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Nonconventional protein isolates were prepared from defatted oilseeds (sesame, flaxseed, and canola). Bioevaluation was performed via growth study parameters i.e., protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), and relative net protein ratio (RNPR). The highest values for these parameters were recorded in sesame protein isolates (SPIs) followed by canola protein isolates (CPIs) and flaxseed protein isolates (FPIs). Nitrogen balance study parameters represented maximum true digestibility (TD) in SPI trailed by FPI and CPI. However, biological value (BV) was found higher in FPI. Similarly, the highest value for net protein utilization (NPU) was noticed in FPI tracked by SPI and CPI. Moreover, safety assessment of protein isolates was also performed including serum protein and kidney and liver function tests. All these parameters showed nonsignificant variations among the tested protein isolates. The outcomes of research explicated that these protein isolates can play a pivotal role to increase the protein level of individuals.

Due to the high prevalence of allergies and asthma, awareness about allergens and therapeutic use of functional foods and nutraceuticals have gained immense attention. Spirulina powder is being used as health-boosting and antioxidant agent against several ailments owing to its unique nutritional profile. Considering its antioxidant role, the current study was focused on exploring therapeutic role of spirulina against stress biomarkers in asthmatic model. To assess the therapeutic efficacy of spirulina against allergic asthma-specific oxidative stress biomarkers, a model feed trial was conducted and rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). G0–I (negative control), G0–II (positive control), whereas GI (spirulina) and G2 (salbutamol) served as treatment groups. Salbutamol is a chemical compound which is used in several antiallergic medicines because it works as bronchodilator. G2 group was given salbutamol for comparison of results. For asthma induction, rats were given intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin on 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Treatment groups were given spirulina powder (500 mg/kg body weight) and salbutamol (1 mg/kg), respectively, after the induction of asthma. All three asthmatic groups were also exposed to cigarette smoke daily along with respective treatment for 4 weeks. Asthma induction caused an increase in total cell count in bronchioalveolar fluid (BALF), while spirulina treatment reduced total cells in BALF by 33.50% and salbutamol by 41.7%. Level of interleukins (IL) like IL-4 decreased by 33.32% & 48.56% in G1 and G2. Similarly, IL-5 and IL-13 levels reduced by 40.9% & 49.9% and 18.62% & 38.02%, respectively, in G1 and G2. Serum levels of Immunoglobin-E (Ig-E) declined by 29.70% and 52.82%, while histamine levels were 26.23% & 45.58% less at the end of study in comparison to positive control. Moreover, histological analysis of lung tissue revealed that both spirulina and salbutamol effectively reduced ovalbumin and cigarette smoke-induced moderate to severe necrosis, architectural changes, and congestion. It was concluded that salbutamol showed better results however, spirulina also effectively reduced mild to moderate allergic symptoms in dose-dependent manner. Nutraceutical and functional foods are considered helpful in mitigating oxidative stress-mediated health problems. Spirulina has its unique nutritional profile including phycobiliproteins, phytochemicals, and antioxidant vitamins which make it useful against several ailments. Considering its antioxidant role, current study was focused on exploring therapeutic efficacy of spirulina against stress biomarkers in asthmatic model. Outcomes of present research also demonstrated beneficial effect of spirulina in modulating allergic symptoms. In this regard, ancient concept of “medicine food homology” can be implemented and spirulina can be incorporated in food for additional benefits. However, further research regarding safety aspects is needed for its use in clinical practice for humans.

Cigarette smoke exposure increases the production of free radicals leading to initiation of several pathological conditions by triggering the oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade. Olive fruit owing to its unique phytochemical composition possesses antioxidant, immune modulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the current experimental trail was designed to investigate the prophylactic role of green and black olives against the oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure in rats. Purposely, rats were divided into five different groups: NC (negative control; normal diet), PC [positive control; normal diet + smoke exposure (SE)], drug (normal diet + SE + citalopram), GO (normal diet + SE + green olive extract), and BO (normal diet + SE + black olive extract). Rats of all groups were exposed to cigarette smoke except “NC” and were sacrificed for collection of blood and organs after 28 days of experimental trial. The percent reduction in total oxidative stress by citalopram and green and black olive extracts in serum was 29.72, 58.69, and 57.97%, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity increased by 30.78, 53.94, and 43.98%, accordingly in comparison to PC. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 29.63, 42.59, and 45.70% in drug, GO, and BO groups, respectively. Likewise, green and black olive extracts reduced the leakage of hepatic enzymes in sera, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 23.44 and 25.80% and 35.62 and 37.61%, alanine transaminase (ALT) by 42.68 and 24.39% and 51.04 and 35.41%, and aspartate transaminase (AST) by 31.51 and 16.07% and 40.50 and 27.09% from PC and drug group, respectively. Additionally, olive extracts also maintained the antioxidant pool, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in serum. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that olive extracts prevented the cigarette smoke–induced necrosis, pyknotic alterations, and congestion in the lung, hepatic, and renal parenchyma. Besides, gene expression analysis revealed that olive extracts and citalopram decreased the brain and lung damage caused by stress-induced upregulation of NRF-2 and MAPK signaling pathways. Hence, it can be concluded that olives (both green and black) can act as promising antioxidant in alleviating the cigarette smoke–induced oxidative stress.

Electrostatic coating is being developed as an attractive alternative to overcome the problems encountered during conventional coating which includes non-uniform coating, dust generation, high energy and time consuming, equipment cleaning, and operating expenses. In this method, powder particles are charged by passing through an ion-rich region, which repel each other to produce an evenly distributed coating. This results in a uniform distribution of powder on target surface. In this study, the electrostatic coating of black pepper powder was applied by varying the applied voltage (0-20 kV), at a conveyor belt speed of 10 m/s and compared with manually coated cheese slices. The values of transfer efficiency (52.7%-87.0%), dust reduction (76.2%-85.8%), and adhesion (20.8%-85.3%) were higher for electrostatic coatings. The weight losses were lower (0.19%) at 15 kV as compared to 20 kV (0.67%). The total plate count of cheese slice coated at 20 kV was significantly higher (p 0.05), whereas at 15 kV it was lower than all other treatments. The shelf life of coated cheese slices at 15 kV lasted up to 1 month due to better coating compared to other treatments. From the results, it can be concluded that electrostatic coating of cheese slice with black pepper is best at 15 kV along with higher transfer efficiency and dust reduction. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Electrostatic powder coating of cheese resulted in higher transfer efficiency and reduction in dust production. later one has reduce the coating material requirement, thereby, reducing the processing cost. Moreover, dust reduction will reduce the burden of cleaning cost of environment and enhance worker health.

Health boosting potential of almonds is attributed to its antioxidant potential and rich nutritional profile containing a blend of multifarious nutrients and phytochemicals. These traits considerably vary amongst different genotypes and varieties. Hence, current research was planned to explore the basic nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of four different almond genotypes i.e. Patasa & Talwar (Pakistani) and Abdul Wahidi & Katha (Afghani). Amongst, Talwar and Abdul Wahidi showed better nutritional profile followed by Patasa and Katha. Proximate analysis revealed higher quantities of oil in Talwar and Abdul Wahidi i.e. 51.12±0.97 and 50.64±0.86%, respectively. Katha contained higher ash contents. Likewise, Abdul Wahidi and Talwar were also high in fiber content as 13.11±0.39 and 12.45±0.37, correspondingly. Substantial amount of protein was quantified in Abdul Wahidi. Talwar almonds were proved as a good source of potassium and magnesium, 14.02±1.12 mg/g and 3.10±0.24 mg/g, respectively. Likewise, Abdul Wahidi contained higher amount of phosphorous, 9.17±1.10 mg/g. However, Patasa were high in calcium. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based quantification showed that vitamin-E (α-tocopherol) was highest in Patasa trailed by Abdul Wahidi and Talwar. However, Katha almonds were low in vitamin-E. In vitro analysis exhibited Talwar and Abdul Wahidi with the highest flavonoids contents. Whereas, Patasa and Abdul Wahidi almonds had promising amounts of total phenolics. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) explicated better radical scavenging activity by Talwar and Abdul Wahidi almonds whilst Katha almonds showed better performance for FRAP assay.

Chronic inflammation plays an imperative role in the onset and progression of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, allergies, and asthma. Diet can modulate different stages of inflammation since it is a rich source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds abundantly found in various food groups such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, and beverages. Recent work on flavonoids has unveiled their potential to regulate or inhibit inflammation. This is attributed to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and immune-modulatory properties, making flavonoids an invaluable component in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal applications. However, information related to their anti-inflammatory mechanism is still not well understood. The current review is an attempt to elaborate chemical structure, dietary sources, and anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids against allergic diseases.

Ficus carica, (fig) one of the oldest plants cultivated on the earth, is rich in phytochemicals including organic acids, anthocyanins, phenolics, and phytosterols. Thus, the present research was carried out to explore the phytochemical composition of fig fruit extracts (prepared with 100% water and 70% ethanol) including, alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds along with HPLC characterization of flavonoids and phenolics. However, the prepared extract was also analyzed for its antioxidative capacity through ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2. Extracts prepared with 70% ethanol have better total alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics concentration, whereas 100% aqueous extract was more efficient to extract total anthocyanins. HPLC quantification of flavonoids and phenolics showed fig fruit is a good amount of catechin (ranged from 20.89 to 23.97 mg/100g), flavanone (ranged from 8.79 to 12.49 mg/100g), and gallic acid (ranged from 32.52 to 33.350 mg/100g). Likewise, the extract having higher phytochemical concentration exhibited higher antioxidant activity. Conclusively, the results depict nutritional composition as a function of genetic makeup and ecological conditions. The current study suggests that commercially available fig (especially Afghani) and its ethanolic extract possess substantial phytochemical compounds having antioxidant potential. Thus, fig may act as a functional food or nutraceutical ingredient having the potential to alleviate oxidative stress-mediated diseases.

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major causes of cardiovascular ailments. The study has been conducted on the hypothesis that hypercholesterolemia can be modulated by microencapsulated curcumin due to its enhanced bioavailability. In this context, curcumin obtained from fresh rhizomes of

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune progressive disease, associated with many pathophysiological consequences. Owing to the adverse effects and higher costs of pharmaceuticals, people are now looking for complementary and alternative remedies. In this milieu, the present study was designed to explore the therapeutic potential of walnuts against FCA-induced arthritis in rat models. Purposely, 50 Sprague Dawley rats were housed in a well-ventilated animal room and separated into 5 groups of 10 rats each. The rats were categorized as G

Background: Nowadays, bioactive moieties of plants are gaining attention amongst the masses to mitigate lifestyle related dysfunctions owing to their safe nature and functional properties. Objective: Considering phytochemistry and cost-effectiveness of cabbage, the current project was designed to probe the antioxidant capacity of locally grown green and red cabbage. Methods: The total polyphenols and free radical scavenging ability of red and green cabbage were determined using spectrophotometer while HPLC analysis was carried out to further fractionate phenolic acids and flavonoid constituents. Apart from this, antioxidant vitamins including vitamin C tocopherol and β-carotene were also detected using HPLC system. Results: The red cabbage showed higher amount of total polyphenols and flavonoids (224.37±6.96 & 219.15±10.30 mg/100g F.W.) than green cabbage (58.41±3.01 & 34.04±1.06 mg/100g F.W.) along with the existence of anthocyanins (69.86±4.12 mg/100g F.W.) in red cabbage. Comparative HPLC analysis regarding antioxidant moieties showed significant proportion of kempferol (171.10±5.99 mg/100g F.W.) followed by vitamin C (139.07±2.23 mg/100g F.W.) in red cabbage however, vitamin C (121.46±3.28 mg/100g F.W.) was found as the major antioxidant in green cabbage. The red cabbage depicted higher free radical quenching and reducing ability in contrast to green cabbage using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS [2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)], FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and PFRAP (potassium ferricyanide reducing antioxidant power) and H2O2 scavenging ability assays. Conclusion: In the nutshell, red cabbage showed better free radical scavenging ability as compared to green cabbage based on variation and quantification of antioxidant indices.

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.

Recent complex changes in social, dietary, and behavior routines led to a significant increase in functional and immune disorders of the human gastrointestinal tract. Volatile essential oils from major food commodities such as culinary and medicinal plants (spices) hold the potential to protect the digestive system from abusive agents and immune hypersensitivity by modulating inflammation and gut microbiome. Here we identify 8 botanical interventions including fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Ros.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton), and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oils that prevented gastric ulcer formation, reduced production of gastric acids, or promoted upper gastrointestinal healing in preclinical or early phase human studies. These oils were further evaluated for their biochemical constituents, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities to provide insight into potential mechanisms of action in vivo. With a few current human studies in support of these findings, there is a critical opportunity to further examine clinical effects, efficacy, and acceptability of botanical essential oils to manage upper gastrointestinal health and wellbeing.

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.

Lead (Pb) is a widespread environmental toxicant and its toxicity causes huge health impacts. The present study was conducted to examine the protective role of zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) supplements against bio-absorption of Pb in blood and organs including the liver and kidney. Hence, Sprague Dawley rats were divided in to five groups. G

Oxidative stress is the underlying cause of various chronic diseases and can contribute to its progression. Plant-based therapeutics are effective in the prevention of various chronic diseases through the management of underlying causes. Walnuts owing to their rich phytochemistry possess antioxidative potential. In this context, the present research was designed to explore the therapeutic potential of walnut against arthritis-induced oxidative stress in rat model. Purposely, 50 Sprague Dawley rats were separated into five groups of 10 rats each. The rats were categorized as G

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.

Onion and ginger are rich sources of bioactive compounds which are lost during conventional drying process. The present study was designed to optimize the novel Microwave Assisted Drying and Extraction technique (MADE) for simultaneous drying and extraction/recovery of bioactive compounds from model food products. The time required for drying of samples was 11 (onion) and 16 (ginger) minutes with recovery yield of 87% (onion) and 85% (ginger). The drying time was reduced to 100 times compared to hot air drying and moisture ratio of dried samples was best described by Midilli model. The diffusivities of onion and ginger slices were 1.27 e(−11) and 1.43 e(−11) m(2)/s, respectively. Moreover, microwave-based extraction was compared with conventional one. The results of antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of condensates obtained through MADE were higher compared to conventional method. In short, MADE exhibited better yield of extraction and drying properties compared to conventional methods.

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.

Background: Changing lifestyles have paved the way towards various physiological dysfunctions. Phytochemicals derived from spices are being widely utilized in diet from ancient times to fight against these physiological dysfunctions owing to their therapeutic potential and high pharmacological activities. Methods: Methods: The current investigation was an attempt to explore the antioxidant potential, physicochemical, and sensory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa) enriched pizza base that was developed by using conventional and supercritical extracts. Results: It was observed that the texture of product becomes harder during storage from 4.36±0.16 to 4.71±0.17 kg force. Nonetheless, supercritical extract pizza base got better hedonic scores compared to other treatments. Antioxidant potential of pizza base enriched with supercritical extracts (Total Phenolic Content 108.08±4.88 mg GAE/100g) was also better than control and conventional solvent extract enriched treatment as 63.24±3.03 and 95.34±3.66 mg GAE/100g, respectively. Conclusion: Conclusively, the results depicted that pizza base containing supercritical extract exhibited superior physiochemical, hedonic and antioxidant properties.

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.