofilm activity.
Background: The balanced composition of the gut microbiota is essential for human health. The dysbiotic condition may develop various complex diseases. A metabolic syndrome is a group of biochemical and physiological abnormalities that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. It has become a serious concern worldwide because there is no acceptable medication to overcome this problem. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome. The balance of gut microbiota relates to human health as well as diseases. Patents related to significant findings on probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation signify the importance of the proposed theme and provide promising therapeutic strategies to modulate the dysbiotic condition and reoccurrence of beneficial microbial species during metabolic syndromes. Screening of patents-related databases can be worth full to track new technology. Therefore, some selected recent patents related to gut microbiota and associated therapies have been discussed in the present manuscript. Conclusion: Under the existing situation, the role of gastrointestinal microbiota as a therapeutic agent is becoming more utilized for treating human health issues and various metabolic syndromes including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding gut dysbiosis and associated complex interactions between microbes and hosts would be effective for designing future therapeutic interventions for metabolic syndrome. Our detailed patent analysis reflects that gut dysbiosis has a prominent role in metabolic syndromes and dietary therapeutic strategies can improve health by modulating the human microbiota, their metabolites ad stability.
Aims: Carissa carandas Linn. is a thorny shrub (Family: Apocynaceae), commonly called Karonda. The shrub can be grown in tropical and subtropical climate regions. Methods and Material: The objective of the experimental work was to analyze the efficacy of fruit extract of C. carandas Linn. with respect to the 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 a 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 the 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: 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: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.
BACKGROUND Malnutrition and accessible high-quality protein food sources are two of the world's alimentary challenges. Edible insects are nowadays recognized as a possible functional food solution with lower environmental impacts and beneficial health effects. OBJECTIVE In this context, the aim of the present study is to evaluate Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) flour supplementation effects on a malnourished mice model, considering its effects on metabolism, adiposity, and inflammatory liver profiles. METHOD Male Swiss mice are divided into five groups and fed with experimental diets for eight weeks, including a standard diet (ST) ad libitum, AIN93 ad libitum (AIN), insect flour-enriched AIN93 (AIN+IM), AIN-40% feed restriction (AIN-FR), and insect flour-enriched AIN-40% of feed restriction (AIN-FR+IM). The metabolic profiles, adipose tissue, biochemical parameters, and liver IL-6 and IL-10 expression are evaluated. RESULTS The main findings show a body weight and metabolism improvement followed by an increased recovery of the adipocyte area in the AIN-FR+IM group when compared to the AIN-FR malnourished group. Reduced hepatic IL-6 and increased IL-10 expression are also detected in the AIN-FR+IM group. CONCLUSION The results show that insect flour supplementation enhances both body weight and adiposity gain/recovery. The results also show hepatic improvement of inflammatory markers.
Background:: Aloe vera is a traditionally used plant for medicinal purposes, mostly as a cosmetic. The Aloe vera gel/extract/juice is being used in hair care, moisturizing, cleansing, and thickening agent in formulations. The Aloe vera gel is rarely used on burns, wounds, infections, and gastric diseases. Objectives:: To study the patents filed recently to understand the trend in the application of Aloe vera for therapeutic purposes. Methods:: This patent review focuses on granted patents during the year 2013-till 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 of this article on skincare products and out of those maximum patents are on moisturizing compositions. Most of the patents are found in US jurisdiction and few in Europe and China. As there are certain restrictions on patenting inventions related to composition and natural products in various jurisdictions, patents are found in only a few jurisdictions. Conclusion:: The trend of use of Aloe vera is still towards cosmetic products also the Aloe vera is used in oral care composition, deodorant compositions, anti-inflammatory composition, vitamin compositions, antibiotic compositions, etc.
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.
His expertise is focused on renewable resources-based nanocomposites.These nanomaterials are helpful as sensors, drug delivery, and environmental recovery systems.Coordination of more than ten
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: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:The glycation of proteins and lipids synthesizes the advanced glycation end products (AGEs), i.e., substances that irreversibly damage macromolecules present in tissues and organs, which contribute to the impairment of biological functions. For instance, the accumulation of AGEs induces oxidative stress, the inflammatory responses, and consequently the on set/worsening of diseases, including obesity, asthma, cognitive impairment, and cancer. There is a current demand on natural and low-cost sources of anti-AGE agents. As a result, food phytochemicals presented promising results to inhibit glycation and consequently, the formation of AGEs.OBJECTIVE:Here we describe how the AGEs are present in food via Maillard reaction and in organs via natural aging, as well as the effects of AGEs on the worsening of diseases. Also we described the methods used to detect AGEs in samples, and the current findings on the use of phytochemicals (phenolic compounds, phytosterols, carotenoids, terpenes and vitamins) as natural therapeuticals to inhibit health damages via inhibition of AGEs in vitro and in vivo.METHODS:This manuscript reviewed publications available in the PubMed and Science Direct databases dated from the last 20 years on the uses of phytochemicals for the inhibition of AGEs. Recent patents on the use of anti-AGEs drugs were reviewed with the use of Google Advanced Patents database.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:There is no consensus about which concentration of AGEs in blood serum should not be hazardous to the health of individuals. Food phytochemicals derived from agroindustry wastes, including peanut skins, and the bagasses derived from citrus and grapes are promising anti-AGEs agents via scavenging of free radicals, metal ions, the suppression of metabolic pathways that induces inflammation, the activation of pathways that promote antioxidant defense, and the blocking of AGE connection with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE).CONCLUSION:Phytochemicals derived from agroindustry are promising anti-AGEs, which can be included to replace synthetic drugs to inhibit AGE formation, and consequently to act as therapeutical strategy to prevent and treat diseases caused by AGEs, including diabetes, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
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: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: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: This article aims to present the results of a literature review on food milling, to identify the most recent uses, types of mills, and new grinding trends. Methods: For this, a search was made with the keywords “grinding”, “milling” and “food” in the Scopus, which yielded 192 articles, 52 of which directly related to food, were analyzed. Results: Contributions were found related to various types of grinding such as cryogenic grinding, nano-scaled grinding, ultrafine and superfine grinding. The authors highlighted the uses of these types of milling in agro-industrial products such as nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), wheat bran (Triticum spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and green tea powder (Camellia sinensis), among others. Conclusion: It is observed that engineering texts dealing with theoretical and analytical food milling operations do not emphasize the new trends found. As a complementary part of this study, eight patents related to cryogenic grinding in food were analyzed, identifying uses of this type of grinding in coffee, lipids, lycopene, proteins, grains, and seeds. Besides, a search was carried out to find out commercial suppliers of cryogenic grinding equipment, in which six companies from China with their equipment were identified.
Background: Green, white, and black tea water extracts are rich in phenolic compounds. Objective: The changes in phenolic compound profiles of green, white, and black tea (GT, WT, & BT respectively) water extracts and their respective yogurt were investigated. Methods: hree types of yogurt with tea water extracts were prepared, and the phenolic compound profiles were analyzed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Results: The present data found that flavonol glycosides such as kaempferol-3-rutinoside and quercetin-rhamnosylgalactoside or rutinoside were present in WT extract, whereas catechin derivatives such as gallocatechin (GC) and epigallocatechin (EGC) were present in GT extract. Moreover, theaflavin-3-O-gallate was observed in BT extract. Many of the catechin and its derivatives detected in the tea extracts were not identified in the tea yogurt samples. However, new phenolic compounds were present in GT-yogurt (i.e., kaempferol-3-rutinoside and quinic acid conjugate) but absent in GT extract. Conclusion: GT, WT, & BT extracts could be used to enriched-yogurt with phenolic compounds, which may have antioxidant properties.
C. cassia shows promise antioxidant and anticancer activities with significant DNA damage protecting effect.
BACKGROUND:Sleep disorders are among the most common psychiatric and medical conditions. Herbal medicine appears to be effective in the treatment of sleep disorders which have been valued by many of publications and patents.OBJECTIVE:The present study aimed at investigating the hypnotic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa (HAE) in mice.METHODS:Three doses of HAE (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) and three fractions of it, namely n-hexane fraction (NHF), water fraction (WF), and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), were given in comparison with diazepam (3 mg/kg body weight i.p.) as a positive control and saline as a negative control. After 30 min, pentobarbital (30 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was administered. In addition, LD50 of HAE was examined and the cytotoxicity of HAE was assessed in l929 cells using the MTT assay. Moreover, for motorcoordination ability, 30 mins after administration of HAE, the rotarod test was performed.RESULTS:The results exhibited that the HAE and all the fractions significantly augmented pentobarbital induced sleeping time, which was comparable to that of induced by diazepam. The LD50 value was 2.4 g/kg. The extract did not induce any cytotoxic effects in L929 fibroblast cells. HAE did not affect the animals' performance on the rotarod test.CONCLUSION:Our finding suggests that the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. spinosa possesses a hypnotic potential that may require further scientific investigations.
BACKGROUND Ammoides verticillata Briq belonging to the family Apiaceae is widely used in traditional medicine to prevent and cure various diseases. Plant is used to treat many diseases, including respiratory problems, colds, fever, migraine, trouble gastric and renal infections. As part of our research program on natural compounds with biological properties, the objective of this study was to determine for the first time the antifungal and insecticidal activities of essential oil of Ammoides verticillata. METHODS Essential oil was isolated from aerial parts using a Clevenger type apparatus. The chemical composition of essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal activity of the essential oils was investigated against five plant fungi. The fumigation toxicity of essential oil was evaluated against L3 stage, pupae and adults of Bactrocera oleae better known as the olive fly. RESULTS The essential oil of A. verticillata was characterized principal by carvacrol (44,3%), limonene (19,3%) and p-cymene (19,2%). Essential oil of A. verticillata has a fairly representative antifungal activity with values exceeding 50% and this with minimal doses not exceeding 0.5 mL/L. The oil exhibited insecticidal activity at lowest concentrations (12 µL/L air) against B. oleae with percentages of mortality from 80 to 100% for L3 stage, pupae and adults, respectively. CONCLUSION The results showed that essential oil of A. verticillata is a good source of aromatic compounds as carvacrol. The essential oil presented high antifungal and insecticidal properties and so could be used as biocidal agent.
