Almond Research Articles

Identification of Genetic Diversity Using Morphological Properties and Self-Incompatibility Alleles in Selected Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A. Webb) Genotypes

Identification of Genetic Diversity Using Morphological Properties and Self-Incompatibility Alleles in Selected Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A. Webb) Genotypes

Carboxymethyl cellulose/starch/reduced graphene oxide composite as a pH-sensitive nanocarrier for curcumin drug delivery

Nanocomposites are promising drug carriers to treat terminal cancers with few adverse effects. Herein, nanocomposite hydrogels composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/starch/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were synthesized via a green chemistry approach and then encapsulated in double nanoemulsions to act as pH-responsive delivery systems for curcumin, a potential antitumor drug. A water/oil/water nanoemulsion containing bitter almond oil served as a membrane surrounding the nanocarrier to control drug release. DLS and zeta potential measurements were used to estimate the size and confirm the stability of curcumin-loaded nanocarriers. The intermolecular interactions, crystalline structure and morphology of the nanocarriers were analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and FESEM, respectively. The drug loading and entrapment efficiencies were significantly improved compared to previously reported curcumin delivery systems. In vitro release experiments demonstrated the pH-responsiveness of the nanocarriers and the faster curcumin release at a lower pH. The MTT assay revealed the increased toxicity of the nanocomposites against MCF-7 cancer cells compared to CMC, CMC/RGO or free curcumin. Apoptosis was detected in MCF-7 cells via flow cytometry tests. The results obtained herein support that the developed nanocarriers are stable, uniform and effective delivery systems for a sustained and pH-sensitive curcumin release.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human dental pulp stem cells using Prunus amygdalus amara (bitter almond) incorporated nanofibrous scaffold

Polyphenol extracts derived from plants are expected to have enhanced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation ability, which has gained much attention in tissue engineering applications. Herein, for the first time, we investigate the effects of Prunus amygdalus amara (bitter almond) (BA) extract loaded on poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin (Gt) nanofibrous scaffolds on the osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). In this regard, BA (0, 5, 10, and 15% wt)-loaded PCL/Gt nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning with fiber diameters in the range of around 237–276 nm. Morphology, composition, porosity, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were examined by FESEM, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, BET, contact angle, and tensile tests, respectively. It was found that the addition of BA improved the tensile strength (up to 6.1 times), Young's modulus (up to 3 times), and strain at break (up to 3.2 times) compared to the neat PCL/Gt nanofibers. Evaluations of cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation were done by FESEM observation and MTT assay. Cytocompatibility studies support the biocompatible nature of BA loaded PCL/Gt scaffolds and free BA by demonstrating cell viability of more than 100% in all groups. The results of alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin Red assay revealed that osteogenic activity levels of BA loaded PCL/Gt scaffolds and free BA were significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). QRT-PCR results demonstrated that BA loaded PCL/Gt scaffolds and free BA led to a significant increase in osteoblast differentiation of DPSCs through the upregulation of osteogenic related genes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Based on results, incorporation of BA extract in PCL/Gt scaffolds exhibited synergistic effects on the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenesis differentiation of hDPSCs and was therefore assumed to be a favorable scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.

Selection of superior late-blooming almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) genotypes using morphological characterizations.

Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) is one of the earliest domesticated trees and the evidence dates back to 3000-2000 BC. In the present study, 198 almond seedling origin trees were studied to select late-flowering genotypes having high kernel quality. Significant variabilities were exhibited among the genotypes investigated based on the recorded traits. Full-blooming date ranged from mid-March to mid-April. The Ward dendrogram clustered the genotypes into two major clusters forming several subclusters. After clustering the genotypes based on the full-blooming dates, 68 late-blooming genotypes were recognized and reanalyzed based on the quantitative characters to select the superior ones. Nut-related characters were as follows: nut length: 22.34-43.05 mm, nut width: 14.07-24.34 mm, nut thickness: 9.21-18.00 mm, nut weight: 1.88-6.62 g, and shell thickness: 2.26-4.59 mm. Kernel-related characters were as follows: kernel length: 16.73-25.91 mm, kernel width: 8.50-13.64 mm, kernel thickness: 3.56-7.37 mm, and kernel weight: 0.35-1.41 g. Kernel weight was positively and significantly associated with nut weight, kernel thickness, kernel length, kernel width, nut length, and branch leaf width. Thus, these key variables are the main traits accounting for kernel weight, and they should be considered together in breeding with aiming at increasing the kernel weight. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of almond, such as fruit yield, nut weight, shell hardness, kernel shape, kernel weight, and kernel taste, 19 late-blooming genotypes were promising and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.

Exploring the Mechanism of Antioxidant Action of Bitter Almond Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Techniques

Objective. A network pharmacology approach was used to investigate the main active ingredients, key targets, and mechanisms of action of bitter almond antioxidants, and preliminary validation of the relevant targets was performed using molecular docking techniques. Methods. The active ingredients of bitter almond were obtained through the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and the main active ingredients were screened by bioavailability (OB) and drug-like properties (DL); the GeneCards database was used to search antioxidant-related disease targets through the traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database and analysis; building a “drug-disease-target” visual network map with Cytoscape 3.9.0 software; a protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING website and core targets were screened; GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were obtained using Metoscape. Finally, SailVina software was used to molecularly dock the major active ingredients and target proteins and visualize them using PyMOL software. Results. A total of 19 antioxidant active ingredients were obtained for bitter almond, mainly stigmasterol, glycyrol, and estrone. The targets regulated by their main active ingredients were intersected with oxidative targets, and 53 intersected targets were obtained by Venn diagram, with key targets involving NR3C2, NCOA2, MAOA, ADRA2A, and CHRM1; GO analysis yielded 3616 GO entries, including 2821 biological process (BP) entries, 316 cellular component (CC) entries, and 479 molecular function (MF) entries, and 184 signalling pathways were obtained from KEGG pathway enrichment screening. The molecular docking results showed that Stigmasterol-NR3C2 binding was better. Conclusion. Stigmasterol, glycyrol, estrone, and licochalcone B in bitter almond may be the material basis of antioxidant and have better antioxidant activity; therefore, bitter almond has the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway.

Fe3O4@nano-almondshell/Si(CH2)3/2-(1-piperazinyl)ethylamine as an effective magnetite almond shell-based nanocatalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromene and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives

The preparation and design of nano-catalysts based on magnetic biopolymers as green and biocompatible nano-catalysts have made many advances. This paper deals with the preparation of magnetite biopolymer-based Brønsted base nano-catalyst from a nano-almond (Prunus dulcis) shell. This magnetite biopolymer-based nano-catalyst was obtained through a simple process based on the core-shelling of nano-almond shell and Fe3O4 NPs and then the immobilization of 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane as linker and 2-aminoethylpiperazine as a basic section. Structural and morphological analysis of this magnetite biopolymer-based nano-catalyst were done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, Vibrating sample magnetization, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and Transmission electron microscopy techniques. The performance of the synthesized Fe3O4@nano-almondshell/Si(CH2)3/2-(1-piperazinyl)ethylamine as a novel magnetite biopolymer-based nano-catalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromene and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran was investigated and showed excellent efficiency.

GC-O-MS Analysis of Aroma-Active Compounds of Chinese Almonds Obtained by Different Pretreatment Methods

Almonds (Prunus dulcis) are an ancient and commercially valuable crop from Asia. In this experiment, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), and simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) were used to pretreat the almonds from China. The almond extract was then analyzed by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) with gas chromatography-olfactory-mass spectrometer (GC-O-MS). SPME and SAFE were identified as the better extraction methods, and 52 aroma-active compounds of almonds, such as 1-nonanal, eugenol, and linalool, were identified based on odor activity values (OAVs). Aroma recombination and omission experiments showed that “sweet,” “fruity,” and “fatty” are the main aroma attributes of Chinese almonds, with a strong relationship with hexanal, heptaldehyde, 1-nonanal, etc. This experiment provides new insights into the sensory contribution of Chinese almond volatiles and helps Chinese almond producers characterize and market the aroma profile of Chinese almond varieties.

Application of ultrasound technology in the intensification of biodiesel production from bitter almond oil (BAO) in the presence of biocompatible heterogeneous catalyst synthesized from camel bone

ABSTRACT Although biofuels have many benefits, but their production costs are high. This challenge has caused researches to use waste materials and apply technologies to lower the cost of producing these fuels. In this study, a biocompatible heterogeneous catalyst created from calcining camel bones is employed to make biodiesel fuel from non-edible bitter almond oil (BAO). Additionally, using ultrasound technology was one way to increase the effectiveness of the biodiesel synthesis process. Additionally, the effects of the independent variables alcohol to oil molar ratio (6:1, 11:1, and 16:1), reaction time (10, 20, and 30 minutes), ultrasonic power (30, 65, and 100%), catalyst loading (4, 8, and 12 oil wt%), and reaction time (10, 20, and 30 minutes) on the production of methyl ester from BAO were examined. Camel bones were calcined at 400, 700, and 1000°C for 2, 3, and 4 hours. Optimum temperature and time conditions for camel bones calcination with maximum methyl ester production of 88% were obtained at 1000°C and 3 hours after measuring the morphology structure of camel bones catalyst using XRD and TGA methods. The maximum biodiesel conversion rate of 92.3% was obtained using the calcined catalyst with a molar ratio of 11:1, a catalyst loading of 8%, an ultrasonic power of 100%, and a reaction time of 20 minutes. Using the response surface methodology, tests and optimization were performed by Design-Expert software. Biodiesel yield and energy consumption were 88.13% and 248.18 kJ in the optimal conditions suggested by the software with the conditions of maximum production and minimum energy consumption with appropriate weighting. According to the results, waste camel bone can be used as a cost-effective biocompatible source with favorable catalytic activity for biodiesel fuel production.

New Alkyd Resins from Underutilized Indigenous Seed Oils: Synthesis and Characterization

The underutilization of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus), and jatropha (Jatropha curcas) seeds indicates a significant resource waste. Nine different varieties of 25% (short), 40% (medium), and 60% (long) alkyd resins were produced from the cross-section of drying, semi-drying, and non-drying oils. A large amount of conversion occurred, with the extent of the reaction (Pav) decreasing as time progressed and the corresponding increase in alkyds' average degree of polymerization (Dp) showing synthesized alkyds. Surface drying from the set-to-dry and dry-through periods climaxed at 2 hours for all the alkyds. Except for alkali, synthesized alkyd resins demonstrated outstanding resistance to service media as surface coatings, but the sesame resins gave excellent film qualities equivalent to those of a commercial and standard oil-based paint.

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of polyvinyl alcohol orally disintegrating films containing sweet almond oil nanoemulsion

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of polyvinyl alcohol orally disintegrating films containing sweet almond oil nanoemulsion

Detection and distribution of two dominant alleles associated with the sweet kernel phenotype in almond cultivated germplasm.

Almond [Prunus dulcis Miller (D. A. Webb), syn. Prunus amygdalus L.)] is the major tree nut crop worldwide in terms of production and cultivated area. Almond domestication was enabled by the selection of individuals bearing sweet kernels, which do not accumulate high levels of the toxic cyanogenic glucoside amygdalin. Previously, we showed that the Sweet kernel (Sk) gene, controlling the kernel taste in almond, encodes a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor regulating the amygdalin biosynthetic pathway. In addition, we characterized a dominant allele of this gene, further referred to as Sk-1, which originates from a C1036→T missense mutation and confers the sweet kernel phenotype. Here we provide evidence indicating that the allele further referred to as Sk-2, originally detected in the cultivar "Atocha" and arising from a T989→G missense mutation, is also dominantly inherited and confers the sweet kernel phenotype in almond cultivated germplasm. The use of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) for population structure and hierarchical clustering analyses indicated that Sk-2 occurs in a group of related genotypes, including the widespread cultivar "Texas", descending from the same ancestral population. KASP and dual label functional markers were developed for the accurate and high-throughput selection of the Sk-1 and Sk-2 alleles, and the genotyping of a panel of 134 almond cultivars. Overall, our results provide further insights on the understanding of the almond cultivation history. In addition, molecular marker assays and genotypic data presented in this study are expected to be of major interest for the conduction of almond breeding programs, which often need to select sweet kernel individuals in segregant populations.

Herbicide Management of Threespike Goosegrass in California Orchards

Threespike goosegrass (Eleusine tristachya) is a difficult-to-control perennial grass of increasing concern for orchard production systems in the Central Valley of California, USA. This grass has a bunch-type growth habit when tillered, which can interfere with orchard operations, particularly nut pickup from the ground at harvest. From 2016 to 2019, herbicide efficacy on threespike goosegrass was evaluated in a walnut (Juglans regia) orchard in Chico, CA, USA; an almond (Prunus dulcis) orchard in Livingston, CA, USA; and a prune (Prunus domestica) orchard in Orland, CA, USA. At each location, two independent experiments were conducted to evaluate 12 preemergent (PRE) herbicide treatments and eight postemergent (POST) treatments over several years, for a total of 16 trials. PRE herbicides were applied in January according to the region’s typical winter orchard management practices. One treatment included an additional sequential application in March to extend residual activity later into the warm season when threespike goosegrass germinates or resumes growth. In separate studies, POST control of established stands of threespike goosegrass was evaluated in May and June of each year. Each trial was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Threespike goosegrass control was visually estimated monthly for 5 months after the PRE treatments or at weekly intervals for 5 weeks following POST treatments. The most effective PRE treatment was a sequential application of indaziflam in January, followed by a March application of pendimethalin, providing 90% or greater control of threespike goosegrass 5 months after treatment across all sites and all years. Of the POST treatments, the three graminicides outperformed the other treatments with 73% to 91% control overall sites and years at 5 weeks after treatment. Fluazifop had the highest control ratings (85% to 91%) among the graminicide herbicides but was not always statistically better than clethodim or sethoxydim (74% to 83% control). Glyphosate alone resulted in unacceptable control (33% to 51%) regardless of rates tested, experimental sites, or years. Together, these results confirm grower reports of poor glyphosate performance on threespike goosegrass but suggest that effective herbicide programs can be developed to manage threespike goosegrass using PRE herbicides and POST graminicides registered in California orchard crops.

PH-sensitive ameliorated quercetin delivery using graphene oxide nanocarriers coated with potential anticancer gelatin-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoemulsion with bitter almond oil

pH-sensitive ameliorated quercetin delivery using graphene oxide nanocarriers coated with potential anticancer gelatin-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoemulsion with bitter almond oil

Reproductive phenology calendar and its correlation with air temperature in five Mediterranean almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] cultivars grown in Morocco

Agro-climatic requirements are of crucial importance for establishment and management of nut tree orchards. In this work, we investigated timing and duration of key reproductive phenology events and their chilling units (CU) and heat requirements namely growing degree-days (GDD) and degree-hours (GDH) in five Mediterranean almond cultivars of early (‘Marcona’), intermediate (‘Fournat de Brézenaud’), and late flowering time (‘Ferraduel’, ‘Ferragnès’, and ‘Tuono’). Field phenological observations were performed during three growing seasons (2016–2018) across five contrasting sites in northern and eastern Morocco. Phenological records consisted of timing of initial inflorescence (Inf), inflorescence duration (Inf D), initial flowering (Ini F), full flowering (Ful F), final flowering (Fin F), flowering duration (FD), ripening (Rip), fruit development period (FDP). Our outcomes reveal that ‘Marcona’ and ‘Fournat de Brézenaud’ presented low CUs. ‘Tuono’, ‘Ferraduel’, and ‘Ferragnès’ required higher GDD and GDH to reach flowering time. Additionally, ‘Marcona’ had the highest FDP and GDD and GDH for ripening. Sites of northern Morocco exhibited a delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering and longer Inf D, FD, and FDP and high GDD and GDH for different phenological events. 2016 had low CU resulting in delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering but shortened Inf D and FD. Important correlations were outlined among phenological events and agro-climatic requirements. Principal component analysis explains data variation through first principal component (PC, genotypic), the second and the third PC discriminated sites and growing seasons, respectively (environmental components). In conclusions, owing to their early flowering and fruit set, ‘Fournat de Brézenaud’ and ‘Marcona’ should be grown in areas with low frost risks. ‘Marcona’ is not recommended for warmer environments because of its longer FDP. Chill decline induced by global warming may threaten production of high chilling requirement cultivars (‘Ferraduel’, ‘Ferragnès’, and ‘Tuono’).

Investigation of the antitumor effect on breast cancer cells of the electrospun amygdalin-loaded poly(l-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) nanofibers

In this study, PLA/PEG nanofibers (NFs) loaded with amygdalin (AMG) and bitter almond kernels extract were produced by electrospinning to prevent local breast cancer recurrence, and the effect of produced NFs on the MCF-7 cell line was investigated in vitro. The electrospun NFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal analysis (DSC) and tensile strength and physical analyzes were performed. Loading of AMG to nanofibers increased fiber diameters from 827.93 ± 174.507 nm to 1855.32 ± 291.057 μm. When drug release results were analyzed, the NFs showed a controlled release profile extending up to 10 h. The encapsulation efficiency of AMG-loaded NFs was calculated at 100 ± 0,01 %, 94 ± 0,02 %, and 88 ± 0,02 %. When in vitro cytotoxicity results were analyzed, showed that all NFs are effective in inducing cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Importantly, 20 mg AMG-loaded NFs displayed effectively higher cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cells relative to the other NFs. Considering all the results, AMG-loaded NFs can give sustained release of drugs at the local sites. Therefore, AMG-loaded nanofibers can reduce the risk of local recurrence of cancer after surgery and can be directly implanted into solid tumor cells for treatment.

Genome-Wide Analysis of DREB Family Genes and Characterization of Cold Stress Responses in the Woody Plant Prunus nana.

Dehydration response element binding factor (DREB) is a family of plant-specific transcription factors, whose members participate in the regulation of plant responses to various abiotic stresses. Prunus nana, also known as the wild almond, is a member of the Rosaceae family that is rare and found to grow in the wild in China. These wild almond trees are found in hilly regions in northern Xinjiang, and exhibit greater drought and cold stress resistance than cultivated almond varieties. However, the response of P. nana DREBs (PnaDREBs) under low temperature stress is still unclear. In this study, 46 DREB genes were identified in the wild almond genome, with this number being slightly lower than that in the sweet almond (Prunus dulcis cultivar 'Nonpareil'). These DREB genes in wild almond were separated into two classes. All PnaDREB genes were located on six chromosomes. PnaDREB proteins that were classified in the same groups contained specific shared motifs, and promoter analyses revealed that PnaDREB genes harbored a range of stress-responsive elements associated with drought, low-temperature stress, light responsivity, and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements within their promoter regions. MicroRNA target site prediction analyses also suggested that 79 miRNAs may regulate the expression of 40 of these PnaDREB genes, with PnaDREB2. To examine if these identified PnaDREB genes responded to low temperature stress, 15 of these genes were selected including seven homologous to Arabidopsis C-repeat binding factor (CBFs), and their expression was assessed following incubation for 2 h at 25 °C, 5 °C, 0 °C, -5 °C, or -10 °C. In summary, this analysis provides an overview of the P. nana PnaDREB gene family and provides a foundation for further studies of the ability of different PnaDREB genes to regulate cold stress responses in almond plants.

The Effects of Self-Aromatherapy Massage on Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and can lead to pain, joint deformity, and disability, resulting in poor sleep quality and lower quality of life. The efficacy of aromatherapy massage on pain levels and sleep quality among rheumatoid arthritis patients remains unclear. AimsTo investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pain and sleep quality among rheumatoid arthritis patients. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled 102 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from one regional hospital in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 32), placebo (n = 36), or control groups (n = 34). The intervention and placebo groups underwent self-aromatherapy hand massage guided by a self-aromatherapy hand massage manual and video for 10 minutes 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The intervention group used 5% compound essential oils, the placebo group used sweet almond oil, and the control group had no intervention. Pain, sleep quality and sleepiness were measured by using the numerical rating scale for pain, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the intervention. ResultsThe intervention and placebo groups had significantly decreased sleep quality and sleepiness scores from baseline to 3 weeks after aromatherapy massage. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement in the sleep quality scores in the first weeks after aromatherapy massage (B = -1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.35, -0.02, P =.046), but no statistically significant differences were found in the changes in pain levels from baseline to the three time points. ConclusionsAromatherapy massage is effective in improving sleep quality in rheumatoid arthritis patients. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy hand massage on the pain levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Development of Emulsions Containing L-Ascorbic Acid and α-Tocopherol Based on the Polysaccharide FucoPol: Stability Evaluation and Rheological and Texture Assessment

The main function of vitamin C, as an antioxidant, is to combat free radicals and prevent premature aging, smoothing wrinkles and expression lines. In addition, it acts directly on depigmentation and prevention of blemishes on the skin. In this study, natural oils (30 wt.%) and α-tocopherol (2.5 wt.%) containing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized with the bacterial fucose-rich polysaccharide FucoPol were formulated, adding L-ascorbic acid as an antioxidant. The optimized formulations were obtained with 8.0 wt.% L-ascorbic acid for the Olea europaea oil formulation (C1) with a ƞ value of 2.71 Pa.s (measured at shear rate of 2.3 s−1) and E24 = 96% and with 15 wt.% L-ascorbic acid for the Prunus amygdalus dulcis formulation (C2) with a ƞ value of 5.15 Pa.s (at a shear rate of 2.3 s−1) and E24 = 99%. The stability of the FucoPol-based formulations was investigated over 45 days at 4 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C. The results showed that all formulations maintained the organoleptic characteristics, with pH variations (5.7–6.8 for C1, and 5.5–6.03 for C2) within the regulations for cosmetic products (4 ≤ pH ≤ 7). The accelerated stability tests proved the formulations’ stability at 4 °C with EI = 95% for C1 and EI = 100% for C2. The rheological assessment demonstrated that the formulation presents a shear-thinning and liquid-like behavior. Regarding textural parameters, formulations C1 and C2 displayed an increase in firmness and consistency with similar spreadability during the shelf life. These findings further demonstrate FucoPol’s functional properties, acting as an emulsifier and stabilizer polysaccharide in cosmetic formulations containing L-ascorbic acid.

Inhibition of oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-product formation in purified BSA/glucose glycation system by polyphenol extracts of selected nuts from Pakistan.

Glycation generates advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its intermediates, thus increasing the risk of developing various ailments including diabetes mellitus. Current study was planned to explore the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of selected nuts viz, Juglans regia (Walnut), Prunus dulcis (Almond), Pistacia vera (Pistachio), and Arachis hypogaea (Peanut), locally available and readily consumed in Faisalabad, Pakistan, for their health-promoting properties. The prepared methanolic extracts of selected nuts were tested for biological activities including the antioxidant and antiglycation potential. The effect of these extracts against oxidation and AGE formation was evaluated by in vitro method using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose system. Juglans regia, Pistacia vera, and Arachis hypogaea were found rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents with increased reducing potential and least IC50 due to the DPPH free radical scavenging inhibition. Dose- and time-dependent inhibition of glucose-induced advanced glycation end-product (AGE) was exhibited by fruit extracts through in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose system. Juglans regia and Pistacia vera were predominantly effective in the inhibition of early and intermediary glycation products at different incubation conditions. The study indicated that the extracts of selected nuts possess significant antioxidant capacity and are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, making them useful supplements as an important part of a balanced diet.

Boosting the adsorption capacity of activated carbon prepared from Amygdalus communis shells using physicochemical co-activation method

Boosting the adsorption capacity of activated carbon prepared from Amygdalus communis shells using physicochemical co-activation method