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Abstract Long–chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are of interest due to their potential health properties and have a significant role in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases in humans. It is commonly used as a supplement. However, lipid oxidation is an important negative factor caused by environmental, processing, and limited water solubility of LCPUFA, making them difficult to incorporate into food products. The objective of this research work was to prevent oxidation, extend shelf life, enhance the stability of fatty acids, and to achieve controlled release by preparing spray-dried powder (SDM). For spray-drying, aqueous emulsion blends were formulated using a 1:1 ratio of chia seed oil (CSO) and fish oil (FO) and using a laboratory-scale spray–dryer with varying conditions: inlet air temperature (IAT, 125–185 °C), wall material (WM, 5–25%), pump speed (PS, 3–7 mL/min), and needle speed (NS, 3–11 s). The maximum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content was 33 ± 1%. The highest values of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the microcapsules were 8.4 ± 0.4 and 13 ± 1%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and X-Ray diffraction analysis results indicated that SDM was successfully formulated with Gum Arabic and maltodextrin (MD). The blending without encapsulation of CSO and FO was digested more efficiently and resulted in more oil being released with simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and SGF + SIF conditions without heating. No significant changes were observed for saturated, monounsaturated, and LCPUFA, whether exposed or not to gastrointestinal conditions. However, compared to the release of SDM, it can be useful for designing delivery systems for the controlled release of essential fatty acids.

Abstract The present study was carried out to investigate the palynoflora of Murree formation using microscopic techniques to understand the climatic changes and vegetation’s evolution. In this palynological study, 31 samples were collected, analyzed, and then identified as palynomorphs using different previous published literature. The results of this study will be described in terms of the evolutionary history of plants and the depositional environment of the reported taxa in the study area. The botanical affinities and systematic description of the taxa were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The floral record identified Asteraceae as the dominant family and Pinus as a genus. Most of angiosperms i.e Fabaceae and Poaceae, have a poor fossil record but have an abundant palynological record in the study area. The highest polar diameter (75.75 μm), colpus length (34.5 μm) and colpus width (31 μm) were examined for the Convolvulus. Most of the taxa explained here had a wide geographical occurrence in Southeast Asia and show the abundance of angiosperms in the Miocene epoch. The palynological record of Holocene samples is important to know about the vegetation’s origin and environmental fluctuations in the study area.

Silymarin, derived from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seeds, is known for its anti-oxidative properties. The study examines how various concentrations of silymarin (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L) affect anti-oxidative activity, phenolic content, pH, viscosity, sensory qualities, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii (L. delbrueckii) viability in yogurt stored for 7, 14, and 21 days at 4 °C, aiming to understand its impact on yogurt quality and health-promoting properties. Antioxidant activity and L. delbrueckii viability of fortified yogurt were increased (58.26 mg GAE/g and 17.45%) with increasing the concentration of silymarin while decreasing pH, viscosity, and sensory scores. A T3 (100 mg silymarin/L) exhibited decreasing viscosity from 7.06 ± 0.79 to 6.27 ± 0.13 Pa·s on Days 1–21, while T0 (control) had higher viscosity from 11.36 ± 0.63 to 9.48 ± 0.16 Pa·s. Microbial counts decreased from 4.7–7.14 to 7.6–12.3 log CFU/g by Days 1–21, with predominant Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophiles) and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus), the absence of coliforms, and minimal mold and yeast growth. Initially, T1 was preferred due to its superior flavor, texture, and overall acceptability scores. Controlled silymarin addition improves yogurt’s antioxidant activity and bacterial viability without compromising sensory attributes, making it a promising functional food.

AbstractMore than one billion people around the globe are suffering from severe to moderate vitamin D deficiency. In Pakistan, 53.5% people suffer from vitamin D deficiency. The purpose of this study is to develop vitamin D fortified yogurt with two varying concentrations of vitamin D3, aiming to observe how these concentrations impact the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the fortified products. A total of 750 mL of pasteurized milk was divided into three equal batches. For T1 and T2, 50 µL and 66.67 µL of emulsified vitamin D3 were added at 50 °C, respectively. Yogurt samples were prepared in triplicates and underwent storage tests, including proximate analysis, pH, viscosity, and vitamin D3 stability at 4 ± 1 °C. During the first week of storage, the viscosity of yogurt increased but later it started decreasing because of syneresis. T1 (8.1) and T2 (8.2) obtained a better overall sensory score using a 9-point hedonic scale as compared to T1 (7.9) During the 28-day storage period, the vitamin D3 content significantly decreased (P

Background/Objectives: As a primary source of mortality and disability, bacterial infections continue to develop a severe threat to humanity. Nuclear medicine imaging (NMI) is known for its promising potential to diagnose deep-seated bacterial infections. This work aims to develop a new technetium-99m (99mTc) labeled tigecycline radiopharmaceutical as an infection imaging agent. Methods: Reduced 99mTc was used to make a coordinate complex with tigecycline at pH 7.7–7.9 at room temperature. Instantaneous thin-layer chromatography impregnated with silica gel (ITLC-SG) and ray detector equipped high-performance liquid chromatography (ray-HPLC) was performed to access the radiolabeling yield and radiochemical purity (RCP). Results: More than 91% labeling efficiency was achieved after 25 min of mild shaking of the reaction mixture. The radiolabeled complex was found intact up to 4 h in saline. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection-induced rats were used to record the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical and its target specificity; 2 h’ post-injection biodistribution revealed a 2.39 ± 0.29 target/non-target (T/NT) ratio in the E. coli infection-induced animal model, while a 2.9 ± 0.31 T/NT value was recorded in the S. aureus bacterial infection-induced animal model. [99mTc]Tc-tigecycline scintigraphy was performed in healthy rabbits using a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) camera. Scintigrams showed normal kidney perfusion and excretion into the bladder. Conclusion: In conclusion, the newly developed [99mTc]Tc-tigecycline radiopharmaceutical could be considered to diagnose broad-spectrum bacterial infections.

This current study investigates the biological efficiency of essential oils extracted from Bistorta affinis and Malcolmia cabulica on human and foodborne pathogens as well as against insects and termites. The oils were obtained by steam distillation using a Clevenger-type system and analyzed for their constituents using GC-MS. Twenty compounds were identified, wherein carvacrol and thymol were the main constituents in both plants. Essential oils exhibited significant activity against all tested foodborne bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. In addition, essential oils from both plants have shown promising activity against all tested insects, which is a positive sign of being used as an insect repellent. In contrast, no activity was observed against termites. The bioactivities are mainly due to carvacrol and thymol’s levels in the essential oils that known for their effectiveness against foodborne pathogens and pests. The present study constitutes a basis for further investigation and development of bioactive compounds in Bistorta affinis and Malcolmia cabulica.

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L., family Asteraceae) is found generally in agricultural and vacant lands across the globe. This study investigated the fatty acids and elemental profiles of different parts including roots, stem and leaves of P. hysterophorus in the response to seasonal variation. The elemental analysis and fatty acid were determined in both the winter and summer seasons. The root, stem, and leaves powder were subjected to extraction with acetone, water, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and n-hexane to measure the extractive values. Among all the plant parts, leaves recorded the highest extractive value of 29%, and 28% with acetone and diethyl ether, respectively, while the root recorded the lowest (10.3%) extractive value with chloroform. Higher concentrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected in all the plant parts in the winter collection than in the summer season. Parthenium hysterophorus is multi medicinal applications such as used for rheumatic pain, urinary tract infections, inflammation, diarrhea, neuralgia, and malaria. The study highlights the importance of collection time (seasons) of different parts of P. hysterophorus for the maximum extraction of both elements and fatty acids either saturated or unsaturated from the pharmacogenetic point of view.

Phlomis stewartii is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time, solvent concentration, and speed in the range of (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL), (2 h, 5 h, and 8 h), and (100 rpm, 150 rpm, and 200 rpm), respectively, on extraction yields, phytochemical components, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of P. stewartii extract. In the present work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the bioactive constituents of the extracts. The potent extracts were analyzed to study α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Under the optimized conditions of solvent concentration (200 mL), extraction time (8 h), and speed (150 rpm), the whole plant methanol extract (WPME) showed a maximum extraction yield of 13.5%, while the leaves methanol extract (LME) showed a maximum TPC of 19.5 ± 44 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract and a maximum TFC of 4.78 ± 0.34 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of extract. HPLC analysis showed the presence of p-coumaric, gallic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillic acid. LME showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 46.86 ± 0.21 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 45.81 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Therefore, in conclusion, LME could be considered to fix the α-amylase and α-glucosidase-mediated disorders in the human body to develop herbal phytomedicine.

The present study evaluated the antifungal activity of honey samples collected from different locations at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK, Pakistan). Disc diffusion method was used to test the antifungal potential of twenty-one (branded, unbranded, and natural comb) honey samples from the different botanical origins at different concentrations (undiluted, 10%, 30%, and 50%, w/v) against Candida albicans and Rhodotorula species. Branded, unbranded, and natural comb honey samples generate different inhibition zones (4-13 mm, 5-15 mm, and 8-17 mm) against Rhodotorula species. Candida albicans showed resistance for all tested honey samples. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Candida albicans and Rhodotorula species were 53.33%-88.12% and 1.76%-90.22% for branded, 61.3% – 93.8% and 9.90% – 95.5% for unbranded, and 67.1%-96.8% and 6.39%-98.8% for natural comb honey. In conclusion, natural comb honey from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may have antifungal therapeutic potential and could be a useful source for generating functional food.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits contain high concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and other micronutrients, which impact human health due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics. In the present study, the effect of ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, hydromethanol, and aqueous extract from three date palm varieties (i.e., Ajwa, Siwi, and Sukkari) on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant and anticancer activities was investigated. Fruit extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH· method. Phenolic constituents were quantified and identified using HPLC-DAD. Extracts (ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, and hydromethanol) were assessed for cytotoxicity on nine human cancer cell lines, i.e., MG-63, HCT116, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, HEPG2, HUH7, A549, H460, and HFB4, using the sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay. Results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of the Sukkari fruits has the greatest antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 132.4 ± 0.3 μg·mL−1, while the aqueous extract of Ajwa date fruits exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect with an IC50 value of 867.1 ± 0.3 μg·mL−1. The extracts exhibited potent to moderate anticancer activities against the investigated cancer cell line in a source-dependent manner. Methanol extract of Siwi fruits exhibited the most potent anticancer activity (IC50 = 99 ± 1.6 µg·mL−1), followed by the same extract of Sukkari fruits with an IC50 value of 119 ± 3.5 µg·mL−1 against the cell line of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was investigated to determine the relationship among the investigated traits and treatments. Our findings reveal that date palm fruit-derived extracts are excellent sources of biologically active constituents and substantiate their potential use in new anticancer strategies from natural resources.

Trachyspermum ammi seeds were selected for photochemical study. The crude T. ammi methanol and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, betacyanins, flavonoids and soluble starch. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using T. ammi extract was characterized using UV-visible, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The appearance of sharp peak at 520 nm in the UV visible spectra, and the appearance of broad band nanoparticles spectra at 563.21 cm-1, 516.92 cm-1 and 462.92 cm-1 as well as the disappearance of the carboxyl OH bond and carbon-carbon triple bond supported the formation of AuNPs. The crude T. ammi methanol and AuNPs were investigated for antioxidant potential using DPPH· free radical assay, which shows that crude extract has significant antioxidant effect. The synthesized AuNPs was also evaluated for antibacterial activities against staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis. The crude extract showed activity against Bacillus subtilis, while AuNPs showed activity against staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo sedative effect and analgesic effect were enhanced in AuNPs treated animals in 5 times less dose (i.e., 5, and 10 mg/kg) than that of crude extract. It was concluded that T. ammi extract includes capping and reducing agents, which make it capable to be developed as stable AuNPs. The biological action of AuNPs is either enhanced (sedative and analgesic) or changed (antibacterial activity), when compared with that of plant extract.

To improve food production via fermentation with co-cultures of microorganisms (e.g., multiple lactic acid bacteria-LAB strains), one must fully understand their metabolism and interaction patterns in various conditions. For example, LAB can bring added quality to bread by releasing several bioactive compounds when adding soy flour to wheat flour, thus revealing the great potential for functional food development. In the present work, the fermentation of three soy and wheat flour mixtures is studied using single cultures and co-cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei. Bio-chemical processes often require a significant amount of time to obtain the optimal amount of final product; creating a mathematical model can gain important information and aids in the optimization of the process. Consequently, mathematical modeling is used to optimize the fermentation process by following these LAB’s growth kinetics and viability. The present work uses both multiple regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) to obtain the necessary mathematical model, useful in both prediction and process optimization. The main objective is to find a model with optimal performances, evaluated using an ANOVA test. To validate each obtained model, the simulation results are compared with the experimental data.

The newly FDA-approved drug, Axitinib, is an effective therapy against RTKs, but it possesses severe adverse effects like hypertension, stomatitis, and dose-dependent toxicity. In order to ameliorate Axitinib’s downsides, the current study is expedited to search for energetically stable and optimized pharmacophore features of 14 curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) derivatives. The rationale behind the selection of curcumin derivatives is their reported anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, they possessed a low molecular weight and a low toxicity profile. In the current investigation, the pharmacophore model-based drug design, facilitates the filtering of curcumin derivatives as VEGFR2 interfacial inhibitors. Initially, the Axitinib scaffold was used to build a pharmacophore query model against which curcumin derivatives were screened. Then, top hits from pharmacophore virtual screening were subjected to in-depth computational studies such as molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) studies, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ADMET property prediction. The findings of the current investigation revealed the substantial chemical reactivity of the compounds. Specifically, compounds S8, S11, and S14 produced potential molecular interactions against all four selected protein kinases. Docking scores of −41.48 and −29.88 kJ/mol for compounds S8 against VEGFR1 and VEGFR3, respectively, were excellent. Whereas compounds S11 and S14 demonstrated the highest inhibitory potential against ERBB and VEGFR2, with docking scores of −37.92 and −38.5 kJ/mol against ERBB and −41.2 and −46.5 kJ/mol against VEGFR-2, respectively. The results of the molecular docking studies were further correlated with the molecular dynamics simulation studies. Moreover, HYDE energy was calculated through SeeSAR analysis, and the safety profile of the compounds was predicted through ADME studies.

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of cold-pressed hot pepper seed oil by-product (HPOB) in a low-fat salad dressing to improve its rheological properties, emulsion, and oxidative stability. The total phenolic content (TPC), the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and CUPRIC reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values were 317.4 mg GAE/100 g, 81.87%, and 6952.8 mg Trolox/100 g, respectively. The capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and total carotenoid content were 175.8 mg/100 g, 71.01 mg/100 g, and 106.3 µg/g, respectively. All emulsions indicated shear-thinning, viscoelastic solid-like behavior, and recoverable characteristics, which were improved via enrichment with HPOB. The thermal loop test showed that the low-fat sample formulated with 3% HPOB indicated little change in the G* value, showing that it exhibited high emulsion stability. The induction period values (IP) of the salad dressing samples containing HPOB (between 6.33 h and 8.33 h) were higher than the IP values of the control samples (3.20 h and 2.58 h). The enrichment with HPOB retarded the formation of oxidative volatile compounds of hexanal, nonanal, and 1-octene-3-ol. According to the results presented in this study, HPOB could be effectively used in a low-fat salad dressing to enhance its rheological characteristics and oxidative stability.

The aim of the current study was to detect various secondary metabolites in the extract of Debregeasia salicifolia, and to synthesize stable silver/gold nanoparticles (Ag/AuNPs) from D. salicifolia methanol crude extract. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the methanol crude extract, various isolated fractions, and the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses of the methanol extract/fractions indicated the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, emodins, and soluble starch. Gold and silver nanoparticles have been subsequently synthesized from the methanol crude extract by green synthesis, and characterized by UV and IR spectroscopic techniques. Size of the particles was determined with the aid of an atomic force microscope (AFM). The results revealed that the size of AuNPs was 5-100 nm, and that of AgNPs was in the range 5-100 nm. Bioactivity screening revealed that chloroform and n-hexane fractions exhibited significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical scavenging potential against quercetin. Additionally, the extract/fractions and AuNPs were also subjected to antimicrobial activity screening against a number of strains of microbes. Among extracts, n-hexane fraction showed good antifungal activity as compared to other fractions, whereas in the case of anti-bacterial activity, extract and fractions were active against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strain. AuNPs were exhibited moderate activity against all tested bacterial strains.

The aim of the current research finding was to synthesize, characterize and antibacterial evaluation of sparfloxacin-mediated noble metal nanoparticles. Noble metal [silver (Ag), and gold (Au)] nanoparticles (NPs), mediated with fluoroquinolone, an anti-bacterial drug [Sparfloxacin, (Sp)], was synthesized by a facile and convenient procedure. Formulated Ag-Sp NPs, and Au-Sp NPs exhibited stability against variation in pH, NaCl solution, temperature, and time. The structural topographies of Ag-Sp, and Au-Sp NPs were determined by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). UV-Vis revealed the formulation of NPs by showing typical surface Plasmon absorption maxima at 410 nm for Ag-Sp NPs and 555 nm for Au-Sp NPs. The AFM and SEM analysis ascertained stable mono dispersed Ag-Sp NPs and Au-Sp NPs in the size range of 40-50 nm, and 70-80 nm, respectively. Ag-Sp, and Au-Sp NPs exhibited antibacterial traits against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumonia, showing a zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 20±0.98 mm to 24±0.94 mm (Ag-Sp NPs), and 22±0.79 mm to 26±0.92 mm (Au-Sp NPs) at dose of 3 mg/mL.

The goals of the present study were to use silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) solution to synthesize plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Boerhavia procumbens extract, to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of crude B. procumbens extracts as well as the antimicrobial potential of synthesized AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity was tested against ten pathogenic bacterial strains including Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter braakii, Providentia spp., Salmonella typhi, Salmonella para typhi, Vibrio cholera, and Proteus vulgaris and seven fungal species; Rhizopus stolonifer, Candida albican, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Verticillium chlamydosporium, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Aspergillus oryzae. The methanol extract was fractionated using several solvents and subjected to phytochemical analysis along with FTIR. Phytochemical analyses revealed flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, quinones, and phenols in the crude plant extract. AgNPs were synthesized using B. percumbens extract and characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Synthesized AgNPs were spherical, with 20-80 nm diameter. The absorption peak of synthesized AgNPs was observed at 392 nm. AgNPs have significant antimicrobial potential against selected pathogenic bacterial and fungal species as compared to different fractions of crude B. procumbens extract. The current study suggests that green synthesis is a useful technique and can be used as an alternative to antimicrobial agents against pathogenic organisms.

Recently, intensifying energy crises accompanying ecological crises due to the decline in fossil-fuel reserves and extensive greenhouse gas emissions have triggered the exploration of renewable substitutes for petro-diesel. In this scenario, biodiesel is the best alternative to non-renewable finite conventional fuels due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, renewability, biodegradability, and eco-friendly nature. Hence, the current research was designed to utilize scanning electron microscopy to investigate and identify the micro-morphological characteristics of selected seed-bearing crops. Light-microscopy (LM) indicated discrete variations in macro-morphological characters such as seed shape (ovoid, ovate, oblong, semi-spheroid, or discoid), seed size (3.5–14 mm in length and 2.25 to 6.5 mm in width), seed color (yellow to black), and number of seeds per kilogram (from 6000 to 260,000). Chemical extraction via Soxhlet apparatus resulted in the estimation of oil content within the range of 20.3–48.0% (wt./wt.), FFA content (0.63–6.91 mg KOH/g), and maximum product, i.e., 98% biodiesel yield was achieved. Multivariate analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) was done using PAST 3 software to investigate similarities and differences among factors/variables. SEM examination exhibited ultra-morphological characters and distinct variation in cell-wall ornamentation; hilum occurrence, position, and level; wall-sculpturing variations such as ruminate, verrucate, wrinkled, or striate; cell arrangement (anticlinal or periclinal); and cell shape and margins. To conclude, SEM could be an advanced technique to disclose the ultra-micromorphological characteristics of oil-bearing energy crops providing a convenient way for scientists to determine correct identification, authentication, and classification.

The current study focuses on the synthesis of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocatalyst via Tragacanth Gum (TG) using the wet impregnation method and its application for sustainable biodiesel production from a novel, non-edible Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl seed oil. The D. sophia seed oil has higher oil content (36 wt%) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (0.6 mg KOH/g). Innovative analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to characterize the newly synthesized, environmentally friendly, and recyclable CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst (FT-IR). The results show that the CeO2-TG phytonanocatalyst was 22 nm in diameter with a spherical shape outer morphology, while the inner structure was hexagonal. Due to low FFA content, the D. sophia seed oil was pretreated and transesterified via a single step. Using varying parameters, the optimized process variables were determined via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimum process values were 8:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 0.3 wt% catalyst concentration, 90 °C temperature, and reaction time of 210 min with 98% biodiesel yield. The recently created phytonanocatalyst was reliable and effective, with three times reusability in the transesterification reaction. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), FT-IR, gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized biodiesel. Physico-chemical properties of D. sophia biodiesel, i.e., Kinematic viscosity (4.23 mm2/s), density (0.800 kg/m3), pour point (−7 °C), cloud point (−12 °C), and flash point (73.5 °C) agree well with international biodiesel standards (ASTM-6751, 951), (EU-14214), and China (GB/T 20828) standards. The results show that the synthesized nanocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, indicating a bright future for industrial biodiesel production from low-cost feedstock.

Palaeoflora in Pakistan in the Miocene is characterized by its high biodiversity. The present study investigated the pollen of fossil plants from the Murree Formation of Pakistan. Shales and mudstones were collected from the Murree section located at the foothills of the Margalla hills and analyzed by palynofacies and palynostratigraphic analyses. In this paleopalynological study of the Miocene Murree Formations of Pakistan, 31 samples were analyzed using microscopic techniques containing 48 pollen types from 12 families. The quantitative and qualitative morphological features of pollen were determined using light and scanning electron microscopy to help identify the pollen grains. Exine ornamentations and spines were the most important diagnostic features for distinguishing one pollen grain from another. The maximum exine thickness was observed in Ocimum basilicum of 4.25 μm, whereas the maximum pollen diameter was recorded for Pinus of 69.5 μm. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae were the dominant families. The results showed that the preservation of floral records was not optimal. The presented results provide data on the dominant fossil plant taxa that existed in Pakistan (23.03–5.33 Ma). The evolution and phytogeographical histories of fossil plants can be unraveled using rock sediments to preserve biodiversity.

This research examined the histological micro-structure of tendril vasculature in cucurbitaceous taxa. In this research, the tendril anatomy of 17 taxa of Cucurbitaceae categorized into seven genera, including Cucumis (five species), Cucurbita and Luffa (three species each), Citrullus and Momordica (two species each) while Lagenaria and Praecitrullus (one species each), collected from different areas of the Thal desert were examined via microscopic imaging to explore its taxonomic significance. Tendril transverse sections were cut with a Shandon Microtome to prepare slides. The distinctive characteristics of taxonomic value (qualitative and quantitative) include tendril and vascular bundle shape, variation in the number of vascular bundles, tendril diameter length, layers of sclerenchyma, and shape of collenchyma and epidermal cells. Tendril shapes observed are irregular, slightly oval-shaped, slightly C shaped, angular (4-angled, 6-angled, or polygonal), and star shaped. Quantitative measurements were taken to analyze the data statistically using SPSS software. Cucurbita pepo had a maximum tendril diameter length of 656.1 µm and a minimum in Momordica balsamina of 123.05 µm. The highest number of vascular bundles (12) were noticed in Luffa acutangula var.amara. Angular type was prominent in collenchyma, and irregular shape was dominant in sclerenchyma cells. A maximum of seven to nine sclerenchyma layers were present in Lagenaria siceraria and a minimum of two or three layers in Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis, Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, and Cucumis melo var.cantalupensis. Epidermis cells also show great variations with a rectangular shape being dominant. Statistical UPGMA dendrogram clustering of tendril vasculature traits shows that histological sections studied with microscopic techniques can be used to identify species and will play a vital role in future taxonomic and phylogenic linkages.

Sexual dysfunction in the epileptic patient is difficult to confirm whether it is ailment or therapy related. Antiepileptic drugs often use in reproductive age, through reproductive progress and maturation. On the other side, cold-pressed oils are rich in bioactive phytochemicals with health-promoting traits. The target of this work was to appraise the sexual dysfunction of antiepileptic Topiramate (TPM) and cold pressed ginger oil (CPGO) as antiepileptic alternative medicine in male mice. Fifty-four adult male albino mice were divided into nine groups (n = 6 mice). One group given saline and used as negative control; another one was given corn oil as vehicle. Six groups administered orally with TPM or CPGO at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Moreover, group of animals co-administrated orally CPGO with TPM (400 mg/kg) to study their interaction. Fatty acid profile and tocols composition of CPGO were determined. in vitro assays were undertaken to evaluate radical scavenging traits of CPGO utilizing sable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) and galvinoxyl radicals. The study investigated antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, sexual hormones levels, mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegfa), synaptonemal complex protein (Sycp3), Wilms tumor gene (Wt1) as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Strong radical scavenging potential of CPGO against stable DPPH· and galvinoxyl radicals was recorded. The results revealed that TPM caused a dose-dependent reduction in the antioxidant activities and testosterone content, while, malonaldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) as oxidative stress markers were elevated. Vegfa and Sycp3 mRNA expression down-regulated at all Topiramate tested doses, but Wt1 up-regulated at 400 mg/kg. TPM (400 mg/kg) revealed histological alterations associated with strong positive Bax immune reactive spermatogoneal and Leydig cells. Ginger oil elevated the CAT and SOD (antioxidant enzymes), serum testosterone and diminished the oxidative stress, up regulated the expression of Vegfa and Sycp3 and down-regulated the Wt1 expression. Meanwhile, CPGO revealed no histopathological alterations and no Bax immune-reactive cells. CPGO co-administration with TPM (400 mg/kg) attenuated the TPM toxicity. High doses of TPM may exhibit sexual dysfunction but CPGO is safe and has androgenic property. CPGO co-administration could protect the antiepileptic patient from the TPM sexual dysfunction.

Tocols are present in various foods, mostly in fruits and in plant seeds. Edible oils are the most important natural dietary sources of tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as tocols. Tocopherols and tocotrienols are considered beneficial for their antioxidant effect which impacts on prevention of different health conditions. This perspective is addressed to give an updated picture of the tocol occurrence in foods. Moreover, the current state of the art of tocols in updated databases is explored and commented outlining their importance and future trends.

This paper reviews the contribution of tocopherols and tocotrienols (tocols) to food quality as well as their bioactivity and health-promoting properties, which have attracted researchers and food technologists. Tocols are lipophilic phenolic antioxidants encompassing tocopherols that are characterized by a saturated side chain and tocotrienols with an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain. Tocols are natural constituents of several foods like dairy, vegetable oils, nuts, and grains. Their presence in foods, namely, as food additives, helps prevent lipid oxidation, which negatively affects the sensorial quality of foods, and even the nutritional value and safety. Supplementation of animals’ diets with tocopherols has proven its effectiveness in preserving fresh color and flavor of the meat. Although alfa-tocopherol displays much higher vitamin E activity than other tocols, health outcomes have been reported for tocotrienols, thus calling for more studies.

This study aimed to investigate the quality attributes of probiotic-fermented low-fat yoghurt enriched with barley β-glucan (BβG) during cold storage (5 °C) for 21 days. Low-fat yoghurt formulation was based on substitution of fat in the skim milk (SM) with BβG (0.75 %, w/v). Four formulations of yoghurt were prepared. The control formulation (without the addition of BβG) was produced from full cream bovine milk and fermented by yoghurt starter (YS). The first treatment (YS) was produced from SM without BβG and fermented by YS. The second treatment was produced from SM with the addition of BβG and fermented by YS (YSBβG). The third treatment was produced from SM without BβG and fermented by Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (PY). The fourth treatment was produced from SM with the addition of 0.75% BβG and fermented by Bifidobacterium lactis, and L. acidophilus (PYBβG). All samples were evaluated for their chemical composition, microbiological properties, the viability of probiotic microorganisms, sensory quality attributes during the storage period. The results indicated that addition of BβG improved the survival of probiotic bacteria and YS culture during storage period wherein the BβG-enriched yoghurt had high viable count. There were no significant differences (p≤0.05) between the treatments in the microbiological quality and chemical composition. On the other hand, the addition of BβG improved the formation of flavor compounds in yoghurt. The substitution of fat with BβG significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced sensory attributes of yoghurt, wherein BβG-enriched samples recorded high score and acceptability. The lactic bacteria count was 9×107 CFU mL–1, and probiotic culture count was higher than 1×106 CFU mL–1, which guarantees their effect and ability to survive in the digestive tract and spread in the intestine. It could be concluded that substitution of fat with BβG is a sufficient delivery truck of probiotic culture and BβG could be used safely in functional dairy products.

Fresh and processed food products are rich in bioactive molecules, including polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, antioxidants, phenolics, phytosterols, and novel lipids. Bioactive molecules in food could prevent several diseases (i.e., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.). Thus, consumer awareness is growing about the health-promoting impact of food bioactive molecules. Health claims are essential added-value features, wherein health-enhancing potential of bioactives depend on their chemical structure. On the other hand, the investigation of the structure-function relationship of food bioactive molecules is of importance. In this regard, Molecules is delighted to highlight the importance of food bioactive molecules and their effect on health. In this Special Issue of Molecules, researchers are invited to contribute original research and up-to-date reviews.

The by-products/wastes from agro-food and in particular the fruit industry represents from one side an issue since they cannot be disposed as such for their impact on the environment but they need to be treated as a waste. However, on the other side, they are a source of bioactive healthy useful compounds which can be recovered and be the starting material for other products in the view of sustainability and a circular economy addressing the global goal of “zero waste” in the environment. An updated view of the state of art of the research on fruit wastes is here given under this perspective. The topic is defined as follows: (i) literature quantitative analysis of fruit waste/by-products, with particular regards to linkage with health; (ii) an updated view of conventional and innovative extraction procedures; (iii) high-value added compounds obtained from fruit waste and associated biological properties; (iv) fruit wastes presence and relevance in updated databases. Nowadays, the investigation of the main components and related bioactivities of fruit wastes is being continuously explored throughout integrated and multidisciplinary approaches towards the exploitation of emerging fields of application which may allow to create economic, environmental, and social value in the design of an eco-friendly approach of the fruit wastes.

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) reaching a maximum of 13 g/L was isolated from Micrococcus luteus by ethanol precipitation. The crude EPS was purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S-200, affording a polysaccharide active fraction (AEP) with a molecular weight of ∼137 kDa. AEP was investigated by a combination of chemical and chromatographic methods including FTIR, HPLC, periodate oxidation, methylation and GC–MS. Data obtained indicated that AEP was composed of mannose, arabinose, glucose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 3.6:2.7:2.1:1.0, respectively. The main backbone consists of mannose units linked with (1→6)-glycosidic bonds and arabinose units linked with (1→5)-glycosidic bonds. There is a side chain consisting of mannose units linked with (1→6)-glycosidic bonds at C3, when all glucose and most of glucuronic acid are found in the side chain. The in vitro antioxidant assay showed that AEP possesses DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with an EC50 value of 180 μg/mL.

Objective: To investigate the effects of different dietary fat and oils (differing in their degree of saturation and unsaturation) on lipid peroxidation in liver and blood of rats. Methods: The study was conducted on 50 albino rats that were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 animals. The groups were fed on dietary butter (Group I), margarine (Group II), olive oil (Group III), sunflower oil (Group IV) and corn oil (Group V) for 7 weeks. After 12 h of diet removal, livers were excised and blood was collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the supernatant of liver homogenate and in blood. Blood superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), serum vitamin E and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were also measured to determine the effects of fats and oils on lipid peroxidation. Results: The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in SOD activity, vitamin E and TAC levels between the five groups. However, there was significant decrease of GPx activity in groups IV and V when compared with other groups. The results indicated that feeding corn oil caused significant increases in liver and blood MDA levels as compared with other oils and fats. There were positive correlations between SOD and GPx, vitamin E and TAC as well as between GPx and TAC (r: 0.743; P

Royal jelly (RJ) is an important functional food item that possess several health promoting properties. It has been widely used in commercial medical products, healthy foods and cosmetics in many countries. RJ has been demonstrated to possess numerous functional properties such as antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, vasodilative and hypotensive activities, disinfectant action, antioxidant activity, antihypercholesterolemic activity and antitumor activity. Biological activities of RJ are mainly attributed to the bioactive fatty acids, proteins and phenolic compounds. In consideration of potential utilisation, detailed knowledge on the composition of RJ is of major importance. The diversity of applications to which RJ can be put gives this novel food great industrial importance. This review summarises the composition, nutritional value and functional properties of RJ.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an option for oilseed production, particularly in dry land areas due to good root system development. In this study, two field experiments were performed in the El-Khattara region (Sharkia Governorate, Egypt) during the 2005 season. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of organicnitrogen (ON) sources and their combinations as well as to compare the effect of ON and ammonium sulfate (AS) as a conventional fertilizer added individually or in combination on growth, yield components, oil percentage and the uptake of some macronutrients by sunflowers grown on sandy soil. The treatments of chicken manure (CM) and a mixture of farmyard manure (FYM) with CM were superior to the other treatments and gave the highest yield, dry matter yield, NPK uptake by plants at all growth stages along with seed yield at the mature stage. The effect of the different ON on crop yield and its components may follow the order; CM> palma residues (PR)> FYM. This was more emphasized when the materials were mixed with AS at a ratio of 3:1 and 1:1. The uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by plants was affected by the addition of different N sources and treatments. The highest nutrient content and uptake by straw were obtained when treated with CM followed by PR at all growth stages, while it was PR followed by CM for seeds. Oil recovery was shown to respond to the N supply and the changes in individual fatty acids were not statistically different. However, it seems that the application of organic fertilizers resulted in an increase in total unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control.

Plant foods contain different classes and types of antioxidants and knowledge of their total antioxidant potential (TAP), which is the cumulative capacity of food components to scavenge free radicals, would be useful for epidemiological purposes.To accomplish this, a variety of fruit juices, hot drinks and beverages commonly consumed in Egypt were analyzed using in vitro DPPH assay. The order of effectiveness of fruit juices in inhibiting free radicals was as follows: red grapes juice > mango juice > guava juice > cocktail juice > pineapple juice > orange juice > cherry juice > apple juice. Among beverages and hot drinks, teas followed by coffees had the greatest TAP. These data confirm grape juice, teas and coffees as good dietary sources of antioxidants.

The compositions and concentrations of lipid classes, fatty acids, tocopherols were determined in the lipids from blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis. Total lipids (TL) recovered using chloroform: methanol (2:1, v/v) were found to be 163.5 g/kg (on dry weight basis). The level of neutral lipids was the highest, followed by glycolipids and phospholipids, respectively. Among TL and lipid classes, palmitic, γ-linolenic and linoleic acids were the dominating fatty acids. Compared to the neutral lipids, the polar fractions were generally characterised by higher percentages of saturated fatty acids. The recovered lipids were characterised by high percentage of tocopherols, wherein γ-tocopherol constitutes about 73% of total tocopherols present, the rest being γ-tocopherol. Spirulina platensis lipids exhibited a strong radical scavenging activity towards stable DPPH free radicals, whereas 27% of DPPH radicals were quenched after 2 h incubation. TL and lipid classes inhibited the growth of different microorganisms except gram-negative bacteria. At high concentrations, the tested lipids appeared more effective against A. niger (28.3 ± 1.53 mm). The information obtained in the present investigation is useful for lipid characterisation and further chemical and nutritional investigations of Spirulina platensis.

In order to utilize wheat germ, a nutrient-dense byproduct of the wheat milling industry, in various food products, different treatments are used to investigate and stabilize its influence on lipid characteristics. However, there are no reports on the effect of γ-irradiation on the lipid profile of wheat germ. In this study, the impact of γ-irradiation (at radiation doses 1/4, 1/2 and 1 kGy) and roasting at (160 °C for 20 min) on the lipid constituents of wheat germ was examined. Both thermal and irradiation treatments did not have a significant effect on the total lipid recovery or the fatty acid composition of wheat germ lipids. The fatty acid profile was found to be made up of linoleic followed by oleic and palmitic as the major fatty acids. An increase in the content of free fatty acids characterized the lipid profile of the irradiated wheat germ samples. Antiradical properties of lipids from roasted and irradiated samples were analyzed using the bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Lipids from irradiated samples exhibited relatively stronger radical scavenging potential than lipids from roasted wheat germ. It has been concluded that γ- irradiation could be applied for wheat germ preservation, where it might be limited to a dose of 1/4 kGy in the processing.

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) seed was extracted with hexane (H) and chloroform/methanol (CM) (2:1, v/v) to determine the effect of the solvent on the amount and composition of the recovered lipid. The amount of the total lipid (TL) extracted with H was 29.6% of the seed weight, while that extracted with CM was 49.9%. Column and thin-layer chromatographic procedures on Silica Gel were performed to fractionate the main neutral lipid (NL) subclasses. Fatty acid composition of the NL subclasses, triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, and sterol (ST) content were estimated. The NL amount was found to be higher (97% of TL) in the H extract than in the CM extract (93% of TL). TAG appeared to be the predominant NL subclass (89.7-91.9% of total NL). Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) was the main fatty acid followed by oleic acid (C18:1n-9) as the second main unsaturated fatty acid, while palmitic acid (C16:0) was the major saturated fatty acid. With high temperature gas-liquid chromatography using a flame ionization detector (HTGLC/FID) and H2 as the carrier gas, the actual TAG molecular species according to their carbon numbers were separated. TAG of even carbon numbers 16 and 18 were contained in six TAG molecular species. The major peaks occured at C54:6, and C54:3 corresponding to trilinolein and triolein. Furthermore, TAG molecular specie, expected to contain two molecules of linoleic acid (C54:5), was detected in a high level. Phytosterol pattern was determined without derivatization in the unsaponifiable fractions by HTGLC/FID. ST profile was characterized by a high total amount accounting for 4.22 g/kg of total H extract, and 4.00 g/kg of total CM extract. b-Sitosterol (2.035-1.929 g/kg TL) was the main component in both extracts. The major ST found were, in order of decreasing prevalence, b-sitosterol > campesterol > stigmasterol > D5-ave-nasterol > D7-avenasterol > lanosterol.