Search Results (40)

Neurodegenerative disorders pose a substantial risk to human health, and oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, and inflammation are the major contributors. The purpose of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of oat protein hydrolysate (OPH) and identify peptides with neuroprotective potential. This study is the first to isolate and identify OPH peptides with neuroprotective potential, including DFVADHPFLF (DF-10), HGQNFPIL (HL-8), and RDFPITWPW (RW-9), by screening via peptidomes and molecular-docking simulations. These peptides showed positive effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and thus reduced oxidative stress through regulation of Nrf2-keap1/HO-1 gene expression in vitro and in vivo. The peptides also significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in the zebrafish model. This improvement was correlated with mitigation of MDA levels, AChE activity, and levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brains of zebrafish. Furthermore, these peptides significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of Bdnf, Nrf2, and Erg1 in the brains of zebrafish with neurodegenerative disorders. Collectively, oat peptides have potential for use as active components in nutraceutical applications for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

The aim of this research was to investigate the antimicrobial characteristics and mechanism of hesperetin against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris vegetative cells. The results presented show that hesperetin had effective antimicrobial activity on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris vegetative cells, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.0625 g/L, and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) greater than 2 g/L. Moreover, treatment of hesperetin caused significant damage to cell integrity, preventing the growth of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris vegetative cells, enhancing the leakage of nucleic acid and proteins, and destroying the vegetative cell morphology. To further investigate the mechanism, transcriptomic analysis was carried out, and 3056 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that hesperetin inhibits Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris by affecting the intracellular nitrogen metabolism and amino acid metabolism. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis explained that hesperetin was also able to prevent the growth of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris by affecting the processes of nutrient transport, energy metabolism, and flagella motility. These results provide new insights into the antimicrobial effects and mechanism of hesperetin against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, which provides a new method for inactive Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in the juice industry. Full article

The valorization of industrial fruit and vegetable waste has gained significant attention due to the environmental concerns and economic opportunities associated with its effective utilization. This review article comprehensively discusses the application of subcritical and supercritical fluid technologies in the valorization process, highlighting the potential benefits of these advanced extraction techniques for the recovery of bioactive compounds and unconventional oils from waste materials. Novel pressurized fluid extraction techniques offer significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling effective and sustainable processes that contribute to greener production in the global manufacturing sector. Recovered bio-extract compounds can be used to uplift the nutritional profile of other food products and determine their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Valorization processes also play an important role in coping with the increasing demand for bioactive compounds and natural substitutes. Moreover, the integration of spent material in biorefinery and biorefining processes is also explored in terms of energy generation, such as biofuels or electricity, thus showcasing the potential for a circular economy approach in the management of waste streams. An economic evaluation is presented, detailing the cost analysis and potential barriers in the implementation of these valorization strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to enable the widespread adoption of these promising technologies. This, in turn, will contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy, maximizing the potential of fruit and vegetable waste as a source of valuable products. Full article

Consumers around the world are attracted to products with beneficial effects on health. The stability, functionality, and integrity of milk constituents are crucial determinants of product quality in the dairy industry. Milk contains macronutrients and micronutrients that aid in a wide range of physiological functions in the human body. Deficiencies of these two types of nutrients can confine growth in children and increase the risk of several diseases in adults. The influence of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on milk has been extensively reviewed, mostly concentrating on the inactivation of microbes and enzymes for preservation purposes. Therefore, the information on the variations of milk macro- and micronutrients treated by PEF has yet to be elucidated and it is imperative as it may affect the functionality, stability, and integrity of the milk and dairy products. In this review, we describe in detail the introduction, types, and components of PEF, the inactivation mechanism of biological cells by PEF, as well as the effects of PEF on macro- and micronutrients in milk. In addition, we also cover the limitations that hinder the commercialization and integration of PEF in the food industry and the future outlook for PEF. The present review consolidates the latest research findings investigating the impact of PEF on the nutritional composition of milk. The assimilation of this valuable information aims to empower both industry professionals and consumers, facilitating a thorough understanding and meticulous assessment of the prospective adoption of PEF as an alternative technique for milk pasteurization. Full article

Supplementation with probiotics in sports is on the rise with the aim of improving health and athletic performance. Since intense exercise-induced muscle damage leads to an inflammatory process by increasing circulating inflammatory cytokines, probiotic supplementation may modulate and correct the inflammation. We systematically reviewed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline databases for the 10 years until January 2023. This review aimed to evaluate probiotic supplementation as a strategy for modulating inflammation in healthy physically active adults or athletes. Studies were indexed to assess the effect of probiotic supplementation on cytokine behavior in the inflammatory response in physically active individuals. Of the 136 studies identified in the search, 13 met the inclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form. The results of these trials indicated a significant improvement in inflammatory cytokines in probiotic-supplemented participants, with a significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8). This would create uncertainty about probiotics’ effect on interleukins’ behavior after exercise, and further clinical trials are needed to establish a solid basis. Full article

Meat contains several amino acids related to taste, which have a significant impact on the overall acceptability of consumers. A number of volatile compounds have been studied in relation to meat flavor, but amino acids have not been fully explored in relation to the taste of raw or cooked meat. It would be interesting to find any changes in physicochemical characteristics, especially the level of taste-active compounds and flavor content during non-thermal processing such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), for commercial reasons. The effect of PEF at low intensity (LPEF; 1 kV/cm) and comparatively high intensity (HPEF; 3 kV/cm) with different pulse numbers (25, 50, and 100) was investigated on the physicochemical characteristics of chicken breast, including the free amino acid content (related to umami, sweet, bitter, or fresh pleasant taste). PEF is regarded as a “nonthermal” technology; however, HPEF induces moderate temperature rises as it increases with the treatment intensity (i.e., electric field strength and pulse number). The pH, shear force, and cook loss (%) of the LPEF and untreated samples were not affected by the treatments, but the shear force of the LPEF and untreated samples was lower than that of HPEF groups that showed PEF-induced slight structural modifications resulting in a more porous cell. In the case of color parameters, the lightness of meat (L*) was significantly higher with treatment intensity, whereas both a* and b* were unaffected by the PEF treatments. Moreover, PEF treatment significantly (p < 0.05) affected umami-related free amino acids (FAAs; glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and leucine and valine, which are precursors of flavor compounds. However, PEF decreases the level of bitter taste contributing FAAs such as lysine and tyrosine, which may prevent the formation of fermented flavors. In conclusion, both PEF treatments (LPEF and HPEF) did not adversely impact the physicochemical quality of chicken breast. Full article

Bacteriocins are ribosomal-synthesized peptides or proteins produced by bacterial strains and can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Numerous factors influence the potential activity of bacteriocins in food matrices. For example, food additives usage, chemical composition, physical conditions of food, and sensitivity of proteolytic enzymes can constrain the application of bacteriocins as beneficial food preservatives. However, novel bacteriocin nanoencapsulation has appeared as an encouraging solution. In this review, we highlight the bacteriocins produced by Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including lactic acid bacteria that have shown positive results as potential food preservatives. In addition, this review encompasses the major focus on bacteriocins encapsulation with nanotechnology to enhance the antimicrobial action of bacteriocins. Several strategies can be employed to encapsulate bacteriocins; however, the nanotechnological approach is one of the most effective strategies for avoiding limitations. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, chitosan, protein, and polysaccharides have been discussed to show their importance in the nanoencapsulation method. The nanoparticles are combined with bacteriocins to develop the nano-encapsulated bacteriocins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including LAB. In food systems, nanoencapsulation enhances the stability and antimicrobial functionality of active peptides. This nanotechnological application provides a formulation of a broad range of antimicrobial peptides at the industry-scale level. Nano-formulated bacteriocins have been discussed along with examples to show a broader antimicrobial spectrum, increase bacteriocins’ applicability, extend antimicrobial spectrum and enhance stability. Full article

Handling industrial agricultural wastes is a requirement for industrial waste management in the context of circular bioeconomy innovations. The recovery and re-use of agricultural wastes and their by-products have become an important topic of research and development to investigate their functional and nutraceutical properties. The bioeconomy provides an opportunity to create innovative bio-based products and processes, thereby opening up new markets. Agricultural waste contains a high concentration of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and other functional compounds such as antioxidants, which can be used to add value to a variety of food products. Due to its higher nutritional profile, cereal bran, as an agricultural waste and by-product, has a variety of functional and nutraceutical properties. Despite the fact that it is rich in bioactive compounds with health benefits, cereal bran is still underutilized in the food system. It can be used either directly for the processing of various foods or the extraction of various bioactive components present therein. Furthermore, the extracts from cereal bran have been used to obtain antioxidants, antibiotics, vitamins, and enzymes as functional components to be employed in agri-food and animal feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Therefore, this review aims to promote cereal bran waste and by-products, highlighting how to use them as functional ingredients with health-promoting properties and desirable technological aspects. Currently, there are few data on the nutritional exploration of these by-products as health-promoting agri-food products. Cereal bran is a nutritious natural agricultural by-product, but its potential application in the food industry is still limited due to a lack of literature focused on its quality attributes, which may become useful for informal explanation and evaluation during food product formulation. With the growing demand for fiber-rich foods, cereal bran valorization can generate revenue for milling industries. Full article

Syzygium cumini, also called Jamun, or black plum, is an excellent source of bioactive components such as flavonoids, polyphenols, antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C. The Jamun tree is a tropical evergreen blooming plant and is an important medicinal plant from the Myrtaceae family that has been used for a long time in Indian and other traditional medicines across the world. Jamun is mainly cultivated in Asian countries such as Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Since ancient medicine, it has been utilized to treat a variety of diseases and physiological conditions. Currently, it is mostly used as a medication to treat various metabolic issues, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, etc. Therefore, Jamun could serve a beneficial role against metabolic syndrome (MS). In this work, the latest available scientific literature on Jamun was collected and the clinical trials investigating its effect on diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia were analyzed to find out how Jamun could improve the symptoms and biomarkers of MS. Overall, the results of this study found a significant association of Jamun with the prevention and treatment of these biomarkers of MS. In many studies, Jamun showed pharmacological modifications not only in MS but in many other diseases as well. Currently, its utilization as a folk medicine for the treatment of patients with MS is widely acknowledged. Hence, the findings of a large number of clinical studies confirmed the ameliorating effects of Jamun against MS due to its antioxidation, antidiabetic, anti-inflammation anticarcinogenic, and hyperlipidemic effects. More research is still needed to determine and identify the Jamun compounds and to elucidate their mechanisms of action that are responsible for these astounding bioactive properties and health benefits. Full article

Peptides usually have many bioactive functions. The variety of peptide binding and the modularity of the components allow for their application to additional tissues and materials; hence broadening the range of possible coatings and films. β-lactoglobulin (b-LG) forms spherical microgels or can be used in the formation of coated particles, with the core formed by aggregated b-LG and the coat by polysaccharides. The enzymatic proteolysis of b-LG assisted by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment was studied. Pretreatment of HHP enhanced the hydrolysis degree (DH) of b-LG. The highest value of DH without pretreatment was 24.81% at 400 MPa, which increased to 27.53% at 200 MPa with pretreatment, suggesting a difference in the DH of b-LG caused by the processing strategy of HHP. Molecular simulation suggested that the flexible regions of b-LG, e.g., Leu140-Ala142 and Asp33-Arg40, might contribute to enzymatic proteolysis. The b-LG hydrolysate exhibited the highest capacity of scavenging free DPPH and OH radicals at 200 MPa. In addition, the 1–2 kDa and 500–1000 Da peptides fractions significantly increased from 10.53% and 9.78% (under 0.1 MPa) to 12.37% and 14.95% under 200 MPa, respectively. The higher yield of short peptides under HHP contributed to the antioxidant capacity of b-LG hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis also largely reduced the immunoreactivity of b-LG, which is of high importance in the practical application of b-LG in the field of coatings and films in regard to biocompatibility. Hydrolysis of b-LG assisted by high-pressure treatment showed promising potential in the preparation of bioactive peptides for further development of polysaccharide-peptide-based coatings and films. Full article

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the deadliest reproductive tract malignancies that form on the external tissue covering of an ovary. Cassia fistula is popular for its anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties in conventional medications. Nevertheless, its molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The current study evaluated the potential of C. fistula for the treatment of EOC using network pharmacology approach integrated with molecular docking. Eight active constituents of C. fistula were obtained from two independent databases and the literature, and their targets were retrieved from the SwissTargetPrediction. In total, 1077 EOC associated genes were retrieved from DisGeNET and GeneCardsSuite databases, and 800 potential targets of eight active constituents of C. fistula were mapped to the 1077 EOC targets and intersected targets from two databases. Ultimately, 98 potential targets were found from C. fistula for EOC. Finally, the protein–protein interaction network (PPI) topological interpretation revealed AKT1, CTNNB1, ESR1, and CASP3 as key targets. This is the first time four genes have been found against EOC from C. fistula. The major enriched pathways of these candidate genes were established by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) investigations. To confirm the network pharmacology findings, the molecular docking approach demonstrated that active molecules have higher affinity for binding to putative targets for EOC suppression. More pharmacological and clinical research is required for the development of a drug to treat EOC. Full article

Emulgel is a new innovatory technique for drug development permitting controlled release of active ingredients for topical administration. We report a stable emulgel of 4% Piper nigrum extract (PNE) prepared using 80% ethanol. The PNE-loaded formulation had an antioxidant activity of 84% and tyrosinase inhibition was 82%. Prepared formulation rendered spherical-shaped globules with high zeta potential (−45.5 mV) indicative of a stable system. Total phenolic contents were 58.01 mg GAE/g of dry extract whereas total flavonoid content was 52.63 mg QE/g of dry extract. Sun protection factor for PNE-loaded emulgel was 7.512 and formulation was stable without any evidence of physical and chemical changes following 90 days of storage. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed seventeen bioactive compounds in the PNE including monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, a tertiary alcohol, fatty acid esters, and phytosterols. In silico studies of GC-MS identified compounds show higher binding affinity in comparison to standard kojic acid indicating tyrosinase inhibition. It can be concluded that PNE-loaded emulgel had prominent antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition and can be utilized as a promising topical system for anti-aging skin formulation. Full article

Health-protective functional foods are gaining popularity in the world of nutrition because they promote excellent health while decreasing pharmaceutical burdens. Chia seeds (CS) (Salvia hispanica L.), the greatest vegetative source of α-linolenic acid, bioactive proteins, and fibers, are among the top unconventional oilseeds shown to have bounteous benefits against various non-communicable diseases. Purposely, this study was designed to integrate roasted CS powder into white-flour-based ordinary bakery goods to improve their nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. CS efficacy in normal and hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in mitigating blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and platelets. The nutritional profiling of chia-fortified muffins indicated significant increases of 47% in fat, 92% in fiber, 15% in protein, and 62% in minerals. The farinographic experiments of CS-blends revealed generally improved dough quality features with a significant rise in the degree of softening as fortification levels increased. A marketable recipe for CSF-muffins with several degrees of fortification demonstrated a significant rise in fat, 92% rise in fiber, 15% rise in protein, and 62% rise in minerals. Sensorial evaluation by trained taste panelists revealed a maximum appraisal of the 15% chia-fortified muffins due to aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability, and were forwarded for being acceptable for commercialization. Full article

Fresh fruits and vegetables, being the source of important vitamins, minerals, and other plant chemicals, are of boundless importance these days. Although in agriculture, the green revolution was a milestone, it was accompanied by the intensive utilization of chemical pesticides. However, chemical pesticides have hazardous effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, increasingly stimulating toward more eco-friendly and safer alternatives to prevent postharvest losses and lead to improving the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. Proposed alternatives, natural plant extracts, are very promising due to their high efficacy. The plant-based extract is from a natural source and has no or few health concerns. Many researchers have elaborated on the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals on human life. People are now much more aware of safety and health concerns than ever before. In the present review, we discussed the latest research on natural alternatives for chemical synthetic pesticides. Considering that the use of plant-based extracts from aloe vera, lemongrass, or neem is non-chemical by-products of the fruits and vegetable industry, they are proved safe for human health and may be integrated with economic strategies. Such natural plant extracts can be a good alternative to chemical pesticides and preservatives. Full article