Search Results (712)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three drying methods, namely sun drying, microwave–vacuum drying, and hot-air-oven drying, on the physical and nutritional properties of cricket powder for use in poultry feed. The results showed that the drying method significantly affected color parameters (L*, a*, and b*; p < 0.05), and particle size distribution at 850 µm and 250 µm (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Microwave–vacuum drying produced the lightest powder with a higher proportion of coarse particles, while sun drying resulted in a darker color and greater particle retention at 850 µm. Hot-air-oven drying yielded the lowest moisture content (1.99%) and the highest gross energy (6126.43 kcal/kg), with no significant differences observed in crude protein (p = 0.61), ether extract (p = 0.08), crude fiber (p = 0.14), ash (p = 0.22), or amino acid profiles (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that all drying methods preserved the nutritional value of cricket powder, and based on the overall results, hot-air-oven drying is the most suitable method for producing high-quality cricket meal with optimal physical properties and feed value, while also providing a practical balance between drying efficiency and cost. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate alterations in nutrient utilization, standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (SIDAA), and intestinal health in response to heat stress (HS) in Pekin ducks. A total of 240 healthy 28-day-old male Pekin ducks were randomly allocated to three groups: a normal control (NC) group, an HS group, and a pair-fed (PF; provided an amount of feed equal to that consumed by the HS group to eliminate the effects of feed intake) group, each with eight replicate cages of ten birds. The results showed that HS significantly reduced the apparent utilization of dietary energy, ether extract, and crude protein compared to both the NC and PF groups (p < 0.05), but yielded comparable SIDAA to the PF group. The HS group exhibited reduced mRNA levels of EAAT3 and PepT1, along with elevated mRNA levels of CAT1, GLUT5, and FATP6 in the jejunum compared to the NC or PF groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HS resulted in a significant deterioration of jejunal morphology and goblet cell count compared to the NC and PF groups (p < 0.05). Serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran levels were significantly higher in HS ducks than in NC ducks (p < 0.05), but did not differ from PF ducks. At order-level classification of ileal mucosal microbiota, HS markedly increased the relative abundance of Bacillales, Deferribacterales, and Actinomycetales versus NC (p < 0.05), while significantly decreasing Bifidobacteriales abundance relative to PF (p < 0.05). Collectively, HS induces a leaky gut and microbiota dysbiosis that compromises gut health, thereby reducing dietary nutrient utilization in Pekin ducks. The observed reduction in feed intake constitutes a primary driver of intestinal health deterioration in heat-stressed Pekin ducks. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article

Beer production produces significant amounts of brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a lignocellulosic by-product with important environmental and economic impacts. Despite its high moisture content and rapid microbial breakdown, BSG has a stable, nutrient-rich composition, especially high in protein, fiber, and polyphenolic compounds. While its perishability limits direct use in food systems, BSG is often repurposed as livestock feed. Recent advances in bioprocessing and extraction technologies have expanded their use across different sectors. This review explores the composition of crude BSG and evaluates innovative valorization methods, including recovering bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical value, and converting them into biofuels such as biogas, biodiesel, and bioethanol. Special focus is given to methods involving enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and chemical extraction to isolate proteins, peptides, amino acids, sugars, and polyphenols. By analyzing emerging applications and industrial scalability challenges, this review highlights BSG’s growing role within circular economy models and its potential to promote sustainable innovations in both the brewing industry and the wider bioeconomy. Full article

Our previous study has shown that supplementation of 0.50% benzoic acid (BA) increased growth performance, promoted rumen fermentation, and improved the composition and function of rumen microbiota. This research was designed to conduct a deeper exploration of the impacts of dietary supplementation with BA on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and the composition of rectal microbiota in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Sixteen Holstein heifer calves with similar body weights (91.2 ± 0.7 kg) were selected and randomly allocated into two groups, each comprising eight calves. Calves in the control group (CON group) were fed with a basal diet, while those in the benzoic acid group (BA group) were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 0.50% benzoic acid (on a dry matter basis). The experimental period started at 60 days of age and ended at 102 days of age, lasting for a total of 42 days. The calves were weaned at 60 days of age, with a transition period of 7 days. Feed samples were collected every two weeks, fecal samples were collected from 99 to 101 days of age, and blood samples were collected at 102 days of age. The results showed that supplementation with BA did not influence the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus between the two groups. Compared with the CON group, BA supplementation tended to decrease the total cholesterol (TC) in the serum of the calves (p = 0.067). Supplementation with BA increased the relative abundances of the two beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (p < 0.05, LDA > 2), but decreased that of the harmful bacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, in the rectum of dairy calves. The microbial functional prediction revealed that the fecal microbial metabolism involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis was higher in the calves from the BA group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that adding 0.50% BA to the diet did not influence the apparent nutrient digestibility, but improved rectal microbiota health, which finally promoted the growth performance in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Full article

This study investigated the effects of macronutrient type and concentration on the biomass yield and biochemical composition of hydroponically grown wheat sprouts (HWS), with the aim of identifying fertilization strategies that optimize both productivity and feed quality. HWS were cultivated using a nutrient film technique over a 7-day period under controlled environmental conditions, with treatments including calcium nitrate (CN1–CN3), potassium phosphate (CP1–CP3), potassium sulfate (CK1–CK2), and a balanced NPK 20–20–20 fertilizer (NPK1–NPK3), each applied at three increasing concentrations. The quantitative parameters assessed included biomass yield per unit of dry seed (DP, kg kg⁻¹) and dry matter content (DM, %), while qualitative traits included crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), and ash content. Results indicated that balanced NPK fertilization significantly enhanced performance, with NPK3 achieving the highest biomass yield (6.39 kg kg⁻¹), CP (24.26%), CF (5.63%), and ash (16.0%) content. In contrast, CN3 treatments reduced yield (4.84 kg kg⁻¹) despite increasing CP (19.65%), indicating trade-offs between nitrogen enrichment and vegetative expansion. Phosphorus-based treatments (CP2–CP3) improved nutrient density without suppressing yield. Regression analyses revealed strong correlations between DM and both CF (R² = 0.81) and ash (R² = 0.71), supporting their utility as indirect indicators of feed quality. EE content remained stable (2.07–2.67%) across all treatments, suggesting its limited responsiveness to macronutrient manipulation. These findings highlight the importance of nutrient synergy in hydroponic systems and provide a practical framework for tailoring fertilization regimes to meet specific agronomic and nutritional objectives in precision livestock feeding and provide practical guidance for optimizing hydroponic livestock feed production. Full article

This study aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization rate per regrowth cycle for Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Tamani by evaluating its effects on forage production, nutrient uptake, bromatological composition, and in vitro degradation kinetics. A randomized complete block design with five N doses (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg N ha⁻¹) and seven replications was conducted over two rainy seasons. From December 2019 to April 2020, canopy height and light interception were measured weekly. When canopy height reached 95% of light interception the grass was harvest and productive and morphological structure were measured. Nitrogen fertilization increased forage mass and yield up to the dose of 40 kg N ha⁻¹, resulting in 1959 and 9798 kg DM ha⁻¹, respectively, while nitrogen use efficiency declined at higher doses. Weed mass was decreased at 0 kg ha⁻¹, and chlorophyll index increased with the N dose. Nitrogen and potassium were the most extracted nutrients, with nitrogen uptake being highest at 80 kg ha⁻¹. Fertilization elevated the levels of crude protein, NDIP, cell content, and cell wall-bound protein, while ash content decreased. In vitro fermentation showed a reduced gas volume at higher N doses and improved degradation and digestibility up to 40 kg ha⁻¹. Nitrogen fertilization enhanced the forage yield and quality of BRS Tamani, with 40 kg ha⁻¹ maximizing efficiency and digestibility. Full article

Wild edible mushrooms (WEMs) are a popular delicacy in Thailand, prized for their unique flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Despite their widespread consumption, there is limited scientific research on their chemical compositions, biological activities, and potential health benefits. To bridge this knowledge gap, a comprehensive study was conducted on sixteen WEM species from ten families—Polyporaceae, Pleurotaceae, Russulaceae, Marasmiaceae, Pluteaceae, Boletinellaceae, Diplocystaceae, Lyophyllaceae, Psathyrellaceae, and Auriculariaceae—commonly found in northern Thailand. The proximate composition varied significantly among the WEM species, particularly in crude protein (12–51% w/w), crude fiber (1–30% w/w), and glucans (4–25% w/w). Astraeus odoratus exhibited the highest phenolic content, while P. cf. portentosus demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity. WEM extracts also displayed notable inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (5.82–79.43%) and α-amylase (1.30–90.79%). All extracts induced antioxidant regulators of Nrf2 and NQO1, suggesting that WEMs can help protect cells from oxidative stress, environmental toxins, and xenobiotics from food. Importantly, all extracts maintained high cell viability (>80%), indicating their safety for consumption. Furthermore, the mushrooms demonstrated a strong ability to reduce hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells induced by tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide, highlighting their potential in preventing liver damage. This study not only underscores the nutritional and health benefits of WEMs but also establishes a vital scientific foundation for future research on their health effects and in vivo applications. In turn, these findings could serve as a crucial resource for optimizing the use of WEMs in ethnic cuisines and strengthening claims regarding their functional food properties. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of feedstuffs and additives in dairy cow rations on rumen methane production and nitrate content in groundwater. Two basal rations and their supplements were analyzed in regard to proximate parameters, and an in vitro rumen fermentation system assessed methane release and nitrate levels over 72 h. Supplementing dairy cow rations with Brassica rapa (BR) boosted the ether extract content, while silage produced the highest amount of methane. Rapidly degrading substrates like BR and ground maize produced methane faster, but in smaller amounts, than straw and silage. BR, Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), and Posidonia oceanica (PO)-supplemented rations had mixed effects; PO reduced the methane yield, while OFI increased methane production rates. BR-supplemented rations had the lowest nitrate levels, making it suitable for anaerobic digestion. The multivariate analysis showed strong correlations between crude protein, dry matter, and ash, while high-nitrate substrates inhibited methane production, supporting the literature on the role of nitrates in reducing methanogenesis. These results emphasize the need to balance nutrient composition and methane mitigation strategies in dairy cow ration formulations. Full article

Zinc hydroxide has been reported as an effective precipitating reagent for removing proteins in biological samples. This procedure is quite effective for removing interfering proteins before the chromatographic separation of small organic compounds. However, preliminary data suggested that also some small molecules could precipitate together with proteins and zinc hydroxide. Therefore, herein it is reported a study on a panel of drugs having different chemical structures. The results suggest that the common trait of organic molecules coprecipitating with zinc hydroxide is to have acidic groups, while neutral or basic molecules are not affected by zinc hydroxide precipitation. Such observations were consistent with some analyses conducted on hydroalcoholic extracts prepared from natural edible materials such as green tea. In such matrices, a quantitative coprecipitation of polyphenols was obtained upon inducing the precipitation of zinc hydroxide, while alkaloids such as caffeine remained selectively isolated in the supernatants. Interestingly, the compounds coprecipitated with zinc hydroxide can be easily and quantitatively recovered as well, just by redissolving the precipitate. These findings open potential applications for the isolation of specific classes of compounds from crude natural extracts and for the use of zinc hydroxide to remove interfering compounds before chromatographic analyses. Full article

This study presents an investigation on the potential of using one-year-old field-stored Medicago sativa (alfalfa) as a raw material for a multi-output biorefinery. The main objective was to fractionate the biomass into valuable components—crude protein, hemicellulose-derived polysaccharides, lignin, and cellulose—and to explore the latter’s suitability in papermaking. To this end, three pretreatment strategies (water, alkaline buffer, and NaOH solution) were applied, followed by soda pulping under varying severity conditions. Both solid and liquid fractions were collected and chemically characterized using FTIR, HPLC, and standardized chemical methods. Water-based pretreatment was most effective for protein extraction, achieving over 40% protein content in precipitated fractions. The harshest pulping conditions (20% NaOH, 160 °C, 60 min) yielded cellulose-rich pulp with high glucan content, while also facilitating lignin and hemicellulose recovery from black liquor. Furthermore, the pulps derived from alfalfa stems were tested for papermaking. When blended with old corrugated cardboard (OCC), the fibers enhanced tensile and burst strength by 35% and 70%, respectively, compared to OCC alone. These findings support the valorization of unexploited alfalfa deposits and suggest a feasible biorefinery approach for protein, fiber, and polymer recovery, aligned with circular economy principles. Full article

Background: Quasipaa spinosa crude extract (QSce), a natural source rich in proteins such as parvalbumin (PV), has been traditionally used to promote physical recovery. However, its mechanisms in mitigating exercise-induced fatigue remain unclear. Methods: Using a murine treadmill exhaustion model, we evaluated the effects of QS-derived Parvalbumin (QsPV) (30 and 150 mg/kg/day) on endurance capacity, oxidative stress, tissue injury, and muscle function. Indicators measured included time to exhaustion, intracellular calcium levels, antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)], lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), injury markers [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I (cTnI)], renal function (blood urea), and muscle force. Results: QsPV-150 significantly increased time to exhaustion by 34.6% compared to the exercise-only group (p < 0.01). It reduced MDA by 41.2% in skeletal muscle and increased SOD and GSH-Px levels by 35.4% and 28.1%, respectively. Serum CK, LDH, and cTnI were reduced by 39.5%, 31.7%, and 26.8%, respectively, indicating protection against muscle and cardiac injury. QsPV also decreased blood urea by 22.3% and improved renal histology, with reduced glomerular damage and tubular lesions. At the molecular level, QsPV restored calcium balance and downregulated calpain-1/2 and atrophy-related genes (MuRF-1, MAFbx-32). Muscle contractile force (GAS and SOL) improved by 12.2–20.3%. Conclusions: QsPV attenuates exercise-induced fatigue through multi-organ protection involving calcium buffering, oxidative stress reduction, and anti-atrophy effects. These findings support its potential as a natural recovery-enhancing supplement, pending further clinical and pharmacokinetic studies. Full article

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses significant public health challenges due to its rapid mutation and drug resistance, necessitating novel antiviral strategies. Rhododendron brachycarpum, traditionally employed in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, contains bioactive flavonoids with potential antiviral effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-influenza activity of R. brachycarpum leaf extract and identified hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) as the active constituent. The crude extract and its n-butanol fraction markedly reduced IAV replication in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, with IC50/CC50 values of 74.51/201.09 μg/mL and 24.5/113.1 μg/mL, respectively. Hyperoside, purified via bioactivity-guided fractionation and HPLC analysis, demonstrated potent antiviral activity, with an IC50 of 66.59 μM (30.92 μg/mL) and a CC50 of 318.9 μM (148.1 μg/mL), indicating a favorable selectivity index. It significantly suppressed viral mRNA and protein expression in infected cells. Time-of-addition and hemagglutination inhibition assays suggested that hyperoside exerts antiviral effects during early infection stages, likely interfering with viral entry. In silico molecular docking analysis further supported this mechanism, revealing that hyperoside binds strongly to the receptor-binding domain of hemagglutinin (−11.5 kcal/mol), potentially blocking viral attachment. These findings reveal that hyperoside is a major antiviral component of R. brachycarpum and underscore its therapeutic potential as a natural antiviral candidate against IAV infections. Full article

In the search for new alternatives for controlling parasitic agents, proteases from Beauveria bassiana stand out. The aim of this study was to evaluate in silico and in vitro the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases on Eurytrema pancreaticum Janson, 1889 (Dicrocoeliidae) eggs. Beauveria bassiana Bals. -Criv., 1835 (Cordycipitaceae) (IP 361) was cultivated for enzymatic production. Proteins were precipitated with acetone (1:4 ratio), and specific activity was determined. Protease profiles were assessed via zymography, and inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was tested. Three-dimensional models of the proteases were generated. Eurytrema pancreaticum eggs were used for the in vitro anthelmintic evaluation of the proteases. The results showed that precipitation significantly concentrated proteolytic activity (p < 0.01) compared to the crude extract. However, no chitinase activity was detected. The proteolytic profile of the precipitate revealed five bands with molecular weights from 25.6 to 66.9 kDa. In the in vitro tests, the proteases significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the number of intact E. pancreaticum eggs by 53% compared to the control with denatured enzymes. These findings highlight the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases, though further studies are needed to confirm their application in parasite control. Full article

Pharmacological relevance: Ethnic people residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh use Pouzolzia sanguinea to alleviate flatulence, for menstruation, inflammation, insomnia, and analgesia. However, there is no scientific evidence regarding the bioactivity of these plants. Aim: This study aimed to isolate bioactive fractional compounds from Pouzolzia sanguinea (IFCPS) crude extract to assess the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic activities. Materials and Methods: Preparative TLC-bioautography and silica gel two-stage column chromatography were used to isolate bioactive fractional compounds from P. sanguinea methanol crude extracts. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic activities of extracts and IFCPS were studied by inhibiting protein denaturation, acetic acid-induced writhing, Eddy’s hot plate, field cross, and hole cross methods. Results: The dried crude extract’s chemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, vitamin C, and tannins. Nine single isolated fractional compounds (IFC₁PS to IFC₉PS) were isolated through TLC. Among these, IFC₂PS exhibited (p ˂ 0.01) the most potent anti-inflammatory activity in the inhibition of protein denaturation studies (70.51%), which was slightly lower than acetyl salicylic acid (82.29%), at160 µg/mL. This inhibitory effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. IFC₂PS exhibited the most potent peripheral analgesic and moderate central analgesic effects compared to the standard. In contrast, IFC₁PS showed moderate effects in both areas. IFC₈PS showed superior anxiolytic activities compared to crude extracts and other IFCPS. Conclusions: Out of the nine fractional compounds isolated, the IFC₂PS reduced pain and inflammation, whilst IFC₈PS exhibited anxiolytic activities. This is the first comprehensive study demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects of crude extracts and isolated fractional compounds from the whole plant of P. sanguinea, which may have immediate experimental and clinical applications. Full article