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The present study was conducted to find the constitutive antifungal phenolic lipids, phenolics contents and antioxidant activities in mango fruit peel extracts of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.) resistant ('Kensington pride') and susceptible ('Badami' and 'Raspuri') mango cultivars grown in India, during fruit development, maturity and ripening. Phytochemical tests were performed to determine 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol content and total phenolics. Moreover, the mango peel methanolic extracts were subjected to evaluate their antioxidant potential using invitro DPPH assay. Results show that 5-n- pentadecyl resorcinol content in the mango fruit peel extract was at its peak during the early stage of fruit development (at 30DFS) in 'Kensington pride' as compared to 'Badami' and 'Raspuri'. The upsurge in total phenolics content and DPPH activity at 30 DFS, in all three mango cultivars, indicated their higher radical scavenging activity during fruit development than the fruit maturity and fruit ripening. Endogenous production and retention of high levels (P ≤.05) of constitutive antifungal 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol in anthracnose resistant mango cultivar ('Kensington pride') during early stage of fruit development that imparts disease resistance during development, maturity, and fruit ripening process, could be one of the bases of plant defense mechanism against anthracnose disease. In conclusion, this study exhibited the important role played by the mango cultivars background on the constitutive antifungal 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol content and antioxidant profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variants are considered as one of the main determinants of the concentration of serum lipids and coronary artery disease (CAD). Polymorphisms in the Apolipoprotein (Apo) AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster has been known to affect the concentrations of various lipid sub-fractions and the risk of CAD. The present study assessed associations between polymorphisms of the Apo AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster, [ApoA-I,-75G > A, (rs1799837); ApoC-III 3238C > G, (SstI), (rs5128) and ApoA-IV, Thr347Ser(347A > T), (rs675)] with serum lipids and their contributions to CAD in North Indian population. We recruited age, sex matched, 200 CAD patients and 200 healthy controls and tested them for fasting levels of serum lipids. We genotyped selected polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. There were no statistically significant association of selected polymorphisms (or their combinations) with CAD even after employing additive, dominant and recessive models. However there was significant association of selected polymorphisms with various lipid traits amongst the control cohort (p < 0.05). Mean levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were found to be significantly higher among controls carrying at least one mutant allele at ApoA1- 75G > A (p = 0.019) and ApoCIII SstI (p < 0.001) polymorphism respectively. Our study observed that the selected polymorphisms in the ApoAI-CIII-AIV gene cluster although significantly affect various lipid traits but this affect does not seem to translate into association with CAD, at least among North Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A readily distinguishable and indigenous member of the plant kingdom in the Indian subcontinent is the 'drumstick tree', i.e. Moringa oleifera Lam. In addition to India, this drought-tolerant and rapidly evolving tree is currently extensively disseminated across the globe, including subtropical and tropical areas. The plant boasts a high nutritional, nutraceutical and therapeutic profile, mainly attributing to its significant repertoire of the biologically active components in different parts: protein, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic acids, tannin, isothiocyanate, lipids, minerals, vitamins, amongst others. M. oleifera seeds have been shown to elicit a myriad of pharmacological potential and health benefits, including: antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Additionally, the seed cakes obtained from post-extraction process are utilized for: coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation purposes, benefiting effluent management and the purification of water, mainly because of their capability in eliminating microbes and organic matter. Despite the extraordinary focus on other parts of the plant, especially the foliage, the beneficial aspects of the seeds have not been sufficiently highlighted. The health benefits of bioactive components in the seeds are promising and demonstrate enough potential to facilitate the development of functional foods. In this review, we present a critical account of the types, characteristics, production and isolation of bioactive components from M. oleifera seeds. Furthermore, we appraise the: pharmacological activities, cosmetic, biodiesel, lubricative, modern farming, nutritive and wastewater treatment applications of these functional ingredients. We infer that there is a need for further human/clinical studies and evaluation, despite their health benefits. Additionally, the safety issues need to be adequately clarified and assessed, in order to establish a conventional therapeutic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India, resembling other developing nations, is confronting a hastening demographic switch to non-communicable diseases. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) constitute a varied heterogeneous group of disorders with variable clinical appearance, primarily in the pediatric populace. Congenital deformities and genetic disorders are significant for mortality throughout the world, and the Indian scenario is not very different. IEMs are a group of monogenic issues described by dysregulation of the metabolic networks that bring about development and homeostasis. Incipient evidence focuses on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as significant contributors to the multiorgan modifications are detected in a few IEMs. The amassing of toxic metabolites in organic acidurias, respiratory chain, and fatty acid oxidation ailments inhibit mitochondrial enzymes and processes, bringing about elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In different IEMs, as in homocystinuria, various sources of ROS have been suggested. In patients' samples along with cellular and experimental animal models, a few investigations have recognized substantial increments in ROS levels alongside diminishes in antioxidant defenses, relating with oxidative damage to proteins, lipids as well as DNA. Elevated ROS levels interrupt redox signaling pathways controlling biological processes such as cell development, differentiation, or apoptosis; however, few investigations explore these processes in IEMs. This review depicts the mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, redox signaling in branched-chain amino acid disorders, further organic acidurias, and homocystinuria, alongside the latest research investigating the proficiency of antioxidants in addition to mitochondria-targeted therapies as therapeutic components in these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India, resembling other developing nations, is confronting a hastening demographic switch to non-communicable diseases. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) constitute a varied heterogeneous group of disorders with variable clinical appearance, primarily in the pediatric populace. Congenital deformities and genetic disorders are significant for mortality throughout the world, and the Indian scenario is not very different. IEMs are a group of monogenic issues described by dysregulation of the metabolic networks that bring about development and homeostasis. Incipient evidence focuses on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction as significant contributors to the multiorgan modifications are detected in a few IEMs. The amassing of toxic metabolites in organic acidurias, respiratory chain, and fatty acid oxidation ailments inhibit mitochondrial enzymes and processes, bringing about elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In different IEMs, as in homocystinuria, various sources of ROS have been suggested. In patients' samples along with cellular and experimental animal models, a few investigations have recognized substantial increments in ROS levels alongside diminishes in antioxidant defenses, relating with oxidative damage to proteins, lipids as well as DNA. Elevated ROS levels interrupt redox signaling pathways controlling biological processes such as cell development, differentiation, or apoptosis; however, few investigations explore these processes in IEMs. This review depicts the mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, redox signaling in branched-chain amino acid disorders, further organic acidurias, and homocystinuria, alongside the latest research investigating the proficiency of antioxidants in addition to mitochondria-targeted therapies as therapeutic components in these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild edibles and non-cultivated plants were significantly contributing to nutritional security and livelihood in rural areas of Himalayan region. The rich nutritional value and diversity of secondary metabolites in these plants escaped proper recognition; hence, warranted systematic and research investigation. The present study focuses on the assessment of nutritional composition of three underutilized wild edible fruits i.e. Prinsepia utilis Royle, Prunus persica L. and Neolitsea pallens D.Don. growing wildly in Western Himalaya. The seed kernels of all the selected species were found to be rich sources of nutrients (e.g., lipids, carbohydrates and proteins), minerals (e.g., phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and sodium) and energy value. Edible oil obtained from seed kernels of P. utilis and P. persica were found rich in essential fatty acid (linolenic acid), important unsaturated (omega-6 & omega-9) and saturated fatty acids. Among these, seed kernels of P. utilis possessed maximum quantity of carbohydrate (20.6%) and crude fiber (14.57%), whereas, fat content (70.40%) and energy value (720k cal/100 g) were found maximum for Neolitsea pallens. The results of this study indicated potential of selected species in combating nutritional insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of methanol leaves extract (CPMLE) and ethyl acetate fraction (CPEALF) of lemon hill (Citrus pseudolimon) was examined on key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) in type-2 diabetes. In-vivo antidiabetic activity was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats against CPMLE and CPEALF. Methanolic extract of the plant was effective against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging (IC50 = 313.20 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 366.69 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 498.26 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 508.02 µg mL−1). Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 259.33 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 268.91 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 476.39 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 278.60 µg mL−1). C. pseudolimon methanol extract had inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 = 350.09 µg mL−1) and α-amylase (IC50 = 291.17 µg mL−1) enzymes. Oral administration of CPMLE and CPEALF reduced elevated fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, and oxidative stress along with Hb1AC level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome consists of a group of risk factors characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and prothrombotic and proinflammatory conditions. Raw garlic homogenate has been reported to reduce serum lipid levels in animal model; however, no precise studies have been performed to evaluate the effect of raw crushed garlic (Allium sativum L.) on components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of raw crushed garlic on components of metabolic syndrome. A total of 40 metabolic syndrome patients were randomly selected from the diabetic center of SP Medical College, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. They underwent treatment with 100 mg/kg body weight raw crushed garlic 2 times a day with standard diet for 4 weeks; their anthropometric and serum biochemical variables were measured at both the beginning and the end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20, and Student's paired “t” test was used to compare variables before and after treatment with garlic preparation. Raw crushed garlic significantly reduced components of metabolic syndrome including waist circumference (p <.05), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p <.001), triglycerides (p <.01), fasting blood glucose (p <.0001) and significantly increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p <.0001). There was no significant difference found in body mass index (p >.05) of patients with metabolic syndrome after consumption of raw crushed garlic for 4 weeks. Raw crushed garlic has beneficial effects on components of metabolic syndrome; therefore, it can be used as an accompanying remedy for prevention and treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]