Black Lemon Research Articles

Nanomaterial Mixed with Dyes to Make Solar Cell Concentrator

In the present work, different concentrations of natural dyes (pomegranate, saffron, black lemon) were prepared by solving (0.001,0.002,0.003) g from these dyes in 100ml of pure water. The preparation of different concentrations mixed with the nanomaterial (titanium oxide) at a rate of 0.9 grams per 100 ml of pure water, in addition to mixing it with polymer epoxy resin at a ratio of 2:1 to obtain a solid mold after leaving it for two days to dry, and four solar cells were placed on the four different of the blocks which manufacture as solar cell concentrator. The best value for the efficiency of the solar cell was found for the pomegranate dye with a concentration of 0.002 grams, which is (ƞ=1.232), while the efficiency of the solar cell without dye is (ƞ=0.500).

Screening and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Selected Unripe Fruits and Their Antioxidant Potential.

The food sector's interest in sustainability and the demand for novel bioactive compounds are increasing. Many fruits are wasted every year before ripening due to various climatic conditions and harsh weather. Unripe mangoes, grapes, and black lemons could be rich sources of phenolic compounds that need to be fully elucidated. Using fruit waste as a source of bioactive chemicals has grown increasingly appealing as it may have significant economic benefits. Polyphenols are beneficial for human health to inhibit or minimize oxidative stress and can be used to develop functional and nutraceutical food products. In this context, this study aimed to characterize and screen unripe mangoes, grapes, and black lemons for phenolic compounds using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and their antioxidant activities. Unripe mangoes were quantified with higher total phenolic content (TPC, 58.01 ± 6.37 mg GAE/g) compared to black lemon (23.08 ± 2.28 mg GAE/g) and unripe grapes (19.42 ± 1.16 mg GAE/g). Furthermore, unripe mangoes were also measured with higher antioxidant potential than unripe grapes and black lemons. A total of 85 phenolic compounds (70 in black lemons, 49 in unripe grapes, and 68 in unripe mango) were identified, and 23 phenolic compounds were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Procyanidin B2, gallic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid were measured with higher concentration in these selected unripe fruits. A positive correlation was found between phenolic contents and the antioxidant activities of unripe fruits. Furthermore, chemometric analysis was conducted to validate the results. This study will explore the utilization of these unripe fruits to develop functional and therapeutic foods.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry assessment of essential and toxic trace elements in traditional spices consumed by the population of the Middle Eastern region in their recipes

Abstract Inductively coupled plasma and microwave digestion are used in this article to analyze various food matrices. Different natural herbs are used in the recipes for the food items that the people of the Middle Eastern part of the world eat; they use these herbs as spices in different proportions. The study examines the potential effects on human health associated with consuming trace and toxic elements, such as Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, and Na. The targeted spices include sumac, za’atar, black lemon, cumin seed, and kabsa powder; these were used in a variety of recipes for the food items the people of Saudi Arabia eat but not limited to fattier, kabsa, tabbouleh, humus, haysa Al tumreya, and other traditional foods. The herbs were collected from the Saudi Arabian market. For microwave digestion, Merck's ultra-pure nitric acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide were used. For elemental analysis, a highly sophisticated technique of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied. The average potassium values in black lemon (Loomi), kabsa powder, cumin seed, za’atar, and sumac were 1,283, 1,248, 1,739, 500, and 500 mg/100 g, respectively. These spices help fulfill the human body’s daily requirements of elemental content.