Abundant Essential Amino Acids Research Articles

Utilization of diamondback puffer (Lagocephalus guentheri) biomass for the production of bioactive oligopeptides and their inflammation suppressing effects invitro

Development of new anti-inflammatory drugs has always been of prime interest due to various side effects exerted by common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Hence, due to the biochemical diversity and efficient anti-inflammatory activities of bioactive peptides from oceanic sources, their demand is increasing. In this study, the common diamondback puffer fish (Lagocephalus guentheri) muscle (PM) and visceral (PV) mass waste was used to produce enzymatic hydrolysates using trypsin, alcalase and papain digestion which were further used to obtain inflammation suppressing peptides. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed abundant essential amino acids like arginine, alanine, tyrosine, and glutamic acid in muscle as well as visceral part. The data obtained by the anti-inflammatory assays such as albumin denaturation inhibition and membrane stabilization assay of hydrolysates showed that alcalase 12th hr and 6th hr showed highest activity for PM and PV respectively. Further, out of the fractions obtained through ultrafiltration, 10-3 kDa showed higher anti-inflammatory activity which was subsequently purified with gel filtration chromatography. Moreover, the purified active peaks were analysed using LC-MS/MS to acquire a peptide sequence of MEPLGQG (731 Da) and LLHA (453 Da) for PMpep and PVpep respectively. In vitro studies revealed non-cytotoxic effects of peptide and pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression post LPS-stimulation in RAW264.7 cells. Thus, the puffer fish and other marine waste can be exploited for the isolation of potential nutraceutical and therapeutic compounds.

Physicochemical Properties of Mixed Gelatin Gels with Soy and Whey Proteins.

The physicochemical properties of the mixed gelatin gels with soy and whey proteins were investigated to develop the gel base with a soft texture and abundant essential amino acids for the elderly. Gelatin-only gel (control) was prepared at 6% (w/v), and mixed gelatin gels were formulated by replacing gelatin with soy protein isolate and whey protein concentrate at different mixing ratios [gelatin (G):soy protein isolate (S):whey protein concentrate (W)]. Results showed that replacing gelatin with the globular proteins in gelatin gels increased the pH value and processing yield (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mixed gelatin gels, particularly the G2:S1:W3 treatment, showed significantly higher essential amino acids than the gelatin-only control. The partial replacement of gelatin with the globular proteins could decrease the hardness of gelatin gel (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in hardness between the G2:G3:W1, G2:S2:W2, and G2:S1:W3 treatments (p > 0.05). The results of protein pattern, x-ray diffraction, and microstructure had no clear evidence for specific protein-protein interaction in the mixed gelatin gels. Therefore, this study indicates that mixed gelatin gels with the globular proteins at specific mixing ratios could be a practical approach to providing a soft texture and high-level essential amino acids to the elderly.

Bee products as valuable nutritional ingredients: Determination of broad free amino acid profiles in bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis

This study compared the amino acid content of three bee products: royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen, which is a step toward improving the quality of nutrition and the safety of supplementation with these beneficial products of natural origin. The samples were collected from the hives of Apis mellifera bees in the apiaries located in Poland. A broad panel of free amino acids in bee products was determined using the highly selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. We quantified 32 amino acids in bee pollen, 31 in royal jelly, and 28 in propolis. The most abundant essential amino acid in bee products was histidine in bee pollen (1.5 mg/g), lysine in royal jelly (2.05 mg/g) and valine in propolis (0.006 mg/g). Proline was the most abundant non-essential amino acid in all bee products and accounted for 6.7 mg/g; 1.4 mg/g; and 0.3 mg/g, in bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis, respectively. Among the non-proteinogenic amino acids, γ-amino-n-butyric acid was quantified in the highest concentrations in bee pollen (1.05 mg/g). Our study proved that bee products are characterized by specific profiles of free amino acids. In terms of protein and non-protein amino acid content, bee pollen is the most valuable bee product.

Nutritional Composition and Odor-Contributing Volatile Compounds of the Edible Mushroom Cantharellus alborufescens.

Chanterelles are one of the most highly valued wild edible mushroom genera worldwide. This work aimed to investigate the nutritional characteristics and volatile compounds' profile of Cantharellus alborufescens for the first time. Proximate analysis was performed according to the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, while the mineral contents and the volatile compounds were determined using ICP-MS and GC-MS, respectively. C. alborufescens had an average of 25.8% protein, 5.5% fat, 12.7% ash, and 55.9% carbohydrates, including 11.4% fiber per dw of mushroom. Further analyses of the fat and protein contents revealed high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as monosodium glutamate-like amino acids. Linoleic acid (42.0% of fat) and oleic acid (28.6% of fat) were the major fatty acids, while leucine (1.2%) and lysine (0.9%) were the most abundant essential amino acids. The results showed that C. alborufescens contained 3.1 µg/g vitamin D2 and 4.9 mg/g vitamin E per dw, as well as notable quantities of macro- and microelements, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. GC-MS analysis revealed various volatile compounds such as acetaldehyde, n-hexanal, 3-methylbutanal, 1-octen-3-ol, etc. In conclusion, this study supports the use of C. alborufescens as a food rich in fiber and vitamin E, with a suitable amount of protein and other nutrients.

Nutritional Evaluation of Green Mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Brown Mussel Modiolus modulaides (Röding, 1798) From Panay Island, Philippines

Mussels are considered a low-cost protein source in the Philippines. The green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely consumed, while the brown mussel Modiolus modulaides (Röding, 1798) is not yet fully utilised as human food but used as animal food or fermented for human consumption. This study aims to determine the nutritional value of these mussels in terms of their proximate composition, amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral components. Results revealed that the moisture content of M. modulaides was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than P. viridis. In comparison, the crude protein content of P. viridis (11.39 %) was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than M. modulaides (9.19 %), but they have similar amounts of lipids. There were 18 amino acids detected in the two species with significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) total essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids found in P. viridis. The most abundant EAA were leucine and lysine in P. viridis and M. modulaides. Results also revealed that the two mussel species are qualified for good quality protein claims with an essential amino acid index of &gt;0.9 and digestible indispensable amino acid scores of &gt;100 %. Palmitic and stearic acids were detected in both species, but eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were only detected in P. viridis. Sodium, potassium, iron, and calcium were also found in the two species. These results indicate that the two Philippine mussel species can be good sources of important amino acids, lipids and minerals for human and animal diets.

Protein-rich fraction of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae induce maturation of dendritic cells and Th1-polarization: A promising adjuvant for anticancer therapy

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anticancer immunostimulatory properties of a protein-rich fraction obtained from larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBLP), a highly nutritious edible insect, in CT-26 colon carcinoma-bearing mice. The most abundant essential amino acids (EAA) in PBLP were Val, Ile, and Leu, while the most abundant non-EAA were Pro, Glu, and Gly. PBLP increased the production of Th1-polarized cytokines and the phenotypic maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). PBLP-treated BMDCs stimulated naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to produce IFN-γ and IL-2 but not IL-5. Significantly, dietary PBLP restored CD86 and MHC-I expression in splenic DCs, and also increased TNF-α+IL-2+IFN-γ+CD107+ polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen, thereby inhibiting tumor growth in CT-26 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, PBLP synchronizes DCs and T cells for anticancer immunity, suggesting that it could serve as a potential adjuvant or supplement for cancer treatment.

Phytochemical and nutritional composition of ethanol-water leaf extracts of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis

The study analyzed phytochemical and nutritional compositions of ethanol-water leaf extracts of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis using standard methods. In both plants significant amounts of alkaloids, tannin and flavonoids were seen. J. tanjorensis had higher amount of saponin and cardiac glycoside. The quantitative phytochemical and anti-nutrient evaluation revealed J.tanjorensis had higher amount of phytochemicals including sapogenin, anthocyanin and anti-nutrient factors such as tannin, phytate and oxalate. The proximate analysis yielded carbohydrate as being most abundant in both plants with J.tanjorensis having higher (62.22 ±0.14%) against (61.52±0.12 %) seen in J.secunda. Fibre composition of both plants was low with 4.62±0.04% in J.secunda and 5.22±0.05% in J.tanjorensis. The most prevalent mineral element in J.secunda was magnesium (9.39±0.10mg/kg dry weight) while potassium (8.58±0.10mg/kg dry weight) was most prevalent in J.tanjorensis. Manganese was the least abundant in both plants. Eighteen different amino acids were found. His (4.76 ±0.08 µg/g) was the most abundant essential amino acid (EAA) in J.secunda, while Phe (5.78 0.04 µg/g) was the most abundant EAA in J.tanjorensis. Gly (4.85±0.03µg/g) and Pro (4.78±0.04 µg/g) was the most prevalent NEAAs in J.secunda and J.tanjorensis, respectively. The finding validates the richness of both plants in essential phytochemicals and other beneficial plant-based nutrients, and explains their traditional use in forkloric medicine practice.

Composition and contents of fatty acids and amino acids in the mycelia of Lentinula edodes.

With the global shortages of animal protein foods, mycoprotein as a low-cost alternative source of protein by its high-protein and low-fat content has become a development trend. Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a healthy food with high protein and low fiber. This work evaluated the nutritional value of L. edodes mycelia, and determined the composition and contents of fatty acids and amino acids. Eleven saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and 12 unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were detected in the mycelia of L. edodes. The UFA content accounted for 75.7% and 73.1% of the total fatty acid content in the mycelia of strains 18 and 18N44, respectively. Linoleic acid was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the mycelia, accounting for 91.0% and 86.3% of the UFAs, respectively. The mycelia of the two strains contained 17 types of amino acids, and the essential amino acids were sufficient (357.92 ± 0.42 and 398.38 ± 4.52 mg/g pro, respectively), both close to the WHO/FAO reference protein pattern value. The most abundant essential amino acid was Lys, and the limiting amino acids were Met + Cys and Ile, respectively. The SRC values in the mycelia of the two strains were 68.07 and 54.86, and the EAAI values were 67.70 and 74.42, respectively, both being close to those of ovalbumin. It is concluded that L. edodes mycelia are rich in easily absorbed high-quality proteins and PUFAs, and can be used as a source for meat analog required by vegetarians. This study provides a scientific basis for the further utilization of mycelial resources.

Difference analysis of the structure and functional properties among coix seed prolamin fractions (α-, β-, and γ-coixin).

The differences in proteins in structural characteristics are reported to affect their physicochemical and functional properties. In this study, three types of prolamins (γ-, α-, and β-coixin) derived from coix seed separately distributed among fractions 1-3 extracts. They were studied respecting molecular weight, amino acid composition, secondary structure, microstructure, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity. Results showed that the molecular weights of those three fractions were between 10 and 40kDa. The secondary structure of those fractions was almost the same, mainly based on β-sheet and irregular structure. The microstructure of α- and γ-coixin presented an irregular shape, whereas β-coixin presented a regular spherical shape. Those three fractions exhibited species of abundant essential amino acids with the same amino acid composition but different contents. The β-coixin fraction had the highest content of hydrophobic amino acids (238.39mg/g) followed by the α-coixin fraction (235.05mg/g), whereas the γ-coixin fraction had the lowest content (33.27mg/g). The γ-coixin fraction has the maximum surface hydrophobicity, whereas the β-coixin fraction has the highest solubility. In addition, the good amphiphilicity of β-coixin fraction made it possible to be used as a surfactant. The excellent functional properties of the β-coixin fraction presented in this research would widen the applications of coix seed prolamins. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The molecular weights of those three fractions were between 10 and 40kDa. The secondary structure was almost the same, mainly based on β-sheet and irregular structure. Those three fractions exhibited species of abundant essential amino acids with the same amino acid composition but different contents. The WHC and OHC of β-coixin were the best, indicating its potential as a surfactant and forming stable lotion.

Somatic indices and nutritional composition of the roe of D. latifrons

Objective: To evaluate some reproductive aspects of D. latifrons and the nutritional quality of its eggs.&#x0D; Design/methods/approach: Eighty-two fish were randomly collected (August 2021), and their sex, length, weight, somatic indices, Fulton condition index (K), proximate composition, and amino acid and lipid composition (fatty acids) of the gonads were determined.&#x0D; Results: Of the total specimens collected, 62% were females; length and weight values were higher in males, but their gonadosomatic index (GSI) was lower than in females. Somatic indices did not show differences between different weight ranges. In the roe of D. latifrons, the average proximate composition was 24.3% protein and 8.5% lipids. The most abundant essential amino acids were leucine and lysine. Linoleic acid (C18:2n6) was the fatty acid with the highest concentration.&#x0D; Limitations/implications: It is necessary to complement the analysis of the amino acid and fatty acid profile of the roe in wild organisms to relate the changes caused by balanced feed.&#x0D; Findings/conclusions: This study shows that the D. latifrons roe is a good source of amino acids and PUFA.&#x0D; Keywords: proximate composition, fatty acids, essential amino acids

Quantitative trait loci associated with amino acid concentration and in vitro protein digestibility in pea (Pisum sativum L.).

With the expanding interest in plant-based proteins in the food industry, increasing emphasis is being placed on breeding for protein concentration and quality. Two protein quality traits i.e., amino acid profile and protein digestibility, were assessed in replicated, multi-location field trials from 2019 to 2021 in pea recombinant inbred line population PR-25. This RIL population was targeted specifically for the research of protein related traits and its parents, CDC Amarillo and CDC Limerick, had distinct variations in the concentration of several amino acids. Amino acid profile was determined using near infrared reflectance analysis, and protein digestibility was through an in vitro method. Several essential amino acids were selected for QTL analysis, including lysine, one of the most abundant essential amino acids in pea, and methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan, the limiting amino acids in pea. Based on phenotypic data of amino acid profiles and in vitro protein digestibility of PR-25 harvested in seven location-years, three QTLs were associated with methionine + cysteine concentration, among which, one was located on chromosome 2 (R2 = 17%, indicates this QTL explained 17% phenotypic variation of methionine + cysteine concentration within PR-25), and two were located on chromosome 5 (R2 = 11% and 16%). Four QTLs were associated with tryptophan concentration and are located on chromosome 1 (R2 = 9%), chromosome 3 (R2 = 9%), and chromosome 5 (R2 = 8% and 13%). Three QTLs were associated with lysine concentration, among which, one was located on chromosome 3 (R2 = 10%), the other two were located on chromosome 4 (R2 = 15% and 21%). Two QTLs were associated with in vitro protein digestibility, one each located on chromosomes 1 (R2 = 11%) and 2 (R2 = 10%). QTLs associated with in vitro protein digestibility, and methionine + cysteine concentration on chromosome 2 were identified to be co-localized with known QTL for total seed protein concentration in PR-25. QTLs associated with tryptophan and methionine + cysteine concentration co-localized on chromosome 5. The identification of QTLs associated with pea seed quality is an important step towards marker-assisted selection of breeding lines with improved nutritional quality, which will further boost the competitiveness of pea in plant-based protein markets.

Phytochemical, GC-MS, FTIR and Amino acid profile of methanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit

The methanolic fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera was analyzed for the presence of phytocompounds, their bioactivity, the functional groups involved in this activity, and its amino acid profile using standard procedures. Phytochemicals such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were identified as being highly present. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis identified 16 bioactive compounds, with 2-thiopheneethanol (58.77%) being the most abundant. Curcumin, with the most diverse pharmacological role, and other bioactive compounds such as cedren-13-ol, 8 (1.56%), N-benzyl stearamide (4.46%), a prominent fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor; pthalic acid, butyl undecyl ester (1.49%); and phenol, 2, 6-bis (1,1 dimethyl ethyl) (1.46%), were also present. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of alkanes, esters, benzene rings, aliphatic, sulfonic acid, and methylene chains. Also, the amino acid analysis of the T. tetraptera revealed that the fruit contains 18 amino acids. Leucine (4.20%), phenylalanine (3.37%), and valine (3.25%) were the most abundant essential amino acids identified, with glutamic (7.20%) and aspartic acid (5.61%) having the highest concentrations as non-essential amino acids. This therefore indicates that T. tetraptera fruit could be used as a pharmacological or therapeutic agent as well as a dietary condiment, particularly at this time when there is a demand for novel protein sources.&#x0D; Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, phytochemicals, GC-MS, FTIR, amino acid, curcumin

Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Mahewu (a Southern African Fermented Food Product) Derived from White and Yellow Maize (Zea mays) with Different Inocula

Mahweu is an important indigenous beverage for many low-income and undernourished consumers in southern Africa. As a result, the nutritional and phytochemical profile of mahewu samples (obtained using optimized fermentation and boiling conditions from a previous study) as well as their related raw materials (white and yellow maize) were investigated. At these conditions, white and yellow maize mahewu (WM and YM) were prepared utilizing various inocula including sorghum malt, wheat, millet malt, or maize malt, and the pH, titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solid (TSS), and proximate analysis were determined. The mineral content, amino acid composition, and phenolic compound profile were also investigated using inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS), respectively. Fermentation was observed to have influenced the proximate composition of obtained mahewu samples compared to the raw flour with significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement in protein from 8.59 to 9.7% (YM) and 8.78 to 9% (WM) as well as carbohydrate from 72.27 to 74.47% (YM) and 71.15 to 72.65% (WM). Sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc were the minerals detected in the mahewu samples, while potassium was the most abundant mineral, having values ranging from 3051.61 to 3283.38 mg/kg (YM) and 2882.11 to 3129.97 mg/kg (WM). Heavy metals detected in this study were all below the recommended tolerable levels by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Arginine and leucine with values ranging from 0.47 to 0.52 g/100 g (YM) and 0.48 to 0.53 g/100 g (WM) as well as 0.91 to 1.04 g/100 g (YM) and 0.95 to 1.01 g/100 g (WM), respectively, were the most abundant essential amino acids, whereas for non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and proline were observed to be abundant. Based on the different inocula, the derived mahewu samples prepared using either white or yellow maize have varying nutritional and health beneficial components and the choice of inocula might still be determined by consumer preference.

Emerging role for branched-chain amino acids metabolism in fibrosis

Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of organ diseases resulting from excessive production of extracellular matrix, which accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is currently no effective treatment targeting fibrogenesis. Recently, metabolic alterations are increasingly considered as essential factors underlying fibrogenesis, and especially research on metabolic regulation of amino acids is flourishing. Among them, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the most abundant essential amino acids, including leucine, isoleucine and valine, which play significant roles in the substance and energy metabolism and their regulation. Dysregulation of BCAAs metabolism has been proven to contribute to numerous diseases. In this review, we summarize the metabolic regulation of fibrosis and the changes in BCAAs metabolism secondary to fibrosis. We also review the effects and mechanisms of the BCAAs intervention, and its therapeutic targeting in hepatic, renal and cardiac fibrosis, with a focus on the fibrosis in liver and associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Bioactive and nutrient composition of Camellia sinensis (Tea plant) leaves

Clinical studies have shown the benefits that plant products can offer to health by recognizing the specific nutrients and chemicals in the plants linked with these benefits hence the bioactive and nutritional composition of Camellia sinensis leaves were evaluated in this study. The result of the phytochemical content of the aqueous extract and methanol extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, other phenolic compounds and anti-nutrients. Only the aqueous extract had tannins as part of its composition.The proximate analysis showed that fibre had the lowest concentration and carbohydrate had the highest concentration. The most abundant vitamin and element are vitamin C and potassium respectively. The most abundant essential and non-essential amino acids are threonine and arginine respectively. The limiting amino acid is tryptophan. Camellia sinensis can be explored to be both a food and a medicinal plant.

Extraction, Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds from Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus)

This study looked at the best conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), such as total phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and inulin. The obtained results showed that the optimum conditions for extraction of total phenolics and flavonoids from receptacle and bracts of artichoke, when applying maceration at room temperature, with 70% methanol for 4 h. Genstin was the major phenolic compound (57.86 and 25.6 mg/100 g DM) in artichoke receptacle and bracts, respectively. The highest content of ascorbic acid extracted from artichoke parts was obtained using 1% citric acid solution at 25 °C. In addition, the optimum conditions for extraction of inulin were autoclave at 120 °C for 15 min. The most abundant essential amino acids were aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine), followed by valine, lysine, and leucine but sulfur amino acids were the limited amino acids found in the artichoke parts. Our results also suggested that bioactive compounds from artichoke extracts might have a promising future in the management of oxidative stress on the gastrointestinal tract and recommended as an attractive ingredient for developing functional food.

Growth performance and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae reared on solid-state fermentation substrates with various white rot fungi

Abstract. Fitriana EL, Jayanegara A, Astuti DA, Laconi EB. 2022. Growth performance and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae reared on solid-state fermentation substrates with various white rot fungi. Biodiversitas 23: 4894-4905. This study examines agricultural byproducts fermented with various rot fungi as a substrate of black soldier fly larvae. The experiment used a three-way randomized design with four replications. The first factor was substrate (cacao pod husk and oil palm frond), the second factor was fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, and Pleurotus sajor-caju), and the third factor was environment condition (light and without light). Approximately 1200 of 7-day-old larvae were added to 600 g substrate treatment. The results showed that the solid-state fermentation substrates had the highest waste reduction parameters and level of consumption. Larvae in the experiment had a crude protein level of 38.84-58.88% of dry matter. Glutamic acid is the most abundant non-essential amino acid in larvae, while leucine is the most abundant essential amino acid. Solid-state fermentation substrate could improve the fatty acid profile quality of larvae in relation to high linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and unsaturated fatty acid percentages, especially CPH-pc substrate. The use of solid-state fermentation in larvae rearing decreased lignin in the cacao pod husk substrate. In conclusion, cacao pod husk substrate solid-state fermented with white rot fungi is not supported the optimum growth performance of BSFL but increases fatty acid profile quality.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF Piper umbellatum Linn LEAVES

Piper umbellatum Linn (cowfoot) is a perennial herb or scrambling shrub that originates from tropical America, and is now widely naturalized in tropical rain forest in Africa. Piper umbellatum Linn have been used as spice and in herbal medicine for treating and managing diverse ailments. This study evaluated the nutrient composition of Piper umbellatum leaves using standard analytical methods. The outcome showed that phenyalalanine (19.54±0.06g/100g) was the major abundant essential amino acid while glutamic acid (23.47±0.03g/100g) was the major non essential amino acid. Fatty acid compositions shows 33.39 ± 078% saturated fatty acid with tricosylic acid (7.04±0.03%) as the predominant fatty acid. Monounsaturated fatty acid composition was 36.72 ± 0.66% with Oleic acid (15.47±0.17%) as the predominant fatty acid and poly unsaturated fatty acid having a total of 7.11 ± 0.24% with eicosatetraenoic acid (3.61 ± 0.01) being the predominant fatty acid. Vitamin composition also showed higher concentration of vitamin C (150.36±1.26mg/100g) and appreciable amount of Vitamin A (38.20±0.14IU). The result of the present study therefore revealed that Piper umbellatum Linn leaves contain substantial quantity of amino acids, vitamins and fatty acid and possess medicinal value.

Enhancing the nutritional and quality profiles of buckwheat noodles: Studies on the effects of methods of milling and improvers

This study investigated the impact of methods of milling and improvers on the quality characteristics and nutritional properties of buckwheat noodles made from fine flour (FFN) and whole groat flour (WGFN). The FFN was found to be lighter in color with a finer and continuous structure while WGFN which has higher fiber content exhibited a coarser and disrupted pattern under scanning electron microscopy. The amount of rutin detected in WGFN was significantly higher (998.22 mg/100 g) than that of FFN (148.21 mg/100 g). Addition of gluten powder at 2–4% levels decreased the cooking loss while guar gum and xanthan gum resulted in the highest water absorption capacity. Rather than the individual emulsifiers, their combination (SSL + GMS) had a better effect on the overall quality. The contents of dietary fiber, slowly digestible starch, resistant starch, total polyphenol, total flavonoid and minerals were higher in WGFN. The most abundant essential amino acids were leucine (7.23–8.52%), phenylalanine (6.93–7.27%) and lysine (5.83–6.03%). This study confirmed the possible use of high buckwheat level (75%) in producing buckwheat noodles with enhanced nutritional profile.

High Value-Added Application of Two Renewable Sources as Healthy Food: The Nutritional Properties, Chemical Compositions, Antioxidant, and Antiinflammatory Activities of the Stalks of Rheum officinale Baill. and Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Regel.

Rhubarb plants (Rheum officinale and R. tanguticum) have edible stalks. In this work, we aimed to compare the nutritional properties, chemical compositions, and bioactivities of R. officinale (SRO) and R. tanguticum (SRT) stalks and to analyze the composition–function relationship. Results showed that the two stalks were good sources of fiber, as well as minerals. They contained abundant essential amino acids and essential fatty acids to regulate the immunity and prevent some chronic diseases; the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids were 2,244.32 mg/100 g and 2,844.69 mg/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activity were also proved. Metabolomics showed that SRO and SRT contained abundant phenolic acids. Due to the higher concentrations of flavones, SRT has better antiinflammatory activities than SRO by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. Rhubarb stalks exhibited good safety in acute toxicity and cytotoxicity tests. This work indicated that the two stalks have nutritional value, safety, and bioactivities, and could be used as sources of nutritional ingredients for regulating the immunity of body in food industry.