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Water pollution by synthetic dyes and other organic contaminants is a serious issue of the present days for both mankind and scientists. From the past few years, much attention has been given to the graphene oxide nanocomposites due to their greater ability to adsorb and degrade the industrial pollutants and greater suitability to the environment. In the present research, polymeric graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites such as GO/polyaniline (PAN), GO/polypyrrole (PPy) and GO/polystyrene (PS) were utilized as promising adsorbents for removal of actacid orange RL (AO-RL) dye. Characterization of synthesized nanocomposites was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Higher adsorption rates were achieved at pH values 2, 6 and 3 for all three nanocomposite GO/PAN, GO/PPy, and GO/PSty. Maximum removal 39.54, 44.76 and 21.43 mg/g were achieved, respectively when optimum adsorbent dose of 0.01 g was used at 35 °C. The maximum adsorption of 39.65, 43.99, and 21.10 mg/g for all three nanocomposites were obtained at the equilibrium contact time of 60 min. For GO/PAN and GO/PPy the maximum adsorption rates were attained when 150 mg/L of initial dye concentration was used and for GO/PSty nanocomposite the maximum removal 54.34 mg/g was obtained when 100 mg/L of initial dye concentration was used. Obtained results showed that removal of AO-RL dye was best fit by the pseudo 2nd order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm with R2 values 0.99, 0.997, and 0.986, respectively. Negative values of enthalpy variation: −40.95,-62.95 and −55.52 kJ/mol, respectively, show the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the reaction. So, results indicated that the synthesized polymeric GO nanocomposites have a good perspective for the treatment of wastewater.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that can lead to carcinoma, cirrhosis, and death. Since no approved medications are available, dietary interventions that include bioactive compounds have been recommended. This study investigated the effects of black ginseng extracts (BGE) and aged black garlic extracts (AGE) on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Micrograph of liver tissues of mice fed with BGE and AGE showed less lipid droplets. The BGE and AGE supplements individually and in combination lowered the marker enzymes, aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels indicating their hepatoprotective effects. Compared to the plants extracts alone, the combination of the extracts resulted in lower total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL‐C), which are risk markers for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diets with the combination of BGE and AGE supplements had higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities, and lower malondialdehyde indicating the synergistic effects of the extracts. Irrespective of the diet type, all treated groups showed lower tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) values as compared to HFD, which indicated overall immunomodulatory effect of both extracts. Therefore, the innovative formulation formed by the combination of BGE and AGE can provide hepatoprotective effects via modulating glycometabolism, lipometabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in mice., The innovative formulation formed by the combination of BGE and AGE can provide hepatoprotective effects via modulating glycometabolism, lipometabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in mice.

The physicochemical properties, swelling power, solubility, and digestibility of flour from four rice varieties (black, brown, white, and waxy rice flour) were analyzed. The results showed that the black and brown rice had high‐amylose percentage (21.8% and 20.5%), a relatively low percentage of starch content (68.1% and 79.1%), and lower swelling power (6.6% and 7.6%) and solubility (13.5% and 15.7%), respectively. Waxy rice flour attributed to lower gelatinization temperatures and higher enthalpy values. Meanwhile, the brown, black, and white rice showed higher gelatinization temperature and lower enthalpy value. The black and brown rice flour exhibited lower pasting and viscosity values as compared to waxy rice flour. The results showed that all rice flour had an A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern, and after cooking all rice flour showed V‐type polymorphs except waxy rice flour. Brown and black rice flour after cooking have lower digestion rate than white rice and waxy rice flour, probably due to its lower expansion and solubility rates, and higher gelatinization temperature., Rosa Roxburghii seed oil was of high quality in terms of its high amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Heat treatment of R. roxburghii seed oil showed an increase in the relative percentage of linoleic acid and linolenic acid isomers with increasing temperature and time. The formation of linoleic acid and linolenic acid isomers followed a zero order reaction.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) acts as a therapeutic fruit possessing different bioactive compounds. Different compartments of pomegranate (P. granatum) like seed, peel, juice and leaves are rich in potential bioactive compounds. Pomegranate contains sinapyl, coniferyl, ellagic acid, cinnamic acid, genistein, linoleic acid, anthocyanin, gallic acid, catechin, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, cyanidin, punicalin, delphinidin, punicalagin, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, luteolin and pelletierine alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanin and caffeic acid. Pomegranate also exhibits significant anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties and anti-carcinogenic possessions including prevention of prostate cancer; reduction in colon inflammation, prevention of skin tumorigenesis, improvement in renal function and reduction in metastatic melanoma growth. This review summarizes the current available data on the phytochemistry, bioavailability and therapeutic importance of potential bioactive compounds of pomegranate.

Oat predominately cultivated as forage crop and is not explored for its value-added bioactive moieties. This study was aimed to characterize five selected oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars with respect to organic sugars, antioxidant activities, pesticide residues, mycotoxin and phenolic acids as measured HPLC. Five indigenous oat cultivars (Avon, PD2LV65, S2000, SGD2011, SGD81) were profiled for seven phenolic acids (gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid). Highest concentrations of vanillic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid were detected in the SGD2011, SGD81, S2000, SGD2011, S2000, SGD2011 and PD2LV65 respectively. TPC in case of all oat cultivars ranged 50.88–101.56 mg/100 g. Among all oat cultivars, SGD-81 exhibited the highest DPPH activity, TPC, TFC and TFoC contents whereas, SGD-2011 showed the highest total anthocyanin content followed by AVON. S2000 showed the highest concentration of mycotoxin M1 (18.51 ppm), while lowest M1 content (10.51 ppm) were exhibited by SGD-81. Abamectin and permethrin pesticide residues were undetected in oat cultivars whereas, Dieldrin was only detected in SGD-81 and chloropyrifos was not detected in S2000 and SGD-81. Mandipropamid, parathion methyl, chlorthalonil, indoxacarb and lufernon were detected in the highest concentrations in SGD2011 and S2000 oat cultivars. Moreover, fructose, glucose and sucrose were found in highest amounts in S2000, PD2LV65 and SGD2011, respectively. Conclusively, it was evident from the results that SGD-81, SGD2011 and SG2000 could be utilized as source of important and promising phytochemicals of nutraceutical significance. Moreover, significant potential of these oat cultivars can be harnessed owing to value addition and exploitation in formulations of functional food ingredients and foodstuffs.

Peptic ulcer is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal system affecting people of all ages worldwide. Ethanol is one of the most common causative agents for peptic ulcer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of two newly synthesized indole imines (389 and 393) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Animals were orally administered different treatments: group I–II (vehicle & ulcer controls, respectively); 0.5% aqueous CMC solution, group III (standard control; omeprazole; 20 mg/kg bw); groups IV–VI, test compound 389 (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg bw) and groups VII–IX, test compound 393 (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg bw). Various parameters including pH, gastric contents, ulcer index and percentage protection were determined and histopathological study of gastric mucosa was performed to evaluate the protective effect of the test compounds. Oral administration of the test compounds, i.e. 389 and 393 (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg bw), significantly (p

Polyphenols are natural antioxidants and play a very vital role in inhibition of oxidative stress as induced by free radicals in the body. Apple and pomegranate peels are significant agro-industria...

Purpose: To evaluate the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential of seed oil of Nigella sativa L (NSO). Methods: Nigella sativa seed oil (NSO) was extracted with Soxhlet apparatus using petroleum ether, and was given orally at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg body weight to alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits daily for 24 days. Biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and plasma glucose were determined in the treatment and control groups. Furthermore, bilirubin, vitamin C, catalase and mean body weight were assessed. Results: NSO treatment significantly lowered serum blood glucose levels and lipid contents, but increased the mean body weight, HDL-C and vitamin C levels of diabetic rabbits (p < 0.001). Moreover, NSO significantly decreased catalase activity, TC, TGs, LDL-C and VLDL-C levels, but normalized bilirubin levels in diabetic rabbits. Conclusion: These results indicate that NSO possesses significant antidiabetic potential. Thus, it may be useful as an adjunct with antidiabetic medication but further studies are required to ascertain this. Keywords: Black cumin, Diabetes, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Antioxidants

Background: Capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient in hot chili peppers, causes excitation of small sensory neurons. It also provides the basic pungent flavor in Capsicum fruits. Summary: Capsaicin plays a vital role as an agonist for the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1) receptor. TRPV1 is essential for the reduction of oxidative stress, pain sensations, and inflammation. Therefore, it has many pros related to health issue. Activation and positive impact of TRPV1 via capsaicin has been studied in various dermatological conditions and in other skin-related issues. Past studies documented that capsaicin plays a vital role in the prevention of atopic dermatitis as well as psoriasis. Moreover, TRPV1 is also very important for skin health because it acts as a capsaicin receptor. It is found in nociceptive nerve fibers and nonneural structures. It prompts the release of a compound that is involved in communicating pain between the spinal cord nerves and other parts of the body. Key Messages: Here, we summarize the growing evidence for the beneficial role of capsaicin and TRPV1 and how they help in the relief of skin diseases such as inflammation, permeation, dysfunction, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis and in pain amplification syndrome.

Cheddar is a nutritious, hard type of cheese manufactured by milk acidification followed by enzymatic gel formation. It is a dynamic cheese variety that experiences substantial changes during ripening. Freshly made Cheddar curd has bland aroma and taste which is converted to flavored and smooth textured cheese during ripening. The chemical and microbiological changes occurring are grouped into glycolysis, lipolysis and proteolysis followed by secondary reactions like metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids imperative for the production of compounds necessary for cheese flavor. The key feature of Cheddar manufacture is the conversion of lactose to lactate by mesophilic bacterial starters. The rate and extent of acidification influence the initial texture of the curd by controlling the rate of demineralization. The proteolysis is the most complex of the primary events during cheese ripening, especially in Cheddar type cheese.

An investigation was carried out to extract polyphenols from mango and kinnow mandarin peels for the development of functional fruit bars and their storage stability. Solvent ethanol at 50%, 80% and 100% concentration was employed for polyphenols extraction from mango and kinnow peels through ultrasound assisted extraction technique. Higher polyphenols were extracted from mango peels with comparatively more antioxidant activity than kinnow peels. Fruit bars fortified with different levels of mango and kinnow peel polyphenolic extracts subjected to ambient and refrigerated storage conditions revealed a gradual decline in total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes score during storage period. Microbiological parameters though increased during storage but remained well within the permissible limits. Ambient temperature storage fruit bars were discarded after three months whereas at refrigeration temperature conditions remained sensory acceptable for five months. Overall, 2% mango peel extract fortified fruit bars scored highest by the sensory panelists while 3% kinnow peel extract fortified fruit bars scored lowest. It was concluded that mango and kinnow peel extract could be utilized as ingredient for the preparation of functionl foods.

Objective The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential of paneer, a soft cheese supplemented with various water soluble date extracts during storage. Further, the whey obtained from all the paneer samples was also investigated for its antioxidant potential. Methods The date cultivars were evaluated for their physico-chemical characteristics and date extracts were assessed for their antioxidant potential. Physico-chemical evaluation, microbiological quality and further antioxidant potential of the prepared paneer were carried out during storage period (0 to 8 days, 5°C). Results All the date extracts were found to have considerable antioxidant activity due to presence of total phenolics and flavonoids. Owing to the presence of phenolics and flavoinds in date extracts, supplemented paneer showed higher trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, reducing power and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than control paneer. Paneer supplemented with Rabi extracts had the highest total phenolics (190.7 μg gallic acid equivalent/g paneer), DPPH radical scavenging activity (928.1 μmol equivalent of Trolx/g paneer) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (9.2 μmol equivalent of Trolx/g paneer). The whey obtained from control paneer showed lower values of total phenolics, total flavonoids, DPPH, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and reducing power as compared to the values of whey obtained from paneer supplemented with date extracts. Conclusion Paneer supplemented with date extracts and its whey may offer potent antioxidant activity.

The purpose of this study was to develop an in-vitro digestion protocol to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the peptides found in processed cheddar cheese using digestion enzymes. We studied first antioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and antioxidant activities of processed cheddar cheese with the addition of spices e.g. cumin, clove and black pepper made from buffalo milk and ripened for 9 months. Then we conducted an in vitro digestion of processed cheddar cheese by gastric and duodenal enzymes. Freeze dried water (WSE) and ethanol soluble fractions (ESE) of processed cheddar cheese were also monitored for their ACE inhibition activity and antioxidant activities. In our preliminary experiments, different levels of spices (cumin, clove and black pepper) were tested into cheese matrix and only one level 0.2g/100g (0.2%) on the basis of cheese weight was considered good concerning sensory evaluation. Significant increase in ACE-inhibition (%) of processed Cheddar cheese as well as its WSE and ESE was obtained. Lower IC50 values were found after duodenal phase digestion compared to oral phase digestion.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one type of liver disease, causing a global healthcare problem and mortality. The liver undergoes tissue damage by chronic alcohol consumption because it is the main site for metabolism of ethanol. Chronic alcohol exposure progresses from alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) to alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), which further lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular cancer. Therapeutic interventions to combat ALD are very limited such as use of corticosteroids. However, these therapeutic drugs are not effective for long-term usage. Therefore, additional effective and safe therapies to cope with ALD are urgently needed. Previous studies confirmed that edible food plants and their bioactive compounds exert a protective effect against ALD. In this review article, we summarized the hepatoprotective potential of edible food plants and their bioactive compounds. The underlying mechanism for the prevention of ALD by edible food plants was as follows: anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, lipid regulation, inhibition of apoptosis, gut microbiota composition modulation, and anti-fibrosis.

Zinc deficiency is a growing issue in developing countries. Moreover, it is a well-known fact that the bakery products have very low zinc content and the further loss of zinc occurs during milling of wheat and under baking of end products, which makes it hard to produce nutritional bakery products. For this purpose, zinc sulfate has been incorporated in wheat flour at 0, 32.5, 65, and 97.5 mg/100 g to prepare cookies and determine their physicochemical and nutritional properties as well as stability under controlled storage conditions, i.e. temperature (23-25 °C) and relative humidity (45-55%). The findings exhibited that the cookies-percentage of fat and protein decreased after the addition of zinc sulfate. The fiber content of cookies was non-significantly changed, while the moisture content increased. Moreover, the diameter of cookies significantly increased from 45.65 ± 1.46 cm to 45.84 ± 1.34 cm. The thickness and spread factor of cookies were also effects ranged from 1.49 to 1.54 cm and 30.63 ± 2.98 to 29.76 ± 1.64 respectively. The results revealed that zinc sulfate was stable up to 90 days and under normal baking conditions. Based on the sensorial attributes, it was unveiled that the nutritional cookies were prepared by using 65 mg zinc sulfate with (AARI-2011) wheat flour.

The lack of safety and efficacy of existing hepatoprotective agents urge the need to explore novel hepatoprotective agents. The research work was planned to study the therapeutic potential of some newly synthesized chalcones against 4-acetaminophenol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats (N = 30) were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each i.e. group I; Toxic control (4-acetaminophenol), group II; normal control (Normal saline), group III; Positive control (silymarin; 50 mg/kg bw) and groups IV-VI (test groups) treated with 3 chalcone analogues i-e 3a, 3f & 3 g (100, 150, 150 mg/kg bw, respectively). All the study group animals were administered with 4-acetaminophenol to induce hepatotoxicity except normal control. Following hepatotoxicity induction, test group animals were administered with selected doses of test compounds and toxic group animals left untreated. Liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP and serum bilirubin were determined photometrically. Antioxidant activities of test compounds were also determined. Histopathological examination of liver biopsies was also carried out through H & E staining. The test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) significantly decreased the levels of liver enzymes and serum bilirubin toward normal and the pattern of results in the test group animals were comparable to silymarin administered animals indicating the hepatoprotective potential of test compounds. Moreover, the test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) antagonized the effect of 4-acetaminophenol and thus, raised the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) in experimental animals. The test chalcones (3a, 3f & 3 g) on histological examination of liver showed improvement of tissue morphology. The study concluded that the tested compounds have antioxidant potential and may act as hepatoprotective agent. However, in-depth studies are required to validate their safety and to elucidate the exact mechanism of action.

The current study is designed to diversify daily diets like Chapatti with millet (minor cereal) flour. Wheat-millet composite flours (WMCFs) were prepared by incorporating millet flour at 20 %, 40 % and 60 %, and then the rheology of WMCFs was assessed through Mixolab 2. Afterwards, pregelatinized starch (PGS) was added to WMCFs to prepare Chapatti. The product's quality was evaluated by determining water-soluble starches, in-vitro enzyme digestibility, textural hardness, color and sensory characteristics. The results showed that adding millet flour to Chapatti decreased water absorption, and dough development time from 56 % to 50 % and 2.7 min. to 1.5 min. respectively. The Chapatti's hardness was increased, while color (l* values) of Chapatti decreased with millet flour's addition at a constant level of PGS. In the product, Chapatti containing 40 % millet flour and 2 % PGS showed excellent textural hardness and sensory characteristics.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract carotenoids from the carrot pomace. To investigate the effect of independent variables on the UAE, the response surface methodology (RSM) with central-composite design (CCD) was employed. The study was conducted with three independent variables including extraction time (min), temperature (°C), and ethanol concentration (%). The results showed that the optimal conditions for UAE were achieved with an extraction time of 17 min, temperature of 32 °C, and ethanol concentration of 51% of total carotenoids (31.82 ± 0.55), extraction time of 16 min, temperature of 29 °C, and ethanol concentration of 59% for a combination of β-carotene (14.89 ± 0.40), lutein (5.77 ± 0.19), and lycopene (2.65 ± 0.12). The non-significant (p &gt, 0.05) correlation under optimal extraction conditions between predicted and experimental values suggested that UAE is the more productive process than conventional techniques for the extraction of carotenoids from the carrot pomace.

The present study was planned to investigate the phytochemical compounds present in Aloe vera and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Aloe vera gel powder with different solvents. The phytochemical compounds were screened qualitatively and glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, proteins, triterpeniods gave positive results while alkaloids and phlobatannin gave negative results. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of Aloe vera gel powder extract using three different solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone) were analyzed. The ethanolic extract showed maximum polyphenol (28.44 ± 2.67 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (63.90± 2.39 mg CE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (51.09±0.33%). Antibacterial activity of extracts was examined by agar diffusion method with four microbial species (Salmonella typhi, Escherchia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in ethanol extract of Aloe vera gel powder. Hence, Aloe vera gel powder can be used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in food preservation and to prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. Keywords: Aloe vera gel powder; Antibacterial activity; Antioxidant capacity; Phytochemicals; Solvents; Total polyphenols http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80068

The production of high-quality processed foods requires an in-depth understanding of water distribution in cellular spaces. This study validated the non-destructive investigation of water fractions in freeze-dried shiitake mushrooms using multispectral imaging (MSI) at 405−970 nm and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The quantitative modeling of water fractions including partial least squares (PLS), back propagation neural network (BPNN) and least squares-support vector machines (LS-SVM), were employed. The LF-NMR analysis has shown the fast and easy removal of free water owing to weak bonding with tissue structure. Freeze drying left a maximum proportion of bound water and small amount of immobilized water at the end of process. Among the models, LS-SVM demonstrated the highest coefficient of prediction determination (R2p) in the quantitative estimation of water contents and was considered the best model obtaining R2p of 0.85, 0.90, 0.88, and 0.87 plus the lowest root mean square error of prediction of 12.61 %, 7.10 %, 18.13 %, and 4.55 % for free, immobilized, bound, and total water contents, respectively. MSI combined with chemometrics would be a promising technique for the non-destructive and fast monitoring of the water fractions. The findings of this study would be useful to retain the nutritional and quality attributes of agricultural commodities.

The adverse health effects of dietary sodium demand the production of cheese with reduced salt content. The study was aimed to assess the effect of reducing the level of sodium chloride on the texture, flavor, and sensory qualities of Cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese was manufactured from buffalo milk standardized at 4% fat level by adding sodium chloride at 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5% (wt/wt of the curd obtained). Cheese samples were ripened at 6 to 8 °C for 180 d and analyzed for chemical composition after 1 wk; for texture and proteolysis after 1, 60, 120, and 180 d; and for volatile flavor compounds and sensory quality after 180 d of ripening. Decreasing the salt level significantly reduced the salt-in-moisture and pH and increased the moisture-in-nonfat-substances and water activity. Cheese hardness, toughness, and crumbliness decreased but proteolysis increased considerably on reducing the sodium content and during cheese ripening. Lowering the salt levels appreciably enhanced the concentration of volatile compounds associated with flavor but negatively affected the sensory perception. We concluded that salt level in cheese can be successfully reduced to a great extent if proteolysis and development of off-flavors resulted by the growth of starter and nonstarter bacteria can be controlled.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of feed management on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) level in milk and subsequently on fatty acid profile of cheese. Twenty cows were divided into 2 groups, fed on grass silage and pasture feed with sunflower supplementation for 14 days. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for composition and fatty acid profile using gas chromatograph. Cheddar cheese was manufactured from both milk types and ripened for 120 days. During ripening, it was analyzed for composition and fatty acid quantification. The supplemented diet significantly increased the CLA content in milk. Similarly the cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in Cheddar cheese were more than twofold in case of supplemented diet as compared to grass silage. During ripening, CLA concentration remained stable. The sunflower supplementation showed no effect on cheese composition. Hence, supplemented pasture resulted in elevated CLA content in milk compared to grass silage.

Extensive research has related the consumption of persimmon with the reduced risk of various diseases and particularly highlighted the presence of bioactive phenolic compounds for their therapeutic properties. Major phenolic compounds present in persimmon are ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid.β-Cryptoxanthin, lycopene,β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein are important carotenoids having antioxidant potential. They are important to prevent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, safeguard beta cells of the pancreas, and reduce cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. In this paper, the chemistry and health benefits of bioactive compounds present in persimmon are reviewed to encourage impending applications and to facilitate further research activities.

The effect of sodium chloride on the production of organic acids during ripening of buffalo milk Cheddar cheese at elevated temperature was evaluated. Buffalo milk Cheddar cheese was produced by adding sodium chloride at the rate of 0, 1 and 2% and stored for ripening at 4C and 12C for 120 days. The cheese was evaluated for organic acids i.e., lactic, acetic, citric, pyruvic, formic, butyric and maleic and mineral contents, including sodium, calcium and potassium at 60 and 120 days of ripening. The results showed that elevated ripening temperature accelerated the production of all organic acids and significantly increased their concentrations. However, during ripening, no effect on minerals profile was observed. High level of salt decreased the production of organic acids during ripening irrespective of ripening temperatures. Hence, it was concluded that elevated ripening temperature and enhanced sodium concentrations showed considerable effect on organic acids production. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Worldwide, Cheddar cheese is produced from cow's milk, but buffalo milk ranks at the top in Pakistan's milk production and, being nutritionally rich, is more suitable for cheese. Moreover, cheese ripening is a lengthy process and attempts to shorten the ripening time using a range of systems have had varying degrees of success. Organic acids are the major products of glycolysis during ripening and play an integral role in cheese quality. The addition of salt affects the cheese ripening and hence influences the production of organic acids. The project was designed with greater significance to determine the effect of sodium chloride on production of organic acids during accelerated ripening of buffalo milk Cheddar cheese. Practically, the project concluded that the optimal quantity of salt addition should be 1% in cheese manufacturing and recommended the ripening at 12C for 120 days in buffalo milk Cheddar cheese for better compositional profile.

Cheddar cheese was manufactured from cow and buffalo milk using commercially available starter cultures (Lactococcus lactis ssp. Cremoris and Lactococcus lactis ssp. Lactis). Cheese was analyzed for proximate composition, pH, acidity, lactose and mineral contents and sensory perception (flavor, aroma and texture) after 2 and 4 months of ripening. All the chemical composition was significantly influenced by cow and buffalo milk. Buffalo milk cheese was found considerably superior in nutritional profile. Lactose content and pH decreased and acidity increased significantly during ripening of 120 days. On sensory evaluation, buffalo milk cheese was ranked appreciably higher for all the sensory parameters as compared to that of cow milk.

The effect of packaging materials on the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of iron-fortified wholemeal flour (WMF) during storage was determined. WMF was fortified with three fortificants, namely ferrous sulfate (30 ppm), ferrous sulfate + ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (20 + 20 ppm) and elemental iron (60 ppm). Each flour was also fortified with 1.5 ppm folic acid. Moisture, flour acidity and peroxide value increased during storage, while protein and fat contents decreased. Highest conversion of Fe2+ into Fe3+was observed in flour fortified with ferrous sulfate (2.72%), followed by that fortified with ferrous sulfate + EDTA (1.49%) and elemental iron (1.06%). Water absorption and dough viscosity of iron-fortified flours increased during storage. The flour containing ferrous sulfate was most acceptable regarding sensory characteristics, followed by samples containing ferrous sulfate + EDTA. Fortified flours were more stable during storage than unfortified. Addition of EDTA increased the stability of flours and fortificants. The fortified flours stored in polypropylene bags proved more stable than those stored in the tin boxes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The main role of packaging is to protect the product during handling, distribution and storage against environmental and mechanical hazards. The success of a fortification program depends on the stability of micronutrients and food to which these are added. Chemical changes during storage badly affect chapatti making and sensory properties. Exposure of the fortificant to any factor including heat, moisture, air or light, and acid or alkaline environments during processing, packaging, distribution, or storage affects its stability. Flour containing elemental iron and ferrous sulfate with EDTA remained stable up to 42 days. The unfortified flour and flour containing ferrous sulfate remained stable for 21 days in tin boxes and 28 days in the polypropylene bags. Wheat flour milling industry would be benefited from this research if government is keen to launch iron fortification program in the country to curb iron deficiency anemia among population.

Bread dough is usually fermented with yeast but in the present study sourdough lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) alone and in combination with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used to determine their effect on the shelf life and sensory characteristics of bread at different intervals of storage. Lactic acid bacteria improved the sensory characteristics of bread such as volume, evenness of bake, character of crust, grain of bread, colour of bread crumb, aroma, taste and texture of bread and extended shelf life of bread by inhibiting the growth of microbes.

Xylitol is a pentahydroxy sugar-alcohol which exists in a very low quantity in fruits and vegetables (plums, strawberries, cauliflower, and pumpkin). On commercial scale, xylitol can be produced by chemical and biotechnological processes. Chemical production is costly and extensive in purification steps. However, biotechnological method utilizes agricultural and forestry wastes which offer the possibilities of economic production of xylitol by reducing required energy. The precursor xylose is produced from agricultural biomass by chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis and can be converted to xylitol primarily by yeast strain. Hydrolysis under acidic condition is the more commonly used practice influenced by various process parameters. Various fermentation process inhibitors are produced during chemical hydrolysis that reduce xylitol production, a detoxification step is, therefore, necessary. Biotechnological xylitol production is an integral process of microbial species belonging to Candida genus which is influenced by various process parameters such as pH, temperature, time, nitrogen source, and yeast extract level. Xylitol has application and potential for food and pharmaceutical industries. It is a functional sweetener as it has prebiotic effects which can reduce blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol level. This review describes recent research developments related to bioproduction of xylitol from agricultural wastes, application, health, and safety issues.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis is very important as starter culture of cheese and yogurt production. A variety of bacteriocins ranging the molecular weight 3 to 10 have been reported from L. lactis under different growth conditions. In our study, we have optimized the growth of L. lactis for the bacteriocin production. Growth kinetics of these bacteria was studied in accordance to time, pH and temperature. Optimum growth as well as optimum bacteriocin activity was obtained after 18 h at pH 5.0 and temperature 37°C. Bacteriocin activity was produced on optimal conditions and were further characterized and purified. Antibacterial assay of bacteriocin showed the strong growth inhibition of test bacteria. Bacteriocin activities were checked after their treatment with different enzymes, organic solvents, sodium chloride (NaCl) and detergents as well as their heat stability and effect of pH was studied. Bacteriocin activity was found to heat stability at 100°C for 30 min and activity was found stable in the 3 to 10 pH range but lost the activity after the treatment with proteinase-K and protease enzymes. Urea, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 6% affected the bacteriocin activity. Bactericidal activity was further purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatographic techniques. Molecular weight was calculated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as 4.6 kDa. Key words: Bacteriocin activity, Lactococcus lactis, growth kinetics, antibacterial assay.