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Plants represent a significant part of the human diet. Humans have utilized every part of plants for survival, and seeds are no exception. Seeds offer high protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals for various food applications. They are also a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds, where various phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, capable of maintaining and improving well-being, are present in abundant quantities. Plants from Malvaceae and Cannabaceae families are known for their fibre-rich stems that benefit humankind by serving numerous purposes. For many centuries they have been exploited extensively for various commercial and industrial uses. Their seeds, which are often regarded as a by-product of fibre processing, have been scientifically discovered to have an essential role in combating hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cancer, and oxidative stress. Maximizing the use of these agricultural wastes can be a promising approach to creating a more sustainable world, in accordance with the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Phytochemicals are plant-based bioactive compounds produced by plants for their protection. In Allium species, the principal bioactive phytochemicals include organosulfur compounds, polyphenols, and saponins. Most of them have also displayed antioxidant activities aside from other biological properties. Selection for productivity, disease resistance, and long shelf life has brought the biologically active substances out of control of selection. However, at the same time, enhancement of their contents could result from hybridization with some wild species of Allium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review seeks to deepen our comprehension of the African plant Momordica balsamina L. by elucidating its therapeutically important molecules and nutrient composition. Commonly referred to as the balsam apple, this plant species is extensively harnessed for its diverse therapeutic potential across its various organs, including leaves, fruits, roots, and stems. Numerous bioactive molecules have been isolated or identified within this plant, notably encompassing polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. These compounds exhibit a wide array of biological activities, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic to anti-malarial properties, among others. Furthermore, the leaves of Momordica balsamina L. stand out for their abundant micronutrients, proteins, and amino acids. This investigation aims to shed light not only on the botanical characteristics of the Momordica balsamina plant and its potential applications in traditional medicine but also on its chemical composition, biological functionalities, and physicochemical attributes, thus accentuating its nutritional advantages. Nonetheless, an intriguing avenue presents itself for the exploration of strategies to conserve this species, delve deeper into its potential within the cosmetics industry, and innovate methodologies for the synthesis or biosynthesis of these bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review seeks to deepen our comprehension of the African plant Momordica balsamina L. by elucidating its therapeutically important molecules and nutrient composition. Commonly referred to as the balsam apple, this plant species is extensively harnessed for its diverse therapeutic potential across its various organs, including leaves, fruits, roots, and stems. Numerous bioactive molecules have been isolated or identified within this plant, notably encompassing polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. These compounds exhibit a wide array of biological activities, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic to anti-malarial properties, among others. Furthermore, the leaves of Momordica balsamina L. stand out for their abundant micronutrients, proteins, and amino acids. This investigation aims to shed light not only on the botanical characteristics of the Momordica balsamina plant and its potential applications in traditional medicine but also on its chemical composition, biological functionalities, and physicochemical attributes, thus accentuating its nutritional advantages. Nonetheless, an intriguing avenue presents itself for the exploration of strategies to conserve this species, delve deeper into its potential within the cosmetics industry, and innovate methodologies for the synthesis or biosynthesis of these bioactive molecules.

Green leafy vegetables are widely cultivated and consumed in South East Asia. These vegetables are rich in phytochemicals, which have been associated to particular health benefits. Preparation/processing, particularly those involving heat, prior to consumption can change the level of phytochemicals in the vegetables following various mechanisms, including thermal breakdown, oxidation, leaching, and matrix degradation. Appropriate processing should minimize degradation of phytochemicals so that the optimum intake toward health promotion be achieved. Better understanding of how processing influence the retention of phytochemical compounds is therefore crucial to provide guidelines on the processing of green leafy vegetables while maximizing their nutritional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has expanded over the world, affecting millions of people. In current age of numerous circulating viruses, we must be aware of the challenges to fight against infections. Since viruses are constantly mutating, combating them is a challenging undertaking. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle may become a topic of contention in the battle against viral infections and have a role in reducing the risk of infection. The relationship connecting diet with various infections is quite extensively recognized, therefore modifying dietary intake frequently gives a straightforward low-cost approach to halting dissemination, lowering predisposition, and amplifying disease impact on viruses that produce an array of chronic infectious diseases and other severe infections. Various diseases have been cured by modifying the patient’s diet and adding the necessary nutrients to give the patient immunity such as yogurt, vegetable juices, fruits, etc. Since ancient times, phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites derived from plant extracts have been utilized to treat a variety of medical problems. These plants may aid in antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and other significant metabolic activities. Aside from vaccine development, finding effective antiviral drugs is crucial for preventing viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of the plants are claimed to possess the antibiotic properties in the traditional system and are also used extensively by the tribal people throughout the world. It is now mostly thought that nature has given the cure of every disease in one form or another. Plants have been known to cure people from various diseases in Ayurveda. This research focused on the screening of phytochemicals and some biological activities of Phyllanthus albizzioides. The research showed that the ethanol extracts were found to be greater chemical constituents than watery extracts. Among the chemical constituents, steroid compounds were observed in highest amount in ethanol extract and the second highest in flavonoid compounds followed by tannin compounds and pheolic compounds. Furthermore, the ethanol extracts were more effective than the watery extracts in all tested biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antitumor and NO inhibition activities. A cyclohexanone compound was isolated from the chloroform extract of the stem bark of P. albizzioides. The relative structure was determined to be 4,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-cyclohex-2-enone on the basic of HRESIMS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic analyses, including 2D NMR experiments.

This study determined the proximate composition, mineral content and phytochemical screening of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and acha (Digitaria exilis) grains obtained from Garki market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in order to compare the nutritional and medicinal values of the two grains. The results obtained from the proximate analysis of wheat and acha respectively is as follows: moisture content (9.33 ± 0.57% and 10.9 ± 0.05%), ash (1.16 ± 0.28% and 1.16 ± 0.28%), crude fibre (9.83 ± 0.28% and 15.33 ± 0.57%), crude protein (5.76 ± 1.23% and 3.35 ± 1.13%), lipid (1.5 ± 0.70% and 1.00 ± 0%), carbohydrates (72.29 ± 0.72% and 68.46 ± 1.33%), energy value (3.2582 and 2.9432kcal/100mg). The mineral analysis showed that the amount of Fe, K and Mg were higher in acha compared to wheat and Na, Ca, Zn and Pb are higher in wheat compared to acha. Cr was not detected in both samples. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, flavonoids and cardiac glycoside in the two samples. Saponins were present in only wheat, whereas alkaloids are present in only acha. However, phenolics, tannins, terpenes and steroids were absent in the two samples. The result of this study has revealed that both samples are rich sources of carbohydrate, crude fibres and essential mineral. In addition, the phytochemical analysis result shows that these cereals are potential sources of therapeutic agents which can help to lower the risk of several diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wattakaka volubilis Linn. F Stapf (Family: Asclapadaceae) is a leafy vegetable and a medicinal plant in Asian countries. In the present study, an attempt was made to (a) standardize and (b) investigate nutritional properties of W. volubilis grown in Sri Lanka. W. volubilis leaves were standardized by (a) determination of physicochemical parameters, (b) screening for phytochemicals and (c) development of TLC fingerprint. Nutritional properties were investigated in terms of protein, crude fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, magnesium, iron and calcium percentage. Antioxidant potential was investigated by (a) DPPH assay and (b) estimation of total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents. Results revealed that W. volubilis leaves consist of 16.5% of total ash, 0.8% of acid insoluble ash, 6.1% of water soluble ash, 32.6% of protein, 3.3% of crude fat, 17.8% of carbohydrates, 24.8% of dietary fiber, 0.5% of magnesium, 0.4% of iron and 1.0% of calcium. Antioxidant potential of W. volubilis leaves (IC50: 7.06 ± 0. 40 μg/mL) was comparable to that of L-ascorbic acid (IC50: 6.40 ±0.21 μg/mL) and found high amounts of falvonoids and phenols. In conclusion, nutritional properties of W. volubilis leaves was established for the first time and observed physicochemical and phytochemical parameters may be used as tools to standardize W. volubilis grown in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the physico-chemical characterization of kernels and oil of Terminalia catappa L. from Benin. The detailed physico-chemical properties are given including the nutritional composition and fatty acid profile, but also the phenolic content, phytochemical screening and antioxidant capacity which were determined for the first time. The kernel (100 g) contained 5.5 g of moisture, a high level of lipids (64.7–140.4 of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)), proteins (36.0% RDI), sugars (6.0% RDI), and tannins (0.6%). The defatted kernels (100 g) contained high levels of manganese (184.8–236.1% RDI), magnesium (173.6–235.2% RDI), iron (89.7–201.9% RDI), zinc (87.9–120.9% RDI) and calcium (41.5% RDI), and contributed for 98.6% of RDI proteins. The kernel oil showed a high level of unsaturated fatty acids including oleic (27.1%) and linoleic acids (26.6%) and saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid (40.0%) as well as several phytosterols and triterpenes. These kernels and their unsaturated oil are of interesting nutritional value but could also be used as a biofuel or lubricant. The presence of phenolic and terpenic derivatives may also explain at least in part their use in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The edible fruits of Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl are widely used in traditional medicine in Indonesia. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as - cancer, diabetes mellitus, allergies, liver and heart diseases, kidney failure, blood diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, various skin diseases, itching, aches, and flu. Therefore, it is of great interest to determine the biochemical and cytotoxic properties of the fruit extracts. Methods The methanol, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water extracts of P. macrocarpa fruits were examined for phytochemicals, physicochemicals, flavonols, flavonoids and phenol content. Its nutritional value (A.O.A.C method), antioxidant properties (DPPH assay) and cytotoxicity (MTT cell proliferation assay) were also determined. Results A preliminary phyotochemical screening of the different crude extracts from the fruits of P. macrocarpa showed the presence secondary metabolites such as of flavonoids, phenols, saponin glycosides and tannins. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts displayed high antioxidant acitivity (IC50 value of 8.15±0.02 ug/mL) in the DPPH assay comparable to that of the standard gallic acid (IC50 value of 10.8±0.02 ug/mL). Evaluation of cytotoxic activity showed that the crude methanol extract possessed excellent anti-proliferative activity against SKOV-3 (IC50 7.75±2.56 μg/mL) after 72 hours of treatment whilst the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts displayed good cytotoxic effect against both SKOV-3 and MDA-MB231 cell lines. The chloroform extract however, showed selective inhibitory activity in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231 (IC50 7.80±1.57 μg/mL) after 48 hours of treatment. There was no cytotoxic effect observed in the Ca Ski cell line and the two normal cell lines (MRC-5 and WRL-68) . Conclusion The methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. macrocarpa fruits exhibited good nutritional values, good antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, and merits further investigation to identify the specific compound(s) responsible for these activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]