Ingredients In Products Research Articles

Fortification of yogurt with mulberry leaf extract: Effects on physicochemical, antioxidant, microbiological and sensory properties during 21-days of storage

Mulberry leaves are medicinal and edible, with many physiological functions. To improve the potential function of yogurt, the effects of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) incorporation on the fermentation kinetics, physicochemical, antioxidant properties, and sensory parameters of yogurt were evaluated. The results showed that 0.1–0.3 % MLE improved the acidification rate and shortened the fermentation process. The addition of MLE significantly increased the values of total titratable acids, water holding capacity (WHC), total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of the yogurt (p＜0.05). Specifically, the WHC values of 0.1 % MLE added yogurt were 1.33–1.41 times that of the control over 21 days of storage. In addition, MLE changed the texture and sensory quality of yogurt, resulting in light green, more stable products. Compared to the control, the yogurt with an appropriate concentration of MLE (0.1 % and 0.2 %) showed stable microbiological properties, and the survival of lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt was able to maintain a stable probiotic count of 108 CFU/g over 21 days of shelf life. The yogurt containing 0.1 % MLE achieved a good balance between the physicochemical and sensory qualities of the yogurt, and the use of MLE as an ingredient in yogurt production was a step towards the development of healthier dairy products.

A near-complete assembly of the Houttuynia cordata genome provides insights into the regulatory mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in Yuxingcao

Houttuynia cordata, also known as Yuxingcao in Chinese, is a perennial herb in the Saururaceae family. It is highly regarded for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating respiratory infections and inflammatory conditions, as well as boosting the human immune system. However, a lack of genomic information has hindered research on the functional genomics and potential improvements of H. cordata. In this study, we present a near-complete assembly of H. cordata genome and investigate the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids, specifically quercetin, using genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analyses. The genome of H. cordata diverged from that of Saururus chinensis around 33.4 million years ago; it consists of 2.24 Gb with 76 chromosomes (4n = 76) and has undergone three whole-genome duplication (WGD) events. These WGDs played a crucial role in shaping the H. cordata genome and influencing the gene families associated with its medicinal properties. Through metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses, we identified key genes involved in the β-oxidation process for biosynthesis of houttuynin, one of the volatile oils responsible for the plant’s fishy smell. In addition, using the reference genome, we identified genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly quercetin metabolism, in H. cordata. This discovery has important implications for understanding the regulatory mechanisms that underlie production of active pharmaceutical ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Overall, the high-quality genome assembly of H. cordata serves as a valuable resource for future functional genomics research and provides a solid foundation for genetic improvement of H. cordata for the benefit of human health.

Technical Report on the need for re‐evaluation of the safety of hexane used as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients

Technical Report on the need for re‐evaluation of the safety of hexane used as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients

How the Impact of Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the Beauty Industry Influences Indonesian Generation Z Purchasing Intention?

The beauty industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly with a projected annual growth rate of 9% by 2026, driven largely by the increasing demand for beauty products. This spending shift happened especially because of the rise of Generation Z as a significant consumer group where it is changing positively towards environmentally sustainable movement. From this knowledge, it raises questions; To what extent do beauty companies integrate environmentally sustainable practices into their current operational activities and overall business strategies from the consumer perspectives? How do environmentally sustainable practices influence the purchasing intentions of Indonesian Generation Z consumers in the beauty industry?; How Indonesian beauty companies can leverage environmentally sustainable practices among Indonesian Generation Z consumers?. This bachelor dissertation aims to act as a guide to help leverage beauty companies among Indonesian Generation Z consumers. This research will help answer the following through quantitative data research based on a primary and secondary data collection. The findings obtained from this study, shows that Indonesian Generation Z values sustainability as their purchasing intentions are significantly affected by companies eco-friendly practices. This study highlights four main examples of ESPs such as eco-friendly packaging, refillable packaging, product ingredient transparency, and overall sustainable business practices, which positively impact the purchasing intention of Indonesian Gen Z. Environmental factors related to the purchasing intention are crucial in the companies future organization plan and business objectives in determining which practical solutions to pursue. Diversity of demographic as in the geographical location and specific age group of only Generation Z are the limitations of this research, followed by the only utilization of quantitative methods. In some ways these limitations could restrict the collection of consumers perspective.

Biofermentation of aquatic plants: Potential novel feed ingredients for dairy cattle production

The study assessed the impacts of aquatic plant silages on feeding efficiency and dairy cattle health as an alternative to conventional corn silage under high altitude conditions. Mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to treatment groups according to a randomized complete block design of parity, previous 105-d milk yield, and body weight. Cows (n = 8 per group) were fed with aquatic plant silage inoculated with Bacillus subtilis (BS), Yeast (YS), or conventional corn silage without inoculants (control) in addition to [standard grain feed] for 75 consecutive days. BS and YS had higher protein contents than control silage (111.20 ± 7.68, 112.10 ± 6.83 vs 76.94 ± 3.48 g/kg DM), while feeding efficiency was comparable between treatments (1.07, 0.99, and 0.90, respectively). In addition, the addition of aquatic plant silage in ruminant diets enhanced immunity and antioxidant capacity when compared with control group. Metagenomic analysis showed similar composition in rumen microbiota between YS and control groups, with higher enrichment for energy and nitrogen utilization pathways in YS-treated cows. This study highlights the use of aquatic plant silage as an alternative feed for dairy cattle with higher protein than corn silage. Our results suggest YS or BS could potentially boost immune and antioxidant functions, improving adaptation to high-altitudes and reducing demand for high input corn production on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

O-PTIR spectroscopy for characterizing active pharmaceutical ingredient specific particle size distributions of nasal spray suspension products

Evaluation of the particle size distribution (PSD) of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in nasal suspension products is challenging due to the presence of both API and excipients. To characterize these intricate formulations, it is essential to have sophisticated analytical methods that offer high spatial resolution and the ability to chemically pinpoint and map out the presence of API particles. However, such advanced techniques have not been documented for nasal formulations yet.In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the utility of optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) to analyze the PSD of commercially available Nasonex® and its generic Azonaire® nasal mometasone furoate (MM) suspensions. Simultaneous O-PTIR and Raman spectra, as well as IR chemical maps, were collected from the particles in both formulations. Spatially resolved spectra from the particles confirmed the presence of peaks related to MM (1727 cm−1, 1661 cm−1, and 1122 cm−1) and excipient microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) (1061 cm−1). The PSD of MM particles was characterized using chemical maps specific to MM (1661 cm−1) and automated imaging. Results confirmed that the PSD of both formulations were comparable. Spectral analysis also revealed the presence of free MM, free MCC, and particles containing co-localized MM and MCC.For suspension-based nasal products, O-PTIR enables the measurement of API PSD, which is critical for formulators in developing nasal suspension products. This approach holds potential as an innovative complimentary analytical tool that could diminish the need for extensive clinical endpoint bioequivalence studies when evaluating the comparability of generic and brand-name nasal suspension products.

Rapid detection of murine-derived ingredients in meat products using real-time enzymatic recombinase amplification.

Accurate identification of meat species is critical to prevent economic fraud and safeguard public health. The use of inappropriate meat sources, such as murine, poses significant health risks because of potential contamination with pathogens and allergens, leading to foodborne illnesses. The present study aimed to develop a novel real-time enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) method for the rapid and specific detection of murine DNA in meat products. A novel ERA primer and probe set was designed, targeting a murine-specific single-copy nuclear gene identified through bioinformatics analysis. The assay demonstrates high specificity, showing no amplification in commonly consumed meats, other animals or major crops. Additionally, it exhibits remarkable sensitivity, detecting as few as five copies of murine genomic DNA. For practical application, the ERA method could effectively identify mouse DNA in laboratory-prepared samples at concentrations as low as 0.5% and also quantify samples with mouse DNA content as low as 5%. It also accurately detects the presence of murine-derived ingredients in commercially available meat products. The detection process is straightforward, utilizing a simple isothermal device for incubation, blue light excitation and a smartphone camera for result interpretation. This rapid analysis can be completed within 20 min. The newly developed real-time ERA method provides a valuable tool for standardizing meat trade practices, promoting food safety and enhancing consumer confidence in the authenticity of meat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sub-Antarctic Macroalgae as Feed Ingredients for Sustainable Ruminant Production: In Vitro Total Gas and Methane Production

The sustainable meeting of the global quest for ruminant intensification dictates the need to identify alternative, eco-friendly, and safe feed ingredients. In this sense, macroalgae offer a new paradigm in sustainable ruminant feed supply. This study aimed to investigate the potential of sub-Antarctic macroalgae, including Lessonia flavicans, Macrocystis pyrifera, Gigartina skottbergii, and Ulva Lactuca, regarding their chemical composition, in vitro gas production, and CH4 production. A completely randomized design consisted of a 96 h (h) incubation that included four different species and a control (alfalfa hay) with buffered rumen fluid. In vitro total gas, fermentation characteristics, and CH4 production were evaluated. The highest and the lowest crude protein (CP) contents were for U. lactuca (185.9 g/kg) and G. skottsbergi (86 g/kg), respectively (p < 0.0001). All macroalage had lower levels of natural detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) compared to alfalfa hay (p < 0.0001). The highest potential of gas production (b) was for M. pyriphera (162.8 mL gas/g DM), followed by alfalfa (119.3 mL gas/g DM). However, G. skottsbergi and M. pyriphera showed the highest dry matter degradability at 96 h (68.49 and 67.62 mg/100 mg, respectively; p < 0.0001) and microbial crude protein (679.8 and 669.8 mg/g, respectively, p < 0.0001). All four tested algae produced lower amounts of methane compared to alfalfa hay (p < 0.0001). After 24 h of incubation, M. pyriphera, L. flavicons, G. skottsbergi, and U. lactuca reduced CH4 by 99.7%, 98.6%, 92.9%, and 79.8%, respectively, when compared with the control. Also, all tested algae had lower (p = 0.0001) CH4 production (ml CH4/g Dry matter degradability, DMD) than alfalfa hay. The current results suggest that M. pyriphera and L. flavicons are promising feed additives for ruminants with eco-friendly production and acceptable CP content and DMD that could effectively mitigate CH4 emissions. Overall, these findings suggest that macroalgae hold promise as a substitute feed source for sustaining ruminant production at the onset of global warming.

Aromatic Herbs of the Lamiaceae Family as Functional Ingredients in Wheat Tortilla

The rationale for this research is the investigation of the potential health benefits as well as the antibacterial and antifungal properties of selected aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family, which may lead to the development of improved functional foods. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating dried aromatic plants Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus × citriodorus, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis at a concentration of 1% in refined wheat flour and wholemeal flour on the production of functional tortillas. Sensory analysis was employed to identify the optimal 1% addition, with the objective of achieving a favorable flavor and aroma profile. It was hypothesized that this addition would affect water activity, moisture, texture, color, antioxidant content and phenolic content, thereby enhancing the tortillas as a source of bioactive compounds. The results indicated that the type of flour used had a significant impact on the water activity of the tortillas, with wholemeal flour resulting in higher water activity than refined flour. The water activity ranged between 0.735 and 0.821, while the water content remained relatively stable. The water activity in whole-grain tortillas was significantly higher than that of refined flour tortillas, with a value exceeding 0.8, which makes them susceptible to mold growth and the production of mycotoxins. The sensory evaluations indicated that the enriched refined flour tortillas with common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were rated highly; a similar result was observed for the whole-grain tortillas enriched with wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and lemon thyme. The whole-grain tortillas with rosemary were rated the highest of all the tortillas. The addition of aromatic plants increased the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential, depending on the flour type and the plant used. The addition of wild thyme and rosemary resulted in a significant increase in the phenolic content of wheat tortillas, while all enriched whole-grain tortillas exhibited a higher phenolic content than the control samples. The highest phenolic content in whole-grain tortillas was found in those fortified with rosemary, oregano and wild thyme. The highest antioxidant content was recorded in tortillas prepared with rosemary, irrespective of whether the flour used was refined or wholemeal. Fourteen phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in aromatic plants tested. The main phenolic compounds in Origanum vulgare were flavonoids. Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in rosemary and all thyme species, reaching the highest level in rosemary. Such high levels of rosmarinic acid may be responsible for the high antioxidant and total phenolic contents observed in rosemary extracts and also in tortillas when this plant is included in the recipe. The results of this study indicate that selected aromatic plants, particularly rosemary, have the potential to be utilized as functional ingredients in bakery products. By incorporating dried aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family into wheat flour tortillas, food manufacturers can create products that not only taste better but also provide added health benefits. The use of selected herbs can improve the nutritional profile of tortillas by increasing antioxidant properties and, due to the properties of herbs, extend the shelf life of the product.

Comprehensive assessment for species authenticity, pesticide residual, and fungal contamination characteristics of Panax herbal tea

Adulteration, pesticide residues, and fungal contamination are the three key factors affecting herbal medicine safety. Herbal tea is a healthy beverage containing bioactive molecules and is one of the derivatives of medicine food homology herbal medicine. However, these three factors are often ignored in the herbal tea industry. In this study, 171 commercially available Panax herbal tea products were tested. The findings revealed that the target Panax ingredient in the herbal tea products was adulterated by Platycodon grandiflorum or the mixed-using of Panax genus species, with an adulteration rate of 25.1%. The pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) pesticide residue rate was 78.4% in the 171 Panax herbal tea products. Two samples demonstrated obvious fungal contamination. Among the 171 Panax herbal teas, 98 samples were qualified with the correct species, qualified pesticide residues, and no fungal contamination (eyeballing). The present investigation not only sheds light on the three key factors exerting a significant impact on herbal tea safety but also provides a reference for the comprehensive evaluation of herbal tea, thereby facilitating the development of this industry.

Pleurocinus ostreatus Polysaccharide Alleviates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression through the Gut Microbiome, Metabolome, and JAK/STAT1 Signaling Pathway.

This study investigated the structure of Pleurocinus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP-1) and its effect on immunocompromised mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CY). Novel POP-1 was α- and β-glucopyranose, its molecular weight was 4.78 × 104 Da, it was mainly composed of glucose (88.9%), and it also contained galactose (2.97%), mannose (5.02%), fucose (0.3%), arabinose (0.21%), ribose (0.04%), galactose acid (0.17%), and glucose acid (1.45%). After POP-1 was administered to immunosuppressed mice, results showed that POP-1 increased the body weight, spleen, and thymus index and enhanced T lymphocyte proliferation in mice. POP-1 up-regulated the expression of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in the mouse spleen to increase immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, and IgA) and secrete cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) through activation of the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Moreover, POP-1 remarkably reversed the gut-microbiota dysbiosis in immunosuppressed mice by increasing the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Blautia, and Ligilactobacillus and altered the fecal metabolites by increasing hexahomomethionine, DG(8:0/20:4(5Z, 8Z, 11Z, 14Z)-OH(20)/0:0, 2-((3-aminopyridin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbothioamide, Ginkgoic acid, and carboxy-ethyl-hydroxychroman, which is closely related to the immunity function. This study indicates that P. ostreatus polysaccharide effectively restores immunosuppressive activity and can be a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical products.

Consumer Acceptance of Grass-Derived Ingredients in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study

The development of sustainable food production requires reducing the strain from present production systems on the environment using novel/disruptive technologies, one of which is to use grass as an abundantly available raw material, either minimally processed grass or grass-derived ingredients. With grass supplies readily available and the potentially significant carbon footprint reduction that this technology offers, this is an opportunity for sustainable production of much-needed food ingredients for human consumption. This study investigates UK consumers’ acceptance of grass-derived ingredients and examines the factors influencing their willingness to adopt these innovations as part of their diets. This study was conducted through a cross-sectional study in the UK, in which the participants were divided into three groups based on meat avoidance, i.e., meat reducers, meat avoiders, and meat consumers. The key findings emphasise the importance of education on grass-derived products to enhance consumer awareness and confidence. Other factors—such as age, meat attachment, grass-derived ingredients’ characteristics, social norms, and attitudes—have influenced willingness to try (WTT)/accept grass-derived ingredients. The findings suggest that while grass-derived ingredients in human diets may struggle to gain positive perceptions, targeted product development and marketing strategies tailored to highlight grass-derived ingredients’ nutritional benefits and safety are key to reshaping perceptions and fostering consumer readiness for novel food technologies in the UK.

Exploring Volatile Profiles and De-Flavoring Strategies for Enhanced Acceptance of Lentil-Based Foods: A Review.

Lentils are marketed as dry seeds, fresh sprouts, flours, protein isolates, and concentrates used as ingredients in many traditional and innovative food products, including dairy and meat analogs. Appreciated for their nutritional and health benefits, lentil ingredients and food products may be affected by off-flavor notes described as "beany", "green", and "grassy", which can limit consumer acceptance. This narrative review delves into the volatile profiles of lentil ingredients and possible de-flavoring strategies, focusing on their effectiveness. Assuming that appropriate storage and processing are conducted, so as to prevent or limit undesired oxidative phenomena, several treatments are available: thermal (pre-cooking, roasting, and drying), non-thermal (high-pressure processing, alcohol washing, pH variation, and addition of adsorbents), and biotechnological (germination and fermentation), all of which are able to reduce the beany flavor. It appears that lentil is less studied than other legumes and more research should be conducted. Innovative technologies with great potential, such as high-pressure processing or the use of adsorbents, have been not been explored in detail or are still totally unexplored for lentil. In parallel, the development of lentil varieties with a low LOX and lipid content, as is currently in progress for soybean and pea, would significantly reduce off-flavor notes.

Mechanisms of action and applications of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide at the intestinal mucosa barrier: a review.

As a medicinal and edible homologous Chinese herb, Polygonatum sibiricum has been used as a primary ingredient in various functional and medicinal products. Damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier can lead to or worsen conditions such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Traditional Chinese medicine and its bioactive components can help prevent and manage these conditions by restoring the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. This review delves into the mode of action of P. sibiricum polysaccharide in disease prevention and management through the restoration of the intestinal barrier. Polysaccharide from P. sibiricum effectively treats conditions by repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, offering insights for treating complex diseases and supporting the application of P. sibiricum in clinical settings.

Assessment of Changes in the Fat Profile of House Cricket Flour during 12 Months of Storage in Various Conditions.

Considering Acheta domecticus flour's growing importance and utilization as an ingredient in many food products, research on its storage is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and nutritional fat profile of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour during storage for 12 months under different storage temperatures (-18 °C, +4 °C, and +20 °C in two variants, with and without access to light). Insect flour was studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The fatty acids content was determined, and dietary indicators were calculated. The acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were also determined, and differential scanning calorimetry was performed. The results obtained from spectroscopic analysis of Acheta domesticus flour were consistent with the biochemical data. During the 12-month period of flour storage, the storage temperature significantly influenced the percentage composition of identified groups of fatty acids and the values of all presented ratios and dietary indices. During storage at refrigerated temperatures (-18 °C and +4 °C), no changes were observed in the fatty acid content and dietary indices, indicating that refrigerated temperatures provide oxidative stability to flour during 12 months of storage. Samples stored at 20 °C had higher acid values (AV), peroxide values (PV), and anisidine values (p-AV) compared to samples stored at lower temperatures (4 °C and -18 °C). Simultaneously, an increase in SFA and MUFA, as well as a decrease in PUFA and UFA, was noted in samples stored at room temperature. Storing cricket flour at lower temperatures when the storage period will be more than 12 months is essential to restrict the occurrence of fat oxidation. Elevated temperatures and exposure to light have a notable effect in hastening oxidation mechanisms, reducing thermal resilience, and inducing more pronounced alterations in the quality of fats.

Safety Assessment on Isolated Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Novel Food for Use in Food Supplements (RP427)

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in February 2021 from EIHA Projects GmbH (“the applicant”) for the authorisation of isolated cannabidiol (CBD) as described in RP427, as a novel food. This is a joint application from EIHA associated product partners pertaining to a novel food which is to be prepared and used according to the specification set out within this document. It must be noted that any authorisation subsequent to this application pertains solely to the novel food and not to any proposed uses as an ingredient in any other products. The novel food is a >98% pure, hemp-derived CBD isolate which is intended to be used in hemp oil as a food supplement for adults. For CBD a provisional Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 10 mg/day for a healthy 70kg adult has been published by the FSA and was considered in assessing this novel food. The provisional ADI (section 2.7) was recommended, subject to the existing advice that certain populations do not consume CBD, due to remaining data gaps and residual uncertainties concerning the safety of CBD for these groups of consumers. These contraindications would also apply to this novel food. To support the FSA and FSS in their evaluation of the application, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) were asked to review the safety dossier and supplementary information provided by the applicant. The Committee did not consider any potential health benefits or claims arising from consuming the food, as the focus of the novel food assessment is to ensure the food is safe, and not putting consumers at a nutritional disadvantage. The Committee concluded that the applicant had provided sufficient information to assure the novel food, an isolated CBD as detailed in application RP427, was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and the proposed use in food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous.

The potential of hydrocolloid-modified fish gelatine in substituting non-halal gelatine for halal dessert cuisine

Gelatine is one of the essential ingredients in dessert making that enhances product development. As porcine and bovine gelatines are exquisite ingredients in many food products, especially in desserts, religious and cultural restrictions need to be considered. The limits in religions on porcine and bovine gelatine consumption contribute to mammal gelatine substitutes such as fish gelatines. However, the fish gelatine has lower thermal and rheological properties compared to mammalian gelatines. The lower rheological properties decrease the mechanical strength, gelling mechanism, and capability to stabilize in dessert products. Hydrocolloid-modified fish gelatines can overcome such drawbacks by improving their gel properties. This study reviewed the physical and chemical properties of different hydrocolloids used to modify fish gelatines which are agar with locust bean gum, carrageenan with locust bean gum, and gellan with calcium chloride, and their potential to emulate the texture and sensory properties of non-halal gelatine in dessert products. The study of modified fish gelatine with hydrocolloids can be a learning paradigm among food service establishments to intensify the need to explore the components used in food manufacturers and food industries. The new research that introduces hydrocolloid-modified gelatine will give various selections in creating new products without the intervention of non-halal or forbidden substances, especially in the gelatine-based dessert.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Soap Containing Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) for Enhanced Skin Health

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a herbal soap formulation containing Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) and other natural ingredients to promote skin health. The soap was prepared using the double boiling method, incorporating Tulsi powder, turmeric, aloe vera gel, almond oil, rose water, and lavender essential oil into a glycerin soap base. The formulation process and ingredient selection were based on the therapeutic properties of each component, with a focus on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. The resulting soap was subjected to various evaluation parameters, including organoleptic properties, physical characteristics such as foam retention, foamability, and pH, as well as skin sensitivity and irritation tests. The herbal soap demonstrated favorable characteristics in terms of appearance, odor, and skin compatibility. Its natural composition offers potential advantages over conventional soaps, including the absence of harsh chemicals and the presence of active phytochemicals that may benefit skin health. This study contributes to the growing body of research on natural cosmetic formulations and highlights the potential of herbal ingredients in personal care products. Further research, including clinical trials, is recommended to fully elucidate the efficacy and long-term benefits of this herbal soap formulation for various skin types and conditions

Advancing Cordyceps militaris Industry: Gene Manipulation and Sustainable Biotechnological Strategies.

Cordyceps militaris is considered to be of great medicinal potential due to its remarkable pharmacological effects, safety, and edible characteristics. With the completion of the genome sequence and the advancement of efficient gene-editing technologies, coupled with the identification of gene functions in Cordyceps militaris, this fungus is poised to emerge as an outstanding strain for medicinal engineering applications. This review focuses on the development and application of genomic editing techniques, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), PEG-mediated protoplast transformation (PMT), and CRISPR/Cas9. Through the application of these techniques, researchers can engineer the biosynthetic pathways of valuable secondary metabolites to boost yields; such metabolites include cordycepin, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine. Furthermore, by identifying and modifying genes that influence the growth, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress in Cordyceps militaris, it is possible to stimulate growth, enhance desirable traits, and increase resilience to unfavorable conditions. Finally, the green sustainable industrial development of C. militaris using agricultural waste to produce high-value-added products and the future research directions of C. militaris were discussed. This review will provide future directions for the large-scale production of bioactive ingredients, molecular breeding, and sustainable development of C. militaris.

DNA metabarcoding unveils the hidden species composition in fish surimi: Implications for the management of unlabeled and mixed seafood products

Fish surimi products are traditional foods primarily made from fish meat and may contain a complex species composition. In Taiwan, the abundant fishery resources and diverse fish species lead to local catches being widely used as ingredients in fish surimi products. However, due to growing market demand and increasingly scarce resources, some surimi products contain sensitive species, such as sharks, posing potential threats to the ecological environment and biodiversity. In this study, by applying metabarcoding techniques, we analyzed 120 fish surimi product samples from different brands and types throughout the four seasons in Taiwan's market. The main fish species identified included milkfish (Chanos chanos), dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), Pomfret (Taractes rubescens), swordfish (Istiophorus spp.) and cartilaginous. Moreover, at least 37 species of cartilaginous fish, including 26 endangered species, were found. Through comprehensive and accurate species identification of surimi product ingredients, we unveiled the usage of sensitive species in products on the market. This finding is important for the surimi industry's quality control and market supervision. Furthermore, it can promote the sustainable use of Taiwan's fishery resources and protect biodiversity.