Ricinus Communis : Nutritional Importance, Health Benefits, and Industrial Applications

Brown-top millet is a lesser-known millet with a high grain nutrient value, early maturation, and drought tolerance that needs basic research to understand and conserve food security. Brown-top millet [Urochloa ramosa (L.)] is currently cultivated in some developing countries (especially in India) for food and fodder, although it is less known among the small millets. Like other millets, it contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber, all of which have rich health benefits. The nutritional importance and health benefits of brown-top millet are still unknown to many people due to a lack of awareness, wide cultivation, and research. Hence, this millet is currently overshadowed by other major cereals. This review article aims to present the nutritional, breeding, genetic, and genomic resources of brown-top millet to inform millet and other plant researchers. It is important to note that genetic and genomic resources have not yet been created for this millet. To date, there are no genomic and transcriptomic resources for brown-top millet to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertion/Deletions (InDels) for breeding studies. Furthermore, studies regarding nutritional significance and health benefits are required to investigate the exact nutritional contents and health benefits of the brown-top millet. The present review delves into the nutritional value and health advantages of brown-top millet, as supported by the available literature. The limitations of producing brown-top millet have been enumerated. We also cover the status of marker-assisted breeding and functional genomics research on closely related species. Lastly, we draw insights for further research such as developing omics resources and applying genome editing to study and improve brown-top millet. This review will help to start breeding and other molecular studies to increase the growth and development of this cereal.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a tightly regulated enzyme situated at the core of plant C-metabolism. Although its anaplerotic role and control by allosteric effectors, reversible phosphorylation, and oligomerization have been well documented in the endosperm of developing castor oil seeds (COS), relatively little is known about PEPC in germinating COS. The initial phase of COS germination was accompanied by elevated PEPC activity and accumulation of comparable amounts of pre-existing 107-kDa and inducible 110-kDa immunoreactive PEPC polypeptides (p107 and p110, respectively). A 440-kDa PEPC heterotetramer composed of an equivalent ratio of non-phosphorylated p110 and p107 subunits was purified from germinated COS. N-terminal microsequencing, mass spectrometry, and immunoblotting revealed that both subunits arose from the same gene (RcPpc3) that encodes the p107 subunit of a phosphorylated 410-kDa PEPC homotetramer in developing COS but that p110 is a monoubiquitinated form of p107. Tandem mass spectrometry sequencing of a diglycinated tryptic peptide identified Lys-628 as p110's monoubiquitination site. This residue is conserved in vascular plant PEPCs and is proximal to a PEP-binding/catalytic domain. Incubation with a human deubiquitinating enzyme (USP-2 core) converted the p110:p107 PEPC heterotetramer into a p107 homotetramer while significantly reducing the enzyme's K(m)(PEP) and sensitivity to allosteric activators (hexose-Ps, glycerol-3-P) and inhibitors (malate, aspartate). Monoubiquitination is a non-destructive and reversible post-translational modification involved in the control of diverse processes such as transcription, endocytosis, and signal transduction. The current study demonstrates that tissue-specific monoubiquitination of a metabolic enzyme can also occur and that this modification influences its kinetic and regulatory properties.

Medicinal plants have been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries, offering a wide range of bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects. Among them, Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) are medicinal plants extensively used in traditional and modern medicine for their diverse therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Psoralea corylifolia is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, bakuchiol, and essential oils, which contribute to its potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Traditionally, it has been employed in managing skin disorders, osteoporosis, vitiligo, and immune-related conditions. Withania somnifera, known as Ashwagandha, is a well-established adaptogenic herb with a broad spectrum of pharmacological benefits. It contains withanolides, alkaloids, and saponins, which are crucial in stress management, neuroprotection, anti-aging, and immune modulation. Its anxiolytic, anti-fatigue, and cognition-enhancing properties have made it a valuable component in managing neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, and fatigue-related syndromes. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects contribute to improved metabolic health and overall well-being. Both plants exhibit significant potential in modern integrative medicine due to their ability to regulate oxidative stress, enhance immune function, and modulate inflammatory pathways. Their nutritional and therapeutic applications extend to functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations. This comprehensive review highlights their phytochemical composition, nutritional and potential health benefits, emphasizing their role in disease prevention and holistic health management. Understanding the synergistic effects of these botanicals can pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and evidence-based applications in clinical and dietary interventions.

In India, over a dozen of pulse crops, viz. chickpea, pigeon pea, cowpea, mung bean, urdbean, lentil, French bean, horse gram, field pea, moth bean, lathyrus, etc., are grown in one or on the other part of the country. Pulse seeds contain 16–50 % protein and provide one third of all dietary protein nitrogen. Therefore, pulses in combination with cereals provide one of the best solutions to protein calorie malnutrition, especially in the developing countries. These are also an important source of the 15 essential minerals needed by humans. Despite their importance in human health and nutrition, the global food legume production has witnessed only a marginal annual increase of 0.95 % with fluctuations only from 40.78 to 70 million tonnes. The slow growth in global pulses production along with rising population, diversified uses for end products and improved purchasing capacity of people has put tremendous pressure on per capita availability of pulses. In addition, decreasing cultivable land and factor productivity, biotic and abiotic stresses and unavailability of quality seeds have further strained the pulse supply chain. Nevertheless, this may be compensated to some extent by proper storage and pre- and postharvest management of pulses, value addition and manufacturing of value-added products. This chapter discusses the role of pulses for nutritional quality and health benefits.

Quinoa is a grain from the Andean region in South America that possesses high potential due to its nutritional and functional qualities. However, outside the Andean region, quinoa is rarely consumed. This may happen due to lack of knowledge about their nutritional quality and health benefits or the high cost of importing the grains. Taking that into account, the study aimed to evaluate the profile of Brazilian consumers in relation to the use of quinoa in food, knowledge about its nutritional value and health benefits of its consumption. Data were obtained through an online form and analyzed using Epi Info® software. The survey was carried out with 406 people and showed that the profile was predominantly female who were 36 to 50 years old. Most of the interviewed public have omnivorous food. It was found that the 258 respondents knew about quinoa and 187 said they consume or have already consumed the grains. The frequency of consumption is sporadic with white quinoa being the most used one. Knowledge about quinoa and its health benefits is little which can influence the frequency and interest in its consumption. Thus, it is extremely important that works are published regarding quinoa and its nutritional value and health benefits in order to encourage its introduction into population’s diet as well as to stimulate food industries make use of it as an ingredient in the production of nutritious and functional food.

This study examines the attitudes and perceptions of the general public in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka, regarding the nutritional value and health benefits of raw bitter gourd and bitter gourd-related products. Despite the potential health benefits, there is a lack of research on bitter gourd preferences and products. The findings reveal that taste preference is the primary reason for non-consumption, with 49% of respondents expressing dislike for the taste. Additionally, 25% of respondents reported a general dislike for the vegetable. However, respondents displayed a level of awareness regarding bitter gourd's health benefits, including blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, weight loss, and immune system support. Although some respondents were familiar with bitter gourd products such as crackers, biscuits, chips, and juice, there was uncertainty about their availability. Future research should focus on education initiatives to increase awareness, innovative product development to cater to diverse tastes, exploration of culinary applications, clinical studies to further understand the health benefits, analysis of consumer preferences and market dynamics, promotion of sustainable cultivation practices, and long-term health impact assessment. These findings provide valuable insights for future research, policy formulation, and marketing strategies to promote bitter gourd consumption and leverage its nutritional value and health benefits in Sri Lanka. By addressing taste concerns, enhancing awareness, and diversifying product offerings, bitter gourd could be more widely embraced as a nutritious vegetable with potential health advantages in the Colombo District and beyond.

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of adopting a healthy lifestyle and demanding food with high nutritional values. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has attracted considerable attention and is consumed worldwide in the form of a variety of whole and processed products owing to its excellent nutritional features, including richness in micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals, well-balanced amino acids composition, and gluten-free properties. Recent studies have indicated that the diverse utilization and final product quality of this pseudo-grain are closely related to the processing technologies used, which can result in variations in nutritional profiles and health benefits. This review comprehensively summarizes the nutritional properties, processing technologies, and potential health benefits of quinoa, suggesting that quinoa plays a promising role in enhancing the nutrition of processed food. In particular, the effects of different processing technologies on the nutritional profile and health benefits of quinoa are highlighted, which can provide a foundation for the updating and upgrading of the quinoa processing industry. It further discusses the present quinoa-based food products containing quinoa as partial or whole substitute for traditional grains.

Owing to concerns about animal proteins, resource limitations, and population growth, there is growing interest in exploring soybeans as animal protein alternatives to fulfill consumption requirements. Black soybean (BS) has superior nutritional and health benefits, compared to yellow soybean (YS). However, BS has been explored less often than YS. While previous reviews have individually focused on the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, or health benefits of BS, they have not delved into the intricate mechanisms underlying these interactions, especially the distinct roles of the individual components. This comprehensive review aims to bridge this gap by providing an overview of the key nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in BS associated with health benefits, as well as the possible mechanisms underlying these changes. Various processing technologies (physical, biological, and thermal) have been applied to BS. Additionally, the bioavailability, biotransformation, and safety concerns of BS were studied, as these factors are crucial for its potential application, such as natto, films, and microcapsules. However, there are some gaps in the application of BS and YS. In the future, it will be worth exploring the effects of BS protein as meat analogs, 3D printing constituents, and amyloid fibrils, as well as BS lipids as oleogels and BS seed coats as bioactive ingredients in pharmaceutical products.

This study examined the consumer preference for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) compared to white-fleshed sweet potatoes (WFSP) in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 140 respondents from the study area. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that 66.4% were males while 82.1% were married. The average age was 46.1 years with the standard deviation ±8.26, and an average household size of 5 persons. Majority (51.4%) of the respondents had formal education. The findings also reveal that the respondents agreed that ‘OFSP is more nutritious than WFSP’ (x̄ =3.9±1.40), ‘OFSP is healthier than WFSP’ (x̄ =3.9±1.41) and ‘OFSP has more vitamins and minerals than WFSP’ (x̄ =3.6±1.21). Consumers’ willingness to purchase and consume OFSP instead of WFSP was high among the respondents with 83.6%. The results also show that nutritional content (x̄ =3.9), taste (x̄ =3.8) and health benefits (x̄ =3.7) were the factors influencing the choice of OFSP’s consumption over WFSP. In addition, the results of regression analysis showed that higher education supports preference for OFSP (β=0.233, p<0.05) while age (β= .012, p<0.05) had a negative influence on the preference for OFSP over WFSP. The study concluded that consumers preferred OFSP over WFSP due to its nutritional content, taste and health benefits. It is recommended that marketing efforts should be directed at showcasing the nutritional benefits and palatability of OFSP that provide consumers with better taste and good health.

This review article systematically examines the nutritional composition, health benefits, and economic significance of millets. A comprehensive search of academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was conducted to collect relevant literature from scientific journals, books, and reports. Millets are small-seeded grasses cultivated globally as cereal crops, and they are recognized for their resilience and adaptability to various climates, particularly in regions with low or erratic rainfall. India stands out as the world’s largest millet producer. This review focuses on the nutritional value of millets, which are high in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Additionally, millets are suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance due to their gluten-free nature. Moreover, millets offer several health benefits, such as preventing diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and some types of cancer. The cultivation of millets requires relatively low inputs compared to other cereals, as they demand less water and exhibit resilience to diseases and pests. The growing season for millets is very brief. Despite their nutritional and agronomic advantages, millets have received less attention than wheat, rice, and maize. However, there is a growing interest in millets due to its potential to support sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security. Observations from the review underscore the importance of millets as a wholesome and sustainable food source with significant health benefits. However, further research is necessary to fully explore their potential and promote their cultivation and consumption on a larger scale.

Chapter 19 - Nutritional quality and bioactive properties of proteins and peptides from microalgae

Background: Transforming agricultural land types using optimal economic-mathematical modeling can significantly improve soil quality, leading to better crop yield and quality. These changes are particularly important for promoting the production of functional foods, which provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Mulberry cultivation in brown soils is a key example, as it is a rich source of functional food, known for its high nutritional value and positive health effects. Mulberries have been used in traditional Armenian folk medicine for centuries, and their inclusion in functional food production further highlights their nutritional and health-promoting benefits. Objective: This study, conducted from 2020 to 2024 in two communities in the Syunik region of Armenia, aimed to explore the impact of agricultural land transformation by applying an optimal economic-mathematical model on brown soils. The study focused on improving qualitative indicators of agricultural land types to promote higher productivity and functional effectiveness of mulberry cultivation. Methods: The study utilized an economic-mathematical model to enhance the qualitative indicators of agricultural land, achieving economic, social, and environmental benefits. The focus was on land transformation strategies that would increase the functional effectiveness of mulberries and boost their cultivation in different land types. Results: Land transformation through applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling enhanced soil quality, directly improving the yield and quality of mulberry crops. The optimized land conversion strategies resulted in significant improvements in the functional components of mulberries, boosting their nutritional value and health benefits (Rutin (Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside)-71.1±4.8 mg/100g, Isoquercitrin (Quercetin 3-O-glucoside)-11.0±0.3 mg/100g, Malonyl flavonoids (Quercetin 3-O-(6´´-O-malonyl) glucoside and Kaempferol 3-O-(6´´-O-malonyl) glucoside) are also present in significant amounts, suggesting the potential for additional beneficial properties). Additionally, the increased efficiency of mulberry cultivation under transformed soil conditions highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices. The results confirm that such agricultural innovations increase productivity and better environmental outcomes. Land transformation by applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling enhances soil quality, directly improving the yield and quality of mulberry crops. The optimized land conversion strategies resulted in significant improvements in the functional components of mulberries, boosting their nutritional value and health benefits. Additionally, the increased efficiency of mulberry cultivation under transformed soil conditions highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices. The results confirm that such agricultural innovations lead to increased productivity, better environmental outcomes, and the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of functional food products. Novelty: This study is the first to investigate the chemical changes in large and sweet white mulberries through optimal economic-mathematical modeling and land transformation schemes. It explores how changes in land quality indicators contribute to economic, social, and environmental benefits, ultimately advancing the production of health-promoting foods. Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling to transform agricultural land types. The results show that land transformation improves soil quality and crop yield while enhancing mulberry cultivation's functional effectiveness. These transformations contribute to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the production of functional foods. Keywords: land transformation, digital matrix, Solver project, mulberry, functional components, effectiveness.

The fig tree is a multifaceted plant with a wide range of nutritional and health benefits. The employment of the Aksoy weighted classification method, predicated on biological characteristics pertaining to the ripening period, in conjunction with pomological and chemical characteristics of the fresh fruit, yielded favorable outcomes in the assessment of fresh fig quality from eastern Morocco, particularly the OnK Hmam (718) and Chetoui (720) varieties, indicating high quality. From a commercial perspective, the weight of figs is a key factor in determining their value. The study examined the weight of five different varieties of fresh figs, revealing significant variations in their average weight. The Malha fig recorded the lowest average weight of 30.24 g, while the Onk Hmam fig exhibited the highest average weight of 57.25 g. Fresh Chetoui has the highest content of total sugar (15.04%), titratable acid (0.272%), potassium (266.8 mg/100 g), sodium (0.580 mg/100 g), calcium (75.20 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (30.04 mg). Fresh Onk Hmam has the highest fibre concentration (2.60%). Fresh Bounacer has the highest magnesium content (20.52 mg/100 g). Fresh Ghoudane has the highest concentration of iron (1.24 mg/100 g), polyphenols (275.6 GAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (120.3 QE/100 g FW) among the samples. As fresh figs are seasonal and perishable, the most effective method of preserving their nutritional content and health benefits over an extended period is through the drying process. The primary objective of the drying process is to dehydrate the figs and reduce their water activity to an acceptable level. In addition, the storage and transport costs incurred are economically and commercially advantageous. Sun-dried goudane and chetoui are characterized by their elevated sugar, fiber, mineral, and antioxidant content. Additionally, they exhibit significant volume and weight reduction, thereby reducing packaging requirements and rendering them optimal for use as dietary supplements. In addition, they meet the required criteria of ≤ 26.0% for dry matter and the minimum diameter of 18 mm for black fig (Ghoudane) and 22 mm for white fig (Chetoui) of the European standards. However, it should be noted that their marketability and commercial quality are limited to Category I (65 < maximum allowable fruit count per kilogram ≤ 120), which includes lower quality designations. Dried Ghoudane was found to contain higher levels of polyphenols (380.9 mg GAE/100 g DW) and flavonoids (100.1 mg QE/100 g DW) than dried Chetoui (305.9 mg GAE/100 g DW and 81.90 mg EQ/100 g DW). After sun drying of fresh Ghoudane and Chetoui, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that they had increased levels of phenolic content, titratable acid and minerals. However, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content and soluble solids decreased.

Exploring the nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products of chilli (Capsicum annuum): A comprehensive review.

The potential of apricot seed and oil as functional food: Composition, biological properties, health benefits & safety