High Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

Nutritional Content Analysis Of Yellow Pumpkin Brownies (Cucurbita Moschata L.) With Stevia Sweetener (Stevia Rebaudiana) As A Sugar Cane Substitution

An unhealthy diet that includes sugary snacks may promote a rise in glucose levels and enhance the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Brownies are high in sugar and should be replaced with healthier ingredients to reduce their sugar content and glycemic index with stevia as natural sweeteners and yellow pumpkin which are low in calories and carbohydrates. To determine the nutritional content of brownies products with the substitution of cane sugar with stevia and yellow pumpkin. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design using completely randomized design (CRD). We experimented to evaluate the effects of four different treatments, comparing the use of cane sugar and stevia in different ratios: 100% cane sugar (P0), 50% cane sugar and 50% stevia (P1), 25% cane sugar and 75% stevia (P2), and 100% stevia (P3). Moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy variables were tested using by different method, gravimetric, kjehdahl, soxhlet, by difference, and atwater which was repeated 3 times. We conducted data analysis using a one-way ANOVA and Duncan test to determine the treatment pairs with the highest significance level. The findings demonstrated that replacing cane sugar with stevia significantly affect the nutritional content of yellow pumpkin brownies products (p<0.05, for all comparisons). The treatments with the highest average of nutritional contents were as follows: P3 had the highest moisture content (48.64±0.04%), ash content (1.06±0.06%), protein (6.93±0.11%), and fat (14.49±0.34%), whereas P0 had the highest carbohydrate content (39.45±0.23%) and total energy (281.19±0.76 kcal/100g). The nutritional content of yellow pumpkin brownies has significantly modified by substituting sugar cane with stevia. However, additional investigation is required to determine other nutritional contents and assess its potential as functional food.

Evaluating citrus juice: A comparative study of physicochemical, nutraceutical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of citrus juices from Nepal

Citrus fruit juice is highly beneficial to human health, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Juices from citrus fruit varieties grown in various regions of Nepal were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, nutraceutical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The pH of the juices ranged between 2.09 and 3.62, while total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 7° Brix to 12.3 °Brix. Among varieties, C. aurantifolia exhibited the highest titratable acidity at 7.39 g/100 mL. C. limon showed the highest moisture content (94.74 %), C. reticulata had the highest carbohydrate content (14.6 ± 0.4 g/100 mL, n = 3), and C. aurantifolia presented the highest protein content (34.1 ± 0.7 mg/100 mL). C. sinensis recorded the highest flavonoid content (91.4 ± 0.3 mg/100 mL), C. reticulata had the highest phenolic content (65.8 ± 0.6 mg/100 mL), and C. limon exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (45.1 ± 0.4 mg/100 mL). The methanolic extracts of all citrus fruit juices demonstrated robust antioxidant properties, as determined by DPPH assay. Notably, C. limon and C. aurantifolia juice extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes. This study highlights the variation in nutrient and phytochemicals compositions among different citrus fruit juices, underscoring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of citrus species.

Making Sense of the Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Foods, Obesity, and Other Chronic Diseases

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a food category within the NOVA system. The key feature of UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain various additives, especially those that are industrially produced. It is claimed that UPFs are inherently unhealthy. The classification system is highly controversial. This paper critically evaluates the evidence. In stark contrast to conventional systems for food classification, the NOVA system disregards the nutritional values of foods. As a result, many foods generally considered to be healthy are included as UPFs, whereas many unhealthy foods are excluded. Epidemiological studies, mainly prospective cohort studies, have consistently reported an association between the intake of UPFs and risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, common mental disorders (especially depression), and all-cause mortality. A similar association has been reported for cancer and hypertension, but the supporting evidence is weaker. The most plausible explanation for this is that the associations are largely due to a limited number of unhealthy foods, such as processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. Studies of the relationship between UPFs and obesity present a different picture. There is much evidence that suggests that UPFs play a major causal role in obesity. The high contents of fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium commonly present in UPFs makes these foods hyperpalatable. In addition, UPFs typically have a high energy density. As a result of these two features of UPFs, most people consume an excessive energy intake when presented with UPFs. Because UPFs include a wide range of foods, many of which are healthy, it is likely that while many UPFs are obesogenic, many others are not.

Physicochemical and functional characterization of the mucilage obtained from cladodes of two Opuntia species

The mucilage is an interesting compound found in cladodes of species of Opuntia (Cactaceae). The aim of this work was to extract the mucilages from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and O. quimilo (OQ) cladodes and to examine their physicochemical characteristics, microstructure, and functional properties in solution. The mucilages exhibited high contents of carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals. Both mucilages presented a diverse monosaccharide composition, mainly constituted of galactose and arabinose. The FTIR spectra showed characteristic polysaccharide nature, whereas the diffractograms demonstrated an amorphous structure. The intrinsic viscosity of OFI mucilage was 3.08 dL/g, while that of OQ mucilage was 10.33 dL/g. Although the molecular weights of both mucilages are in the order of those of commercial gums, that of OQ was higher. This is consistent with the pseudoplastic behavior of OQ mucilage. However, OFI mucilage showed Newtonian behavior over the range of concentrations evaluated. This is fully consistent with that of semi-diluted solutions and in accordance with the lower molecular weight of this mucilage. The mucilages presented maximum solubility at 60 °C, although the mucilage of OFI was slightly more soluble than that of OQ. The chemical composition and functional properties of the mucilages can be affected by the extraction method and conditions.

Nutrients and Antioxidant Composition of Local Condiment “Ogiri” Produced from Different Leguminous Seeds

‘Ogiri’ refers to a fermented oily paste that is used as soup condiments for its strong smell. Apart from the fact that it’s mostly used in soup preparation because of the strong pungent odour and organoleptic properties, it also impact nutrients to soup. This study investigated the nutrients and antioxidant composition of Ogiri produced from different leguminous seeds. Raw material such as melon (EGU) and sesame (SES) seeds were procured from Oja Oba (Oba Market) in Owo, Ondo State while pumpkin (PUM) and Castor (CAS) seed were purchased at Upper Iweka market, Onitsha Anambra State, Nigeria. The raw materials were processed into ‘Ogiri’ using traditional methods and were subjected to chemical analysis using standard analytical methods.” Data generated were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance. Findings shows that the moisture content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in PUM than any other sample. Sample SES was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Ash (10.22g /100g) content, and fibre (11.21g/100g) while EGU was significantly (P<0.05) higher in fat (30.17g/100g) and protein (29.30g/100g). CAS had the highest carbohydrate content (27.58g/100g).Minerals result shows that Na (14.835mg/g), Ca (22.570mg/100g) and Mg (3.351mg/100g) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in sample EGU. Sample SES was significantly higher in K (55.855mg/100g) and Zn (0.308mg/100g), while CAS was significantly lower (P<0.05) in Na (3.45mg/100g), Ca (13.15mg/100g) K, (21.655mg/100g), Zn (0.128mg/100g) and Mg (1.925mg/mg) but has the highest value in P (12,252mg/100g). PUM was significantly higher in Vitamin E (8.270mg/100g), while CAS was significantly higher in vitamin A (7.576UI/g). Sample PUM had the highest Polyphenol and Terpenoid content (106.82mg/g and 1.37mg/g respectively) while sample SES had the highest steroid content (0.92mg/g). In conclusion, this study revealed that the nutrients and antioxidant properties of the “Ogiri” samples vary proportionately. The results can guide farmers, processors, and consumers in making informed decisions regarding seed selection and Ogiri preparation.

Preliminary Evaluation of Watermelon Liquid Waste as an Alternative Substrate for Microalgae Cultivation: A Circular Economy Approach to the Production of High-Value Secondary Products by Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus sp., Arthrospira platensis, and Chlamydomonas pitschmanii

In Italy, watermelon cultivation spans 9510 hectares, with production levels largely influenced by seasonal market demand. As a result, surplus watermelon left unsold by September often remain in the fields, where they decompose naturally and go to waste. A chemical analysis of the watermelon liquid fraction waste (WW) indicates a high carbohydrate concentration, highlighting the potential for biotechnological valorization of this waste stream, converting it into lipids or exopolysaccharides (EPSs). This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing WW as an alternative growth substrate for microalgae, aligning with circular economy principles and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. By repurposing agricultural byproducts, this research supports biorefinery objectives, aiming to convert biomass into high-value secondary products, including biofuels, pigments, and nutraceuticals. Scenedesmus and Chlorella strains demonstrated promising growth and adaptability in WW, achieving biomass yields of 0.95 ± 0.07 g L−1 and 0.37 ± 0.02 g L−1, respectively, with a significant EPS production observed as medium gelation. Although lipid accumulation was limited in this case by the WW substrate, the lipid profiles of both strains were distinctively altered, notably lacking linolenic acid.

Structural Characterization and Bioactive Compound Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Waste for Potential Animal Feed Applications

Agricultural waste from the fruit and vegetable industry is used as an alternative source of animal feed, but detailed investigations are required. The aim of this work was to conduct a physico-chemical characterization, through analytical techniques, of fruit and vegetable wastes such as those of golden apples, red apples, carrots, celery, beetroots, and red potato peels. The bioactive compounds in the samples indicated a high carbohydrate content of 50.38 g/100 g in golden apples and 59.38 mg/100 g of organic acids in celery. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC, mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight) varied between 3.72 in celery and 15.51 in beetroots. The antioxidant capacity values were significant. A thermal analysis showed thermal stability and weight loss, underscoring the composition of the solid samples. An infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed C-H, O-H, C=O, and N-H functional groups in non-starchy carbohydrates, organic acids, and proteins. Microscopic techniques revealed the microstructure, particle size, and semicrystalline profile of the samples. The ultrastructure (determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM)) of celery consisted of a smooth and uniform surface with a lignin and cellulose texture. These results highlight the importance of fruit and vegetable waste as an alternative source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds for animal feed.

Evaluating sustainable energy pathways: Economic perspective on advanced hydrogen production

This investigation seeks to evaluate hydrogen generation technologies in China with a focus on two commercial processes, namely hydrothermal oxidation and supercritical water gasification of organic waste from 2011 to 2021. This period witnessing major development, and highlight the key determinants of hydrogen production. The present study was mainly concerned with the enhancement of SCWG processes for hydrogen generation from microalgae and other potential feedstock. Some of the significant observations made in this period are the critical role of biomass composition, choice of catalyst, and operating conditions in increasing H-producing capabilities of reactor systems. The authors of research affirm that the feedstock with a high carbohydrate content and low levels of protein are the most suitable for hydrogen generation. Thus, expanding research on Supercritical Water Gasification, there is the development of HTO methods to consider various pathways of hydrogen production and their connection with existing energy networks. It also studied the effects that several types of catalysts embracing the heterogeneous transition metals and the homogeneous alkali metal compounds have on the efficiency of hydrogen production. These changes have rendered the hydrogen generation process to make more precise predictions and/or course corrections on the process. The studies that have been done between 2011 and 2021 show significant improvements in the ways that sustainable and efficient hydrogen generation technology can be created in China. The results provide a solid platform for future improvements and stress positive impacts that can be provided by these technologies for China's sustainability and energy transition progress.

Microstructural optimization of lignin‐based carbon fiber: Effects of purification and high‐temperature heat treatment

AbstractLignin is a renewable biomass polymer with a carbon content of more than 60% and has been extensively studied for making lignin‐based carbon fibers (CFs). However, impurities and high carbohydrate content in lignin materials severely limit their molding in melt spinning, and pre‐oxidation and carbonization processes also affect the subsequent preparation of CFs. This paper presents a detailed study of lignin‐based carbon fiber preparation. Pretreatment increased lignin's decomposition temperature to 302.1°C and enabled melt‐spun fiber preparation. Then, pre‐oxidation and carbonization of lignin fibers were further discussed. The pre‐oxidized fibers prepared at 280°C and 0.4°C min−1 have high thermal stability and excellent carbonization performance. The lignin‐based carbon fibers (LCFs) prepared at 1100°C and 3°C min−1 have the highest degree of graphitization, and the surface is smooth without obvious holes. Under these conditions, LCFs have a graphitization degree of 1.50 and conductivity of 62.50 S cm−1, making them suitable for sensors and capacitors.Highlights Effects of pretreatment on lignin structure and properties have been studied. Effects of pre‐oxidation and carbonization on the lignin fibers were studied. Lignin‐based carbon fibers with high conductivity were obtained.

Biomass Accumulation, Contaminant Removal, and Settling Performance of Chlorella sp. in Unsterilized and Diluted Anaerobic Digestion Effluent

Microalgae demonstrate significant efficacy in wastewater treatment. Anaerobic digestion effluent (ADE) is regarded as an underutilized resource, abundant in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients; however, the presence of inhibitory factors restricts microalgal growth, thereby preventing its direct treatment via microalgae. The purpose of this study was to dilute ADE using various dilution media and subsequently cultivate Chlorella sp. to identify optimal culture conditions that enhance microalgal biomass and water quality. The effects of various dilution conditions were assessed by evaluating the biomass, sedimentation properties, and nutrient removal efficiencies of microalgae. The results demonstrate that microalgal biomass increases as the dilution ratio increased. The microalgae biomass in the treatments diluted with simulated wastewater was significantly higher than that with deionized water, but their effluent quality failed to meet discharge standards. The treatment diluted with deionized water for 10 times exhibited abundant microbial biomass with strong antioxidant properties. The corresponding total phosphorus concentration in the effluent (6.96 mg/L) adhered to emission limits under the Livestock and Poultry Industry Pollutant Emission Standards (8 mg/L), while ammonia nitrogen concentration (90 mg/L) was near compliance (80 mg/L). The corresponding microbial biomass, with a sludge volume index (SVI30) of 72.72 mL/g, can be recovered economically and efficiently by simple precipitation. Its high protein (52.07%) and carbohydrate (27.05%) content, coupled with low ash (10.75%), makes it a promising candidate for animal feed and fermentation. This study will aid in understanding microalgal growth in unsterilized ADE and establish a theoretical foundation for cost-effective ADE purification and microalgal biomass production.

Potential utilization of paddy straw and coconut coir for the cultivation of Pleurotus eous: effects on nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species), which are valued for their medicinal and nutritional properties, are the predominantly cultivated mushroom variety in Sri Lanka. The most commonly used substrate to cultivate Pleurotus species in Sri Lanka is sawdust. However, due to the availability of many other agricultural wastes in Sri Lanka, the aim of this study was to determine which substrate from paddy straw (PS), coconut coir (CC), and combinations of PS and CC in the ratios of 50 PS:50 CC, 75 PS:25 CC, and 25 PS:75 CC would be the best to grow Pleurotus eous. The weight of each mushroom harvested was measured to determine the highest yield. Lowry and phenol-sulphuric assays were carried out to determine the total protein and total carbohydrate content respectively. DPPH and phophomolybdenum assays were used to analyse the antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. All mushrooms tested positive for qualitative tests of terpenoids, steroids, saponins and polyphenols. 100% PS produced mushrooms with the highest yield (34.72 ± 5.23 g). 50 PS:50 CC produced mushrooms with a significantly high total protein content (5.28 ± 0.24 g/100 g) and total carbohydrate content (31.12 ± 5.64 g/100 g). They also had a high total antioxidant capacity (4.51 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g) and total phenolic content (5.45 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g). Therefore, to cultivate Pleurotus eous, the 50 PS:50 CC combination can be utilized. Based on the mushroom yield, 100% PS can also be recommended for cultivation of Pleurotus eous.

The Impact of Adhering to a Mediterranean Diet on the Severity of Overuse Tendinopathy Symptoms

Aim: The Mediterranean diet’s high carbohydrate content and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it appealing to athletes. Tendinopathy etiology is influenced by nutrition. Athletes with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet may have a lower severity of tendinopathy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on tendinopathy severity. Material and Methods: Exercise habits, physical activity level, body region, stage of the injury, age, body mass index, gender, smoking status, and presence of chronic diseases of individuals older than 18 years of age and who were diagnosed with tendinopathy in the sports medicine clinic were recorded in this cross-sectional study. The Revised Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury and Health Problems Questionnaires and the Mediterranean diet adherence screener were applied to participants. Results: A total of 152 participants, 52% (n=79) of whom were female, with lateral epicondylopathy (n=71), Achilles tendinopathy (n=25), plantar fasciitis (n=23), patellar tendinopathy (n=13), and other tendinopathies were included in the study. Upon examination of the relationship between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the severity of complaints due to overuse, no significant differences were found between groups (p=0.935, and p=0.927, respectively). A weak negative correlation was found between weekly exercise duration and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (rs=-0.237; p=0.016). Conclusion: No evidence was found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with differences in the severity of tendinopathy complaints. Athletes with high weekly exercise durations do not adopt the Mediterranean diet as an optimal dietary approach.

Microwave-Assisted Acid and Alkali Pretreatment of Napier Grass for Enhanced Biohydrogen Production and Integrated Biorefinery Potential

Napier grass, a promising lignocellulosic energy crop, presents a complex composition that limits its bioconversion into fermentable products. To address this challenge, we applied microwave (MW) pretreatment assisted by acid and alkali, using varying chemical concentrations (0.5–1% w/v) and pretreatment times (3–10 min). Acid-catalyzed MW pretreatment achieved a maximal hemicellulose removal of 69.8%, while alkali-catalyzed MW pretreatment resulted in significant lignin removal of 65.5%. Without chemical catalysis, the pretreated hydrolysate significantly increased hydrogen yield to 38.0 ± 2.9 mL H2/g volatile solid (VS), five times greater than that obtained from untreated biomass. Hydrogen yield was further enhanced when the MW-pretreated solid underwent simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The highest hydrogen yield of 89.2 ± 7.2 mL H2/g VS was achieved from alkali-catalyzed MW pretreated solid (0.5% w/v NaOH, 5 min), with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization of 62.6%. Increasing the NaOH concentration to 1% (w/v) slightly decreased hydrogen yield but significantly increased COD solubilization to 85.8%. The high carbohydrate content facilitated rapid cellulase hydrolysis, producing and accumulating a high concentration of fermentable sugars. However, this accumulation subsequently led to a shift towards lactic acid formation. The improved hydrogen yield and increased COD solubilization, along with the shift towards lactic acid production, suggest the possibility of optimizing this process for simultaneous production of multiple valuable products in an integrated biorefinery approach, potentially enhancing the economic viability of biomass conversion.

Production of Biomass and Lipid Yields of Chlorella sp. Cultivated in Autotrophic and Mixotrophic Media

In this work, we analyze the biomass and lipid yields of Chlorella sp., when it grows in synthetic wastewater with and without nitrogen limitation and in both cases, adding glucose to both medium, autotrophic and mixotrophic. Our results confirm that it is possible to expand their possibilities of use, which range from their use for the bioremediation of bodies of water to obtaining various biofuels due to their high content of lipids and carbohydrates. It was identified that both the biomass and lipids were higher in the media with mixotrophy with 535.71 mg L-1 and 244.60 mg L-1, respectively. Similarly, the importance of nitrogen present in the growth medium was recognized as a determining variable for the accumulation of lipids in the species, while it is concluded that the use of Chlorella sp. eliminates a significant percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus present in wastewater, thereby reducing nutrient contamination. The nutrient stress to which the microalgae were subjected allowed a greater accumulation of lipids in the cells, which leads to the conclusion that in a large-scale study, Chlorella sp. It could be used as a raw material to obtain oils and their subsequent transformation into biodiesel.

Bioactive compounds and microbiological analysis of hydroalcoholic extracts of Peruvian purple corn cob var. Canteño obtained by ultrasound.

Introduction. The cob is a byproduct generated from the marketing of purple corn grains. Currently, bioactive compounds are extracted from purple corn using conventional techniques that require substantial volumes of solvents and extended extraction periods. Objective. To determine the content of phenolic compounds and perform a microbiological analysis of purple corn cob extracts obtained by ultrasound. Materials and methods. The extract was prepared with 80% ethanol (pH 2.3) at a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:12.5 (g/mL). The extraction process was performed using an ultrasonic bath (480 W, 40 KHz, 45°C for 90 minutes). Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted on the purple corn cob powder and the hydroalcoholic extract, focusing on anthocyanin and phenolic compound content, as well as antioxidant activity. Results and discussion. The results indicated that the powdered cob had a high mineral and carbohydrate content, while the extract exhibited significant levels of anthocyanins (34.52 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g dry sample), phenolic compounds (324.59 mg gallic acid/g dry sample), and antioxidant activity (1327 μmol Trolox/g dry sample) compared to the control sample. Notably, the hydroalcoholic extract was free from molds and yeasts, unlike the purple corn cob powder. Conclusion. The ultrasound-processed extract of purple corn cob has potential applications as a food additive to retard oxidation and microbiological spoilage in food products.

DNA profiling, nutritional value and phytochemical investigation of Cissus rotundifolia Lam. growing in Yemen

Cissus rotundifolia Lam. (Vitaceae) is a wild plant that is commonly used as food and medicine. There are limited studies on the phytochemical composition of this plant. So, this study aims to investigate C. rotundifolia growing in Yemen phytochemically. HPLC analysis of C. rotundifolia aerial parts led to the identification and quantification of four compounds (isoorientin, quercetrin, quercetin, and linarin), among which isoorientin and quercetrin were the major. Proximate analysis showed high fibre content and low moisture content, whereas the nutritional values showed a high carbohydrate content which gave rise to higher nutritional value (266.39 Kcal.). Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin E were present in high concentrations. Investigation of the methylene chloride and n-butanol fractions lead to the isolation of seven compounds: β-sitosterol, magnificol, β-sitosterol-glucoside, quercetin, quercetrin, isoorientin, and linarin. This is the first report on isolating these compounds from the investigated plant.

Bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours reinforced with oil palm residues: Characterization and tensile mechanical performance

This study explores the production of bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours, reinforced with varying ratios of oil palm residues. The research emphasizes principles of circular economy and sustainability. Both flours and reinforcements underwent characterization to elucidate how their physicochemical properties affect the mechanical behavior of the bio-composites. Barley flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein (11.11 %), crude fiber (5.64 %), and ash (2.80 %) compared to wheat and cassava flours. Conversely, cassava flour stood out for its high carbohydrate concentration (approximately 97.8 % on a dry weight basis). Characterization highlighted enhanced adhesion between reinforcements in bio-composites with cassava flour, alongside morphological distinctions on fractured surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis unveiled several functional groups in the bio-composites, while thermogravimetric analysis delineated five stages of thermal degradation. In terms of mechanical properties, bio-composites with barley flour showed higher elastic modulus values (970.5 MPa), while those with 12 % OPKS exhibited tensile strengths of 1.7–2.1 MPa. The interaction among components emerged as a fundamental factor influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites, underscoring the necessity of considering reinforcement composition and distribution during fabrication.

In vitro leishmanicidal activity of Hancornia speciosa latex against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

BackgroundLeishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease whose available treatment has limitations. Hancornia speciosa Gomes, a tree native to Brazil, has been studied for its medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and healing properties. However, its effect on parasites of the Leishmania genus still needs to be elucidated. PurposeTo evaluate the leishmanicidal activity for potential therapeutic use of H. speciosa latex and its fractions on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, as well as to analyze its cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages. MethodsThe anti-promastigote activity of latex and its fractions was evaluated by cell viability assays via MTT in L. (L.) amazonensis and monitoring the parasite's growth kinetics by counting under light microscopy. To evaluate anti-amastigote activity, RAW264.7 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages infected with amastigotes were analyzed using microscopy, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. The cytotoxicity of latex and its fractions was evaluated in these cells via MTT assay. ResultsThe H. speciosa latex and its fractions showed anti-promastigote activities in L. (L.) amazonensis, reducing its proliferation and viability and altering its morphology. These did not interfere with the viability of RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Crude latex and F < 10 kDa at 5 % reduced the infection of intracellular amastigotes in peritoneal macrophages to 32 % and 18 % after 24 h of treatment, respectively. Under the same conditions, the F > 10 kDa fraction showed 82 % of infected cells. The evaluation of the latex composition showed that the F > 10 kDa fraction has the highest concentration of carbohydrates, followed by phenolic compounds and proteins. In contrast, the F < 10k Da fraction presented fewer phenolic compounds and carbohydrates. ConclusionsThese results indicate that H. speciosa crude latex and F < 10 kDa have intense leishmanicidal activity against L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes internalized by macrophages. Additionally, the lack of cytotoxicity indicates that H. speciosa latex is a strong candidate for new alternative treatments for leishmaniasis.

Thermal Properties of Seed Cake Biomasses and Their Valorisation by Torrefaction

Seed cakes, by-products from the cold press extraction of vegetable oils, are valuable animal feed supplements due to their high content of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. However, the presence of anti-nutrients, as well as the rancidification and development of aflatoxins, can impede their intended use, requiring alternative treatment and valorisation methods. Thermal treatment as a procedure for the conversion of seed cakes from walnuts, hemp, pumpkin, flax, and sunflower into valuable products or energy has been investigated in this paper. Thermogravimetry shows the particular behaviour of seed cakes, with several degradation stages at around 230–280 and 340–390 °C, before and after the typical degradation of cellulose. These are related to the volatilisation of fatty acids, which are either free or bonded as triglycerides, and with the thermal degradation of proteins. Torrefaction at 250 °C produced ~75–82 wt% solids, with high calorific values of 24–26 kJ/g and an energy yield above 90%. The liquid products have a complex composition, with most parts of the compounds partitioning between the aqueous phase (strongly dominant) and the oily one (present in traces). The structural components of seed cakes (hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin) produce acetic acid, hydroxy ketones, furans, and phenols. In addition to these, most compounds are nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds from the degradation of protein components, which are highly present in seed cakes.

Domestication of wild-growing Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) from Ethiopian forests on augmented agro-industrial byproducts

Despite being extensively studied as a white-rot fungus, there have been no efforts to explore and cultivate the high-yielding wild Trametes versicolor strains in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was initiated to assess the growth performance of T. versicolor on various growth media. Accordingly, ten substrates (S1–S10) were formulated by a combination of agro-industrial by-products that mainly constituted sugarcane wastes and animal manures. The effect of substrates on yields, biological efficiencies, and nutritional compositions was examined. The mushroom developed a white mycelium on the growth media. T. versicolor cultivated on the S5 blend, comprising 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% horse manure, and 8% poultry manure, exhibited the most substantial fruiting body yield (158.33 g/500 g bag) and the highest biological efficiency (31.5%), with an optimal C:N ratio of 31:1. It has shown good mycelial growth, short colonization, and short pinhead formation time compared to other substrates. S7, lacking nitrogen supplementation, yielded low biological efficiency and fruiting bodies at 11.50% and 57.67%, respectively. The crude protein, fiber, low fat, and carbohydrate content ranged from 7.46 to 14.65%, 12.89 to 18.38%, 0.42 to 0.53%, and 48.75 to 66.75%, respectively. Notably, the highest nutritional values, excluding carbohydrates, were obtained from S5, while the sugarcane bagasse had the highest carbohydrate content among substrates. Consequently, S5 emerged as a suitable medium for cultivating wild T. versicolor mushrooms, particularly in regions abundant in poultry, horse manures, and sugarcane bagasse. Therefore, S5 represents an optimal substrate for T. versicolor cultivation, offering improved productivity and nutritional quality at reduced costs.