High Content Of Phytochemicals Research Articles

Phenolic, apparent antioxidant and nutritional composition of quinoa (Chenopodiumquinoa Willd.) seeds

AbstractQuinoa, a gluten‐free pseudocereal, has a nutrient and phytochemical profile which may benefit health. Our aim was to investigate the variability in the phenolic and apparent antioxidant content of different quinoa varieties to identify a variety with a high phytochemical content to use in a quinoa‐enriched bread. The results showed that free phenolics contributed most (50–83%) to total phenolic content compared with conjugated or bound forms. Apparent antioxidant activities measured by FRAP, ABTS+• and DPPH of free, conjugated and bound extracts were broadly similar, except for free antioxidants when determined by FRAP, which were higher. Phenolic content was positively correlated with FRAP and ABTS+• apparent antioxidant activity. Quinoa samples had a high protein content (13.5 g/100 g dry weight), with a well‐balanced amino acid profile. Incorporation of quinoa into baked products such as bread is proposed as a way to deliver this healthy whole‐grain cereal into the diet.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Crude and Purified Leonurus cardiaca Extracts.

Leonurus cardiaca L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb distributed in Asia and Southeastern Europe and has been used in traditional medicine since antiquity for its role against cardiac and gynecological disorders. The polar extracts obtained from L. cardiaca aerial parts contain several compounds among which alkaloids, iridoids, labdane diterpenes, and phenylethanoid glycosides play a major role in conferring protection against the aforementioned diseases. On the other hand, the antioxidant activities and the enzyme inhibitory properties of these extracts have not yet been deeply studied. On the above, in the present study, crude and purified extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of L. cardiaca and have been chemically characterized by spectrophotometric assays and HPLC-DAD-MS analyses. Notably, the content of twelve secondary metabolites, namely phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, caffeoylmalic and trans-ferulic acids), flavonoids (rutin and quercetin), phenylethanoid glycosides (verbascoside and lavandulifolioside), guanidine pseudoalkaloids (leonurine), iridoids (harpagide), diterpenes (forskolin), and triterpenes (ursolic acid), has been determined. Furthermore, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant capabilities (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ferrous chelating assays) and enzyme inhibitory properties against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase. The purified extracts contained higher phytochemical content than the crude ones, with caffeoylmalic acid and verbascoside as the most abundant compounds. A linear correlation between total phenolics, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power of extracts has been found. Notably, quercetin, caffeic acid, lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ursolic acid influenced the main variations in the bioactivities found in L. cardiaca extracts. Our findings provide further insights into the chemico-biological traits of L. cardiaca and a scientific basis for the development of nutraceuticals and food supplements.

Nanoemulsions of Satureja montana Essential Oil: Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against Avian Escherichia coli Strains.

Satureja montana essential oil (SEO) presents a wide range of biological activities due to its high content of active phytochemicals. In order to improve the essential oil’s (EO) properties, oil in water nanoemulsions (NEs) composed of SEO and Tween-80 were prepared, characterized, and their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties assayed against Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy chicken. Since surfactant and oil composition can strongly influence NE features and their application field, a ternary phase diagram was constructed and evaluated to select a suitable surfactant/oil/water ratio. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of NEs, evaluated by the microdilution method, showed that the SEO NE formulation exhibited higher inhibitory effects against planktonic E. coli than SEO alone. The quantification of biofilm production in the presence of NEs, assessed by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy, evidenced that sub-MIC concentrations of SEO NEs enable an efficient reduction of biofilm production by the strong producer strains. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation could ensure food safety quality, and counteract the antibiotic resistance of poultry associated E. coli, if applied/aerosolized in poultry farms.

Impact of the incorporation of date pit flour an underutilized biowaste in dough and its functional role as a fat replacer in biscuits

Date pit (Phoenix dactylifera L.), an underutilized biowaste, is the major by-product of the date processing industry. Date pits (DPs) are the naturally rich sources of several bioactive compounds that play a vital role in the prevention of the diseases. In the present study, the effect of date pit flour (DPF) as a fat replacer in biscuits at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40% wt/wt) was explored. The proximate, functional, rheological, microstructural, phytochemical, antioxidant, nutritional, and sensory properties of the flour and the biscuits samples were evaluated. The results demonstrated that different ratios of DPF and wheat flour (WF) had high contents of ash, crude fibers, proteins, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity in contrast to the commercial WF that showed lowest values for all the above components. It was observed that the inclusion of DPF (used in same percentage as fat replacer in biscuit formulation) in the WF alters dough rheology significantly. The gluten content of the flour blends decreased with the addition of DPF while the water absorption increased that interfere in the gluten development time, and it was increased from 1.67 min for control (without DPF) to 7 min for 40% DPF substitution. The scanning electron microscopy of biscuits dough elaborated after fat replacement at different levels showing that evenly distribution of starch granule was disrupted, and the gluten matrix was often ruptured. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) increased from 18.56 to 451.60 mg GAE/100 gm of sample and 27.43 to 361.20 mg CE/100 g, respectively. Although, baking decreased the TPC, whereas TFC was increased as compared to the control, and similar results were observed for the antioxidant activity for other substituted biscuits. The crude fiber and protein contents of DPF-WF biscuits were improved from 0.44% to 8.70% and 11.79 to 12.69%, respectively, Sensory and textural performance exhibited that the biscuits were acceptable after fat replacement up to 20% DPF. Based on this study, DPF may be suggested as an excellent natural fat replacer to be used in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Practical applications The current approach enhances the economy of date processing industries by providing value to waste as date pits (DPs). Furthermore, it may be suggested that date pit flour (DPF) is a valuable food industry waste that may play highly beneficial role in producing bakery products of enhanced nutritional values at economical cost. The study had shown that certain compounds of DPF such as proteins, fibers, and phytochemicals which apart from being active and important nutrients may contribute to desirable functional properties by closed interactions at the molecular level between the components of major ingredients. The mixing process provides opportunities to form complexes from these interactions that further react during baking when a suitable thermal atmosphere is available. It seems that introducing DPF is a good discovery that has opened the wide door for numerous novel nutraceutical product development and simultaneously making use of food industry by-products.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes and Their Impact on Human Health and Disease: A Review.

Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high contents of essential nutrients and antioxidant-rich phytochemicals. Tomatoes contain minerals, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids (leucine, threonine, valine, histidine, lysine, arginine), monounsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotenoids) and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol). Lycopene is the main dietary carotenoid in tomato and tomato-based food products and lycopene consumption by humans has been reported to protect against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive function and osteoporosis. Among the phenolic compounds present in tomato, quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, caffeic acid and lutein are the most common. Many of these compounds have antioxidant activities and are effective in protecting the human body against various oxidative stress-related diseases. Dietary tomatoes increase the body’s level of antioxidants, trapping reactive oxygen species and reducing oxidative damage to important biomolecules such as membrane lipids, enzymatic proteins and DNA, thereby ameliorating oxidative stress. We reviewed the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of tomatoes. In addition, the impacts of the constituents on human health, particularly in ameliorating some degenerative diseases, are also discussed.

Assessment of phytochemicals and quantification of primary and secondary metabolites of Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Bhandari leaves

The main goal of the research was to explore the existence of phytochemicals, quantification of primary and secondary metabolites of leaves extract of Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Bhandari. The phytochemical activity of leaves of Artabotrys hexapetalus was assessed using different solvent extracts like water, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether. Among the different solvent extracts, aqueous leaves extract revealed the high content of phytochemicals. So the aqueous leaves extract was used for further investigations. Aqueous leaves extract of Artabotrys hexapetalus was subjected to quantitative analysis of primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids. Quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, tannins and phenols were performed using aqueous leaves extract of Artabotrys hexapetalus. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals reported the existence of carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, glycosides, tannins and diterpenes. Quantitative analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates (43.16±1.0 mg/g extract), proteins (60.4±0.88 mg/g extract), amino acids (19.33 ± 1.30 mg/g extract), flavonoids (28.3 ±0.91 mg/g extract), tannins (24.53±1.02 mg/g extract) and phenols (7.63±0.85 mg/g extract). The present study concluded that aqueous leaves extract of Artabotrys hexapetalus as a potential source of phytochemicals, primary and secondary metabolites.

Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant activity in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Eryngium foetidum L.

Eryngium foetidum L. has been used as a spice for food and treatment for diabetes, rheumatism, anti-inflammatories, respiratory and stomach disorders. In Vietnam, due to high consumption of Eryngium foetidum L. in popular dishes and its significant benefits, the preliminary screening of the plant phytochemicals is required to extend its application and improve efficacy. The present research aimed at Eryngium foetidum L. extraction using aqueous and ethanolic as solvents to explore their phytochemical composition, total contents of flavonoids and phenolics and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical screening has detected the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and terpenoids in both plant extracts. In addition, the total content of phenolics in both extract was equally significant while the total content of flavonoids was higher in ethanolic extract, as compared to the aquaeous extract. The antioxidant actions of aquaeous and ethanolic extracts were estimated using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. Results have shown that the former exhibited stronger DPPH scavenging activity than the latter. Findings from the present study suggested that ethanol and water can be useful for Eryngium foetidum L. extraction with high content of phytochemicals, phenolics and antioxidant activity.

Potential of Germination in Selected Conditions to Improve the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.).

Moringa oleifera L. is greatly appreciated for its high content of phytochemicals. Although most parts of moringa tree have been widely studied, seeds remained scarcely explored. The first goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of germination to improve the nutritional composition (proximate composition and levels of vitamins B1 and B2), content of bioactive compounds (glucosinolates, phenolics and γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and antioxidant activity of moringa seed. Germination improved protein, fat, fiber, riboflavin, phenolics, some individual glucosinolates (GLS) and GABA contents, as well as the antioxidant potential in moringa sprouts, but the extent of the improvement depended on germination conditions. The second objective of this work was to identify the optimal germination conditions to maximize nutritional and bioactive quality of moringa by applying multi-response optimization (response surface methodology, RSM). RSM models indicated that 28 °C and 24 h were the optimal conditions to enhance the accumulation of riboflavin, phenolics and antioxidant activity of sprouts, while the highest GABA and total GLS contents were observed at 36 °C for 96 h and thiamine achieved the maximum content at 36 °C for 24 h. These results show that moringa sprouts are promising functional foods that might be also used as ingredients for the elaboration of novel foodstuffs.

Perspective of Membrane Technology in Pomegranate Juice Processing: A Review.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice is well recognized for its high content of phytochemicals with proven health-promoting effects. Conventional processing techniques including clarification with fining agents, pasteurization and thermal concentration have significant influences on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of the juice. The growing consumers demand for high-quality pomegranate juice as well as the industrial interest for the production of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics from its bioactive compounds have promoted the interest for minimal processing technologies. In this context, membrane-based operations represent an innovative approach to improve the overall quality of pomegranate juice production. This review focuses on the recent advances and developments related to the application of membrane technology in pomegranate juice processing. Conventional pressure-driven membrane operations and innovative membrane operations, such as osmotic distillation and pervaporation, are discussed in relation to their potential in juice clarification, fractionation, concentration and aroma recovery. Their implementation in integrated systems offer new opportunities to improve the healthiness and quality of the juice as well as to recover, purify and concentrate bioactive compounds for the formulation of functional ingredients.

Influence of tea polyphenol and bovine serum albumin on tea cream formation by multiple spectroscopy methods and molecular docking

The sensory qualities and shelf life of tea beverage strongly affected by tea cream that forms by the interaction of polyphenols and protein. The study aimed to investigate the effects of the interactions between tea polyphenols (TPs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on tea cream formation at different concentrations. The tea cream formation increased with TPs and BSA concentration increased. The optimal concentration (TPs: 800 mg/L, BSA: 40 mg/L), for high clarities and contents of phytochemicals, was selected by the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (C = 0.7572). The interaction mechanism of TPs-BSA was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking. TPs interacted with BSA via static quenching process, affecting tryptophan and tyrosine residue microenvironment of BSA. Ester catechins had more binding affinity than non-ester catechins. Hydrogen bonds were the main interaction forces of TPs-BSA.

Antioxidant Activity Modulated by Polyphenol Contents in Apple and Leaves during Fruit Development and Ripening.

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh) are of particular interest for their high content of healthy phytochemicals. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compounds of extracts from the fruits from Ozark Gold, Starkinson and Kosztela cultivars and additionally leaves from Ozark Gold cv. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometer (LC–MS) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The samples were collected during fruit development at 60, 80, 130 and 145 days after full bloom. The concentration of apple phenolics was highest early in the season and decreased during fruit development. The leaf phenolics had a more steady level during all the period of collection than the fruits. Among the five groups of analyzed polyphenols, the procyanidins predominated in apple fruits and dihydrochalcones in leaves. The concentration of polyphenols decreased from 39.15, 5.97 and 33.39 g/kg dw (collected at 60 days after full bloom) to 14.22, 2.05 and 9.31 g/kg dw (collected at 145 days after full bloom) for apples Ozark Gold, Starkinson, Kosztela, respectively. The leaves characterized a much higher content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity than unripe fruits. Antioxidant capacity measured by 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods was higher when the apple was unripe and the leaves were young. The results indicate that, unripe fruits and leaves are very good raw material for polyphenol nutraceutical production with high antioxidant potential.

Potential of Malaysian Cherry Leaves (Muntingia calabura) as an Antioxidant Agent

Muntingia calabura has a high phytochemical content, especially the phenolic group that can act as antioxidant. In Malaysia country, this M. calabura also known as ‘kerukup siam’ or ‘Ceri Kampung’ and it belongs to Muntingiaceae family. This research was conducted to determine the potential of antioxidant activity application of cherry leaves (M. calabura) from various solvent extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane). The phytochemical contents were screening by using the established standard procedure. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method, while the antioxidant activity was carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical screening on the leaves part methanolic extracts revealed that the presence of various biochemicals like flavonoids, phenols, steroids, triterpenes, tannins, reducing sugars, and saponins except the alkaloids. Among the three extracts, the methanol leaf extract gave the highest content of phenolics (8.20 mg GAE/g extract). Analyses of antioxidant activity with DPPH method showed that cherry leaf methanolic extracts produced high antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 167.70 mg/mL. The present study confirms that the presence of various phytochemicals which shows good antioxidant activity of M. calabura leaves. Therefore, it has the potential as a therapeutic antioxidant agent and can be used in cosmeceutical and food products.

Determination of Total Phenolic Content and NIR-Chemometrics Classification Model of Queen and Local Varieties of Soursop (<i>Annonamuricata</i> L.) Leaf Powder

The leaves of soursop (Annonamuricata L.) are commonly used for health because of their antioxidant activity from its highest phytochemical content, namely phenolic compound, which is influenced by the varieties of this plant. In Indonesia, there are two soursop varieties, namely ‘queen’ and ‘local’ varieties which are difficult to determine morphologically. The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic content of soursop leaves of both varieties and to establish a classification model of NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for the identification of the varieties of soursop leaves. After the soursop leaves were dried and grinded, they were then scanned to obtain the spectra of NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectras were combined with chemometrics to classify the varieties of the soursop. The classification models used were Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogies (SIMCA). Total phenolic content of the soursop leaves was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and gallic acid as reference. The result showed that the local variety had higher total phenolic content than the queen variety. NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was able to classify the varieties of soursop leaves with 100% accuracy using LDA and SVM.

Dietary AhR Ligands Regulate AhRR Expression in Intestinal Immune Cells and Intestinal Microbiota Composition

A diet rich in vegetables and fruit is generally considered healthy because of a high content of phytochemicals, vitamins, and fiber. The phytochemical indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a derivative of glucobrassicin, is sold as a dietary supplement promising diverse health benefits. I3C metabolites act as ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an important sensor for environmental polyaromatic chemicals. Here, we investigated how dietary AhR ligand supplementation influences AhR target gene expression and intestinal microbiota composition. For this, we used AhR repressor (AhRR)-reporter mice as a tool to study AhR activation in the intestine following dietary I3C-supplementation in comparison with AhR ligand-deprived diets, including a high fat diet. AhRR expression in intestinal immune cells was mainly driven by dietary AhR ligands and was independent of microbial metabolites. A lack of dietary AhR ligands caused enhanced susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and correlated with the expansion of Enterobacteriaceae, whereas Clostridiales, Muribaculaceae, and Rikenellaceae were strongly reduced. I3C supplementation largely reverted this effect. Comparison of I3C-induced changes in microbiota composition using wild-type (WT), AhRR-deficient, and AhR-deficient mice revealed both AhR-dependent and -independent alterations in the microbiome. Overall, our study demonstrates that dietary AhR ligand supplementation has a profound influence on Ahrr expression in intestinal immune cells as well as microbiota composition.

Comparative Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Wild and Cultivated Alepidea amatymbica Eckl & Zeyh.

There is a need to scientifically validate the claim that wild species of medicinal plants are more potent than the cultivated plants. Thus, this study evaluated the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of wild and cultivated Alepidea amatymbica. Acetone, methanol, and water extracts of the rhizome of wild and cultivated A. amatymbica were evaluated for total phenol, flavonol, flavonoid, tannin, proanthocyanidin, saponin, and alkaloid contents using spectrophotometric methods. In vitro antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide assays. The wild extracts had higher phytochemical contents in most of the assays than cultivated extracts. Total phenol in the wild extracts ranged from 32.30 to 117.8 mg GAE/g with the acetone extracts having the highest content while the water extracts were the least. The range in the total phenol of the cultivated species was 66.46 to 98.44 mg GAE/g with the methanol extracts having the highest content while water extracts was the least. The flavonoid content ranged from 55.01 to 99.09 mg QE/g and from 48.65 to 67.32 mg QE/g for the wild and cultivated plants, respectively. The alkaloid contents ranged from 14.70 to 17.80% in the wild species while it ranged from 11.98 to 13.21% in the cultivated species. The wild species also showed higher antioxidant activities in most of the assays evaluated. This study has implications for both pharmacological and conservation purposes.

Citrus × Clementina Hort. Juice Enriched with Its By-Products (Peels and Leaves): Chemical Composition, In Vitro Bioactivity, and Impact of Processing.

This work investigated a model for the reuse of Citrus × clementina Hort. by-products for the development of a functional drink able to exert antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Juice obtained from fruits collected in three different areas of Calabria (Italy) was analysed. C. × clementina juice from Corigliano Calabro (JF), characterized by the highest content of bioactive compounds and bioactivity, was chosen as a matrix to be enrichment with hydroalcoholic ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina leaf from Corigliano Calabro (CO2) and ethanol ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina peel from Cetraro (BC3) extracts at different concentrations. The highest phytochemical content and bioactivities were found in juice enriched with leaf and leaf + peel extracts, with particular reference to antioxidant activity. In order to estimate the effects of pasteurization, 20% (mg/100 mL) enriched juice was subjected to this process. Based on obtained data of bioactivity and sensorial analysis, C. × clementina by-products could be proposed as a promising source of bioactive compounds useful for the formulation of a functional drink for preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Effects of a corn/bean‐based beverage on gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects with abdominal obesity

BackgroundInflammation underlying obesity has been linked to alterations in the gut‐brain axis, clinically manifesting, among others, as defects in intestinal motility thus gastrointestinal distress. Although diet therapy traditionally excludes foods with fermentable components such as corn and beans, it is proposed that some varieties of these have high contents of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, capable of positively influencing symptomatology.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a corn and bean‐based beverage on gastrointestinal symptoms in subjects with abdominal obesity.MethodsWe carried out a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial (CONBIOETICA approved) in which a beverage was given (supplement: chapalote (red) corn and ayocote (purple) beans, providing 100 mg EAG vs. placebo: white corn and beans) to subjects with abdominal obesity. Gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and abdominal circumference, were assessed every two weeks, for 2 months. After determining the normality of data, an ANOVA for repeated measures with Tukey’s posthoc was performed for intragroup inferential analysis; the effects between treatments were compared with independent t‐Student. p<0.05 was considered as statistical significance.Results40 participants, mostly women, concluded the study. A statistically significant decrease in gastrointestinal symptoms was found in both groups over time; with no intergroup difference. In stool consistency, the supplement showed a statistically significant improvement. Both groups presented a significant decrease in abdominal circumference.ConclusionsCorn and beans may contain elements other than polyphenols that improve gastrointestinal symptoms, so their exclusion from the diet in patients referring irritable bowel traits must be reconsidered.Support or Funding InformationUniversidad Anáhuac México (institutional research fund)Changes in GI symptoms, stool consistency and abdominal circumference after 2‐month intervention.Figure 1

Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) tea in a\xa0type 2 diabetes rat model

BackgroundLemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) tea is a widely consumed beverage for nourishment and the remedy of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Africa locally. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic action of lemongrass tea (LGT) in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats.MethodsThe fructose-streptozotocin (STZ) animal model for T2D was used and the LGT was prepared by boiling for 10 min in water, allowed to cool and administered at 0.25 or 0.5% (ad libitum), for 4 weeks to the T2D rats.ResultsThe LGT showed higher phytochemical contents compared to the cold-water extract. The diabetic untreated animals exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum glucose and lipids, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index with a significantly lower (p < 0.05) levels of serum insulin, β-cell function (HOMA-β) and liver glycogen compared to the normal animals. Oral supplemented of LGT for 4 weeks improved these changes comparable to the metformin treated group.ConclusionThe data suggests that LGT intake had excellent antidiabetic effect in a T2D model of rats attributed to the higher content of the ingredients.

Antimicrobial and Light-Enhanced Antimicrobial Activities, Cytotoxicity and Chemical Variability of All Tunisian Eryngium Species.

This study was performed on all Eryngium species growing in Tunisia in order to evaluate their intra and interspecies variabilities and to investigate their biological activities. These species are used in traditional medicine, and literature about the phytochemical investigations of most of them is scarce. Antimicrobial and light-enhanced activities were tested against multiresistant microorganisms and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL). All studied species showed antimicrobial effect with several MIC values lower than 70 μg/ml. Tested Eryngium species have proven to be a promising source of photoactive compounds, while light-enhanced activity offers an alternative for the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms which is currently subjected to a great interest. This is the first report of this activity in genus Eryngium. A significant improvement of antimicrobial activity with UV irradiation was observed, mainly for E. dichotomum, E. ilicifolium and E. triquetrum. Cytotoxicity, studied for the first time for the most species, was evaluated against cancer (J774) and non-cancer (WI38) human cell lines. Chemical composition of volatile compounds presented in the most active crude extracts (petroleum ether extracts) of the aerial parts was investigated using GC/MS analysis and was submitted to statistical analyses. It revealed their high content of bioactive phytochemicals, particularly oxygenated sesquiterpenes like spathulenol, ledol and α-bisabolol but also hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes such as β-bisabolene and copaene, as well as polyacetylene derivatives such as falcarinol. Statistical analyses permitted to evaluate the interrelations between all Tunisian Eryngium species.

Nutrient analysis and acceptability of different ratio pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) based biscuits

Biscuits being important food snacks for children and adults are rich in fat and sugar content than whole bread. Lower contents of proteins (lysine), vitamins and dietary fibers are the nutritional problems with most bakery products clamoured interest in increasing the nutrients and fiber content in the biscuits. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) has received considerable attention for their high content of dietary fibres, phytochemicals and nutritional value. On farm trial was conducted in the South West district of Delhi during rabi 2014–15, 2015–16 and 2016–17 among 30 farm women with three treatments with an objective to prepare biscuits with partial replacement of wheat flour with different proportions of pearl millet flour and to study its acceptability and nutritive value among farm women. The developed biscuits were sensory evaluated using nine point hedonic scale and evaluated for nutritive value in terms of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, calcium and iron. Results showed that biscuit prepared with chick pea floor was highly acceptable whereas already established practice was least acceptable. The nutrient analysis showed highest protein; fat; carbohydrate; dietary fiber; calcium and iron in chick pea biscuit sample i.e. 16.25%; 45.36%; 75.25%; 13.53%; 41.33% and 6.53%, respectively. Replacement of wheat flour with pearl millet flour and chick pea flour increased the protein, fibers and iron contents proportionately to the level of substitution. Chick pea flour made biscuit was found most acceptable and was much appreciated when compared with other two types of biscuits among farm women.