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Throughout the globe morphological, biochemical and genetic variability exists in chilli and is harnessed to achieve specific breeding objectives. In this study, chilli germplasm was characterized based on horticultural traits, biochemical quantification and simple sequence repeat (SSR) polymorphism for diversity estimation. A total of 36 SSR primers were utilised to study the genetic divergence among 48 genotypes of chilli collected from nine states of India. Among the 36 primers, sixteen amplified null alleles. A total of 41 alleles were detected with average 2.05 alleles per locus. The largest number of alleles (5) were obtained with marker CAMS-234. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.06 to 0.72 with an average of 0.50. On the basis of SSR analysis, the UPGMA cluster classified 48 genotypes into three groups. There was significant variability in germplasm for all morpho-biochemical traits. Kashi Anmol (100.50 q/ha) expressed the highest yield. Highest vitamin C content at green stage was recorded in IC-561635 (187 mg/100 g) and the greatest capsaicin content (9547.90 µg/g) equivalent to pungency of 171,862.2 Scoville heat units (SHU) was recorded in Bhut Jolokia. Principal component analysis indicates that the first five principal components explain 74.63% per cent of the total variation. Additionally, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 1% of the total genetic variation occurred among the population and 99% genetic variation within the populations, whereas the pairwise Fst specified the moderate genetic variation ranging from 0.002 to 0.020. The present investigation has strengthened the knowledge of genetic worth of this germplasm for application in various genetic improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Piper chaba (PC) growing in the northern region of India, having differences in the phytochemicals, nutritional content, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties by reducing power assay (RPA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, phosphomolybdate assay, and antidiabetic potential by α-amylase assay with change in the geographical location. Outcomes of the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that phytochemicals such as piperine (46.69%), kusunokinin (8.9%), and sitostenone (7.57%) are the prominent compounds found in PC. The plant has also shown a good nutritional value, i.e., iron (11.25 mg), calcium (147 mg), and vitamin C (9.30 mg) per 100 g. PC has a higher phenolic content than other species (⁓ 13.75 g/100 g plant powder). Among the four tested bacterial strains, the extract is best responsive toward Escherichia coli (35 ± 0.68 mm) which is more than the standard ciprofloxacin (24 ± 0.8 mm). Similarly, among two tested fungal strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae shows the best zone of inhibition (ZOI) (27.5 ± 0.8 mm), which is greater than tat of standard amphotericin (20.25 ± 0.28 mm). The DDPH method demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (⁓ 42.61 ± 1.82 µg/ml). IC50 for the antidiabetic potential of PC was found to be 23.09 ± 0.3 µg/ml against α-amylase assay. A molecular docking study revealed that three compounds, piperine, sitostenone and kusunokinin, showed strong binding affinity toward bacterial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases, fungal dihydrofolate reductase, and α-amylase, respectively. Therefore, the findings of the current study indicate that PC can be considered as a source of food and medicines, either in the form of traditional preparations or as pure active constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens grown and consumed at high altitudes can help inhabitants with nutritional security. A study on the measurement of phytochemical content and nutritional characteristics of nine (i.e. radish, cabbage, broccoli, beetroot, peas, mung beans, sunflower, garden orche, and buckwheat) microgreens grown in high-altitude regions of India was carried out to understand their nutritional richness and diversity. The phytochemical analysis for 26 parameters, including proximate, essential elements, and vitamins, was performed using standard methods. The nutrient content % and nutrient quality score were also calculated and compared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines to develop their dietary recommendations for better understanding the nutrient content of the dose of these microgreens. A nutrient quality score is calculated based on 12 desirable and 1 limited nutrient (Na). The result stated that these microgreens are rich sources of vitamins A, C, and β-carotene, with cruciferous members like radish, cabbage, and broccoli being particularly high in vitamin B5 as per RDI values. Beetroot microgreens are excellent sources of vitamins B2, B3, B5, β-carotene, Mn, Fe, and dietary fiber. Mung bean microgreens are rich in vitamins C, B3, B5, β-carotene, Fe, and Mn. Sunflower pea, and radish microgreens are also beneficial for various vitamins. The phytochemical measurement of microgreens found that they can potentially enhance nutritional uptake successfully in high-altitude regions. Further research is required on sustainable production, packaging, storage, sensory attributes, their potential to prevent or treat diseases, and gut–microgreens interaction to establish them as a more efficient, functional, and instant food for the region's nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild edible fruits are an important source of nutritional supplementation for the tribal communities in the northeastern mountainous region of India. In this study, the nutrient and antinutrient composition of 44 wild edible fruit species from the northeastern India were investigated. Among the studied plants, Elaeagnus umbellata showed high content of soluble solids (24.50 ± 0.41ºBrix), free fatty acids (67.79 ± 1.75 mg KOH g–1) and vitamin A (136.22 ± 1.44 mg 100 g–1). Terminalia chebula was shown to be a good source of reducing sugars (8.38 ± 0.07%) and total flavonoids (445.20 ± 1.18 mg 100 g–1) and Spondias pinnata with high total carbohydrate (12.51 ± 0.22%) and vitamin C (74.16 ± 5.33 mg 100 g–1) content. Castanopsis hystrix had the highest starch (1764.84 ± 8.85 mg 100 g–1) and cellulose (711.62 ± 7.68 mg 100 g–1) content and Machilus edulis with high fat content (36.44 ± 1.23%). Chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin contents were highest in Phoebe cooperiana, Rhus semialata, and Prunus nepalensis, respectively. Artocarpus lakoocha (84.58 ± 2.38%) and Spondias pinnata (84.09 ± 0.62%) were found to be good sources of antioxidants. Regarding antinutritive factors, Canarium strictum showed the highest phenols (902.00 ± 5.72 mg 100 g–1), highest tannins in Terminalia chebula (1059.33 ± 17.46 mg 100 g–1), alkaloids in Streblus asper (274.27 ± 6.31 mg 100 g–1), cyanogen in Castanopsis hystrix (31.04 ± 1.28 mg 100 g–1) and phytic acid in Viburnum foetidum (10.64 ± 0.30 mg 100 g–1). The results indicate that all studied fruit species possess nutritional and antinutritional properties and are considered promising for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the antioxidant potential of different varieties of corn silk at five developmental stages. Corn silk samples of five major varieties (SWARNA, TATA7009, SHUBHAM EARLY, KESHAR KING, and G5417) grown in Punjab, India, were analyzed for their phytochemical potential and techno-functional properties at five growth stages including stage 1 (immaturity), stage 2, stage 3, stage 4 and stage 5 (maturity). Antioxidant content and activity of these varieties at their physiological stages were analyzed. G5417 showed the highest activity for ABTS, FRAP, FRSA at stage 1 with the inhibitory activity of 84.16 ± 0.55 TEAC (mg/gdw), 123.2 ± 0.56%, and 65.33 ± 1.21%, respectively. The antioxidant content including total phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) from the immature to mature stage. The lowest bulk density was observed in G5417 stage 5 (0.314 ± 0.006 g/cm3), the Carr's index for G5417 stage 1, 4, and 5 were less than 15 which shows good flowability, the angle of repose for G5417 was 32.93 ± 1.07° which showed the good flowability. The water solubility index was observed highest for G5417 stage 1, 24.83 ± 0.700%. The G5417 stage 5 showed the highest stability of emulsion i.e. 37.91 ± 0.823%. The results confirm that the juvenile stage of G5417 (stage 1) showed the highest antioxidant content and activity and techno-functional properties. This makes it most likely a selection for the development of value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick) belongs to the family Moringaceae that is originated from sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern India distributed worldwide in the tropics and sub-tropics. Immature pods and fresh leaves are widely used as vegetable and are rich source of minerals and vitamins. In the present work, we made an attempt to develop and use a set of RAPD-SCAR marker for the identification of superior germplasm of M. oleifera from the accessions collected from South India. Initially, 120 trees were surveyed based on total fruit yield, and single fruit weight from Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu states of India; 23 plants had 50% higher fruit yield and single fruit weight than average and were selected as Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs). On the basis of morphological and biochemical analysis, CPT17 was selected as elite germplasm. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of CPTs indicated 89.61% polymorphism among 23 CPTs. These markers could be used in marker-assisted selection and breeding programs in M. oleifera. Further, an attempt to develop a set of RAPD-SCAR marker for the identification of superior germplasm of M. oleifera was made. RAPD primer OPA-19 (CAAACGTCGG) revealed a unique band (1500-bp) in CPT17. The specific RAPD band was recovered from the gel, cloned, and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the CPT17 specific sequences revealed that no considerable similarity with known protein. Based on these unique characterized sequences, specific primers for CPT17 were designed. Specific amplification profile of this primer proved it as a SCAR marker (F2R2) for CPT17 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is considered to be one of the most prominent nongrain food crops throughout the world that can be regarded as most affordable and most accessible food to provide numerous health benefits. Potential role in improving human health is attributed to presence of wide range of phytonutrients in potatoes viz., polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and proteins, vitamins as well as minerals. In India, more than 75% of the potato production is confined to Indo-Gangetic plains due to thermo-sensitivity of the crop. Several reports are available in recent years to develop new cultivars with improved nutritional value as well as nutrient evaluation of existing cultivars. Current status of research on potato phytonutrients particularly antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in relation to human health as well as research carried out on enhancement of these phytonutrients through genetic manipulations has been compiled in this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the dietary inadequacies of micronutrients and the associated factors among the apparently healthy urban adults. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study involved 300 urban adults (distributed into age groups: 21–40, 41–60, and > 60 years) residing in Hyderabad city, South India. Hemoglobin in whole blood, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 (B12) in plasma was estimated. Dietary intakes were assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls and calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) using estimated average requirement. Results: The prevalence of anemia (30%), iron deficiency (ID, 23%), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, 14.3%) was independent of age but higher in women. While folate deficiency (32.2%) was independent of age and gender, B12 deficiency (35.5%) varied by both age and gender. The PA of iron (89%) was higher, while that of folate, B12, and zinc (1–11%) were noticeably low. The mean PA (MPA) across the ten micronutrients was 38%, independent of age and gender, but associated with the educational status. Energy intake was a strong predictor of the MPA. Cereals and millets predominantly contributed to the intake of thiamine, niacin, zinc, and iron; green leafy vegetables and fruits to vitamins A, C, folate, and iron; animal foods to B12; and milk and milk products to calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, and B12. The unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models revealed that micronutrient inadequacy was associated with greater risk of IDA and folate deficiency. Conclusions: These results indicate a higher prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among the healthy urban adults possibly due to the inadequacy of multiple micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author presents perspective on the history of researches about vitamin C in India. Vitamin C is remarkably the focus of various research because of its precise biological function especially its capability of curing several diseases. The researches were conducted to determine the specific medical use of vitamin C as well as its other capabilities.

Arsenic, a major water pollutant in India, produces toxic effects on female reproductive system in rodent models at the dose available in drinking water in arsenic-intoxicated zones. This study examines the coadministration of L-ascorbate (vitamin C) on ovarian steroidogenesis, plasma levels of gonadotrophins, brain monoamines, and ovarian as well as uterine peroxidase activities in sodium arsenite–treated rats. After sodium arsenite treatment, relative ovarian and uterine weights, ovarian Δ5-3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities, plasma levels of gonadotrophins, norepinephrine levels in midbrain and diencephalon, and the activities of peroxidase in ovary and uterus were decreased significantly. On the other hand, serotonin levels in midbrain and diencephalon were increased significantly 28 days after sodium arsenite treatment at the dose of 0.4 ppm/100 g body weight/rat/day. All these parameters were protected significantly and in most cases were unchanged from control level when L-ascorbate at 25 mg/100 g body weight/rat/day was coadministered orally with sodium arsenite. This cotreatment of L-ascorbate with sodium arsenite also restored the estrous cycle in a regular manner. We concluded that L-ascorbate plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal ovarian activities and brain monoamines in arsenic-treated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 775 adolescent girls (11-18 years) residing in a slum of Delhi to assess plasma vitamin C levels. The mean (SD) plasma levels of vitamin C were 0.76 (0.45) mg/dL. Overall, 6.3% and 27.6% girls had deficient (<0.2 mg/dL) and suboptimal levels (0.2-0.49 mg/dL) of plasma vitamin C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]