Search Results (36)

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

Background: Andean plants are rich in bioactive compounds shaped by extreme environmental conditions, contributing to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores their phytochemical composition, biological activities, and therapeutic potential in modern medicine and nutrition of three plants of Andean origin. Methods: A literature review of peer-reviewed studies was conducted, focusing on key species such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), and lupin (Lupinus spp.), selected for this review due to their Andean origin, long-standing role in traditional diets, and growing scientific interest in their unique phytochemical profiles and therapeutic potential. This analysis covers their phytochemistry, bioactivities, and the influence of environmental factors on compound potency. Results: These Andean-origin plants contain flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds that support antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. High-altitude conditions enhance the biosynthesis of these bioactives, increasing their therapeutic value. Quinoa, amaranth, and lupin show strong potential for dietary and pharmaceutical applications, particularly in metabolic health and disease prevention. Additionally, preclinical studies and clinical trials have begun exploring the efficacy of these compounds in preventing and treating metabolic and chronic diseases. Conclusions: Andean plants are a valuable source of functional bioactive molecules with diverse health benefits. Future research should optimize cultivation strategies and explore novel applications in nutrition and medicine. Full article

Colored rice (black, purple, red and brown) has been consumed in China for nearly 4000 years. Recent research has focused on exploring its nutritional and metabolomic profiles and associated health benefits. Due to the improvement in detection and quantification techniques for health-promoting compounds and their activities, the number of studies has increased significantly. In this regard, a timely and updated review of research on nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and metabolite content and composition can significantly enhance consumer awareness. Here, we present a detailed and up-to-date understanding and comparison of the nutritional and phytochemical (metabolite) composition of colored rice. While earlier literature reviews focus on either single type of colored rice or briefly present nutritional comparison or bioactivities, here we present more detailed nutrient profile comparison (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins), together with the most recent comparative data on phytochemicals/metabolites (flavonoids, anthocyanins, fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives, phenolic acids, organic acids, alkaloids, and others). We discuss how metabolomics has broadened the scope of research by providing an increasing number of detected compounds. Moreover, directions on the improvement in colored rice nutritional quality through breeding are also presented. Finally, we present the health-beneficial activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and antitumor activities) of different colored rice varieties, together with examples of the clinical trials, and discuss which bioactive substances are correlated with such activities. Full article

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally. Full article

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd’s purse) is a medicinal plant recently introduced to European Pharmacopoeia. The main active compounds responsible for the activity profile of the raw material are flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins and bioelements. This species is known for its properties supporting the functioning of the digestive system and antihemorrhagic properties in the ethnomedicine of Far Eastern countries. Modern research confirms these directions of activity. Additionally, the latest studies prove the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase and anticancer properties and supportive action in the treatment of gynecological diseases. Shepherd’s purse herb also has a strong position as an edible plant due to the growing interest in this plant as “healthy food”. The protective, softening, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of sprout and herb extracts are useful in the production of modern cosmetics. Moreover, C. bursa-pastoris is valuable thanks to phytoremediation properties and the numerous practical uses in biotechnology for the creation of new resistant varieties of crop plants from the Brassicaceae family. Full article

Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood) is an indigenous fruit tree species with considerable ecological, cultural, and nutritional significance that remains underexploited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its distribution, taxonomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal applications, ecological functions, genetic diversity, and biotechnological potential. A systematic literature search, spanning 1949 to April 2024, yielded 87 relevant publications from an initial 155. Mimusops zeyheri plays a crucial role in supporting the cultural traditions and economic activities of Indigenous Southern African Communities. Its distribution encompasses South, East, and Southern Tropical Africa, with substantial populations across South African provinces. Ethnomedicinally, various plant parts treat conditions including wounds, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes. The leaves (34%) and roots (32%) are used, with infusion (33%) and decoction (31%) as primary preparation methods. Oral administration (70%) is the most common, primarily addressing skin conditions (18%). Despite its nutritional richness, a standardized nutrient profile is lacking. Limited genetic diversity studies underscore the need for further research. This study highlights Mimusops zeyheri’s multifaceted importance and research gaps, particularly in other Southern African countries. Future investigations should focus on comprehensive phytochemical analysis, ethnomedicinal validation, ecological conservation, genetic diversity assessment, and biotechnological applications. Multidisciplinary collaborations are recommended to promote sustainable utilization while preserving traditional practices. Full article

Manihot esculenta (cassava) roots is a major food crop for its energy content. Leaves contain nutrients and demonstrate biological properties but remain undervalorized. In order to develop a bioguided optimization of cassava nutrition–health properties, we compared the phytochemistry and bioactive potential of cassava root flour extract (CF) with cassava flour extract enriched with 30% leaves powder (CFL). Cassava flour supplementation impact was explored on flour composition (starch, fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds), in vivo glycemic index, and bioactivity potential using macrophage cells. We assessed the impact of cassava flour supplementation on free radicals scavenging and cellular production of pro-inflammatory mediators. CFL showed higher levels of fiber, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and lower glycemic index. Significantly higher bioactive properties (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) were recorded, and inhibition of cytokines production has been demonstrated as a function of extract concentration. Overall, our results indicate that enrichment of cassava flour with leaves significantly enhances its nutrition–health and bioactive potential. This bioguided matrix recombination approach may be of interest to provide prophylactic and therapeutic dietary strategy to manage malnutrition and associated chronic non-communicable diseases characterized by low-grade inflammation and unbalanced redox status. It would also promote a more efficient use of available food resources. Full article

Research on bioactive compounds is essential to improve human health; promote adequate nutrition; drive innovation in the food, agricultural and biotechnology industries; and contribute to the preservation of the environment. The genus Diplotaxis (Brassicaceae) currently comprises around forty species, some of which are edible, particularly Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), Diplotaxis erucoides (wall rocket), Diplotaxis muralis (annual wall rocket), Diplotaxis viminea (perennial wall rocket), and Diplotaxis simplex. The leaves of these species are rich in fiber and essential minerals, such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Thirteen species have been characterized for their phenolic compounds, predominantly kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin glycosides. Furthermore, glucosinolate compounds were identified in nineteen species of the genus Diplotaxis. Many of the phytochemicals identified in Diplotaxis spp. demonstrated interesting biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, as well as cytotoxicity and antiproliferative properties. This article provides a review of the phytochemistry of the Diplotaxis genus, highlighting its importance in food, its biological properties, potential pharmacological applications, and the dearth of research on many of these plants. Full article

Phytotherapy is a cost-effective alternative that continues to evolve. This has sparked significant research interest in naturally occurring compounds found in edible plants that possess antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Corchorus tridens L. is a wild edible plant widely recognised for its edible leaves, which are used for vegetable and animal feed. The plant is widely distributed across the African continent and is utilised in numerous countries for treating fever, pain, inflammation, and sexually transmitted diseases. Extracts from various parts of this plant exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pesticidal properties. This plant is a rich source of amino acids, vitamins, essential fatty acids, proteins, and minerals, as well as secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, quinines, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, and tannins. Additional studies are still needed to determine other biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory activity, involvement in the treatment of measles, prevention of anaemia, and pain-relieving properties. The current review aims to provide information on the characteristics, distribution, nutritional content, bioactive compounds, traditional uses, and biological activities of the edible plant species C. tridens L. to stimulate further research interest to address the existing literature gaps concerning this plant. Full article

The species Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and Amaranthus hybridus L. are Andean staples, part of the traditional diet and gastronomy of the people of the highlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina and Chile, with several ethnopharmacological uses, among them anticancer applications. This review aims to present updated information on the nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and antimicrobial and anticancer activity of Quinoa and Amaranth. Both species contribute to food security due to their essential amino acid contents, which are higher than those of most staples. It is highlighted that the biological activity, especially the antimicrobial activity in C. quinoa, and the anticancer activity in both species is related to the presence of phytochemicals present mostly in leaves and seeds. The biological activity of both species is consistent with their phytochemical composition, with phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and peptides being the main compound families of interest. Extracts of different plant organs of both species and peptide fractions have shown in vitro and, to a lesser degree, in vivo activity against a variety of bacteria and cancer cell lines. These findings confirm the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of both species, C. quinoa having more reported activity than A. hybridus through different compounds and mechanisms. Full article

Mee (Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) J.F. Macb. var. longifolia) is a salient economic tree spread throughout the subtropical region of the Indian subcontinent. Its seed constituents have distinctive chemical properties and thus extracted fat have distinctive nutritional and functional characteristics. This seed fat is edible and can Meet the fat requirements of a human diet in an economical way. Research on potential utilizations, understanding of the chemical composition, and nutritionally beneficial properties and industrial applications of Mee fat are important for efficient utilization. There are some reports available on potential applications of Mee fat in the food-processing industry. But, presently, it can only be considered as an underutilized seed fat. In India, Mee fat is used for edible purposes to a certain extent and similarly in Sri Lanka. Therefore, more scientific research should be conducted on Sri Lankan Mee varieties for edible purposes. Popularization of this valuable fat source is important. Scientific knowledge and agricultural tools have been effectively applied to make Mee fat beneficial for commercial applications. This review article summarizes recent research and studies available on botany, phytochemistry, functional properties, processing as well as food and other industrial applications of Mee fat. Full article

Sweet potato (SP), Ipomoea batatas Lam, belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It produces edible storage roots. Currently, orange varieties contribute to improving food systems and managing vitamin A deficiency. Processing of this food crop into flour allows better conservation. However, nutrition health data regarding SP flour obtained by green extraction remains scarce. In this study, we therefore explored its phytochemistry and its associated bioactivity potential for human health. We analyzed the nutritional composition of orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) flour and assessed the antioxidant (free radical scavenging) and immunomodulatory (on inflammatory murine macrophages) properties of the extract. More specifically, we measured the impact of OFSP flour extract on mediators such as Nitric Oxide (NO) and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), and Prostaglandin-E2 (PGE-2). Our results indicated significant fiber, mineral, beta-carotene, and polyphenols content in the extracts, and antioxidant and immunomodulatory bioactivities were also demonstrated with a concentration-dependent inhibition of cytokine production. Taken together, our results suggest that Ipomoea batatas flour could, in addition to being a good source of energy and beta-carotene provitamin A, constitute a food of interest for the prophylaxis of metabolic diseases associated with an underlying low-grade inflammatory state. Full article

Elephant apple (Dillenia indica L.) grows wild in Southeast Asia’s forests, including in China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Elephant apples are considered essential fruit crops because of their high nutritional value, which includes high levels of vitamin C, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, protein, minerals, and fatty acids. It is important to understand the nutritional value and health benefits of elephant apples in order to increase fruit intake in people’s daily diets. The present review paper focuses on elephant apple’s phytochemistry, bioactive compounds, therapeutic value, and medicinal capabilities for designing and developing a wide range of food formulations. Proteins, minerals, fats, crude fibre, carbohydrates, vitamin C, tannins, malic acid, and glucose are abundant in the leaves, bark, and fruit of the elephant apple. In addition to nutritional components, many phytochemicals found in elephant apples have been identified as bioactive compounds with a broad range of biological activities, the most prominent of which are antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, elephant apple is a rich, natural source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the production of value-added foods and nutraceuticals for disease prevention and management. Full article

In recent times, less-known fruit species have increasingly attracted worldwide attention and their health benefits are at the forefront. The fruits of plants from the genus Prunus are good sources of nutrients due to their economic, agronomic, and healthy values. However, Prunus lusitanica L., commonly known as Portuguese laurel cherry is considered an endangered species. Thus, the present work aimed to monitor the nutritional components of P. lusitanica fruits grown in three locations in northern Portugal for four consecutive years (2016–2019), using AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), spectrophotometric, and chromatographic analysis. The results evidenced the abundance of phytonutrients in P. lusitanica, such as proteins, fat, carbohydrates, soluble sugars, dietary fibre, amino acids, and minerals. It was also highlighted that the variation of nutritional components was relatively linked to the year factor, being especially relevant in the frame of the current changing climate, among others. These findings suggest that P. lusitanica L. deserves to be conserved and planted because of its food and nutraceutical applications. However, more detailed information on this rare plant species, such as phytophysiology, phytochemistry, bioactivity, pharmacology, etc., is certainly required for the design and development of appropriate uses and valorization alternatives for this species. Full article

Psidium guajava L. (guava) is a small tree known for its fruit flavor that is cultivated almost around the globe in tropical areas. Its fruit is amazingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. In different parts of the world, this plant holds a special place with respect to fruit and nutritional items. Pharmacological research has shown that this plant has more potential than just a fruit source; it also has beneficial effects against a variety of chronic diseases due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. The primary goal of this document is to provide an updated overview of Psidium guajava L. and its bioactive secondary metabolites, as well as their availability for further study, with a focus on the health benefits and potential industrial applications. There have been several studies conducted on Psidium guajava L. in relation to its use in the pharmaceutical industry. However, its clinical efficacy and applications are still debatable. Therefore, in this review a detailed study with respect to phytochemistry of the plant through modern instruments such as GC and LC-MS has been discussed. The biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from this plant have been extensively discussed. In order to perform long-term clinical trials to learn more about their effectiveness as drugs and applications for various health benefits, a structure activity relationship has been established. Based on the literature, it is concluded that this plant has a wide variety of biopharmaceutical applications. As a whole, this article calls for long-term clinical trials to obtain a greater understanding of how it can be used to treat different diseases. Full article