FUNCTIONAL FOODS OF PAKISTAN AND THEIR ROLE IN SENESCENCE

Abstract

Functional foods can be used as a tool for healthy & longer life span. The term “functional food” is tossed to emphasize the role of nutritive substances in the prevention and eradication of chronic disease development. The aim of this study is to identify functional foods of Pakistan for their anti-aging potential. In this regard, the ethanolic extract or fresh juices of fifty functional foods, mostly advised by nutritionists, were assessed for their ability to inhibit glycation and oxidative stress. Our analysis showed that out of 50 functional foods, 44 of them have significantly reduced the formation of advanced glycation end products. The Pomegranate peel extract, Strawberry juice, coffee powder, and areca nut showed more than 90% AGEs inhibition at the concentration of 1 mg/ml. Furthermore, antioxidant potential of all these 50 functional foods was also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. In this assay, the most pronounced effect (90% free radical scavenging activity) was observed with Cumin seeds extract, Purple Onion extract, Grapefruit juice and Oregano extract. In conclusion, the present study highlights several easily available dietary substances of Pakistan, whom consumption can help prevent age related disabilities and may contribute to healthier and longer life span.