Search Results (391)

Ruminant livestock production plays a crucial role in the agricultural systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly supporting rural livelihoods through income generation, improved nutrition, and employment opportunities. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, such as low feed quality, seasonal feed shortages, and climate-related stresses, all of which limit productivity and sustainability. Considering these challenges, the adoption of natural feed additives has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance animal performance, optimise nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts, including the reduction of enteric methane emissions. This review underscores the significant potential of natural feed additives such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, and mineral-based supplements such as fossil shell flour as sustainable alternatives to conventional growth promoters in ruminant production systems across the region. All available documented evidence on the topic from 2000 to 2024 was collated and synthesised through standardised methods of systematic review protocol—PRISMA. Out of 319 research papers downloaded, six were included and analysed directly or indirectly in this study. The results show that the addition of feed additives to ruminant diets in all the studies reviewed significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters such as average daily growth (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect was found on cold carcass weight (CCW), meat percentage, fat percentage, bone percentage, or intramuscular fat (IMF%) compared to the control. The available evidence indicates that these additives can provide tangible benefits, including improved growth performance, better feed efficiency, enhanced immune responses, and superior meat quality, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen excretion and decreasing dependence on antimicrobial agents. Full article

Growing demand for plant-based nutraceuticals drives the need for innovative bioprocessing strategies. This study developed an integrated approach combining germination and Lactobacillus-mediated fermentation to produce a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-enriched functional beverage from brown rice. Systematic screening identified an optimal rice cultivar for germination. Sequential enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification were optimized to generate a suitable hydrolysate. Screening of 13 probiotic strains revealed that a 10-strain Lactobacillus–Bifidobacterium consortium maximized GABA synthesis (12.2 mg/100 g). Fermentation parameters were optimized to 0.25% monosodium glutamate, 4% inoculum, 10 μmol/L pyridoxine hydrochloride, 37 °C, and 24 h. The resulting beverage achieved significantly elevated GABA concentrations while exhibiting low fat (0.2 g/100 g), reduced caloric content (233.6 kJ/100 g), and high viable probiotic counts (2 × 10⁸ CFU/g). This strategy demonstrates significant potential for the scalable production of multifunctional, plant-based nutraceuticals with targeted bioactive components. Full article

Understanding the components of the diet, food groups, and nutritional strategies that help prevent MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is essential for identifying dietary behaviors that can stop the progression of this condition, which currently affects over one-quarter of the global population. This review highlights the importance of including antioxidant nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and polyphenolic compounds. It also emphasizes substances that support lipid metabolism, including choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine. Among food groups, it is crucial to choose those that help prevent metabolic disturbances. Among carbohydrate-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber products are recommended. For protein sources, eggs, fish, and white meat are preferred. Among fat sources, plant oils and fatty fish are advised due to their content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Various dietary strategies aimed at preventing MASLD should include elements of the Mediterranean diet or be personalized to provide anti-inflammatory compounds and substances that inhibit fat accumulation in liver cells. Other recommended dietary models include the DASH diet, the flexitarian diet, intermittent fasting, and diets that limit fructose and simple sugars. Additionally, supplementing the diet with spirulina or chlorella, berberine, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, as well as drinking several cups of coffee per day, may be beneficial. Full article

In recent decades, the rapid expansion of the food processing industry has led to significant losses and waste, with the fruit and vegetable sector among the most affected. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), losses in this category can reach up to 60%. Vegetable waste includes edible parts discarded during processing, packaging, distribution, and consumption, often comprising by-products rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and enzymes. The underutilization of these resources constitutes both an economic drawback and an environmental and ethical concern. Current recovery practices, including their use in animal feed or bioenergy production, contribute to a circular economy but are often limited by high operational costs. In this context, fermentation has emerged as a promising, sustainable approach for converting vegetable by-products into value-added food ingredients. This process improves digestibility, reduces undesirable compounds, and introduces probiotics beneficial to human health. The present review examines how fermentation can improve the nutritional, sensory, and functional properties of plant-based foods. By presenting several case studies, it illustrates how fermentation can effectively valorize vegetable processing by-products, supporting the development of novel, health-promoting food products with improved technological qualities. Full article

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is highly prevalent in modern swine production, and many affected piglets survive past weaning and are raised for commercial pork production. This review summarizes the current understanding of the physiological challenges of IUGR piglets from a molecular perspective and evaluates recent advances in nutritional strategies aimed at mitigating their negative outcomes. Molecular approaches, including omics technologies and targeted analyses, have been employed to investigate the physiological characteristics of IUGR piglets. These approaches consistently show that IUGR piglets exhibit systemic dysfunction, including compromised gut health, increased inflammation and oxidative stress, and impaired function of multiple organs such as the intestine, liver, kidney, and immune-related tissues. Moreover, IUGR piglets often display poor muscle development and meat quality. The multifactorial nature of these issues suggests that targeting a single physiological parameter may be insufficient, and comprehensive interventions are needed to address the widespread effects of IUGR. Promising nutritional strategies such as supplementation with polyphenol-rich plant extracts, amino acids, and probiotics have demonstrated potential in improving gut integrity, beneficially modulating microbiota, and enhancing the overall health and performance of IUGR piglets. By supporting the systemic recovery of IUGR piglets, nutritional interventions could improve overall productivity in swine production systems. Full article

Foodborne diseases are the most common causes of illness worldwide. Bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, are often involved in foodborne disease and pose a serious threat to human health. S. aureus is commonly found in humans and a variety of animal species. Staphylococcal enteric disease, specifically staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), accounts for numerous gastrointestinal illnesses, through the contamination of food with its enterotoxins, and its major impact on human health imposes a heavy economic burden in society. Commonly, antibiotics and antimicrobials are used to treat SFP. However, a range of complications may arise with these treatments, impeding the control of S. aureus diseases specifically caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Natural alternative options to control S. aureus diseases, such as bacteriophages, plant-based antimicrobials, nanoparticle-based or light-based therapeutics, and probiotics, are promising in terms of overcoming these existing problems as they are environmentally friendly, abundant, unlikely to induce resistance in pathogens, cost-effective, and safe for human health. Recent findings have indicated that these alternatives may reduce the colonization and infection of major foodborne pathogens, including MRSA, which is crucial to overcome the spread of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus. This review focuses on the present scenario of S. aureus in foodborne disease, its economic importance and current interventions and, most importantly, the implications of natural antimicrobials, especially probiotics and synbiotics, as alternative antimicrobial means to combat pathogenic microorganisms particularly, S. aureus and MRSA. Full article

This study aimed to microencapsulate Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 to enrich soy yogurt flavored with peach jam. The effect of three concentrations of alginate and coating chitosan were evaluated in terms of probiotic viability, and the physicochemical and sensory properties of soy yogurt. Lim. reuteri was microencapsulated in alginate (1, 2, and 3%) and coated with chitosan (0, 0.4, and 0.8%). Soymilk was fermented using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Soy yogurt was combined with probiotic beads and peach jam and stored for 27 days at 4 °C. The pH, titratable acidity, and probiotic viability of probiotic peach soy yogurt (PPSY) were determined during storage. Alginate at 3% and alginate (2%) coated with 0.4% chitosan maintained probiotic counts at 8 and 7.5 log CFU/g after 27 days. The pH of PPSY decreases rapidly and drastically during storage when probiotic-free cells are added. The PPSY containing alginate (3%) beads, alginate (2%) coated with chitosan (0.4%), and probiotic-free cells had a similar level of acceptance in color, texture, and odor (p > 0.05), while flavor and overall acceptability were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in PPSY with probiotic beads. These findings support the use of microencapsulation strategies in developing functional plant-based probiotic foods. Full article

Fermented plant-based beverages represent promising functional foods due to their content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, prebiotics) and viable probiotic microorganisms. Sprouted buckwheat is a rich source of bioactives and nutrients, which makes it a promising ingredient for the development of synbiotic formulations. This study aimed to optimize the fermentation process of a plant-based beverage composed of germinated buckwheat, honey, inulin, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum), using Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) tools. The influence of three independent variables (inulin, honey, and inoculum concentration) was evaluated on five key response variables: total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (RSA%), pH, and starter culture viability. The optimal formulation—comprising 3% inulin, 10% honey, and 6.97 mg/100 mL inoculum—demonstrated functional stability over 21 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), maintaining high levels of antioxidants and probiotic viability in the fermented beverage. Kinetic analysis of the fermentation process confirmed the intense metabolic activity of Lpb. plantarum, as evidenced by a decrease in pH, active consumption of reducing sugars, and organic acids accumulation. Full article

Odors from pet cats can negatively affect the quality of life of cat owners. The diverse bioactive compounds in plant extracts make them a promising candidate for effective odor reduction. This study evaluated twelve plant extracts for deodorizing efficacy via in vitro fermentation tests. Rosemary extract and licorice extract exhibited better deodorizing effects, with fractions of rosemary extract below 100 Da demonstrating the most effective deodorizing performance. Based on these findings, subsequent feeding trials were conducted using rosemary extract and its fractions below 100 Da. In the feeding trial, adult British Shorthair cats were divided into three groups (Control Check, RE, and RE100) and housed in a controlled-environment respiration chamber for 30 days. Measurements included odor emissions, fecal and blood physicochemical parameters, immune parameters, microbiota composition based on 16S rRNA sequencing, and metabolome analysis. The results of the feeding trial indicated that rosemary extract significantly reduced ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions (46.84%, 41.64%), while fractions below 100 Da of rosemary extract achieved even greater reductions (55.62%, 53.87%). Rosemary extract regulated the intestinal microbial community, significantly increasing the relative abundance of the intestinal probiotic Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05) and reducing the population of sulfate-reducing bacteria (p < 0.05). It also significantly reduced urease and uricase activities (p < 0.05) to reduce ammonia production and inhibited the degradation of sulfur-containing proteins and sulfate reduction to reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions. Furthermore, rosemary extract significantly enhanced the immune function of British Shorthair cats (p < 0.05). This study suggests that rosemary extract, particularly its fractions below 100 Da, is a highly promising pet deodorizer. Full article

Humulus lupulus, commonly known as hop, is a climbing plant whose female cones impart beer’s characteristic bitterness and aroma and also serve as a preservative. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the antimicrobial activity of hop compounds and extracts against various microorganisms by statistically synthesizing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. From the 2553 articles retrieved from the comprehensive literature search, 18 provided data on MIC values for six hop compounds, and three extract types tested against 55 microbial strains’ MIC values corresponded to 24 and 48 h incubation periods with compounds or extracts. The results indicate that xanthohumol (a flavonoid) and lupulone (a bitter acid) exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against most tested microorganisms, particularly food spoilage bacteria [21.92 (95%CI 9.02–34.83), and 12.40 (95%CI 2.66–22.14) μg/mL, respectively, for 24 h of treatment]. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extracts demonstrated greater efficacy compared to supercritical CO₂ (SFE) extracts, which showed limited antimicrobial effects against both probiotic and non-probiotic strains. These findings underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based protocols—including uniform microbial panels and consistent experimental procedures—to reliably evaluate the antimicrobial properties of hop-derived compounds and extracts. Taken together, our findings ultimately chart a path toward evidence based antimicrobial tests that could inform food-preservation strategies and inspire the development of plant-based antimicrobials. Full article

The gut microbiota, dominated by bacteria from the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria phyla, plays an essential role in fermenting indigestible carbohydrates, regulating metabolism, synthesizing vitamins, and maintaining immune functions and intestinal barrier integrity. Dysbiosis is associated with obesity development. Shifts in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, particularly an increase in Firmicutes, may promote enhanced energy storage, appetite dysregulation, and increased inflammatory processes linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the relationship between the development and treatment of obesity and overweight and the gut microbiota. Current evidence suggests that probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters, including body weight and BMI. The most promising effects are observed with probiotic supplementation, particularly when combined with prebiotics, although efficacy depends on strain type, dose, and duration. Despite encouraging preclinical findings, FMT has shown limited and inconsistent results in human studies. Diet and physical activity are key modulators of the gut microbiota. Fiber, plant proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids support beneficial bacteria, while diets low in fiber and high in saturated fats promote dysbiosis. Aerobic exercise increases microbial diversity and supports growth of favorable bacterial strains. While microbiota changes do not always lead to immediate weight loss, modulating gut microbiota represents an important aspect of obesity prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these interventions. Full article

Salmonella colonization in the gastrointestinal tract of turkeys presents a risk to the safety of products derived from them. Lactobacillus-based probiotics and a plant-derived compound, trans-cinnamaldehyde, have previously been found to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Heidelberg (S. Heidelberg) in turkey poults. However, the effect of the challenge and the application of the treatments on the cecal metabolome has yet to be elucidated. Thus, the objective of the present study was to characterize alterations in the metabolic profiles of cecal contents collected from poults following S. Heidelberg challenge and treatment with Lactobacillus salivarius UMNPBX2 and L. ingluviei UMNPBX19 (LB), trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), or a combination of both (CO) using untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Poults in the challenged control (PC) group had the most distinct and convergent metabolome profiles, with the most pronounced disparity observed compared to the unchallenged control (NC), indicating the effect of the S. Heidelberg challenge. Perturbations in metabolites in the primary bile acid biosynthesis, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and steroid biosynthesis were the most prominent. The greater abundance of metabolites, such as primary bile acids and sugars, in the PC group may be associated with S. Heidelberg colonization or potential shifts in microbiota. The treatments yielded varying effects on the metabolome profiles, with the TC and CO groups exhibiting the closest similarity, although TC was more similar to NC. The findings revealed alterations to ceca-associated metabolites, which are likely a response to the S. Heidelberg challenge and the application of the TC and LB treatments. Additional studies are needed to validate the possible causal relationship between the observed shifts. Gaining insight into the alterations to the metabolic microenvironment in the avian cecum will help elucidate the mechanisms by which they facilitate Salmonella persistence. Understanding these relationships can aid in designing more effective pre-harvest Salmonella control strategies and enhancing the efficacy of interventions within the flock. Full article

The shift toward plant-based feeds in aquaculture necessitates a search for probiotics to improve the digestibility of such feeds and fish growth. This study characterizes four Bacillus strains for their probiotic potential in carp (Cyprinus carpio). Strains isolated from river sediments underwent in vitro screening for proteolytic/amylolytic activity, antibiotic sensitivity, and biofilm formation. Whole-genome sequencing was performed and functional annotation identified probiotic-related genes. All strains were identified as Bacillus velezensis and harbored genes providing thermal, osmotic, and oxidative stress resistance, alongside enzymes and bioactive metabolite synthesis pathways. Two non-antagonistic strain pairs were solid-phase cultivated on soybeans and incorporated into carp feed (0.1% w/w) for a 76-day trial, and growth metrics and gene expression were analyzed in juvenile fish. Group 1 (strains MT14 + MT42) exhibited a 40.75% higher biomass increase than the control group while Group 2 (strains MT141 + MT142) exhibited a 56.62% higher biomass growth. No significant gene expression changes occurred in juveniles, though MT141 + MT142 transiently modulated fry expression profiles. Therefore, these Bacillus velezensis strains synergistically enhance growth in carp that are fed plant-rich diets, highlighting their viability as aquaculture probiotics. Full article

Members of the Apiaceae family have been recognized since antiquity for their health-promoting properties. The halophytic species Crithmum maritimum L. (commonly known as sea fennel) has been used in traditional medicine since antiquity, largely due to its diverse and bioactive phytochemical composition. The plant’s complex chemical composition includes terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, dietary fibers, fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Essential oils (EOs) extracted from C. maritimum L. have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Moreover, recent evidence suggests additional biofunctional roles such as cognitive enhancement and the inhibition of melanin synthesis in the skin. Extracts of the plant exhibit significant bioactivity, having shown antiparasitic, hypoglycemic, vasodilatory, and probiotic effects in preliminary studies. Despite this pharmacological potential, the number of experimental studies (particularly in vivo investigations) remains limited. The present review consolidates existing in vitro and in vivo research on C. maritimum L. with an analysis of 79 scientific studies aimed at elucidating its therapeutic potential and identifying future research directions necessary to support its broader application in biomedical and functional food contexts. Full article

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a leading cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, affecting more than half of the global population. Its persistence in the acidic gastric environment and its ability to evade host immunity present major treatment challenges. Although antibiotics remain the standard therapy, rising antimicrobial resistance has reduced treatment efficacy, prompting the search for alternative and adjunct approaches. Emerging therapies include probiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and plant-derived compounds, which target H. pylori through membrane disruption, immunomodulation, or direct antimicrobial activity. Novel drug delivery systems and microbiota-sparing interventions are also being investigated. Additionally, vaccine development offers a promising strategy for long-term protection, though challenges related to antigenic variability and host-specific responses remain. Despite these advances, treatment variability and the limited clinical validation of alternatives hinder progress. A multifaceted approach integrating microbiome research, host–pathogen interactions, and new therapeutic agents is essential for future success. Full article