Source Of Ingredients Research Articles

Underutilized Crocus Sativus L. Flowers: A Hidden Source of Sustainable High Value-Added Ingredients

Crocus sativus L. is used as a spice due to its organoleptic characteristics. Only flower stigmas are used for its production, as the rest of the flower is discarded as waste. This fact represents a lack of sustainability, since around 230,000 flowers are necessary to produce 1 kg of saffron. The main aim of this study was to contribute to the valorization of Crocus sativus L. spice and its floral by-products, through the study of their nutritional value and composition, in terms of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, as well as their functional properties. The results showed that saffron stigmas and floral bio-residues presented high contents of fiber, and the most abundant macronutrient were the carbohydrates, followed by proteins, and a low content in fats. All samples had high concentrations of glucose, fructose, lactic and malic acids, and minerals, mainly K, Ca and Mg. Furthermore, the polyunsaturated fatty acids were predominant, being linoleic acid (C18:2n6) the most abundant. Therefore, this research provides more in-depth information about the composition of saffron stigmas and floral by-products, to be considered as promising sources for the development of functional ingredients with new applications in the food industry.

Strategies to Assess the Impact of Sustainable Functional Food Ingredients on Gut Microbiota.

Nowadays, it is evident that food ingredients have different roles and distinct health benefits to the consumer. Over the past years, the interest in functional foods, especially those targeting gut health, has grown significantly. The use of industrial byproducts as a source of new functional and sustainable ingredients as a response to such demands has raised interest. However, the properties of these ingredients can be affected once incorporated into different food matrices. Therefore, when searching for the least costly and most suitable, beneficial, and sustainable formulations, it is necessary to understand how such ingredients perform when supplemented in different food matrices and how they impact the host's health. As proposed in this manuscript, the ingredients' properties can be first evaluated using in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulation models prior to validation through human clinical trials. In vitro models are powerful tools that mimic the physicochemical and physiological conditions of the GIT, enabling prediction of the potentials of functional ingredients per se and when incorporated into a food matrix. Understanding how newly developed ingredients from undervalued agro-industrial sources behave as supplements supports the development of new and more sustainable functional foods while scientifically backing up health-benefits claims.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Sabun Rosella di Gresik dalam Upaya Pencegahan Penularan COVID-19 Sebagai Implementasi SDGS-3

Efforts to inhibit the transmission of COVID-19 are continuing to this day. One of them is using hand-washing soap to prevent the transmission of this virus. The Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, seeks to implement SDGs-3 through community service activities to increase community empowerment, especially for the younger generation. The utilization of natural ingredients containing many active compounds has yet to be discovered. The solution is to provide information on the source of the active ingredients for hand washing soap, for example, the Rosella flower, explaining the mechanism of soap in inhibiting the spread of viruses and how to make hand washing soap. The activity was carried out in Gresik with counseling and training methods. The outcome was an increase in participants' understanding, as indicated by an average post-test score of >65, with an increase in score of >10% compared to the pretest. In addition, one product of Rosela flower hand washing soap was also obtained. From this activity, it was concluded that there was an increase in understanding of 28%. It is hoped that this increase in understanding and skills for the younger generation can mobilize the surrounding community so that prevention of the transmission of COVID-19 is more massive and conditions of good health and well-being in society will be achieved.

DISEMINASI TEKNOLOGI PROBIO_FM UNTUK PENGOLAHAN PAKAN ITIK KEPADA PETANI PENGGARAP LAHAN PASCA TAMBANG TIMAH

The integrated crop-livestock-fish farming systems between rice and duck is the potential to optimize the use of post-tin mining to develop agricultural activities in Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The success of the Mekar farmer group in rice farming in the area of post-tin mining is yet followed by optimizing the use of rice bran waste as the source of feed ingredient. Currently, the farmers face difficulty in mastering the agricultural technology, as a result, the rice bran waste as the duck feed is applied without any feed processing. The objective of the community service is to empower society in utilizing the Probio_FM technology to make duck feed with rice bran waste as the essential ingredient. The methods of community service were implemented in three stages: socialization, demonstration & training, as well as monitoring & evaluation. The qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The community service discovered that the farmers had utilized the Probio_FM technology in feed processing by producing the fermented bran feed for the duck. The effect of technology utilization was that the bran for animal feed was more likable, able to reduce the bad odor of animal environment, as well as the effective and efficient feed management systems. Furthermore, the knowledge on agricultural technology and behavior of livestock farmers had positively improved in utilizing the rice bran waste as the source of feed ingredient. The use of Probio_FM should be sustainable and was the potential to be optimized in integrated farm management in post-tin mining land. It could be a solution to reduce the dependency on antibiotics used to support disease control. It could also provide the solution to the feed cost problem to achieve environmental-friendly livestock farming activity

Creation of microbial bio‐aroma wheel design according to smell attributes and multivariate exploratory methods

AbstractMicrobial bio‐aroma synthesized from biowaste, and its marketing is an emerging aspect of future research due to their benefits. However, the sensory lexicon of bio‐aroma has not yet been developed so far. This study aims to identify the smell characteristics of bio‐aroma produced by fermentative yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus by solid‐state fermentation, where the sample was extracted from fermented sugarcane bagasse (FSB), sweet lemon peel (FSLP), and pomegranate peel (FPP). A group of 49 respondents participated in this sensory analysis; the generated data reveal that a total of 29, 35, and 26 aroma essences gets from FSB, FSLP, and FPP, respectively. Multiple factor analysis was performed using XLSTAT 2022.1 version, and hierarchical clustering was used to classify the different cluster levels of aroma attributes. An aroma wheel is designed according to the attributes of classified aroma (smell). This bio‐aroma has prospects for application in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products.Practical ApplicationsThis fermented bio‐waste aroma lexicon will be helpful to academicians, researchers, flavorist and consumers to understand the precise description and basic terms. It also make them aware about a natural alternative source of flavor and aroma ingredients. It can be used as a sustainable additive for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries in the future.

Formulation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier from a Mixture of Red Palm Oil and Palm Stearin

Red palm oil can be a source of beneficial ingredients in various foods due to its high total carotene level. This work examined the influence of red palm oil to palm stearin ratio on the Nanostructured Lipid Carrier's turbidity, transmittance, viscosity, β-carotene content, color lightness, and hue. For this purpose, Nanostructured Lipid Carriers were prepared by hot homogenizing red palm oil and palm stearin at several ratios (1:9, 2:8, 3:7, 4:6, and 5:5 (w/w)). According to the present investigation, the ratio of red palm oil to palm stearin primarily affected the turbidity, transmittance, viscosity, β-carotene concentration, color brightness, and hue of NLCs. Furthermore, the study found that adding red palm oil significantly raised the NLC's β-carotene content and turbidity. The ratio of red palm oil to palm stearin that produced the most stable NLC was 5:5 (w/w)

Increased Thermostability of an Engineered Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase to Remediate Trimethylamine in Fish Protein Hydrolysates.

Protein hydrolysates made from marine by-products are very nutritious but frequently contain trimethylamine (TMA), which has an unattractive fish-like smell. Bacterial trimethylamine monooxygenases can oxidize TMA into the odorless trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and have been shown to reduce TMA levels in a salmon protein hydrolysate. To make the flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) Methylophaga aminisulfidivorans trimethylamine monooxygenase (mFMO) more suitable for industrial application, we engineered it using the Protein Repair One-Stop Shop (PROSS) algorithm. All seven mutant variants, containing 8 to 28 mutations, displayed increases in melting temperature of between 4.7°C and 9.0°C. The crystal structure of the most thermostable variant, mFMO_20, revealed the presence of four new stabilizing interhelical salt bridges, each involving a mutated residue. Finally, mFMO_20 significantly outperformed native mFMO in its ability to reduce TMA levels in a salmon protein hydrolysate at industrially relevant temperatures. IMPORTANCE Marine by-products are a high-quality source for peptide ingredients, but the unpleasant fishy odor caused by TMA limits their access to the food market. This problem can be mitigated by enzymatic conversion of TMA into the odorless TMAO. However, enzymes isolated from nature must be adapted to industrial requirements, such as the ability to tolerate high temperatures. This study has demonstrated that mFMO can be engineered to become more thermostable. Moreover, unlike the native enzyme, the best thermostable variant efficiently oxidized TMA in a salmon protein hydrolysate at industrial temperatures. Our results present an important next step toward the application of this novel and highly promising enzyme technology in marine biorefineries.

Light intensity changes and UVB radiation affect peridinin content and antioxidant activity in the Cassiopea andromeda holobiont

IntroductionThe up-side down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda represents a yet untapped marine species that could be targeted as a new source for functional ingredients, such as natural pigments and antioxidants. Since C. andromeda hosts endosymbiotic dinoflagellates, this jellyfish contains peridinin pigments, which are linked with high antioxidant capacities and many other health-promoting properties. This study investigates the potential to specifically increase the content of peridinin and overall antioxidant activity in C. andromeda, through the targeted application of different photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) intensities and ultraviolet radiation, cultured in fully controlled indoor aquaculture systems.Materials and MethodsIndoor bred C. andromeda specimens were exposed to five different PAR intensities (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 µmol photons m−2 s−1) and a combined treatment of narrow-band UVB (λ = 285 ± 10 nm) radiation and intermediate (200 µmol photons m−2 s−1) PAR intensity over a period of four weeks. Before the treatment and after two- and four-week treatment intervals, pigment concentrations and antioxidant activity levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Trolox Equivalent AntioxidantCapacity (TEAC) assay, respectively. In addition, relative growth rate, umbrella pulsation and photosynthetic efficiency (measured by pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry) of C. andromeda individuals were also monitored throughout the experiment. ResultsChlorophyll a (Chl a) and peridinin (Per) dominated overall pigment content in C. andromeda endosymbionts, chlorophyll c2 and diadinoxanthin were detected in minor amounts. Over the treatment time, Chl a and Per concentrations, measured as µg g−1 jellyfish dry weight and pg microalgae-cell−1, decreased sharply at higher PAR intensities (200 – 800 µmol photons m−2 s−1) compared to the control treatment (100 µmol photons m−2 s−1). After four weeks Chl a and Per concentrations were lowest at the highest PAR intensity (800 µmol photons m−2 s−1) and highest at the lowest PAR intensity (50 µmol photons m−2 s−1). Moreover, the ratio of Chl a and Per showed a relative decrease of Per with increasing PAR intensity. The combined treatment of narrow-band UVB (λ = 285 ± 10 nm) radiation and intermediate (200 µmol photons m−2 s−1) PAR intensity led to significantly elevated Chl a and Per concentrations compared to the 200 µmol photons m−2 s−1 PAR treatment without UVB. Significantly elevated antioxidant activity levels, measured as Trolox Equivalents mmol g−1 jellyfish dry weight, were only detected in UVB exposed C. andromeda, indicating that Chl a and Per did not determine overall antioxidant capacity. The photosynthetic efficiency of C. andromeda endosymbionts was not affected by elevated antioxidant activity. Opposing that, the jellyfish hosts that were exposed to the UVB treatment shrunk drastically, indicating a strong stress response.DiscussionWith this study, we demonstrate for the first time the application potential of PAR intensity manipulations and UVB irradiation, to increase the content of valuable pigments and antioxidants in C. andromeda jellyfish and their endosymbiotic dinoflagellates that live in hospite within the host tissue. Based on these findings, we propose the culture of C. andromeda under fully controlled and light-optimized conditions as new pathway to harness bioproducts and functional ingredients.

Understanding the Factors Promoting Sustainability in the Indian Pharmaceutical Sector Through ESG Approach

The ESG model, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is becoming increasingly important in the pharmaceutical sector. The pharmaceutical industry is under scrutiny from various stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies, to improve their ESG practices. The ESG model is a framework that helps companies assess and report on their performance in these three areas. ESG approach of operation brings stakeholders’ faith in organizational affairs. Indian pharmaceutical companies are facing big challenges in several fronts in meeting ESG principles for balancing social, environmental and economic goals. The balancing of these three goals by following ESG approach of operation will bring sustainability in organizational existence. Several broad areas need serious look-over. Sourcing of raw ingredients, clinical trials and associated costs, product quality and information, product pricing, internal infrastructure robustness and security, organizational culture and disclosure and compliances are areas where pharma companies are confronting ESG principles. In the pharmaceutical sector, the Environmental aspect of the ESG model focuses on reducing the environmental impact of their operations and products, such as reducing carbon emissions, waste management, and water conservation. The Social aspect involves ensuring ethical business practices, such as fair labor practices, supply chain management, and community engagement. Finally, Governance involves ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, as well as maintaining high ethical standards and preventing corruption. Pharmaceutical companies that implement ESG practices can not only benefit from improved reputations but can also attract investors who prioritize ethical and sustainable investing. Additionally, companies that prioritize ESG practices are better positioned to adapt to changes in the regulatory landscape, such as the increasing focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Overall, the ESG model provides a comprehensive framework for pharmaceutical companies to assess their environmental, social, and governance practices and ensure they are operating ethically and sustainably, which can lead to long-term success and positive impact on society.

Common beans as a source of food ingredients: Techno-functional and biological potential.

Common beans are an inexpensive source of high-quality food ingredients. They are rich in proteins, slowly digestible starch, fiber, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive molecules that could be separated and processed to obtain value-added ingredients with techno-functional and biological potential. The use of common beans in the food industry is a promising alternative to add nutritional and functional ingredients with a low impact on overall consumer acceptance. Researchers are evaluating traditional and novel technologies to develop functionally enhanced common bean ingredients, such as flours, proteins, starch powders, and phenolic extracts that could be introduced as functional ingredient alternatives in the food industry. This review compiles recent information on processing, techno-functional properties, food applications, and the biological potential of common bean ingredients. The evidence shows that incorporating an adequate proportion of common bean ingredients into regular foods such as pasta, bread, or nutritional bars improves their fiber, protein, phenolic compounds, and glycemic index profile without considerably affecting their organoleptic properties. Additionally, common bean consumption has shown health benefits in the gut microbiome, weight control, and the reduction of the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. However, food matrix interaction studies and comprehensive clinical trials are needed to develop common bean ingredient applications and validate the health benefits over time.

Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics reveals the comprehensive metabolites in Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel

AbstractDioscorea opposita Thunb., a traditional medicinal and food homologous plant, has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine and nutritious food, partially due to the metabolites. However, detailed information on the metabolites in Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel is still scarce. Herein, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics approach was used to reveal the comprehensive metabolites in Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel. The proposed method provided tentative identification of 307 metabolites. Among them, 286 metabolites are reported herein in Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel for the first time, namely: 87 lipids, 49 phenolic acids, 34 flavonoids, 29 amino acids and derivatives, 28 organic acids, 14 alkaloids, 10 lignans, and coumarins, eight saccharides and vitamins, six nucleotides and derivatives, two quinones, and 19 others. The obtained results highlight the importance of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel as a promising source of bioactive ingredients, and form a basis for future quantitative and bioavailability studies.

Potential of Nutmeg (<em>Myristica fragrans</em> Houtt) Leaf Extracts as a Source of Functional Ingredients with Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activities

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to evaluate inhibition activities of acetone, chloroform, ethanol and hot water extracts of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) leaves against Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger and, to assess the in vitro antioxidant activities and to discover the active compound profile of chloroform extract of nutmeg leaf. Research Method: Agar well diffusion and agar disc diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity and the antifungal activity of the extracts respectively. Antioxidant activities of the acetone extract were evaluated through DPPH, FRAP, ABTS+ radical scavenging and Ferrous Iron Chelating assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the acetone extract was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Findings: All the extracts showed inhibitory activity for the tested bacteria at different intensities and it was found that the selection of the extraction solvent is important to get the maximum inhibition against different bacterium. Acetone and chloroform extract (20%) showed the highest inhibition against A. niger (49.42% and 51.52% respectively). Acetone extract showed strong antioxidant activities, 715.78 ±51.09 in FRAP (mg of Trolox /g of leaves), 65.56±0.93 in DPPH (mg of Ascorbic acid /g of leaves), 31.67± 0.49 in ABTS+ (mg of Trolox equivalent/g of leaves), 10.87±1.85 in Ferrous Ion chelating (mg of EDTA/g of leaves) and, higher percentages of total phenolic content of 895.12 ±44.24 TPC (mg GAE /g of leaves). Myristic acid was detected as the major compound (57.36%) in GC-MS analysis and that may be the major compound responsible that offers a great potential to use as antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant agent of nutmeg leaf. Originality/ Value: Results revealed that the nutmeg leaf possesses marked biological activities and showed a great potential to use for the management of human pathogenic bacteria, plant pathogenic fungi, and oxidative stress-associated chronic diseases.

Influence of Georgian Saperavi Grapevine Shoots Extract on Lipid Profile in Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Rats

Hypercholesterolemia raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Numerous clinical trials of lipid-lowering diets and medicines have been established for proper lipid profile regulation to reduce the significant level of pathological conditions of cardiovascular origin. Winemaking is a well-developed part of Georgian agriculture. Besides usual products such as grapes and wine, it is characterized by a significant amount of waste products like leaves and shoots, which can be used as a source of bio-active ingredients, namely polyphenols, which are wellknown to have hypocholesterolemia effects. Therefore, the decision was made to use polyphenols derived from wasted shoots and assess their potential protective and treating effect on lipid profile in the Vivo model of dietary-induced hyperlipidemia. During previous studies, 14 individual polyphenols were extracted and detected from Georgian grapevine shoots, and current research demonstrates the cholesterol-lowering effects of this polyphenol-rich extract in laboratory rats. Study results demonstrated the positive protective effect of Georgian Vitis Vinifera (Saperavi) polyphenols on the lipid profile of rats. Along with relatively low values of total cholesterol (5.47%), LDL (16%), and TG (9.9%), better results for HDL value were observed for the group receiving Saperavi shoots extract, than the group receiving only a hypercholesterolemia diet. Compared with a 10 mg/kg Atorvastatin daily dose, Saperavi shoots extract showed a smoother reduction of serum cholesterol; however, the normal range was reached. These findings support the potential of using currently wasted Georgian grapevine shoots as a source of biologically active ingredients. Based on the study results, Saperavi shoot extract can be considered a cost-effective candidate for phytomedicine supplementing and treating cardiovascular diseases associated with lipid profile disorders.

Valorization and food applications of okara (soybean residue): A concurrent review.

Agriculture waste is rising continuously across the globe due to enormous industrial, food processing, and household activities. Proper valorization of this waste could be a promising source of various essential bioactive and functional ingredients. Okara is a major residue produced as result of soybean processing and has a rich nutritional profile. The nutritional profile of okara is affected by the processing conditions, variety, pre-treatment, post-production treatments, and processing techniques. Owing to the high fibers, lipids, proteins, and bioactive components, it is being used as an essential industrial ingredient in various food processing industries. The prebiotic potential and nutritional profile can be increased by various techniques, that is, enzymatic, chemical, biotransformation, high-pressure microfludization, and fermentation. The prebiotic potential of okara makes it suitable as a therapeutic agent to prevent a variety of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia. The current review highlights the structural, nutritional, functional, therapeutic, and industrial applications of okara.

Detect Polyphenol and Fatty Acid Content of Two Wild Plants Collected in Mazne Sub-district, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Celtis tournefortii Lam and Prosopis farcta plant's antioxidant and polyphenolic characteristics have been attributed to the various phytochemicals, including phenolic and fatty acids, present in the crude extract in the leaves, fruits, pods, and seeds. This study's aim is to determine the entire phytochemical compositions of the leaf and fruit reflect Celtis tournefortii Lam, while pod and seed represent Prosopis farcta from Mazne sub-district, including proximate analysis, total antioxidant capacity, total organic acids, ascorbic acids, polyphenols, and fatty acids following established procedures. Pods have higher levels of fiber (41± 0.05 mg/100 g), protein (20.3±0.05%), and vitamin C (26.47±0.03 mg/100 g) from Prosopis farcta, although fruit has higher levels of total antioxidants (89.54± 0.28%) and organic acid (1576±0.57 mg/kg) from Celtis tournefortii Lam. Gallic acid (10.56±0.03 mg/kg) had the highest concentration of polyphenols, whereas the pod contained the highest concentrations of quercetin (11.27±0.14 mg/kg), rutin (13.0±0.57 mg/kg), coumaric acid (2140.57 mg/kg), and chlorogenic acid (659.0±0.57 mg/kg). Oleic acid 32.60±0.24%, Cis-11-Eicosenoic 3.20±0.11%, and Cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic 2.10±0.05% were the most prevalent unsaturated fatty acids in the seed, whereas palmitic 17.40±0.05% and tricosanoic 6.40±0.05% were the most prevalent saturated fatty acids in the leaves. Overall, seeds had the highest concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (74.44%), while leaves had the highest concentration of saturated fatty acids (44.42%). This study identifies two untamed plants, Celtis tournefortii Lam and Prosopis farcta, as potential new sources of natural oil and beneficial natural ingredients.

Microalgae-Sustainable Source for Alternative Proteins and Functional Ingredients Promoting Gut and Liver Health.

Dietary proteins derived from animal sources, although containing well-balanced profiles of essential amino acids, have considerable environmental and adverse health effects associated with the intake of some animal protein-based products. Consuming foods based on animal proteins carries a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, dietary protein consumption is increasing due to population growth, posing a supply challenge. There is, therefore, growing interest in discovering novel alternative protein sources. In this context, microalgae have been recognized as strategic crops that can provide a sustainable source of protein. Compared to conventional high-protein crops, using microalgal biomass for protein production presents several advantages in food and feed in terms of productivity, sustainability, and nutritional value. Moreover, microalgae positively impact the environment by not exploiting land or causing water pollution. Many studies have revealed the potential of microalgae as an alternative protein source with the added value of positive effects on human health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. The main emphasis of this review is on the potential health-promoting applications of microalgae-based proteins, peptides, and bioactive substances for IBD and NAFLD.

The Importance of Analyzing Child Development and Understanding of Milk-Based Fortified Foods for Primary Health Care Issue

Indonesia is already facing a high nutritional problem. Early detection of child wasting is the key to successful prevention and treatment. Increasing animal protein intake for children is one of the government's steps to address child malnutrition. Consumption of fortified milk as one of the animal proteins may support the growth and development of children. The general purpose of this community service is to increase the knowledge and the implementation of dairy products to improve child immunity and growth. This community service activity was carried out at the Sidodadi village hall, Central Bengkulu in 2021. Participants in the community service activity were maternal and child village health workers, plus representatives from the Puskesmas and village officials with a total of 32 participants. The methods used are socializing information, questions and answers with participants based on experience and field findings, providing materials related to sources of milk food ingredients and their fortification, carrying out copyright quizzes on milk-based healthy food recipes, and monitoring with evaluation. Evaluation sheets are used to assess participant satisfaction and record things that are still needed by cadres for further socialization activities. The performance test was carried out with a quiz on preparing healthy milk-based food recipes for children. Activity results are described with a satisfaction survey. Increasing education through health counseling greatly influences the knowledge of village health worker to be wise in providing education on fortified milk-based foods and providing examples of useful recipes for malnourished children.

Valorization of Grape Pomace as a Renewable Source of Techno-Functional and Antioxidant Pectins.

The food industry's increasing demand for new functional ingredients that meet both organoleptic and healthy requirements has driven the exploration of new sources of functional ingredients in agro-industrial by-products. The aim of this work was to valorize grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L. garnacha) as a source of pectins using food-grade extracting agents. Obtained pectins were evaluated for monomeric composition, methyl esterification, molecular weight, water retention, oil-holding capacity, and antioxidant properties. The relatively soft extraction conditions used permitted obtaining low methoxyl pectin (10-42%) enriched in homogalacturonan (38-45%) or rhamnogalacturonan (33-41%) with different branching degrees, molecular weight, and fewer impurities than those found in the scarce previous literature. The relationship between structure and functionality was studied. Among the different pectins obtained, the sample derived from the extraction with sodium citrate could resume the best characteristics, such as pectin purity and higher water retention and oil holding capacity. These results underscore the relevance of grape pomace as a viable alternative source of pectin.

Brewer's Spent Yeast Cell Wall Polysaccharides as Vegan and Clean Label Additives for Mayonnaise Formulation.

Brewer's spent yeast (BSY) mannoproteins have been reported to possess thickening and emulsifying properties. The commercial interest in yeast mannoproteins might be boosted considering the consolidation of their properties supported by structure/function relationships. This work aimed to attest the use of extracted BSY mannoproteins as a clean label and vegan source of ingredients for the replacement of food additives and protein from animal sources. To achieve this, structure/function relationships were performed by isolating polysaccharides with distinct structural features from BSY, either by using alkaline extraction (mild treatment) or subcritical water extraction (SWE) using microwave technology (hard treatment), and assessment of their emulsifying properties. Alkaline extractions solubilized mostly highly branched mannoproteins (N-linked type; 75%) and glycogen (25%), while SWE solubilized mannoproteins with short mannan chains (O-linked type; 55%) and (1→4)- and (β1→3)-linked glucans, 33 and 12%, respectively. Extracts with high protein content yielded the most stable emulsions obtained by hand shaking, while the extracts composed of short chain mannans and β-glucans yielded the best emulsions by using ultraturrax stirring. β-Glucans and O-linked mannoproteins were found to contribute to emulsion stability by preventing Ostwald ripening. When applied in mayonnaise model emulsions, BSY extracts presented higher stability and yet similar texture properties as the reference emulsifiers. When used in a mayonnaise formulation, the BSY extracts were also able to replace egg yolk and modified starch (E1422) at 1/3 of their concentration. This shows that BSY alkali soluble mannoproteins and subcritical water extracted β-glucans can be used as replacers of animal protein and additives in sauces.

Fig Leaves (Ficus carica L.): Source of Bioactive Ingredients for Industrial Valorization

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) was one of the first domesticated trees. In 2019, the world’s fig fruit production was estimated at 1153 tons. However, fig leaves are not utilized, resulting in copious quantities of bio-waste. To identify promising fig tree varieties, hydroethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of five fig tree varieties (Pasteliere—PA, Longue d’Aout—LA, Dauphinie—DA, Boujassote Noire—BN, and Marseille—MA). The variety with the highest concentration of organic acids was BN (146.5 mg/g dw), while glucose, fructose, and sucrose were the predominant sugars across all varieties. All extracts present α-tocopherol as the prevalent tocopherol isoform (above 78%), while PUFA fatty acids were predominant, ranging from 53% to 71% of total fatty acids. BN showed moderate antioxidant activity (EC50 0.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL), while the DA variety presented promising cytotoxicity against the tumor AGS and MCF-7 cell line (GI50 158 ± 13 and 223 ± 21 μg/mL) and especially in the inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production evaluation (IC50 20 ± 5 μg/mL). The DA activities are probably related to high concentrations of flavonoids, specifically the predominant apigenin-C-hexoside-C-pentoside and quercetin-O-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside. Finally, the BN and DA varieties showed good antimicrobial activity, especially against Yersinia enterocolitica. Fig leaves can be considered sustainable sources of industrially valuable bioactive molecules, and several potential applications were highlighted.