Proximate Composition Analysis Research Articles

Nutrient Enhancing and Flesh Quality Improvement in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed Dietary Sweet Potato (Ipomoa butatas) Leaves Aqueous Extract

Dietary sweet potato (I. batatas) leaves extract was assessed for nutrient enhancing ability and improvement of flesh quality in catfish (C. gariepinus). Thirty five (35) % crude protein feed was formulated using locally available ingredients. Four different diets were prepared from the formulated feed by adding varying quantities of sweet potato leaves extracts as follows: Oml/kg; 50ml/kg; 100ml/kg; and 150ml/kg and labeled as Do, D1, D2 and D3 respectively. One hundred and twenty (120) sub-adult C. gariepinus were used for the experiment, they were divided into four groups in triplicates of 10. Feeding with the experimental diets (Do-D3) commenced after two weeks of acclimatization and they were fed for eight (8) weeks, and water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolve oxygen and pH were determined daily, and measurement of length and weight was done fortnightly. After the feeding period fish were collected from each of the groups for proximate composition analysis and organoleptic assessment. The proximate composition of the diets were done to assess the effects of I. batatas on the quality of the diets. The results revealed the following: (i) the diets had no effects on the assessed water quality parameters; (ii) there were no significance difference in the proximate composition of the experimental diets; (iii) the I. batatas leave extracts enhanced the lipids, protein and fibre contents on the flesh of C. gariepinus; (iv) the I. batatas improves texture, taste, appearance and general acceptability of C. gariepinus flesh; (v) nutrient utilization parameters such as protein intake (PI), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention (PR), fat retention (FR) and net protein retention (NPU) increases significantly as the quantity of I. batatas extracts increases in the diet (Do- D3). It was concluded that sweet potato (I. batatas) leaves extracts improves nutrients utilization and flesh quality in C. gariepinus by enhancing bioavailability, digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Biochemical Analysis of Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps Militaris Grown on Brown Rice

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal fungus known for its diverse biofunctional properties. This subject has been extensively analyzed over the past decade. The diverse pharmacological potential of C. militaris has garnered significant global interest recently. This research aims to determine the proximate composition of in vitro cultivated C. militaris fruit bodies. The analysis of proximate composition included measurements of crude protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrate, and moisture content. The research focused on quantifying the overall nutritional value of the fruit bodies and evaluating biological efficiency, in addition to key bioactive compounds including cordycepin, ergosterol, and Vitamin D2. The results demonstrated that the carbohydrate content constituted 47.67% of dry weight, the protein content was 30.41%, and the fiber content accounted for 15%. The fruit bodies contained 39.82 mg/kg of cordycepin and 61.73 mg/100g of ergosterol, whereas vitamin D2 was absent in the cordyceps mushroom sample. The findings demonstrate that in-vitro-cultivated C. militaris fruit bodies exhibit considerable nutritional and therapeutic potential.

Characterization of oils and defatted residues of Terminalia catappa L. seed kernels of two varieties

ABSTRACT The seed kernel of Terminalia catappa Linn (T. catappa) is an underutilized plant food with promising potential. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, thermal behavior, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral characteristics of oils extracted from kernels of yellow and purple cultivars of T. catappa and proximate compositions of their defatted residues. The oils extracted through a cold press micro-expeller, differed in color, with yellow oil being lighter than purple oil. Both cultivars demonstrated high iodine values and lower saponification values. Thermal profiles displayed major exothermic and endothermic peaks associated with the crystallization and melting of triacylglycerols (TAGs). Both oils were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), particularly oleic and linoleic acids, with palmitic acid being the predominant saturated fatty acid (SFA). FTIR spectra indicated the presence of functional groups such as methyl, methylene and esters representing the complex composition of the oils. Proximate composition analysis revealed that whole kernels were high in fat, while defatted residues were richer in protein and minerals. These findings suggest that T. catappa kernels from both cultivars were good sources of plant oils with potential for high-fat products, and defatted residues could be used in protein-rich supplements, offering diverse industrial applications.

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Proximate Composition and Hematology of Anabas testudineus in Biofloc Culture System

In a biofloc fish culture system, this experiment assessed the effects of stocking densities of 200, 250, and 300 fish/m3 at treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively, on the growth and production performances of Anabas testudineus. With a mean final weight of 121.64 ± 1.354 g, T1 produced the largest weight, followed by T2 (111.63 ± 0.552 g) and T3 (104.65 ± 0.602 g). In addition, the feed conversion ratio in T1 treatment (0.97 ± 0.011) was noticeably lower than T2 (1.36 ± 0.020) and T3 treatment (1.67 ± 0.116). Survival rate in T1 treatment (86.66%) was substantially greater than T2 (80.71%) and T3 treatments (74.81%). The comparative analysis of proximate composition has shown lower total microbial colony count, higher protein and fat content, and lower moisture and ash content in biofloc system. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) found in water quality parameter. Significant difference found (p < 0.05) in DO among three treatments. Comparing T1 (1.77 ± 0.017) to T2 (1.46 ± 0.005) and T3 (1.16 ± 0.047), BCR in T1 were higher. There was no significant differences found in HDL, LDL, Triglycerides and cortisol among three treatments but significantly found in control of A. testudineus. The higher level of HDL found in T1 and lower in control, LDL level lower in T1 and higher in control, triglycerides were lower in T1 and higher in control, cortisol higher in control and lower in T1. It might be concluded that the comparatively lower stocking density provides enhanced production and also be suitable in order to maintain better water quality parameters in biofloc culture system. This density is appropriate for the nation's biofloc culture of A. testudineus, as evidenced by the lowest production costs and maximum income seen in T1.

EVALUATING GROWTH AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN CATFISH UNDER DIFFERENT SALINITIES

An investigation was carried out to explore the effect of salinity on the growth and flesh quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a significant species in global aquaculture. Fifty juvenile catfish of weight 24.25±0.4g were collected from the Chenab River in Pakistan and acclimatized in controlled aquaculture conditions at different salinity levels NaCl (T1; 0, T2; 2, T3; 4; T4; 6, and T5; 8 ppt) over 60 days. Growth performance indicators, including final weights, weight gain, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured. The statistical result indicated that the fish in lower salinity environments (0-2 ppt) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) final weights, weight gain, and growth rates, with performance declining significantly as salinity increased. The best FCR 1.2±0.01 was indicated at 0 ppt, while the highest salinity (8 ppt) was revealed in the FCR 1.7±0.04. Proximate composition analysis indicated that crude protein and moisture content elevated with salinity while crude fat and ash content decreased. These results suggest that C. gariepinus thrives in slightly brackish conditions, with optimal growth at low salinity levels. However, higher salinities adversely impact physiological health and growth performance.

From waste to nutrient: Proximate composition, morphological and elemental analysis of Tigertooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) fish bone

From waste to nutrient: Proximate composition, morphological and elemental analysis of Tigertooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) fish bone

Confirmation of the feasibility of using agrobyproduct biochar in thermal power plants through oxygen pyrolysis and conventional pyrolysis

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing agrobyproduct biochar as a substitute for fossil fuels in thermal power plants by comparing oxygen-rich and oxygen-lean pyrolysis processes. The biomass types examined include soybean pods (BE), bamboo (BB), and wood pellets (WP). Results demonstrate that oxygen-lean pyrolysis at high temperatures enhances biochar's carbon content and energy density. Mass yields varied, with WP showing the highest yield at 500℃ under oxygen-lean conditions. Elemental analysis indicated increased carbon content and improved fuel properties with higher pyrolysis temperatures. Proximate composition analysis revealed decreased volatile matter and increased fixed carbon and ash content, leading to higher fuel ratios. Calorific values increased significantly across all biomasses, particularly under oxygen-lean conditions. Gas analysis showed significant changes in O2, CO2, and CO concentrations with temperature variations. Combustion indices and physical properties like aromaticity and Hardgrove grindability index improved with higher temperatures. Optimal pyrolysis conditions were identified as 325℃ for WP, 350℃ for BB, and 300℃ for BE, with BE also performing well at 500℃. The study concludes that optimized agrobyproduct biochar can effectively replace conventional fossil fuels, offering high energy yield and enhanced combustion properties.

Optimizing insect repellence in open sun drying of fish through the combined influence of salt, turmeric, pepper and the bacteriocin nisin under tropical conditions

AbstractBackgroundSun drying of fish in open air is an age‐old traditional practice in Asia and some other parts of the world. This study aims to suggest optimal field doses of turmeric, pepper, salt and the bacteriocin nisin (food additive, E234) for open‐sun‐dried silver jewfish (Johnius argentatus) under a tropical environment. Investigations were carried out on the blowfly infestation, proximate composition, water reconstitution properties and organoleptic and microbial quality of open‐air‐dried fish samples.ResultsA direct relationship between moisture reduction and drying period was observed with salt‐treated samples demonstrating accelerated moisture reduction, reaching as low as 14.1% after 34 h. Turmeric and pepper treatments provided some protection against weight loss but ultimately extended the drying time to 38 h. Botanical pesticides like turmeric or pepper exhibited significant efficacy against blowfly adult and larval infestation with similar efficacy observed in 15% and 25% salt‐treated samples. Proximate composition analysis revealed that salt‐treated samples had lower moisture ranging from 14.1% to 16.0% but higher protein of 58.2%–62.1%, while the lipid and ash content did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The water reconstitution properties of salt‐treated samples exhibited superior rehydration rates, with the highest in nisin (Niseen S) + 15% salt‐treated samples at 60°C, while organoleptic evaluations revealed salt‐treated samples to possess favourable attributes with minimal insect infestation and broken pieces. Finally, microbial analysis demonstrated the lowest aerobic plate count in dried fish samples treated with nisin (Niseen S) alone or in combination with 15% salt and/or 3% turmeric ranging from 3.97 ± 0.20 to 4.33 ± 0.07 log cfu/g.ConclusionIt is concluded that 200 ppm nisin (Niseen S)‐treated samples in combination with 3% turmeric and/or 15% salt are a viable option for producing high‐quality dried fish in traditional open‐air sun‐drying practices.

Comparative Studies of Some Biochemical and Toxicological Investigations of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata from Lagos Suburb in Nigeria

The search for plants and plants products of medicinal potentials cannot be underestimated. Hence this study sought to investigate some parameters of medicinal importance.The phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition, anti-nutrient contents, and acute toxicity of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata were analyzed using standard analytical methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids in both plants. Notably, Ipomoea involucrate exhibited higher saponin levels, suggesting potential unique medicinal properties. Proximate and mineral composition analysis indicated that both plants have low moisture content, which helps in preserving the active compounds by minimizing chemical degradation. Additionally, the plants were found to be rich in crude fiber, protein, and nutritionally valuable elements. Anti-nutrient assessments showed that Chromolaena odorata had the lowest cyanide (5.45mg/100 g) and phytate (0.23mg/100 g) levels, while Ipomoea involucrate had the lowest oxalate content (0.40 mg/100 g). Furthermore, no mortality was observed in tested animals following oral treatment with 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a high margin of safety. This study highlights that both Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrate possess beneficial phytochemical and nutritional profiles. The low moisture content in these plants contributes to the stability of their active compounds, enhancing their potential medicinal value. Ipomoea involucrata stands out for its higher saponin content, which may offer distinctive therapeutic benefits. The minimal presence of anti-nutrients andless lethal effectsfurther support their safety and efficacy as medicinal plants. The findings in this study however underscore the therapeutic potential of these plants and their suitability for use in drug development and their application in therapeutic products.

Color, proximate composition, bioactive compounds and antinutrient profiling of rose

Rose (Rosa sp.) is one of the most important ornamentals which is commercialize for its aesthetic values, essential oils, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceuticals and food industries in the world. It has wide range of variations that is mostly distinguished by petal color differences which is interlinked with the phytochemicals, secondary metabolites and antinutrient properties. Here, we explored the color, bioactive compounds and antinutritional profiling and their association to sort out the most promising rose genotypes. For this purpose, we employed both quantitative and qualitative evaluation by colorimetric, spectrophotometric and visual analyses following standard protocols. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications where ten rose genotypes labelled R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were used as plant materials. Results revealed in quantitative assessment, the maximum value of lightness, and the luminosity indicating a brightening of rose petals close to a yellow color from rose accessions R4, and R10, respectively which is further confirmed with the visually observed color of the respective rose petals. Proximate composition analyses showed that the highest amount of carotenoid and β-carotene was found in R10 rose genotype, anthocyanin and betacyanin in R7. Among the bioactive compounds, maximum tocopherol, phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in R8, R6 and R3 while R1 showed the highest free radical scavenging potentiality with the lowest IC50 (82.60 µg/mL FW) compared to the others. Meanwhile, the enormous variation was observed among the studied rose genotypes regarding the antinutrient contents of tannin, alkaloid, saponin and phytate whereas some other antinutrient like steroids, coumarines, quinones, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were also figured out with their presence or absence following qualitative visualization strategies. Furthermore, according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), correlation matrix and cluster analysis, the ten rose genotypes were grouped into three clusters where, cluster-I composed of R3, R4, R5, R8, cluster-II: R9, R10 and cluster-III: R1, R2, R6, R7 where the rose genotypes under cluster III and cluster II were mostly contributed in the total variations by the studied variables. Therefore, the rose genotypes R9, R10 and R1, R2, R6, R7 might be potential valuable resources of bioactive compounds for utilization in cosmetics, food coloration, and drugs synthesis which have considerable health impact.

ENSILING QUALITY OF PEARL MILLET FORTIFIED WITH GRADED LEVELS OF COWPEA FORAGE

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) forage inclusion on the ensiling quality of Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides Burm.F). Pearl millet and cowpea forages were mixed at 100:00, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60, respectively and ensiled for 3 weeks in the laboratory silos. After fermentation period, the silos were opened and contents scored for colour, aroma and pH. Proximate composition and fiber analysis was carried, dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and reference feed value was also estimated. The result revealed that the silages were moderately acidic, very sweet and had yellowish colour. Cowpea forage inclusion for ensiling pearl millet improved the CP, ash, EE, ME, dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake and RFV with corresponding declined in DM and fiber fractions. Cowpea forage inclusion at 60% level is recommended for ensiling pearl millet grass. Further studies to determine voluntary feed intake and animal performance are recommended.

Comparative Evaluation of the Proximate Composition and Amino Acid Profile in Fresh and Traditionally Sun-dried Fish Species, Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822) and Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822)

Fish is one of the most widely consumed sources of animal protein in the world. However, they are subjected to countless post-harvest changes, so technologies such as sun-drying are employed to preserve fish for a longer time. Currently, sun-dried fish also have a major place in terms of nutrients alongside fresh fish. The present study has been conducted to determine the proximate composition and amino acid content of fish species namely, Puntius sophore (Puthi), and Amblypharyngodon mola (Moa) in fresh and sun-dried conditions to enunciate the nutritional benefits of consuming sun-dried fishes together with fresh fishes. During the study period, fresh fish samples collected were divided into two batches. In one batch all the analyses were carried out under fresh conditions. In the corresponding batch, all the tests were carried out in sun-dried conditions. Proximate composition and amino acid analysis were carried out as per the guidelines of AOAC (2015). The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and carbohydrate content of the fresh and sun-dried P. sophore and A. mola revealed significantly higher moisture content in the fresh fish samples than in the sun-dried samples. Significantly higher crude protein, crude fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents were obtained in the sun-dried samples compared to the samples in fresh condition. The Essential Amino Acid (EAA) predominant in fresh and sun-dried samples of both the species were found to be Lysine and Histidine respectively. The predominant Non-essential Amino Acid (NEAA) in fresh and sun-dried samples of both species was Glutamic acid. The analysis of nutritional parameters reveals that sun-dried fish can provide comparable nutrition to fresh fish. This study is therefore designed to promote the consumption of sun-dried fish among a broader segment of society, highlighting its dietary significance.

Contribution of Some Agro-Food Processing By-products to Chicken Sausages

In this study, some agro-food processing by-products were evaluated as novel food ingredients, that meet the consumer's demand for natural ingredients, and their contributions to chicken-type sausage production were examined. Sausages were formulated with 3% quince waste (QS3), 3% grapefruit waste (GS3), 2% tomato waste (TS2), and 3% tomato waste (TS3). Other ingredients were fresh breast chicken meat, beef tallow, spice mix, ice, NaCl, and NaNO2. Proximate composition and sensory analyses were conducted before the storage. Water activity, pH, TBARS, purge accumulation, and microbiological analyses were performed during the storage. QS3, TS2, and TS3 treatments got appreciated (7.0-7.4 out of 10) sensory scores, while GS3 scored low acceptability (4.0 out of 10) points. Adding food waste significantly reduced purge accumulation; the average purge accumulation of the control sample was 3.70% which is approximately two times higher than food waste added samples. The average TBARS value of the control sample was determined as 0.31 mg MA/kg, and the food waste-added samples were found between 0.57-0.65 mg MA/kg during storage. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and yeast-mold load were higher in TS2 and TS3 products; microbial load and TBARS values of food waste affected the product quality. Also, water activity, microbial growth, and purge accumulation amount affected each other during storage.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Cooking Quality, and Texture Profile Analysis in Himalayan Landraces of Black Gram (Vigna mungo).

The black gram is a traditional pulse crop and is a source of different nutritional components. Due to the scientific community's preference for yield and its components, the area of nutritional composition remains unexplored. Therefore, the evaluation of various quality traits such as proximate composition, cooking quality, texture profile, and association between them is keen important for the identification of the traits influencing the selection of the genotypes. This research aimed at the evaluation of the 25 black gram genotypes for their proximate composition, the effect of different cooking methods (conventional and microwave) on cooking quality parameters, and texture profile analysis. The genotypes were screened on 17 parameters, mean and replicated value of each variable were subjected to statistical analysis. The results for proximate composition showed the range from 11.2-11.7%, 24.24-28.22%, 1.25-1.85%, 3.10-4.45%, 5.35-6.60%, 60.23-64.86% and 368.35-372.75 Kcal/100g for moisture, protein, fat, dietary fiber, ash, utilizable carbohydrate, and gross energy respectively. Cooking time ranged from 33 to 55.5min (traditional) to 29.5-48.5min (microwave), L: B ratio from 1.35 to 1.85, WUR from 1.85 to 2.60, and GSL from 0.25 to 11.30%. TPA's cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness ranged from 0.19 to 1.44N, 0.14-1.30N, 0.58-3.67N, 1.14-10.81N, and 0.58-5.29; 1.16-10.50N in traditional and microwave cooking. Chewiness, gumminess, protein, ash, and cooking time were positively correlated. The first seven PCs have ≥ 1 eigenvalues, accounting for 23.30, 18.00, 13.50, 9.50, 7.40, 6.70%, and 6.40% of total variability. Mandi-2, Kinnour-1, Kirmour-1, Kangra-2, Bilaspur-1, Kangra-3, Kullu-1, Kullu-4, Chamba-3, and Chamba-7 to PCs 1-2 contributed the most to diversity, indicating good selection for subsequent upgrading initiatives.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant, Nutritional, Phytochemical and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Justicia carnea and Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Meals

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in plant-derived compounds for their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. In this study, two botanical species, Alchornea cordifolia and Justicia carnea leaf meals were examined for their antioxidant characteristics, phytochemical and proximate composition, anti-proteinase properties and lipase, albumin, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory properties. A. cordifolia exhibited significantly higher levels of vitamin C, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity and flavonoid content compared to J. carnea, indicating superior antioxidant potential. Conversely, J. carnea showed higher saponin and cardiac glycoside content. Notably, A. cordifolia demonstrated stronger inhibition of lipase albumin and anti-proteinase activities, as well as higher inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes compared to J. carnea. Proximate composition analysis revealed differences in moisture, nitrogen-free extract, crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein contents between the two leaf meals. In conclusion, A. cordifolia emerges as a promising source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors, highlighting its potential as a valuable nutraceutical resource. Its superior properties to J. carnea suggest its potential application as a functional food ingredient for promoting health and preventing metabolic disorders. This study provides valuable insights into the biochemical and nutritional composition of these leaf meals, contributing to the understanding of their potential health benefits.

Impact of Cricket and Caterpillar Meal Supplementation on the Nutritional Profile and Consumer Acceptability of Cookies

The quality of cookies produced from wheat flour, cricket, and caterpillar meal blends was evaluated. This was done to examine the effect of adding edible cricket and caterpillar meals on the nutritional and sensory quality of wheat-based cookies. Edible crickets and caterpillars were purchased from local farmers in Benue state, de-gutted, washed, oven-dried, sorted, milled, and sieved to produce their respective meals. The meals were mixed in wheat flour: edible insects ratios of 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 for Cricket and Caterpillar meal blends, respectively. However, samples 100:0 were not mixed and contained 100% wheat flour. The samples were subjected to functional analysis of proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, amino acid profile, physical properties analysis, and sensory attributes evaluation. The result generated from the study was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) was used for mean separation at the probability level of significance of 5%. While the protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and moisture content of the cookies increased with increasing amount of edible insect meal incorporated into the formulation, the carbohydrate content of the cookies decreased significantly (p<0.05). All minerals evaluated in the study (Ca, Zn, K, P, Na, Mg, and Fe) increased with the increase in the amount of edible insect meals in the formulations. An increase in vitamin content was also observed in the cookies, but this increase was insignificant (p>0.05). There was a significant increase in all essential and non-essential amino acid content of the cookies as the level of cricket/caterpillar meal in the formulation increased. The addition of up to 20% of edible cricket/caterpillar meals to wheat flour increased all sensory attributes of the cookies. Cookies fortified with caterpillar meal were found to be more nutritious than those fortified with cricket meal. In general, samples 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% cricket meal) and 85:15(85% wheat flour + 15% caterpillar meal) contained high nutritional content and recorded the best sensory attributes and therefore were selected as the best blends for a wheat flour+cricket meal and wheat flour+caterpillar meal blends for cookies production.

Nutritional composition of common, coastal seaweeds from northeastern New Zealand

ABSTRACT Seaweeds provide important macronutrients for marine herbivores and potential for aquaculture. However, the nutritional content of most New Zealand seaweeds is undocumented. Here, the nutritional composition of eleven common, littoral seaweed species in northeastern New Zealand was examined using proximate composition analysis. Overall, red seaweeds were highest in protein and insoluble fibre, brown seaweeds were highest in lipids and soluble carbohydrates, and green seaweeds were highest in moisture and ash. More specifically, red seaweeds Asparagopsis armata and Pterocladiella capillacea were highest in protein, while Corallina officinalis was highest in ash and much lower in other macronutrients. Brown seaweeds Carpophyllum maschalocarpum and Cystophora retroflexa were highest in soluble carbohydrates, C. retroflexa was highest in lipids, and Xiphophora chondrophylla was highest in insoluble fibre. Across all species, green seaweeds Codium fragile and Ulva cf. lactuca were highest in moisture. In summary, this study provides a baseline of the nutritional composition of various common seaweeds in northeastern New Zealand, encourages research examining drivers of variability in nutritional composition and highlights commercial opportunities in New Zealand’s burgeoning seaweed sector.

Comparative analysis of nutrient composition and antioxidant activity in three dragon fruit cultivars.

Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrients, fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their pulps. Uniform dragon fruit samples underwent thorough analysis for proximate composition, mineral content, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin C, with statistical methods used to assess significant differences among the parameters studied. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant differences among the three dragon fruit cultivars. Among the proximate components, protein (0.40±0.02g/100 g), moisture (91.33±0.88%), crude fibre (0.32±0.07 g/100 g), and ash (1.27±0.09 g/100 g) were more abundant in Hylocereus costaricensis than in Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus megalanthus. On the other hand, Hylocereus undatus had higher carbohydrate (17.02±0.63 g/100 g) and energy (69.74±2.44 kcal/100 g) contents. K (7.23±0.35 mg/100 g), Ca (1.61±0.13 mg/100 g), Fe (1.84±0.05 mg/100 g), and Zn (0.37±0.034 mg/100 g) are highly abundant in H. costaricensis. Additionally, Hylocereus costaricensis had the highest anthocyanin content (120.15±3.29 mg/g FW) and total carotenoid content (72.51±1.62 mg/g FW), along with the highest vitamin C content (8.92±0.13 mg/g FW) and total soluble phenolic content (572.48±20.77 mg/100 g). Its remarkable antioxidant activity was further highlighted by the lowest SC50 value (13.50±0.4 mg/mL) for its DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The total soluble sugar content was highest in Hylocereus megalanthus (8.72±0.30 g/100 g FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct trait and genotype associations; among the studied cultivars, Hylocereus costaricensis demonstrated superior performance across multiple traits. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among several traits, while principal component analysis highlighted the contribution of each trait to overall variance, with PC1 explaining 73.95% of the total variance. This study highlights the nutritional variations among dragon fruit cultivars, with Hylocereus costaricensis showing superior performance, guiding dietary planning and functional food development.

Nutritional and techno-functional properties of the brown seaweed Sargassum filipendula

With the increasing need to promote healthy and sustainable diets, seaweeds emerge as an environmentally friendly food source, offering a promising alternative for food production. The aim of this study was to characterize the brown seaweed Sargassum filipendula from the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, regarding its nutritional and techno-functional properties using two dehydration methods, oven drying and lyophilized. A commercial dried sample was used as a control. Analyses of proximate composition, mineral determination, amino acid determination, antioxidant capacity, pH, color, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal properties, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and techno-functional properties were performed. Seaweed flours showed significant differences in physicochemical composition, with dietary fiber content of seaweed flours exceeding 70 %. Glutamic and aspartic acids were the most abundant amino acids, with contents of 88.56 and 56.88 mg/g of protein in Sargassum oven drying. Both for antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds, Sargassum lyophilized flours showed the highest levels of compounds. Sargassum lyophilized exhibited lighter color compared to Sargassum oven drying and Sargassum commercial. Emulsion formation, foam formation capacity and stability were higher in Sargassum lyophilized, as well as water and oil absorption. The results suggest that seaweeds can be used to formulate a wide variety of food products, such as sausages, bread, cakes, soups, and sauces.

Phytochemicals Screening, Proximate composition and Antioxidants Analysis of Italian Citrus paradisi Fruits

Citrus paradise is a largely consumed fruit for nutrition and medicinal importance. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemicals, proximate, and antioxidants contents of Italian Citrus paradisi fruits. The phytochemicals screening and proximate analysis were performed using the methods of AOAC. Antioxidants contents and capacities of the extract were determined by DPPH and FRAP Assay. The grapefruits aqueous extract revealed the presence of various phytochemicals and contains significant (p < 0.05) amount of carbohydrates (89.36 %), moisture (74.80 %), lipids (4.56 %), protein (3.36 %), crude fiber (2.36 %), and ash content (0.83 %). The extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increase in DPPH percentage inhibition of free radical scavenging activity and FRAP properties comparable to that of the standard, ascorbic acid. The grapefruits extract contains various phytochemicals, proximate nutrients, and exhibited free radical scavenging activity. The grapefruits have nutritional status, antioxidant properties, and medicinal importance.