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Background Polyunsaturated oils have various health-promoting effects, however, they are highly prone to oxidation. Encapsulation using biopolymers is one of the most effective strategies to enhance oil stability. This research examined the potential of gum arabic and maltodextrin for microencapsulation of omega-3 rich oils, aiming to enhance encapsulation efficiency and stability of encapsulated oil. Results We encapsulated fish and flaxseed oils by emulsification-spray drying. Spray-dried microcapsules were prepared by oil-in-water emulsions consisting of 10 wt% oil and 30 wt% biopolymer (gum arabic, maltodextrin, or their mixture). Results showed that both microcapsules were spherical in shape with surface shrinkage, and exhibited amorphous structures. Gum arabic-based microcapsules had higher encapsulation efficiency as well as better storage stability for both types of oil. Flaxseed oil microcapsules generally had higher oxidative stability regardless of the type of wall material. Conclusions Through a comprehensive characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the emulsions and resulting microcapsules, we proved gum arabic to be a more effective wall material for polyunsaturated oil microencapsulation, especially flaxseed oil. This study provides a promising approach to stabilize oils which are susceptible to deterioration, and facilitates their wider uses as food and nutraceutical products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background: The epidemiological transition is directly associated with dietary shift towards empty calories. In contrary, cabbage fights against oxidative stress mediated health disorders owing to the presence of nutritive constituents and low caloric count. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of red cabbage and its aqueous extract against renal and cardiac oxidative stress in response to hypercaloric diet. Methods: Red cabbage and its aqueous extract were fed to normal rabbits (Study I) and hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol) induced oxidatively stressed rabbits (Study II) for 12-weeks. Serum specific biomarkers of renal and cardiac oxidative stress including creatinine, urea, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Tissues of kidney and heart were employed to assess the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) alongside; lipid peroxidation was also studied. Results: Red cabbage extract depicted more decrement (p Conclusion: Relatively, red cabbage extract showed a relatively better response in controlling renal oxidative stress as compared to red cabbage; however, vice-versa was observed in case of cardiac oxidative stress.

Background: Herbal foods possess significant amounts of essential bioactive nutrients and offer clinical and therapeutic benefits. The aim of present research was to compare the antioxidant potential of black cumin extracts obtained using different extraction modes. Materials and Methods: Three solvents (methanol, acetone and hexane) were employed at different time intervals and ratios. However, Supercritical Fluid Extracts (SFE) were obtained at varying pressures (5500, 6500 and 7500 psi). Results: Outcomes revealed that total phenolics were maximum in methanolic extract (790.79±31.67 mg GAE/100 g) at 50 min. Similarly, DPPH and FRAP activity of methanolic extract was also better than other extracts as 80.99±4.02% and 27.44±0.88 mg TE/g, respectively. HPLC quantification exhibited that highest recovery of major bioactive component (thymoquinone) was obtained via supercritical extraction (12.38 mg/g) at 7500 psi. Conclusions: It is concluded that Pakistani variety of black cumin possess appreciable antioxidant activity which directly depends upon the extraction conditions. Among conventional solvents, methanol was evidenced to be more efficient. However, supercritical fluid extracts have proved a reliable mean for the extraction of thymoquinone.

Stability and preservation of vitamin D are major concerns that lead to its encapsulation. Whey protein isolates (WPI) and soy protein isolates (SPI) were used as a carrier to effectively encapsulate vitamin D. The resultant microcapsules were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, morphological characteristics, XRD diffraction, gastric release and storage stability. Nine different formulations WPI (6, 8, 10%), SPI (6, 8, 10%) and WPI + SPI (6, 8, 10%) were prepared. Among them, 5% WPI + 5% SPI exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (> 95%). SPI microcapsules had a large size as compared to WPI. Scanning electron microscope revealed that the combination of both proteins produced smoother beads with fewer fissures and better retention for vitamin D. The structural changes of WPI and SPI from crystallinity to amorphous confirm vitamin D encapsulation through XRD diffraction. Maximum release was observed in SPI (66–50%) in simulated gastric fluid. All the encapsulates showed significantly higher stability and vitamin D retention (> 93%) during storage at 4 °C as compared to free vitamin D. The present study demonstrates both proteins as a potential carrier to encapsulate lipophilic vitamin.

Background Flaxseed has emerged as a potential source of bioactive components that can be utilized in routine diet to address lifestyle disorders. Methods In this context, three studies were carried out on the basis of induction therapies i.e. Study I (Normal diet), Study II (Hyperglycemic diet; 40% sucrose) and Study III (Hypercholesterolemic diet; 1.5% cholesterol) using Sprague Dawley rats. Each study was further split into three groups based on diets; Control (free from flaxseed powder or extract), Functional diet (incorporation of flaxseed powder; 10%) and Nutraceutical diet (inclusion of ethanolic extract of flaxseed; 5%). During experimental period, hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic parameters were evaluated alongside, alterations in hematological aspects were also assessed. Results Feed intake and body weight demonstrated significant response (p ) of diets and study intervals however, water intake was substantially influenced by study intervals. In study II (hyperglycemic rats), maximum decline in glucose level was recorded (9.02%) in rats administered with extract based diet. In the same group, maximum increase in insulin (5.90%) was noted. Regarding lipid profile, the bioevaluation trials revealed maximum reduction in serum cholesterol (13.10%) in study III (hypercholesterolemic rats) on the provision of flaxseed extract (nutraceutical diet) followed by flaxseed powder (functional diet) i.e. 7.85%. Further, maximum decrease in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) was reported i.e. 14.28% on supplementation of flaxseed extract to hypercholesterolemic rats. Conclusions Thus, flaxseed extract based intervention has shown higher bioefficacy to address hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in comparison to flaxseed powder.

Depression is broadly acclaimed as a mental health anomaly and despite advancements in the development of antidepressant drugs, they are linked with side effects. Dietary modifications and medicinal plants like olives can be used as effective strategies due to their antioxidant, immune-modulatory, antiinflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the antidepressant potential of olive fruits at different degrees of ripeness, that is, un-ripened (green) and ripened (black) was investigated. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: G0 (Normal diet), G1 (Normal diet + smoke exposure (SE), G2 (Normal diet + SE + Citalopram), G3 (Normal diet + SE + Green olive extract), and G4 (Normal diet + SE + Black olive extract). Depressive-like behaviors were induced in all groups through cigarette smoke exposure except G0 . Green and black olive extracts prevented depressive behaviors by reducing the immobility time of rats in forced swim test and tail suspension test while increased the latency to respond in hot plate assay. Moreover, lipid peroxidation in brain tissue was reduced with citalopram, green, and black olive extracts. Additionally, treatments also enhanced the antioxidant pool of brain tissues. Histological examination revealed that olive extracts and citalopram prevented cigarette smoke-induced moderate to severe necrosis and congestion in the brain parenchyma and elucidated antidepressant potential by improving the expression of monoamine oxidase-A, solute carrier family 6 member 4, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes. Conclusively, olives may act as a promising antidepressant agent in ameliorating cigarette smoke-induced depressive-like behaviors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Olive extracts at both ripening stages revealed an antidepressant-like effect almost similar to the standard antidepressant drug and also prevented oxidative damages. Therefore, from the current findings, it can be recommended that food ingredients with antidepressant potential like olives should be incorporated in future interventions to combat depression/psychiatric anomalies and diet therapy should be encouraged to alleviate lifestyle-related disorders.

Green tea extract is anticipated to improve storage stability of coriander sauce and hence employed in the development of sauces; S1 carrying 3% of conventional extract (epigallocatechin gallate; EGCG 65.88 ± 2.38 mg/g D.W.) and S2 containing 2.56% of supercritical CO2 extract (EGCG 77.23 ± 2.86 mg/g D.W.) then compared against control (S0). During storage (4°C), numerous parameters were studied at Days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Maximum polyphenols (mg GAE/100 ml) were observed in S2 (224.40 ± 5.82) followed by S1 (208.31 ± 5.03) and S0 (50.11 ± 1.71) and similar trend was noted for antioxidant assays. Further, tea extracts prominently reduced synersis in sauces, i.e., 42.79%–47.31% in relevance to control and no abnormality was reported in color traits. Likewise, deviations in physicochemical aspects of sauce during storage were considerably (p

Neurological disorders are increasing at a faster pace due to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. It is reported that the Mediterranean diet including olives as a major dietary component prevents and ameliorates neurological anomalies. Oleuropein is the major bioactive component in different parts of the Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree. Several mechanisms have been reported for the neuroprotective role of oleuropein including induction of apoptosis and autophagy, enhancing the antioxidant pool of the cerebral region, decreasing the unnecessary release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by deactivating the microglia cells and astrocytes thus preventing the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Regular intake of oleuropein seems to be correlated with decreased risks of neural disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, strokes, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and others. This review majorly discusses the chemistry, biosynthesis, and metabolism of oleuropein along with an updated vision of its neuroprotective role in counteracting the acute and chronic neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, mechanisms by which oleuropein may prevent neurodegeneration are reviewed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Neurological disorders are negatively affecting the health and life quality of individuals around the globe. Although various medicinal solutions are available to tackle such ailments, none has proven to fully cure and being deprived of side effects. In this respect, the prevention of such disorders using natural remedies may be an effective strategy to overcome the incidence of the increasing cases. Furthermore, the natural compounds provide a safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Hence, oleuropein from olive tree products is found to be efficacious against neurological disorders. This review provides an updated insight on the positive effects of oleuropein against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The diet practitioners and nutraceutical companies may benefit from the provided information to design and develop strategies to improve the mental health of suffering individuals.

Background The shift towards hypercaloric diets and sedentariness has raised lifestyle related disorders and escalated health care cost. In order to tackle this epidemiological transition, healthy, affordable food choices should be introduced in the routine menu. In this context, red cabbage is known for its rich phytochemistry, minerals, antioxidant vitamins and dietary fiber. Considering these evidences, red cabbage leaves and its extract were assessed against hypercholesterolemia and associated oxidative stress. Methods In bioefficacy assessment trial (12 weeks), there were two dietary regimens; normal and hypercholesterolemic (1% cholesterol) that were further split into three groups each. In both feeding trials, red cabbage leaves (20%) and its extract in dose equivalent to red cabbage leaves were assessed against control diets. At termination of trial, serum lipidemic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed to test the efficacy of diets. Results In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, red cabbage leaves showed significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels i.e. 15.19, 18.09 and 9.42% than extract administered groups; 10.79, 12.24 and 5.72, respectively. Besides, red cabbage leaves also portrayed momentous enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity up to 13.29 & 17.63% by lowering lipid peroxidation by 27.86% in hypercholesterolemic diet fed groups, whereas red cabbage extract administered group depicted relatively lesser amelioration in lipid peroxidation i.e. 21.42%. Conclusions Red cabbage leaves possess higher ameliorative potential against altered lipidemic profile and lipid peroxidation as compared to its extract thus explains its ability to prevent exhaustion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes; SOD and CAT.

Designer foods carrying nutraceuticals or polyphenols are in fame to address varied free radical mediated disorders. In this context, green tea extract incorporation in designer products is considered as an effective approach to improve antioxidant capacity owing to epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In the current project, EGCG was extracted using solvent (acetone) and supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction methods. Then, EGCG was quantified in the resultant extracts via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system that showed an upper hand of EGCG in supercritical fluid extract (77.23 mg/g) as compared to acetonic extract (65.88 mg/g) at constant extraction temperature and time. In product development phase, different chicken soup prototypes were prepared such as S0 (Control soup without green tea extract), S1 (soup carrying 3% acetonic green tea extract) and S2 (soup carrying 2.5% supercritical CO2 green tea extract). The resultant products were then analyzed for physiochemical and sensory aspects during storage intervals; 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Storage impacted significantly on some color values like a*, b* and chroma. The statistical analysis demonstrated obvious impact of treatments and storage on total soluble solids (TSS). Further, storage affected significantly on pH and acidity of the resultant samples. Green tea extract carrying products significantly improved TPC; S1 (46.66 ± 2.39 mg GAE/100mL) and S2 (49.19 ± 2.36 mg GAE/100mL) in contrast to control treatment (18.19 ± 0.89 mg GAE/100 mL). During storage, significant decline in TPC was noted from 39.43 ± 1.98 to 36.02 ± 1.82 mg GAE/100 mL. Moreover, considerable response of treatments was viewed on taste scores whilst, storage impacted remarkably on flavor, taste, texture and overall-acceptability, excluding organoleptic response regarding color. Conclusively, supercritical fluid green tea extract based designer chicken soup (S2) has proven its relatively better antioxidants retention, storage stability and sensory profile in comparison to conventional solvent green tea extract based soup (S1).

Background: Garlic (Allium sativum) possesses health enhancing abilities due to the presence various phytoceutics moities. The current research was deigned to explore the phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of Pakistani garlic. Methods: Garlic extracts were obtained using methanol, hexane and ethyl acetate at different time intervals (35, 50 and 65 min) followed by their polyphenols and flavonoid content determination. Afterwards, the antioxidant potential was also determined. Results: The outcomes revealed that the methanolic extracts obtained at 50 min extraction time showed maximum total phenolics as 60.38±0.23 mg GAE/100g and flavonoids as 58.45±1.24 mg/100g. Similarly, the highest DPPH activity (61.59±1.58%) and β-carotene and linoleic acid potential (64.96±1.72%) were also observed for methanolic extract. Conclusion: Inferences were made that Pakistani garlic contains myriad of phenolics and flavonoids but the extraction of these components depends upon the solvent/time combination. In this study, methanol proved to be the ideal solvent for the maximum extraction of phytochemicals from garlic.

Background: The importance of polyphenols to curb lifestyle related disorders has also raised the worth of green tea polycatechins. Besides, optimization of extraction conditions is gaining wide acceptance to attain maximum polyphenols out of plant matrix. Methods: Considering the fact, in the present study, nine green tea solvent extracts were prepared by optimizing solvents; aqueous ethanol, aqueous acetone and aqueous ethyl acetate in 1:1 ratio and extraction time; 35, 50 & 65 min at constant temperature 50ºC to achieve an optimal quantity of green tea polycatechins. Results: The results indicated significant impact of extraction solvents and time on phytochemistry and free radical scavenging potential with maximum potential attained by acetone extracts of green tea at 50 min i.e. total polyphenols 1325.81±64.85 mg GAE/100g, flavonoids 139.78±5.42 mg/100g, DPPH (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) inhibition 86.69±4.01%, β-carotene & linoleic acid assay 78.47±3.57%, FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) value 19.36±0.94 mM/L Fe+2, ABTS [2, 2'-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] value 11.10±0.49 μM Trolox Eq/g and metal chelating activity 16.93±0.81 mg EDTA/g. Conclusion: Conclusively, acetone as solvent and 50 min extraction time have proven optimized extraction conditions for green tea polycatechins.

International audience; The proposed study was designed to assess the phytotherapic potential of locally cultivated fennel seeds against certain lifestyle associated disarrays. Fennel seed powder was subjected to conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), followed by evaluation of health improving perspectives of fennel extracted phytoconstituents. The in vivo phase comprised of five studies with three groups in each based upon the diets i.e. control (D0), nutraceuticalCSE (D1), and nutraceuticalSFE (D2). The five studies included in the experiment were control, ulcerogenic, inflammatory, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. NutraceuticalSFE showed highest decline in gastric juice volume, gastric juice acidity and ulcer index (63.54, 47.33, and 51.65%, respectively) followed by nutraceuticalCSE (41.09, 27.63, and 38.71%, respectively) in ulcerogenic study. Likewise, the maximum decline in paw edema was observed in inflammatory study, as 30.43% and 24.54%, in D2 and D1, respectively. For study IV, the maximum decline in ALT, ALP, AST and bilirubin value was recorded during hepatotoxic study among all other studies i.

The higher utilization of fruits and vegetables is well known to cure human maladies due to the presence of bioactive components. Among these compounds, thymoquinone, a monoterpene and significant constituent in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L., has attained attention by the researchers due to their pharmacologies perspectives such as prevention from cancer, antidiabetic and antiobesity, prevention from oxidative stress and cardioprotective disorder. Thymoquinone has been found to work as anticancer agent against different human and animal cancer stages including propagation, migration, and invasion. Thymoquinone as phytochemical also downregulated the Rac1 expression, mediated the miR‐34a upregulation, and increased the levels of miR‐34a through p53, as well as also regulated the pro‐ and antiapoptotic genes and decreased the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and IKKα/β. In addition, thymoquinone also lowered the metastasis and ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. The present review article has been piled by adapting narrative review method and highlights the diverse aspects of thymoquinone such as hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, and antiaging through various pathways, and further utilization of this compound in diet has been proven effective against different types of cancers., Thymoquinone is strong anticancer agent through multiple mechanistic routes.

Background In recent decade, Hyperlipidemia related disorders like obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes are considered as the leading killers for mankind. Fundamental nexus between nutrition and health diverting the consumers focus towards plant based natural products as a remedy against various metabolic syndrome. Considering this, present study was conducted to explicate the role of black tea polyphenols such as Theaflavins and thearubigins therapeutic potential to tackle targeted maladies especially oxidative stress related disorders like hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. Methods The mandate of current investigation was to explore the hypoglycemic and hypocholestrolemic perspective of isolated theaflavin and thearubigins through a model feeding trial. For the purpose, theaflavin & thearubigins were isolated from black tea through solvent partition method and utilize to form three types of nutraceutical drinks (theaflavin, thearubigins & theaflavin + thearubigins based) alongside control to be further utilized in bioefficacy trial. In bioefficacy trial, three types of independent studies were design on the bases of diet by involving 20 male wistar rats in each study (5 for each group). In study I, normal diet was administrated while, in study II & III high cholesterol and high sucrose diet was given, respectively along with prepared nutraceutical drinks to synchronize their therapeutic effect for a period of 56 days. At the termination of trial, Feed & drink intakes, body weight, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glucose and insulin levels were measured. Results The results indicated reduction in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels of experimental rats in all studies with significant increase in HDL. In this context, theaflavin based drink imparted maximum reduction in cholesterol (3.75, 11.03 & 10.39%), LDL (3.84, 14.25& 10.84%) & triglycerides (2.99, 8.54 & 6.65%) in respective studies compared to thearubigins and theaflavin + thearubigins based drinks. However, theaflavin+ thearubigins based drink caused highest glucose decline and maximum insulin increase in all studies as compared to other nutraceutical drinks. The reported value for the insulin increase were 13.02 ± 1.02 & 14.55 ± 1.13, 10.09 ± 0.15 & 11.59 ± 0.86 for Hyperglycemic and Hypocholestrolemic rats respectively compared to control (7.84 ± 0.45 & 9.10 ± 0.41) for study I and II. Conclusions In the nutshell, theaflavin and thearubigins based dietary interventions are helpful to alleviate the hypercholestrolemia and hyperglycemia and should be promoted as parallel therapy to combat these disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the hepatic and renal protective potential of coriander seeds and leaves using animal feed model. Methods: Coriander seeds- and leaves-based sauces were administrated to normal (Study I) and carbon tetrachloride (2 mL/kg B.W.)-induced hepatotoxic rabbits (Study II). Hepatic and renal biomarkers like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured. Results: Coriander leaves-based sauce exerted more decline (P

Objective To explore the hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of conventional and supercritical extracts of black cumin. Methods Purposely, rat modelling was carried out for 2 months by designing three studies i.e. study I (normal rats), study II (hyperglycaemic rats) and study III (hypercholesterolemic rats). Each study was further divided into three groups based on diet i.e. control, functional diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by using conventional solvent) and nutraceutical diet (contained extract of black cumin prepared by supercritical fluid extraction system). Results During whole trial, an abating trend was observed in the level of serum cholesterol with maximum reduction (12.8%) in nutraceutical group of study III. Low density lipoprotein and triglyceride level was also lowered maximum in study III as 17.1% and 11.6%, respectively. Whereas, highest decline in glucose level was in nutraceutical group of study II as 11.2%. Conclusions Inclusion of black cumin extracts in diet significantly lowers the occurrence of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia. Furthermore, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic potential of nutraceutical diet is more prominent as compared to functional diet.

Objective: To investigate hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic potential of citrus peel extract and powder using rodent experimental modeling. Methods: Considering the fact, rat feeding trial was carried out for a period of 56 d to access the prophylaxis of citrus peel flavonoids by employing normal (study I), hyperglycemic (study II) and hypercholesterolemic (study III) rats. Each study was further divided into three groups to ensure the provision of selected diets, i.e., control, functional and nutraceutical diets. Each study was further divided into three groups to ensure the provision of selected diets, i.e., control, functional and nutraceutical diets. Results: Declining trend for total cholesterol was observed in all studies with maximum reduction (8.55%) in rat group fed on nutraceutical diet in study III. Likewise, levels of low density lipoproteins and triglycerides reduced 11.39% and 7.89% respectively in hypercholesterolemic rats. Moreover, nutraceutical diet alleviated the sera glucose level by 8.96% in study II. Conclusions: Conclusively, inclusion of citrus peel bioflavonoids in dietary therapies is a promising strategy to modulate lipidemic and glycemic attributes without imparting any deleterious effect on hematological parameters.

Owing to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are the archetypal paradigms of fruits used not only for nutritional purposes, but also for exclusive therapeutics. Grapes are a prominent and promising source of phytochemicals, especially resveratrol, a phytoalexin antioxidant found in red grapes which has both chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against various ailments. Resveratrol's role in reducing different human cancers, including breast, cervical, uterine, blood, kidney, liver, eye, bladder, thyroid, esophageal, prostate, brain, lung, skin, gastric, colon, head and neck, bone, ovarian, and cervical, has been reviewed. This review covers the literature that deals with the anti-cancer mechanism of resveratrol with special reference to antioxidant potential. Furthermore, this article summarizes the literature pertaining to resveratrol as an anti-cancer agent.

Spices are well known for their taste and flavor imparting properties. Green cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum), a herb spice belongs to family Zingiberaceae. In current study, GC–MS analysis of green cardamom essential oil (CEO) resulted in identification of twenty-six compounds with α-terpinyl acetate (38.4%), 1,8-cineole (28.71%), linalool acetate (8.42%), sabinene (5.21%), and linalool (3.97%) as major bioactive components. Present study also described the antimicrobial properties like zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration against microbial strains with special emphasis on quorum sensing inhibition. Disk diffusion assay showed that C. albicans and S. mutans were the most sensitive microorganisms followed by S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, B. cereus and S. typhimurium sensor strains, respectively. Whilst P. aeruginosa was found most resistant strain as CEO did not inhibited its growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of CEO against tested strains were 10 ± 0.00 mg/mL against S. typhimurium, S. aureus and 5 ± 0.00 mg/mL against S. mutans, C. albicans strains, respectively. Regarding quorum sensing inhibition the tested concentrations 0.625 and 0.313 mg/mL of CEO inhibited violacein production with very little effect on growth of C. violaceum. Conclusively, study proved that quorum sensing inhibition values of CEO were much lower compared to MIC revealed values. Hence, cardamom bioactive constituents can effectively be used to develop novel antimicrobial drugs against conventional antibiotics.

Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is considered important to improve hepatic health but its use is primarily limited to fresh salads in Pakistan. This study was aimed at exploring prophylactic role of red beetroot-based beverages against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced hepatic stress. Purposely, red beetroot-based beverages (8 ml/kg b.w. per day) were administered to normal and hepatotoxicity-induced rats for 8 weeks. The biochemical analyses revealed significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase (25%-28%), catalase (21%-24%), and hepatic enzymes (15%-19%) alongside reduced lipid peroxidation (27%-32%) in liver tissues of hepatotoxicity-induced rats treated with beetroot-based beverages compared to control. Similarly, hepatic injury was reduced by 19%-26% as indicated by concentrations of serum hepatic health biomarkers. Moreover, histological architecture of hepatocytes also portrayed promising effects of beetroot-based beverages to preserve hepatocellular portfolio. It was concluded that red beetroot-based beverages considerably assuage negative impacts of hepatic stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Functional foods and nutraceuticals are considered vital in controlling the oxidative stress-mediated metabolic disorders as safer alternatives to pharmaceutical agents. The current research explored the protective effects of red beetroot-based beverages which can be utilized as an effective approach to prevent liver injuries. Also, the outcomes of this research endorsed the defensive role of these beverages against oxidative stress-induced hepatic stress, so dietary supplementation of such products can be synchronized in clinical practices to alleviate oxidative stress. However, there is a need to further explore the safety aspects of such products in their long-term usage before implementing this module in humans for disease prevention/cure.

Since prehistoric times, eggs have been used as a food source by human beings. Eggs are not only a good source of nutrition, but their shells also have many nutritional and non-nutritional components. A huge amount of eggshell waste is generated globally, and these eggshells are rich source of minerals especially calcium.Calcium carbonate comprises more than 90% by weight of an eggshell. Current review highlights how to minimise eggshell waste by extracting and utilizing its calcium for food fortification and manufacturing calcium rich food sources. It also explains how calcium from eggshell can be extracted through techniques such as electric discharge assisted mechanical milling, high intensity pulsed electric field, pulsed electric field and high energy milling.This review further focuses on the utilization of eggshell in food industries which ultimately would reduce the global burden of eggshell waste to some extent.

Background Nowadays, consumers are focusing on therapeutic diets that not only serve the purpose of basic nutrition but also possess varied ingredients to fight against free radical mediated malfunctions especially cardiac disorders and type 2 diabetes. In this context, green tea polycatechins need to be introduced in the dietary regimens as per their effective level. Keeping in view, the present study was aimed to assess the hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic potential of conventional and supercritical fluid extracted green tea polycatechins, using male Sprague Dawley rats. Methods The in vivo study was carried out for 60 days to check the response of green tea extract based diets on animal body and serum biomarkers. Three animal trials were conducted; Study I (Normal rats), Study II (hyperglycemic rats) and Study III (hypercholesterolemic rats). Each study was further sectioned into three groups based on dietary modules; control diet, functional diet (enriched with solvent extracted green tea polycatechins) and nutraceutical diet (carrying supercritical fluid extracted green tea polycatechins). Results The decrease in cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) and glucose was viewed among all groups along with increment in high density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-c) and insulin levels. Furthermore, green tea nutraceutical diet showed an upper hand in ameliorating lifestyle related disorders as compared to functional diet. Though, marked decrement in lipid biomarkers especially cholesterol (15.22%) and LDL-c (20.50%) were found in Study III (hypercholesterolemic rats), whereas highest suppression in glucose (12.71%) and improvement in insulin (8.28%) was obviously recorded in Study II (hyperglycemic rats). Conclusion Green tea polycatechins based diets have proven their efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia induced by cholesterol and sucrose based dietary regimen.

Capsicum annum L. commonly known as bell pepper exhibits proven health as well as medicinal significance. It can be consumed either in fresh or processed form and is rich source of vitamin C, provitamin A, and calcium. Array of bioactive compounds especially antioxidants in its phytochemical profile make it an ideal choice for preventing cell damage, cancer insurgence, diabetes prevalence, cardiovascular disorders, cataracts, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Major antioxidant compounds in capsicum are carotenoids, tocopherols, and capsaicinoids (capsacicin). Their anticancer role is attributed to their ability to act as scavengers of singlet molecular oxygen, reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxyl radicals, and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Capsaicinoids intake effectively reduced the triacyclglycerols, plasma total cholesterol (PTC), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thereby helps in the prevention of cardiovascular ailments. It also exhibit effective and proactive contribution against age-related ailments. Capsaicin exposure expressively repressed the initial adipogenic differentiation, maturation, and lipogenesis of adipocytes. Capsaicin also has ability to target the TRPV1 receptors in the C-fibers lead to their stimulation followed by desensitization that helps to improve the neurogenic bladder. So, it may serve as a potential emerging treatment for patients who are nonrespondent to conventional therapy especially those with neurogenic bladder.

Hydrocolloids act as stabilizer and thickening agents, thus able to replace emulsifying salts. The present study was planned to use к-carrageenan in the production of processed cheddar cheese and to explore its effect on physico-chemical and textural properties of processed cheddar cheeses. Different concentration of ҡ-carrageenan were used with gradual decrease in salt contents along with natural cheese, fat, and water to prepare processed cheddar cheese. The prepared samples were analyzed for physico-chemical and sensory attributes at storage interval of 45 days during and after 90 days. With the increase in hydrocolloid concentration, stiffer product was obtained and meltability of the samples decreased than control. Processed cheddar cheese samples having 0.15% к-carrageenan with 2% emulsifying salt (1.34% sodium citrate and 0.66% disodium phosphates) were found more acceptable in terms of physico-chemical and sensory attributes, but all sensory attributes got fewer score with the passage of storage time.

Instant study was conducted to elucidate the impact of storage on the quality attributes of edible-coated iron-folate fortified basmati rice. Purposely, methyl cellulose and pectin-based edible coatings were developed embedded with NaFeEDTA (20 and 40 ppm) and FeSO4 (30 and 50 ppm), applied on rice grains, stored at room temperature and assessed for quality attributes. From the results, it was observed that progression in storage led to decreased amylose contents ranging from 25.31 ± 0.83 at 0 day to 22.74 ± 0.79 g/100 g at the 90th day. Likewise, alkali spreading factor lowered from 4.23 ± 0.02 to 3.79 ± 0.02 at initiation to termination of study. Likewise, elongation (1.93 ± 0.01 to 2.50 ± 0.02), volume expansion ratio (3.55 ± 0.02 to 3.89 ± 0.01) and water absorption ratios (3.05 ± 0.02 to 3.74 ± 0.02) were improved significantly during storage. Likewise, significant variations in folic acid level were also reported during storage. It can be concluded that aging resulted in improved eating and cooking quality of stored edible-coated fortified rice. Practical Applications Rice is one of the leading dietary staples used across the world by a large number of consumers. Additionally, there has been an alarming increase in micronutrient deficiencies that pose serious threat to the well-being of individuals. The present research is a way forward to suggest some novel fortification method to address nutritional insecurities. Moreover, authors have attempted to relate the effects of coating on eating or cooking quality attributes of developed fortified rice. Also, the effect of coating on vitamin and mineral retention has also been studied. It is highly hoped that edible-coatings-based fortification is a way forward to accommodate an array of micronutrients that can help address the ever increasing rat of micronutrient deficiencies with minimum quality deterioration. Furthermore, the nutrition industry is expected to flourish by the launch of such health-promoting, food-based commodities.

The current research project was an attempt to extract and quantify mangiferin contents from mango peel and to evaluate its storage stability in functional drinks. The reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography quantification revealed that highest mangiferin contents were observed in ethanolic extracts of chaunsa (7.2 ± 0.2 mg/g) while other varieties like anwar ratol, langra, dusahri and desi mango were lower in mangiferin contents. Moreover, mangiferin ethanolic extract from chaunsa peel showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhdrazyl (83.2 ± 6.0%) and ferric reducing antioxidant power activity (14.3 ± 1.0 mmol/100 g) while maximum β-carotene (80.3 ± 5.7%) activity was recorded in acetone mangiferin extract. For storage stability, three types of drinks containing whole mango peel, mangiferin alongside control treatment were prepared to evaluate their suitability and stability. Furthermore, 60 days storage caused a significant effect on acidity while total soluble solids decreased nonmomentously in all treatments. Practical Applications: Food Processing is one of the important segments in all food industries. During processing of fruits and vegetables, especially in developing nation like Pakistan, enormous amount of agro-wastes are generating annually. These by-products are potential source of bioactive compounds. Among these agro-wastes, mango peel has been used to prepare functional drinks, cookies and biscuits formulations. Researchers are focusing their attention more towards the uses of these agro-wastes in food systems due to presence of phytochemicals.

Freshly harvested guava were dipped in 1, 2 and 3% Calcium lactate solution for 5 min at room temperature and stored in a chamber at 5% CO2 level where humidity and temperature were 80% and 10 ± 1C. The stored guavas were analyzed for total phenolic content, antioxidant activity sugars g/100 g (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and organic acids mg/100 g (citric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid). The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in samples were decreased at termination of storage. The glucose, fructose and sucrose content in control sample were 2.73, 3.30 and 1.66 at the start of storage period which increased to 3.28, 3.66 and 2.08 at the 18th day then after, these declined to 3.22, 3.62 and 2.04 at end of storage, respectively. Citric acid and ascorbic acid content were decreased while malic acid and tartaric acid contents were increased at the termination of storage period. Practical Applications Consumer demand for more natural, minimally processed and fresh foods is increasing. Modified atmosphere storage is a well-proven technology for preserving natural quality of food products in addition to extending the storage life. Modified atmosphere storage is one of the most successful preservation techniques suitable for wide varieties of agricultural and food products. Modified atmosphere storage in combination with pretreatments will help minimize 35–40% postharvest loss of guava fruit which will ultimately benefit guava producers by reducing the wastage of guava fruit.

Green or red cabbage or their aqueous extracts based croquettes were formulated and compared with control croquettes over one-month frozen storage, involving baking and frying procedures. Maximum ash (p .05) was quantified in red cabbage croquettes, 3.99 +/- 0.24% (Baked) and 4.27 +/- 0.09% (Fried) while minimal fat was found in green and red cabbage croquettes, predominantly via baking; 3.07 +/- 0.25% and 3.15 +/- 0.30%, respectively. Antioxidant activity was maximally reported (p .05) in red cabbage based treatments, though, it reduced with the progression in storage. Total polyphenols in baked and fried cabbage croquettes were in the range from 70.59 +/- 3.25 to 121.61 +/- 5.85 and 71.17 +/- 3.06 to 125.82 +/- 6.09 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g F.W., respectively, and demonstrated linear relationship with antioxidant potential. Among treated samples, maximum score for overall acceptability was attained by green cabbage based croquettes among fried (7.71 +/- 1.35) and baked (7.27 +/- 0.49) samples. Thus, cabbage based croquettes showed high nutritional and antioxidant potential without affecting product acceptability. Practical applications With the escalating consumer awareness regarding nutrition, food processing industries are replenishing existing food products by incorporating natural plants or their extracts, ultimately formulating functional or designer foods. In spite of numerous health benefits, cabbage is not often consumed by all segments of the population, however, incorporation of cabbage or its aqueous extract in ready to cook foods may serve as a convenient and healthy approach for its consumers. In addition, different conventional cooking methods that are normally practiced at home and general public is quite unaware of the fact that which cooking method is more suitable for retaining optimal antioxidant potential of a food product; hence analysis of cooking methods may facilitate consumers in this context.

Objectives: The present research was tailored to explore the prophylactic role of garlic extracts to mitigate some diet related malfunctions. The recent patents regarding antidiabetic agents (US 20140147528 A1) and garlic compositions (US 20110129580 A1) also helped in the study design. Methods: Bioevaluation trials were conducted on Sprague Dawley rats by feeding garlic extracts for a period of sixty days. Accordingly, three studies were carried out comprising of normal, hyperglycemic and hypercholesterolemic rats. Drink & feed intakes and weight gain were measured throughout the trial. After sixty days, collected sera from rats were analyzed for serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL & triglyceride levels and glucose & insulin concentrations. Finally, the data obtained were subjected to statistical modeling. Results: Results concerning the bioevaluation trials revealed that maximum 12.39% reduction was observed in serum cholesterol in Study III (hypercholesterolemic rats) on the provision of garlic supercritical extract (nutraceutical diet) followed by 10.24% decline in rats fed on solvent extract supplemented diet (functional diet). Regarding LDL, maximum decrease (17.02%) was recorded on the administration of diet having garlic supercritical extract to the hypercholesterolemic rats. While in Study II (hyperglycemic rats) maximum decrease of 11.03% in glucose level was recorded in rats fed on supercritical extract containing diet. In the same group maximum increase in insulin (7.95%) was recorded. Conclusions: From the current investigations, it can be concluded that garlic based designer foods possess the prophylactic perspectives to alleviate the risk of metabolic ailments. Thus, it can be used in the diet based therapeutic interventions as an adjuvant to pharmaceuticals.

Fructooligosaccharide-supplemented whey drinks may have potential as an interventional strategy for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidaemic conditions. A bioefficacy study was conducted in normal, hypercholesterolaemic and hyperglycaemic Sprague Dawley rats, running two consecutive trials for validity of results. Control drink (T 0 ), whey drink (T 1 ) and whey drink supplemented with 1.5% fructooligosaccharides (T 4 ), were given to each group. The functional drink caused a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, and an increase in high density lipoprotein. The greatest decline in total cholesterol was induced by T 4 (10.9% and 12.0% in hypercholesterolaemic rats and 7.0% and 7.7% in hyperglycaemic rats, for trials 1 and 2, respectively). The decrease in total cholesterol by T 4 was mainly due to a pronounced decrease in LDL cholesterol (14.7% and 16.1% in hypercholesterolaemic rats and 7.4% and 8.1% in hyperglycaemic rats for trials 1 and 2, respectively).

Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage besides water and has attained significant attention owing to health benefits against array of maladies, e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer insurgence. The major bioactive molecules are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, etc. The anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities of green tea were highlighted some years ago. Several cohort studies and controlled randomized trials suggested the inverse association of green tea consumption and cancer prevalence. Cell culture and animal studies depicted the mechanisms of green tea to control cancer insurgence, i.e., induction of apoptosis to control cell growth arrest, altered expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, activation of killer caspases, and suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B activation. It acts as carcinoma blocker by modulating the signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, transformation, inflammation, and metastasis. However, results generated from some research interventions conducted in different groups like smokers and nonsmokers, etc. contradicted with aforementioned anticancer perspectives. In this review paper, anticancer perspectives of green tea and its components have been described. Recent findings and literature have been surfed and arguments are presented to clarify the ambiguities regarding anticancer perspectives of green tea and its component especially against colon, skin, lung, prostate, and breast cancer. The heading of discussion and future trends is limelight of the manuscript. The compiled manuscript provides new avenues for researchers to be explored in relation to green tea and its bioactive components.

The current review article is an attempt to explain the therapeutic potential of mangiferin, a bioactive compound of the mango, against lifestyle-related disorders. Mangiferin (2-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one) can be isolated from higher plants as well as the mango fruit and their byproducts (i.e. peel, seed, and kernel). It possesses several health endorsing properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and immunomodulatory. It suppresses the activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor isoforms by changing the transcription process. Mangiferin protects against different human cancers, including lung, colon, breast, and neuronal cancers, through the suppression of tumor necrosis factor α expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase potential, and proliferation and induction of apoptosis. It also protects against neural and breast cancers by suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-7 and inhibiting enzymatic activity, metastatic potential, and activation of the β-catenin pathway. It has the capacity to block lipid peroxidation, in order to provide a shielding effect against physiological threats. Additionally, mangiferin enhances the capacity of the monocyte-macrophage system and possesses antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This review summarizes the literature pertaining to mangiferin and its associated health claims.

The core objective of the current research was to determine the phenolic acids through High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in milling fractions of spring wheats, i.e., bran, shorts, break, and reduction flour. In wheat bran, caffeic, p-coumaric, syringic, and ferulic acid ranged from 0.93 to 1.5, 24 to 32.00, 55.30 to 94, and 137.25 to 180.30 μg/g, respectively. Maximum caffeic acid (0.33 μg/g), p-coumaric acid (12.12 μg/g), and ferulic acid content (29.12 μg/g) were found in the reduction flour of Sehar-2006. Furthermore, whole wheat flour of Shafaq-2006 revealed maximum caffeic acid (1.8 μg/g), p-coumaric acid (22.3 μg/g), and syringic acid (47.07 μg/g). Since antioxidant activity is directly related with phenolic acids, it was decreased (43.26 to 74.40%) in cookies with the decrease in phenolic acids during storage. Moreover, phenolic acids hold potential to be extracted and utilized in cereal-based products for best quality and value addition.

In present research, vitamin K-rich dietary food products were prepared from spinach & soybean and evaluated for nutritional factors, phylloquinone and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) contents and sensory attributes. For the purpose, two spinach-based products (fresh cooked spinach (FCS), reconstituted spinach (RS), and fermented soybean (natto A; NA and Natto B; NB) were formulated. Nutritional composition indicated that natto were rich in protein and fat compared to spinach-based products. They also contained appreciable amount of mineral i.e. potassium, magnesium, calcium zinc, sodium cupper, and iron. High performance liquid chromatography revealed that FCS contained 368.81±13.96 μg/ 100 g of phylloquinone followed by 270.07±9.45 μg/100 g in RS, whereas minimum value 26.90±0.94 μg/100 g was observed in NA. However, maximum MK-7 concentration was recorded in NA at 803.82±21.14 μg/100 g trailed by NB 681.35±16.85 μg/100 g. On the contrary, MK-7 was not detected in the spinach-based products. Antioxidant indices of products indicated that spinach-based products contained higher amount of the total phenolic content, DPPH free radical-scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antioxidant activity compared to natto. Sensory response of the products showed that spinach-based products attained higher scores than those of natto A and B. Conclusively, FCS and NA contained sufficient amount of phylloquinone and MK-7 along with antioxidant activity and has higher potential to modulate the coagulation and bone related abnormalities.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a prosperous source of polyphenols, especially catechins. In the current research, an effort was made to optimize the extraction conditions for maximum yield of catechins from the local green tea Qi-Men. For the purpose, three different solvents were used, i.e., aqueous ethanol (50%), aqueous methanol (50%), and water at different time intervals (20, 40, and 60 min). Green tea catechins were quantified through HPLC using a C18 column and UV detector. The antioxidant activity of green tea catechins was measured through in vitro tests including DPPH radical scavenging ability and antioxidant activity. Results showed that extraction through aqueous ethanol resulted in maximum yield of green tea catechins (17400 ± 0.19 mg/100 g green tea leaves. Moreover, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin ranged from 4.26 ± 0.09 to 6.4 ± 0.2, 12.1 ± 0.123 to 17.7 ± 0.3, 1.32 ± 0.03 to 1.81 ± 0.02, 5.48 ± 0.099 to 8.6 ± 0.2 g/100 g of dry-extract, ...

In order to assess the extent and fate of imidacloprid residues, the present research project was designed. Vegetables (cucumber and bell pepper) were collected from a supervised farmer's field. Fresh vegetables were dipped in organic acid solutions such as acetic acid (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0%), citric acid (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0%), and their combination (50:50 each) for 5 min. Imidacloprid residue level was determined before and after dipping in organic acids through high-performance liquid chromatography. The pesticide residue level was in the range of 0.12 ± 0.04 to 1.92 ± 0.04 mg/kg and 0.52 ± 0.02 to 1.89 ± 0.06 mg/kg in cucumber and bell pepper, respectively. The highest reduction of imidacloprid residue level was found after washing with 9% citric acid solution (93.75%) followed by a mixture of citric acid and acetic acid (1.5% each) solution (91.14%), and the lowest value was found in the mixture of citric acid and acetic acid (0.75% each) solution (48.43%) in cucumber. Likewise, in bell pepper, ...

The present exploration was an attempt to investigate the therapeutic potential of mango peel extract. For the purpose, five different mango peels namely chaunsa, anwar ratol, langra, dusahri and desi were nutritionally characterized. The nutritional analysis indicated that mango peel is a good source of moisture, protein and minerals. The means elucidated highest moisture in the peel of desi mango 71.38±2.05 followed by anwar ratol, chaunsa, langra and dusahri as 71.01±3.91, 70.74±4.01, 69.86±5.20 and 68.33±4.14%, respectively. Moreover, protein contents were reported from 1.94±0.04 to 2.36±0.01 in respective varieties. Similarly, fat and fiber contents in respective varieties were 2.31±0.14 and 5.01±0.25, 2.26±0.10 and 5.47±0.31, 2.25±0.17 and 4.88±0.12, 2.18±0.18 and 4.69±0.17 and 2.11±0.12 and 4.53±0.18%. Likewise, the recorded NFE values for respective samples were 87.87±6.87, 87.60±3.41, 88.86±5.20, 89.09±3.85 and 89.58±2.89, respectively. In the present case, the highest K content was observed in chaunsa (18.78±1.26 mg/100g) followed by desi (18.76±0.96 mg/100g), anwar ratol (17.73±1.21 mg/100g), dusahri (17.16±1.02 mg/100g) and langra (16.21±1.12 mg/100g). Similarly, Mg and Ca were recorded as 56.11±4.21 and 87.46±6.32, 54.73±3.69 and 82.72±4.18, 52.54±1.16 and 79.81±3.85, 50.25±1.52 and 75.08±4.10 and 56.83±2.32 and 78.39±5.02 mg/100g in respective mango peels. Amongst tested mango peels, ethanolic extract of chaunsa exhibited the highest TPC (75.35±3.96 mg/100g GAE), DPPH (59.28±3.69%) and $-carotene (57.33±4.14%) activities however, FRAP value (7.88±0.19 mmol/100g) was maximum in the acetone extract of chaunsa peel. From the present investigation, it is concluded that mango peel powder potential is potential source of minerals and antioxidants.

In the current exploration, sweet liquid whey was subjected to physicochemical analysis, minerals assay and amino acid profiling. It comprised of total solids, lactose, ash, crude protein and fat as 6.49±0.31, 5.26±0.26, 0.56±0.02, 0.81±0.03 and 0.25±0.01%, respectively. The results regarding mineral analysis indicated that whey contains appreciable amount of potassium, sodium and calcium. Furthermore, amino acid profile elucidated it a balance source of essential and non-essential amino acids. Amongst essential amino acids, highest value was noticed for leucine 97.25±4.68 followed by lysine and threonine 83.98±2.46 and 48.89±2.84 mg/g protein.

In the current project, indigenously grown promising watermelon variety (Sugar baby) was characterized for its antioxidant potential. The watermelon juice and lycopene extract were quantified by HPLC that depicted 4.53±0.05 and 6.27±0.06 mg/100mL of lycopene, respectively. Furthermore, the watermelon juice and lycopene extract showed Total Phenolic

In present project locally grown black tea (Qi-men variety) was explored for its nutritional and antioxidant potential. Furthermore, polyphenols extraction was carried out by using water, ethanol and methanol as solvent at varying time conditions. Proximate profiling indicating moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, ash and NFE as 7.01±0.20, 4.51±0.06, 15.12±0.51, 15.33±1.52, 4.86±0.08 and 53.17±1.97%, respectively. Likewise, tested sample exhibited good mineral status dominated by potassium and sodium. The different antioxidant indices were affected significantly by time and solvents. In this context, ethanol and 60 min extraction time showed maximum TPC, FRAP, DPPH and beta-carotene activity as 1150.92±15.01 and 833.33±1.12 mg/100g GAE, 754.44±12.30 and 609.89±16.04 µmolFe /g, 71.13±3.20 2+

For millennia, spices have been an integral part of human diets and commerce. Recently, the widespread recognition of diet-health linkages bolsters their dietary importance. The bioactive components present in them are of considerable significance owing to their therapeutic potential against various ailments. They provide physiological benefits or prevent chronic ailment in addition to the fundamental nutrition and often included in the category of functional foods. Black pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) is an important healthy food owing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial potential and gastro-protective modules. Black pepper, with piperine as an active ingredient, holds rich phytochemistry that also includes volatile oil, oleoresins, and alkaloids. More recently, cell-culture studies and animal modeling predicted the role of black pepper against number of maladies. The free-radical scavenging activity of black pepper and its active ingredients might be helpful in chemoprevention and controlling progression of tumor growth. Additionally, the key alkaloid components of Piper Nigrum, that is, piperine assist in cognitive brain functioning, boost nutrient's absorption and improve gastrointestinal functionality. In this comprehensive treatise, efforts are made to elucidate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective, and antidepressant activities of black pepper. Moreover, the synergistic interaction of black pepper with different drugs and nutrients is the limelight of the manuscript. However, the aforementioned health-promoting benefits associated with black pepper are proven in animal modeling. Thus, there is a need to conduct controlled randomized trials in human subjects, cohort studies, and meta-analyses. Such future studies would be helpful in recommending its application in diet-based regimens to prevent various ailments.

Micronutrients fortified spirulina supplemented rice-soy crisps (SRSC) were manufactured using novel supercritical fluid extrusion. A low-shear, twin screw, co-rotating extruder operated at lower temperatures (∼100C) was used to produce crisps supplemented with various levels (2–8%) of spirulina and fortified with four micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin A, C) at the recommended daily values in 100 g product. The SRSC were analyzed for proximate composition, dietary fiber, added nutrients, texture and morphological characteristics. The extrusion process retained minerals (87–100%), vitamin A (45–50%) and vitamin C (52–47%), respectively. Rice-soy crisps supplemented with 6% spirulina got the highest score (8.50) from the sensory judges due to appealing color, smooth surface, better crispiness and pleasant flavor and overall acceptability followed by rice soy spirulina crisp supplemented with 4% spirulina (7.80). The developed SRSC can successfully be incorporated in school nutrition programs due to shelf stability, palatability, economic feasibility and fulfilling nutrient requirements of children. Practical Applications SC-CO2-assisted extrusion is an innovative process-based approach to produce shelf stable nutritious crispy products which can be further be converted into food bars for school nutrition programs to reduce the menace of malnutrition. Spirulina and spirulina protein isolates can efficiently be utilized in various food formulations to alleviate the nutrient deficient among the masses. Furthermore, information derived from the present investigation can be helpful for the researchers to understand compositional, functional and nutritional attributes of spirulina and its application in array of foods.

Phytoceutics have been become increasingly famous with individuals anxious to mitigate the influence of unhealthy lifestyle as well as aging. Purposely, phytochemical analysis of ginger proved it as an excellent source of antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Regarding bioactive moieties especially gingerol and shogaol series extraction, ethanol showed maximum radical scavenging at 90 minutes than that of ethyl acetate and acetone. Ginger conventional extract showed maximum activity as 57.80 ± 1.97% superoxide anion radical scavenging, 38.23 ± 1.30% nitric oxide radical scavenging, 77.62 ± 2.64% hydroxyl radical scavenging and 52.61 ± 1.79% hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity in ethanol extract at 90 minute. Regarding to supercritical fluid extracts the maximum activity was observed at 3300 psi pressure and 40°C for 2 hr, followed by 3600 psi and 3000 psi pressure at same conditions. The maximum values were 78.13 ± 2.50%, 54.83 ± 1.75%, 86.71 ± 2.81% and 75.42 ± 2.26% for superoxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity of supercritical fluid ginger extract. Afterwards, HPLC analysis portray that ginger extracts contain maximum amount of in gingerol (7.81 mg/g) at 3300 psi pressure followed by 3600 psi and 3000 psi pressure for supercritical and 5.74 mg/g in ethanolic extract among organic solvents.

Amongst scientific communities, use of dietary therapies, natural antioxidants from fruits & vegetables and herbs & spices has been rising. Epidemiological studies have exposed that frequent inclusion of natural antioxidants in daily menu is responsible to prevent lifestyle related malfunctions. However, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an innate phenomenon that damages the integrity of biomolecules in case if balance between free radicals and antioxidants get devastated (Lim and Han, 2016). Polyphenols are the dominant group of phytoceutics present in plant based edibles such as fruits & vegetables, cereal and spices (Sardar et al., 2012). The active ingredients in these edibles are associated with health boosting and diseases preventive agents (Suleria et al., 2015). In this context, spices are worth considering for their antioxidant potential as corroborated by various efficacy studies with special reference to cinnamon, turmeric, cloves and anise (Kochhar, 2008; Suleria et al., 2013). Moreover, there are strong evidences supporting the presence of phytoceutics in spices and their positive health impact besides serving as culinary ingredients (Srinivasan, 2005; Aggarwal et al., 2009; Kunwar et al., 2011). Basically, spices are seasonings with aromatic properties and often incorporated in the traditional culinary (Suleria et al., 2015). Amongst, turmeric is one of the important herbs i.e. widely used as spice, culinary additive, medicine, condiment, dye and cosmetic (Lal, 2012). Turmeric (Curcuma longa), botanically belongs to Zingiberaceae family and extensively cultivated in China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other tropical regions of South Asia. In Pakistan, it is grown in Kasoor, Lahore, Okara, Bannu and Mirpurkhas; however, its per hectare production is low due to poor agricultural practices (Kiran et al., 2013). Turmeric rhizome have plethora of secondary metabolites. The principal bioactive moieties of turmeric rhizome are curcuminoids; complex of three analogues, curcumin I, II & III depending on structural configuration and essential oil. The compositional analysis showed variations from 3-5% in curcuminoids in addition to vitamin C, E and β-carotene (Balasasirekha and Lakshmi, 2012). Phytotherapies based on turmeric bioactives tends to improve the health of the individuals through the scavenging free radicals. Chemical analysis elucidated that α, β-unsaturated carbonyl groups of turmeric polyphenols i.e. curcumin are involved in neutralizing nucleophiles. As curcumin exhibits diketone structure, it tends to tautomerize between ketonic and enolic forms that are important for antioxidant potential (Manjunatha and Srinivasan, 2007; Kelkel et al., 2010). The antioxidant power of curcumin was attributed to its functional Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 53(3), xxx-xxx; 2016 ISSN (Print) 0552-9034, ISSN (Online) 2076-0906 DOI:10.21162/PAKJAS/16.5361 http://www.pakjas.com.pk

5 Abstract: Nigella sativa L. (Black cumin) is important medicinal plant and hold religious importance too. The core objective of present research study was to utilize Black Cumin Essential Oil (BCEO) as functiona l ingredients to improve the nutritive quality and thymoquinone contents of cereal-based bakery products. The results indicated that addition of essential oil influenced the physical and chemical characteristics of cookies non-significantly. Thymoquinone contents of cookies were highest in cookies containing 0.3% BCEO (7.25±0.482 mg/100 g) as compared to control (0.0 mg/100 g). Additionally, BCEO improved the oxidative stability of the cookies as indicated from decreased Peroxide Value (POV) and TBA value. Moreover, progressive increase in essential oil in cookies formulation didn't confer any deleterious impact on overall acceptability and judged by the trained taste panel during sensory appraisal. Present research investigation brightened the prospects of using black cumin essential oil in different food products that may produce healthy impact on end consumers.

The main aim of this study was the characterization of coriander essential oil. The major volatile compounds in coriander seed essential oil were linalool, γ-terpinene, α-pinene, camphor, decanal geranyl acetate, limonene, geraniol, camphene, and D-limonene, while the major volatile compounds identified in coriander leaves essential oil were (E)-2-decenal, linalool, (E)-2-dodecenal, (E)-2-tetradecenal, 2-decen-1-ol, (E)-2-undecenal, dodecanal, (E)-2-tridecenal, (E)-2-hexadecenal, pentadecenal, and α-pinene. The essential oil from coriander seeds showed significant radical scavenging activity (66.48 ± 0.80%) at a concentration of 500 μg in comparison with essential oil of coriander leaves (56.73 ± 1.82%). Methanol extracts of both seed and leaves showed the significant radical scavenging activity (64.40 ± 0.81%) and (72.19 ± 0.64%) at 500 μg/mL, respectively, in comparison with the n-hexane extracts, which were (52.67 ± 2.05%) and (60.80 ± 1.01%), respectively, at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. Reducing pow...

PurposeNigella sativa L. (black cumin) has a unique nutritional profile that can be employed in food formulation to improve health of consumers. Black cumin is already used in traditional medicines in Pakistan to treat various maladies like diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, and as immune booster. The core objective of the present research study is to explore the role of black cumin fixed oil (BCFO) as a functional ingredient in cereal‐based bakery products.Design/methodology/approachThe BCFO was supplemented in cookies' formulations and impact on nutritive quality, tocopherols and thymoquinone contents was studied.FindingsThe results indicated that addition of fixed oil influenced the physical characteristics of cookies significantly. Chemical attributes varied non‐significantly, but oxidative stability of the cookies was improved as indicated from decreased peroxide (POV) and TBA value. Gradual increase in BCFO in cookies formulations increased the amounts of total tocopherols significantly from 9.85 ± 0.392 to 53.19 ± 1.689 mg/kg‐oil. BCFO addition significantly enhanced α‐, β‐, γ‐, δ‐tocopherols i.e. 8.80±0.630 to 32.19±1.410, 0.96±0.035 to 3.47±0.114, 0.09 ± 0.000 to 14.98 ± 0.520, 0.00 ± 0.000 to 2.55 ± 0.127 mg/kg‐oil, respectively. Likewise, thymoquinone contents were recorded highest in cookies containing 5.0 @ BCFO (7.25 ± 0.482 mg/100 g) as compared to control. Moreover, cookies containing fixed oil @ 4% rated better on hedonic scale as compared with control by the trained taste panel during sensory evaluation.Originality/valueThe results of present research paved the way for the commercial applications of BCFO especially in cereal‐based products. Moreover, present intervention heightened the prospects of using black cumin seed oil in different food products that may produce healthy impact on end consumers.