Food Chemistry and Nutritional Biochemistry

Western lifestyle, urban diets and physical inactivity among urban dwellers in Nigeria have caused
increase in incidences of hypertension among people of 40 years and above. Drugs for its treatment are
expensive, while ethnopharmacology seem to provide alternative and cheaper options. Aqueous leaf
extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) has been successfully used for centuries in Nigeria to treat
hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases, stomach pains, fever and malaria. The present study evaluates
the antihypertensive potential of Vernonioside E (VE) and crude extract (CE) of Vernonia amygdalina
leaf, and the efficacy of VE and CE in reversing serum electrolyte concentrations, lipid/cholesterol, and
enzyme activities implicated in the aetiology and manifestation of hypertension using Albino Wistar rats
previously induced with 40mg/Kg bw hypertensive agent (Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester
hydrochloride, L-NAME) as study model. The LD50 of VE was also determined, while LD50 of CE has
been previously determined and known. The LD50 of VE was determined to be 0.70 mg/kg. Vernonioside
E (105.25± 2.29 mEq/L), the crude extract (108.55± 2.41 mEq/L) and Captopril (112.99± 2.30 mEq/L)
produced significant (p<0.05) decreases in serum sodium concentration, when compared to the
hypertensive control (165.72±15.05 mEq/L). The chloride levels in treated groups were slightly decreased
while the potassium level was slightly increased compared to control groups. There was significant
(p<0.05) decrease in total cholesterol levels in treatment groups, VE (56.14±2.15mg/kg), CE
(57.40±2.20mg/kg) and Captopril (61.44±0.25mg/kg) compared to hypertensive control
(77.63±2.97mg/kg). There were significant (P<0.05) decreases in triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein
(LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations of treated groups when compared to
hypertensive control. Also, there was significant (p<0.05) elevation of high density lipoprotein (HDL)
concentration in treated and normal control groups when compared to hypertensive control. There was a
significant (p<0.05) elevation of two key serum enzymes (AST and ALT) concentraions. It was concluded
that, the biochemical changes observed suggests that Vernonioside E (VE) and crude extract (CE) of
Vernonia amygdalina leaf are potential antihypertensive agents, and this confirms the
ethnopharmacological claims of the use of aqueous extracts of the leaves of this plant in the treatment of
high blood pressure and associated cardiovascular diseases.

125 rabbits were classified to 5 groups (25 of each) where the first group was considered as control .The other 4 groups were represented by diseased conditions (Abscess, Snuffles, Enteritis and Mange). The collected samples from different farms from Kalubia government were subjected to chemical examination for evaluation of their quality. The results showed marked highly significant decrease in moisture % in case of enteritis. All diseased cases were significantly decreased specially enteritis and mange in protein %. While, the results of diseased conditions appeared no significant change in fat %. There was slightly significant differences between apparently healthy rabbit meat and diseased conditions in carbohydrate %. Also, it was found slightly significance decrease in results of the diseased conditions rabbit meat than the apparently healthy rabbit meat in ash %.The results showed marked alteration in biochemical examination in almost of the diseased condition which render mos...

Aberdeen Angus / bədi n ŋ əs/ noun an early maturing breed of beef cattle, which are naturally hornless and usually black all over. Aberdeen Angus cattle usually have a rather small headed and a long deep body. They are highly valued for quality beef. abiotic abiotic / eibai| ɒtik/ adjective not relating to a living organism ć abiotic factors abiotic stress abiotic stress noun stress caused by environmental factors such as drought or extreme heat or cold, not by biological factors abiotic stress resistance abiotic stress resistance noun resistance in organisms to stress arising from non-biological causes such as drought abomasal ulcer abomasal ulcer / bəυmeis(ə)l lsə/ noun a disease common in both calves and adult cattle. Calves show poor growth and lose appetite. In rare cases, cows may bleed to death. abomasum abomasum / bəυ| meisəm/ noun the fourth stomach of a ruminant. ı omasum, reticulum, rumen abort abort verb 1. to stop a process or the development of something before it is finished, or to stop developing ć The flowers abort and drop off in hot, dry conditions, with no fruit developing. 2. to end a pregnancy in an animal and prevent the birth of young 3. to give birth before the usual end of a pregnancy (technical) Also called miscarry abortion abortion noun a situation when a pregnancy in a farm animal ends prematurely, generally as the result of a disease or infection (technical) abreast parlour abreast parlour /ə| brest pɑ lə/ noun a type of milking parlour where the cows stand side by side with their heads facing away from the milker. ı herringbone parlour, rotary parlour abscess abscess noun a painful swollen area where pus forms abscission abscission / b| siʃ(ə)n/ noun the shedding of a leaf or fruit due to the formation of a layer of cells between the leaf or fruit and the rest of the plant (NOTE: It occurs naturally in autumn, e.g. leaf fall, or at any time of the year in response to stress.) absorb absorb verb to take something in ć Warm air absorbs moisture more easily than cold air. ć Salt absorbs moisture from the air. absorption absorption noun 1. the process of taking in water, dissolved minerals and other nutrients across cell membranes 2. the taking into the body of substances such as proteins or fats which have been digested from food and enter the bloodstream from the stomach and intestines 3. the taking up of one type of substance by another, e.g. of a liquid by a solid or of a gas by a liquid

The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and in-vitro substantiation of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes inhibitory activity of Ficus palmata fruits. The fruits were extracted with methanol: water (4:1 v/v) and the extract obtained were further fractionated using n-butanol, ethylacetate, methanol and water. All the four fractions were phytochemically screened for presence of various phytochemical groups and evaluated for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at different concentrations (50-500 g/ml). Phytochemical screening revealed highest number of different phytochemicals in the MeOH fraction followed by EtOAc and aqueous fractions. All the fractions exhibited inhibitory action against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a concentration dependant manner. The highest inhibitory activities of BuOH, EtOAc, MeOH and aqueous fraction were recorded as 61.77, 85.41, 90.63, and 78.25% against α-amylase and 69.81, 86.39, 93.43, and 79.55 % against α-glucosidase respectively at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. Among all, methanol fraction recorded the best α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 166.91±2.73 and 118.73±0.67 g/ml respectively comparable to that of acarbose (154.87±2.33 and105.63±1.71 g/ml). The present study amply established the potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of F. palmata fruits. The highest inhibitory efficacy of methanol fraction of F. palmata fruit which may be due the presence of bioactive phytochemicals in higher concentration could be beneficially exploited in the treatment of Type2DM. However, isolation and characterization of specific chemical constituents responsible for the activity as well as in-vivo studies are needed for further affirmation.

Vasquez A. Review of JAMA Cardiology’s 2018 “Associations of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement Use with Cardiovascular Disease Risks”. Video presentation (https://www.ichnfm.org/jama2018n3) and official transcript (https://www.academia.edu/35935996) 2018 February.

"The proximate, functional properties, In-vitro multi enzyme
protein digestibility and amino acid composition of velvet
tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulps were evaluated. The ash,
moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein and carbohydrate of
the velvet tamarind (Dalium guineense) pulp were: 4.63%, 8.22%,
5.80%, 7.15%, 24.3% and 49.9% respectively. The water and oil
absorption capacities were: 238% and 162% which makes the pulp
exhibit a high water retention capacity. The least gelation
concentration was 17.0% while the foaming capacity and stability
were: 43.5% and 62.2% respectively. The in-vitro protein
digestibility was 66%. Glutamic acid was the most concentrated
amino acid with the value of 14.8 mg/g crude protein while
histidine (2.12 mg/g crude protein) was the least concentrated
amino acid. The % total essential amino acid with histidine was
34.2% while the % total essential amino acid with histidine was
60.8%. The calculated isoelectric point was 0.54 while the
predicted protein efficiency ratio (P-PER*) was 2.62."

The oxygenated carotenoid zeaxanthin provides numerous benefits to human health due to its antioxidant properties. Especially it is linked to protecting, together with the xanthophyll lutein, the retina in the human eye by filtering harmful blue light thus delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of blindness in developed countries. Despite its high nutritional value, zeaxanthin is less available than other substantial carotenoids in our diet. To solve this shortage, we chose to develop a new food source that would contain a high concentration of natural zeaxanthin. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was selected as the target plant since it is the second largest vegetable crop grown worldwide and its fruit characteristically synthesize and accumulate a high concentration of carotenoids. We employed two genetic approaches in order to enhance zeaxanthin biosynthesis in tomato fruit: A transgenic metabolic engineering and classical genetic breeding. A non-transgenic tomato line, named 'Xantomato', was generated whose fruit accumulated zeaxanthin at a concentration of 39 μg.g-1 fresh weight (or 577 μg.g-1 dry weight), which comprised ca. 50 percent of total fruit carotenoids compared to zero in the wild type. This is the highest concentration of zeaxanthin reached in a primary crop. Xantomato can potentially increase zeaxanthin availability in the human diet and serve as raw material for industrial applications.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ambient temperature storage condition (27-29°C) and domestic cooking on contents of carotenoids, chlorophylls, vitamins and minerals in the leaves of Gnetum africanum.  Research method: Carotenoids were separated and analyzed by HPLC. Total-carotene content, vitamins and minerals were assessed spectrophotometrically. Main findings: Results indicated that G. africanumwas rich in lutein (528.87 µg g-1 (dry weight basis) and total β-carotene (248.10 µg g-1). There was no statistical increase in total β-carotene content due to cooking, but there was a decrease due to storage. Total β-carotene isomerized more during thermal processing than in storage. Cooking decreased (p>0.05) the contents of chlorophylls, water soluble vitamins and minerals. Cooking and storage of G. africanum resulted in significant losses in ascorbic acid, riboflavin and niacin. Cooking also reduced the potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Iron contents of cooked and stored samples were higher than that of the raw sample. Research limitations: We had to travel over 600 km to use facilities for carotenoid analysis. Originality/value: The concentrations of lutein, β-carotene and certain micronutrients in G.  africanum are much higher than typical contents in conventional edible leafy vegetables. The results of this study, therefore, provide evidence that G. africanum leaf could be an important contributor for improving the nutritional status of rural and urban people.

Child malnutrition is a major public health burden in Africa, and porridge rheology appears to be important. The flow properties (viscosity) of 8 common indigenous/locally available African complementary porridges plus a commercial reference were investigated using a rotational rheometer at shear rates 0.001/s-100/s and 40 • C, to predict efficacy in meeting the reference nutrient intakes (RNI) for energy and protein in infants (6-12 months) and young children (13-24 months). Energy and protein densities were calculated based on solids (g/100 g porridge) at which the porridges had viscosity of 3 Pa s. Porridge apparent viscosity showed first-order exponential increase with increasing solids at all shear rates. Maize, sorghum and cassava porridges had very high viscosity profiles compared to a reference and Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). At very low shear rates estimated for infant oral processing, all indigenous complementary porridges except OFSP, were below the RNI for energy in infants (6-24 months). High viscosity at low shear rate in indigenous African complementary porridges seem to be an important contributor towards child malnutrition. Further work is required to correlate porridge rheology with in-mouth texture for African indigenous porridges, to improve their properties and optimize infant nutrient intake.

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent forms of age-related bone diseases. Increased bone loss with advancing age has become a grave public health concern. This study examined whether phlorizin and phloretin, dihydrochalcones in apple peels, inhibited senile osteoporosis through enhancing osteoblastogenic bone formation in cell-based and aged mouse models. Submicromolar phloretin and phlorizin markedly stimulated osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells with increased transcription of Runx2 and osteocalcin. Senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain prone-6 (SAMP6) mice were orally supplemented with 10 mg/kg phlorizin and phloretin daily for 12 weeks. Male senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain R1 mice were employed as a nonosteoporotic age-matched control. Oral administration of ploretin and phorizin boosted bone mineralization in all the bones of femur, tibia and vertebra of SAMP6. In particular, phlorizin reduced serum RANKL/OPG ratio and diminished TRAP-positive osteoclasts in trabecular bones of SAMP6. Additionally, treating phlorizin to SAMP6 inhibited the osteoporotic resorption in distal femoral bones through up-regulating expression of BMP-2 and collagen-1 and decreasing production of matrix-degrading cathepsin K and MMP-9. Finally, phlorizin and phloretin antagonized GSK-3β induction and β-catenin phosphorylation in osteoblasts and aged mouse bones. Therefore, phlorizin and phloretin were potential therapeutic agents encumbering senile osteoporosis through promoting bone-forming osteoblastogenesis via modulation of GSK-3β/β-catenin-dependent signaling.

In northern part of Nigeria, tofu, a coagulated product of soybean milk, is usually produced at household level using various types of coagulants such as calcium salt, magnesium salt, alum and steep water (effluent from pap produced from maize). This study sought to assess the effect of these coagulants on the yield, nutritional composition and the sensory evaluations of tofu. The apparent protein digestibility, the dry matter digestibility (DMD) and feed efficiency (FE) were assessed using three-week-old Wister strain albino rats of average of 50.2g. The results revealed that there was significant (P>0.05) differences between the yield of various coagulated tofu (17.5±2.10 -18.3±2.14%), however calcium salt coagulated tofu recorded higher yield compared to others. There was significant (P>0.05) differences between the energy values (Cal/g) of various coagulated tofu. The energy values recorded significantly were (6.6±1.28 Cal/g, 6.2±1.24Cal/g, 5.80±1.20 Cal/g and 5.3±1.30 Cal/g) for Steep water, Alum, magnesium and Calcium chloride coagulated tofu respectively. The steep water coagulated tofu was significantly higher in protein (39.0±3.12%) and ash (3.60±0.95 contents. While, calcium salt coagulated tofu had significantly higher carbohydrate (28.26±2.66%), fat (35.20±2.97) and Zn (0.6±0.39ppm) contents, apparent and dry matter digestibility, as well as the best sensory quality evaluated. Alum coagulated tofu had significantly higher moisture (5.5±1.17%), Fe (1.7±0.65ppm), K (33.9±2.91ppm), Na (21.2±2.30ppm) contents. It could be revealed that, all tofu produced were good nutritional, but the steep water coagulated tofu was better as typified with its high protein content, although had a very low general acceptability. Therefore, producing tofu with steep water appears promising nutritionally if the sensory quality is improved upon.

The antimicrobial activity of a methanolic extract of amurca (olive oil lees) was determined against both Gram-positive (L. monocytogenes and S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli O157:H7 and S. enteritidis) foodborne pathogens at 10 °C or 37 °C using microdilution and disk diffusion methods, and its relative activity was compared to selected antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of amurca extract ranged from 60 to 80 μl/ml at 37 °C after 24 h against all tested strains. At 10 °C, amurca was more inhibitory with MIC and MBC values of 40 and 60 μl/ml, respectively, after 7 d against tested strains. Amurca at 40 μl/ml reduced numbers of tested pathogens by 2.5 to 3.2 log10 CFU/ml at 10 °C after 7 d, but was not inhibitory at 37 °C after 24 h. Protein prepared from amurca was not antimicrobial. The relative antimicrobial activity (inhibition zone ratio) of 80 μl/ml amurca methanolic extract compared to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin and tetracycline ranged from 0.36 to 1.0 against Gram-negative and from 0.45 to 2.0 against Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, amurca extract inhibited E. coli O157:H7 02-0628 and S. aureus 26127 which were resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol, respectively.

In Kenya use of exotic dairy goats in breeding programmes for smallholder production systems has become popular, but information on the milk production is scarce. A study was carried out to assess the milk yield of dairy goats reared in high potential and semi arid areas of Nyeri County. This involved 190 smallholder farmers rearing Alpine dairy goats in Nyeri County and registered with Dairy Goat association of Kenya (DGAK), which formed 100% sampling of the population under study. The grade, feeding practices and age of the dairy goats were evaluated. The appendix grade in Kieni East gave the highest milk production of 2.69 liters per day, while the foundation grade in Mukurweini gave the lowest milk production of 0.98 litres per day. The higher milk production in Kieni East, a semi arid area, was due to good feeding practices, where 43% of the farmers used concentrates during milking and 48% supplemented the feed with minerals. In the high potential area of Mukurweini none of the farmers used mineral supplements with only 13% using concentrates during milking. The age of the dam was evaluated for the pedigree grade, where it significantly affected the average milk production. At the age of 5.0 to 5.9 years, the pedigree grade in Kieni East and Mukurweini gave highest production of 2.84 and 2.96 liters per day respectively. The results demonstrated that poor feeding practices, dam age and grade, significantly (p≤0.05) affected the Alpine dairy goat milk production.

Therefore, this study investigated antioxidant activity of Cosmos caudatus leaves at three different maturity stages (young, mature and old leaves) extracted using two extraction solvents (water and 95% ethanol). The analyses of antioxidant activity conducted were total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. From the analyses, young leaves showed significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to mature and old leaves. However, C. caudatus leaves extracted using water had significantly higher in TPC, TFC and FRAP values than those of ethanolic extracts, whereas opposite trend was observed in DPPH radical scavenging assay. Based on Pearson's correlation coefficient, TPC and TFC for all extract exhibited strong correlations with antioxidant assays indicating that these leaves have potent phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In fact, most phenolic and flavonoid compounds including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, ρ-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferullic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin and quercetin, except naringenin and kaempferol were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in all samples for both extracts. Hence, it can be concluded that C. caudatus young leaves extracted using water had the most powerful antioxidant, suggesting their potential application as health-promoting functional ingredients or natural preservatives in food and pharmaceutical products.

Background. This study sought to investigate the antidiabetic and antihypertensive mechanisms of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) bean through inhibition of -amylase, -glucosidase, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme, and oxidative stress. Methodology. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the water extractable phytochemicals from the powdered cocoa bean were determined and the effects of the extract on -amylase, -glucosidase, and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme activities were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the radicals [1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2..-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl (OH), and nitric oxide (NO)] scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant property of the extract were assessed. Results. The results revealed that the extract inhibited -amylase (1.81 ± 0.22 mg/mL), -glucosidase (1.84 ± 0.17 mg/mL), and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (0.674 ± 0.06 mg/mL [lungs], 1.006 ± 0.08 mg/mL [heart]) activities in a dose-dependent manner and also showed dose-dependent radicals [DPPH (16.94 ± 1.34 mg/mL), NO (6.98 ± 0.886 mg/mL), OH (3.72 ± 0.26 mg/mL), and ABTS (15.7 ± 1.06 mmol/TEAC⋅g] scavenging ability. Conclusion. The inhibition of -amylase, -glucosidase, and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme activities by the cocoa bean extract could be part of the possible mechanism by which the extract could manage and/or prevent type-2 diabetes and hypertension.

Sesbania grandiflora L. commonly known as west Indian pea is an important fodder plant in agroforestry. This species is enriched with full of economical and ethno-medicinal important benefits for sustaining the biodiversity of ecosystem of environment. Hence, a plant being of agricultural importance there have a wide range of opportunities for exploration of its study in terms of research and development. The current research attempt is made to study the effectivity of seeds for its nutritional importance. However, researches completed on fatty compounds for tocopherols and phytosterols compound enlightens the importance of fatty component in the seed as a prior reserve material. Attempts made for estimation of total fats from the seeds of Sesbania grandiflora L. lead a successful conclusion for consumption rate as per the requirement for an individual.

The minerals, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), content in the peels, raw unfermented pulp and fermented pulp of six local varieties of Manihot esculenta (cassava) grown and consumed in Bayelsa state were determined. The six varieties where identified as old cassava cultivars traditionally named Janet, Rowaina, Yomugha, Accra, Agric and Oguru in Bayelsa state. Flame photometer was used for the analysis of Na and K; while the colourimetric determination of P was done using vanadomolybdate method described in AOAC. The average mineral content determined (ppm) in the raw and fermented pulp from all the varieties were 6.33 and 3.33 for Na; 45.43 and 9.83 for K; 1.42 and 0.73 for P, respectively. The inner peels had more Na, K and P than the rest segments. Hence it appeared to be the mineral storehouse (probably due to pH values between 6.55 and 7.21) from where they are translocated to the pulp during growth. The outcome of processing by use of fermentation was a drastic reduction in the mineral content of fermented product. The effect of processing on the P content was deemed to be speciesdependent. There was no detectable P in the fermented pulp of Accra variety.

Sweeteners based on stevia extract contain a series of diterpene glycosides derivatives from steviol, standing out the rebaudioside-A. There is no tabletop sweeteners in the market formulated purely with rebaudioside-A yet, so its use in foods depends on the development of new products followed by physicochemical and sensory evaluations. This work presents the formulation of a diet strawberry jam dyed with cranberry juice and sweetened with rebaudioside-A purified from stevia plants of the lineage UEM-320 developed in the Centro de Estudos de Produtos Naturais da Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Evaluations of physicochemical properties, microbiological and sensory characteristics were carried out for the product in comparison with a control sweetened with equal amount of sucralose. The results showed that the physicochemical characteristics of the sample and the control are not significantly different and the supplementation with cranberry juice increased both color and total phenolic content in both samples. The sensory acceptability indicated a significant preference for the formulation sweetened with 100% of rebaudioside-A, only in the items flavor and purchase intent. We concluded that rebaudioside-A has a better sensory performance than sucralose, even this last one being 1.33 fold sweeter than rebaudioside-A.

The mineral elements, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and the toxicants lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content in the peels, raw pulp unfermented pulp of six varieties of Manihot esculenta (cassava) grown and consumed in Bayelsa State were determined. The six varieties were identified as old cultivars traditionally named Accra, Agric (sweet and bitter varieties), Janet, Oguru, Rowaina and Yomugha. Atomic absorption spectroscopic technique was used for the determination of cations; while alkaline picrate method was used for the spectrophotometric determination of hydrocyanide content. The highest mineral contents determined were Mg 0.86±0.10, Ca 32.48±2.2 and Fe 3. 51±0.007 (ppm) in the fermented pulp of Janet, inner peels of agric (sweet variety) and outer peels of Rowaina respectively. The compositions of toxicants in the outer peels were 1.47±0.09 ppm for Pb (inYomugha) and 0. 87±0.24 and 3.51±0.1 (ppm) for Cd and CN, in that order (in agric bitter variety). Processing by fermentation achieved between 6.98% and 45% reduction in the cyanide content; however it appeared to drastically reduce some mineral content of the fermented product.

Edible oils like sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, cotton seed oil and olive oil are necessary components in human diet and are extensively utilized in the food trade. Safe storage of edible oils has perpetually been a haul within the food industry since the oils can easily endure oxidative deterioration. Studies specializing on polyphenols as a supply of natural antioxidants of plant origin to delay oxidative deterioration of food products have increased worldwide. Both natural and synthetic antioxidants are widely used in protecting oils against oxidative deterioration. Natural antioxidants are greener preservatives because they are known to be safer than their synthetic counterparts. Currently there is an increased interest in sources of natural antioxidants to enrich oils towards shelf life enhancement. This review highlights some research works in which natural antioxidants from plant materials have been used to preserve edible oils. Most of the natural compounds extrac...

Among nut crops, walnut exhibiting higher phytochemicals and bioactive molecules such as essential fatty acids, fiber, protein, amino acids, biogenic amines, phytosterols, vitamins E, B 1 , B 2 , B 6 , and phenolic compounds which are valuable for human health (Jahanban-Esfahlan et al., 2019; Jahanbani et al., 2018). Walnut kernels have the highest antioxidant activity in compare with the other nuts and dried fruits because they contain 120 phenolic compounds accompanying with other ROSs scavenging phytochemical molecules which show significant antioxidant po

Sweeteners based on stevia extract contain a series of diterpene glycosides derivatives from steviol, standing out the rebaudioside-A. There is no tabletop sweeteners in the market formulated purely with rebaudioside-A yet, so its use in foods depends on the development of new products followed by physicochemical and sensory evaluations. This work presents the formulation of a diet strawberry jam dyed with cranberry juice and sweetened with rebaudioside-A purified from stevia plants of the lineage UEM-320 developed in the Centro de Estudos de Produtos Naturais da Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Evaluations of physicochemical properties, microbiological and sensory characteristics were carried out for the product in comparison with a control sweetened with equal amount of sucralose. The results showed that the physicochemical characteristics of the sample and the control are not significantly different and the supplementation with cranberry juice increased both color and total phenolic content in both samples. The sensory acceptability indicated a significant preference for the formulation sweetened with 100% of rebaudioside-A, only in the items flavor and purchase intent. We concluded that rebaudioside-A has a better sensory performance than sucralose, even this last one being 1.33 fold sweeter than rebaudioside-A.

In northern part of Nigeria, tofu, a coagulated product of soybean milk, is usually produced at household level using various types of coagulants such as calcium salt, magnesium salt, alum and steep water (effluent from pap produced from maize). This study sought to assess the effect of these coagulants on the yield, nutritional composition and the sensory evaluations of tofu. The apparent protein digestibility, the dry matter digestibility (DMD) and feed efficiency (FE) were assessed using three-week-old Wister strain albino rats of average of 50.2g. The results revealed that there was significant (P&gt;0.05) differences between the yield of various coagulated tofu (17.5±2.10 -18.3±2.14%), however calcium salt coagulated tofu recorded higher yield compared to others. There was significant (P&gt;0.05) differences between the energy values (Cal/g) of various coagulated tofu. The energy values recorded significantly were (6.6±1.28 Cal/g, 6.2±1.24Cal/g, 5.80±1.20 Cal/g and 5.3±1.30 Cal...

Tropical vegetables remain one of the major sources of functional foods and nutraceuticals, while their
constituent phytochemicals, especially alkaloids, have been reported to exhibit neuroprotective properties. Here, the protective effect of alkaloid extracts from Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Water bitter leaf (Struchium sparganophora) on manganese (Mn)- induced toxicity in wild type fruit fly
(Drosophila melanogaster) model was investigated. Flies were exposed to 30 mM of Mn, the alkaloid
extracts (20 and 200 mg/g) and co-treatment of Mn plus extracts, respectively. The survival rate and
locomotor performance of the flies were assessed 7 days post-treatment, after which the flies were
homogenized and assayed for activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO),
glutathione-S transferase (GST), catalase, superoxide dismutase SOD), as well as total thiol, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neural L-DOPA levels. Results showed that the extract significantly reversed Mninduced reduction in the survival rate and locomotor performance of the flies. Furthermore, both
extracts counteracted the Mn-induced elevation in AChE and MAO activities, as well as reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, with a concomitant mitigation of Mn-induced elevated ROS and neural L-DOPA
level. The HPLC characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of N-propylamine, Vernomine
and Piperidine as predominant in Water bitter leaf extract, while 2, 6-dimethylpyrazine and sesbanimide were found in scent leaf extract. Therefore, the alkaloid extract of these leaves may thus be sources of useful nutraceuticals for the management of pathological conditions associated with
manganese toxicity

The hematological and biochemical profile is important to study because it provides important information on animal health. Changing the parameters beyond the normal limits negatively affects the production and quality of milk. Hematological and biochemical parameters were influenced by season, age, sex, lactation, animal nutrition and maintenance system. The total protein was in average 55.44 ± 5.14g/l in the summer season, and 76.92 ± 2.82 g/l in the winter season. Creatinine registered an average values of 99.55 ± 3.57 µmol/L in summer, while in winter was 112.00 ± 6.59 µmol/L. Cholesterol is an important parameter for the body, and his changes give us important information about the major disturbances that occur in the body. This parameter was significantly influenced by the season and it was 1.82 ± 0.14 mmol/L for summer and 1.95 ± 0.06 mmol/L in winter. The LYM in the summer season had an average value of 49.96 ± 2.72%, while in the winter season was 59.92 ± 2.19%. The values of hematological and biochemical parameters obtained in our study fall within the characteristic limits of donkeys.

Water-soluble sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Enteromorpha prolifera and fractionated using ionexchange
chromatography (crude, F1, F2 and F3 fractions) were investigated to determine their in vitro
and in vivo immunomodulatory activities. The sulfated polysaccharides, especially the F1 and F2 fractions,
stimulated a macrophage cell line, Raw 264.7, inducing considerable nitric oxide (NO) and various
cytokine production via up-regulated mRNA expression. The in vivo experiment results show that the
sulfated polysaccharides (the crude and F2 fractions) significantly increased Con A-induced splenocyte
proliferation, revealing their potential comitogenic activity. In addition, IFN- and IL-2 secretions were
considerably increased by the F2 fraction without altering the release of IL-4 and IL-5. This implies that
the F2 fraction can activate T cells by up-regulating Th-1 response and that Th-1 cells might be the main
target cells of the F2 fraction. These in vitro and in vivo results suggest that the sulfated polysaccharides
are strong immunostimulators.

The term ‘Pharma Fruits’ means the fruits containing pharmacological properties and the term ‘Therapeutic Fruits’ means the fruits containing therapeutic properties.  For the production of fruits, India is the 2nd largest country after China in all over the world.  Many researchers are continuously trying to find out the therapeutic value of different types of fruits. The present review article provides some information about pharma-therapeutic fruits and their pharmacological and therapeutic properties. This review article concludes that the fruits that have pharmacological and therapeutic properties help to maintain good health by providing good nutrients.

Aroma, phenolic compounds and sensory properties of fresh and powdered organic and conventional sweet red peppers dried by three methods (hot air, intermittent microwave and infrared) were studied. The number of aroma compounds was higher in both fresh and powdered organic pepper samples; however, the total amount was higher in conventional samples. In both organic and conventional samples, alcohols were the dominant aroma group. (E)-β-ionone and β-ocimene, which are important compounds in peppers, were determined only in organic peppers. Among the drying methods, intermittent microwave drying was more effective in creating new aroma compounds. The liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed that luteolin derivative compounds comprised an average of 70% of the phenolics. Higher amount of phenolic were determined in organic samples. Infrared drying was more effective in retaining of phenolics than the other two methods. Sensory analysis revealed that hot air-dried samples were least preferred.

This paper aimed to investigate the potential antifungal influences of new alkaloids from Delphinium peregrinum L. var. eriocarpum Boiss. New Diterpenoid alkaloids Delcarpum (1), Hydrodavisine (4) and known alkaloids Peregrine (2), Delphitisine (3) were isolated by different chromatographic methods from the aerial parts of D. Peregrinum eriocarpum Boiss, which grows in Syria. The structures of alkaloids were proposed based on 1D NMR spectroscopy 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT-135, DEPT-90, 2D NMR spectroscopy DQF-COSY, HMQC, EI-Ms mass spectrum, and IR spectroscopic measurements. The antifungal activity of the isolated alkaloids was evaluated against different dermatophyte fungal isolates compared with fluconazole. In the case of Peregrine (2) the minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) recorded 128–256, 32–64, and 32 for Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively, compared to 32–64, 16, and 32 μg/mL in the case of fluconazole, respectively. The MICs r...

Objectives: This research aims to determine the comparison of
cocoa beans without fermentation and cocoa beans fermented dark
chocolate products that meet the criteria as a health food based
on the content of polyphenols and flavonoids with the aroma and
taste that is liked by consumers. Methods/statistical analysis:
The parameters tested on dark chocolate and cocoa liquor product
are melting properties were determined using DSC (Differential
scanning calorimeter), texture (TA-XT Plus Texture Analyzer), Colour
lightness was measured using Hunter method (Chromameter),
and total levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, the
sensory analysis of aroma and taste using difference from control
test methods. Statistical analyses were carried out with Design
Expert Stat-Ease Version 11 for response surface methodology
(DOE). Panelist data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA)
followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range, with a significance level of
0.05. Findings: The results of this study showed that the content of
polyphenols and flavonoids on cocoa liquor and the highest dark
chocolate respectively amounted to 195.472 mg/g samples and
79.622 mg/g samples while the levels of flavonoid respectively
amounted to 206.15 mg/g samples and 113.15 mg/g samples. Best
quality produced from cocoa liquor and dark chocolate (100% cocoa
beans without fermentation) is the viscosity of 10.49 ± 1.539 poise
and 42.166 ± 14.936 poise, texture 5280 g Force/sec, color lightness
22.03 and 27.42, melting point 32.17 °C. Based on the organoleptic
test, dark chocolate products with a comparison of cocoa beans
without fermentation and cocoa beans fermentation 25%: 75% have
a better aroma and taste and more liked by consumers compared
to other products. Applications: Mixing cocoa beans fermentation
and without fermentation in the making of dark chocolate can
increase the aroma and taste of dark chocolate, so it not only has functional properties as a healthy food but also has aroma and flavor
that liked by consumers.

A B S T R A C T 125 rabbits were classified to 5 groups (25 of each) where the first group was considered as control .The other 4 groups were represented by diseased conditions (Abscess, Snuffles, Enteritis and Mange). The collected samples from different farms from Kalubia government were subjected to chemical examination for evaluation of their quality. The results showed marked highly significant decrease in moisture % in case of enteritis. All diseased cases were significantly decreased specially enteritis and mange in protein %. While, the results of diseased conditions appeared no significant change in fat %. There was slightly significant differences between apparently healthy rabbit meat and diseased conditions in carbohydrate %. Also, it was found slightly significance decrease in results of the diseased conditions rabbit meat than the apparently healthy rabbit meat in ash %.The results showed marked alteration in biochemical examination in almost of the diseased condition which render most of these conditions either unfit for human consumption in severe cases or low quality rabbit meat. (BVMJ‐25(1): 88‐93, 2013)

The term ‘Pharma Fruits’ means the fruits containing pharmacological properties and the term ‘Therapeutic Fruits’ means the fruits containing therapeutic properties.  For the production of fruits, India is the 2nd largest country after China in all over the world.  Many researchers are continuously trying to find out the therapeutic value of different types of fruits. The present review article provides some information about pharma-therapeutic fruits and their pharmacological and therapeutic properties. This review article concludes that the fruits that have pharmacological and therapeutic properties help to maintain good health by providing good nutrients.

The oxygenated carotenoid zeaxanthin provides numerous benefits to human health due to its antioxidant properties. Especially it is linked to protecting, together with the xanthophyll lutein, the retina in the human eye by filtering harmful blue light thus delaying the progression of agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of blindness in developed countries. Despite its high nutritional value, zeaxanthin is less available than other substantial carotenoids in our diet. To solve this shortage, we chose to develop a new food source that would contain a high concentration of natural zeaxanthin. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was selected as the target plant since it is the second largest vegetable crop grown worldwide and its fruit characteristically synthesizes and accumulates a high concentration of carotenoids. We employed two genetic approaches in order to enhance zeaxanthin biosynthesis in tomato fruit: a transgenic metabolic engineering and classical genetic breeding. A nontransgenic tomato line, named 'Xantomato', was generated whose fruit accumulated zeaxanthin at a concentration of 39 lg/g fresh weight (or 577 lg/g dry weight), which comprised ca. 50% of total fruit carotenoids compared to zero in the wild type. This is the highest concentration of zeaxanthin reached in a primary crop. Xantomato can potentially increase zeaxanthin availability in the human diet and serve as raw material for industrial applications.

Sesbania grandiflora L. commonly known as west Indian pea is an important fodder plant in agroforestry. This species is enriched with full of economical and ethno-medicinal important benefits for sustaining the biodiversity of ecosystem of environment. Hence, a plant being of agricultural importance there have a wide range of opportunities for exploration of its study in terms of research and development. The current research attempt is made to study the effectivity of seeds for its nutritional importance. However, researches completed on fatty compounds for tocopherols and phytosterols compound enlightens the importance of fatty component in the seed as a prior reserve material. Attempts made for estimation of total fats from the seeds of Sesbania grandiflora L. lead a successful conclusion for consumption rate as per the requirement for an individual.

In Indonesia, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children after ISPA (Acute Respiratory Infection). This study aimed to test the ability of probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum 2C12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus 2B4, as an indigenous anti-diarrhea in rats exposed to Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and fi nd out their impact on erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, thrombocytes, and leukocytes. A total of 95 male rats Sparague Dawley strain were alocated into six treatment groups: (1) negative control, (2) L. plantarum 2C12, (3) L. acidophilus 2B4, (4) L. plantarum 2C12 + EPEC, (5) L. acidophilus 2B4 + EPEC, and (6) positive control (exposed to EPEC). Probiotics were given from day 1 up to 21, whereas 10 6 cfu/ml EPEC was administered orally from day 8 to 14. On day 21, the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit and hemoglobin were the lowest (7.07 million/µl; 39.13%; 14.50 g/dl) in the positive group of rats. The positive control group had lower number of thrombocytes (389 thousand/ µl) (P<0.05) with the negative control and the L. plantarum 2C12 groups, but not signifi cantly diff erent to the other groups. The number of leucocytes in the positive control rats (4433 cell/µl) was lower (P<0.05) than that of the negative control, L. plantarum 2C12, and the L. acidophilus 2B4 groups, but no signifi cant diff erence to the other groups. L. plantarum 2C12 had be er ability than L. acidophilus 2B4 in maintaining the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin of rat infected by EPEC.