Melon Seeds Research Articles

Formulation And Antioxidant Property Of Bitter Melon Seeds Oil Loaded Into SNEDDS Systems As A Nutraceutical

Bitter melon seeds oil is less soluble in the gastrointestinal tract and has low absorption. Therefore, a self-nanoemulsion dosage form needed to support its absorption and increase its stability. This study aimed to formulate bitter melon seeds oil into a self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) and evaluate its antioxidant activity using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method. The SNEDDS formulation uses bitter melon seed oil as the active ingredient and the oil phase, cremophor RH 40 as a surfactant, and glycerin as a co-surfactant. The results showed that the best SNEDDS formula obtains a ratio of oil: Smix (surfactant mixture) of 1:4. The best formula transmittance was 97.35 ± 0.04% with an emulsification time of 15.69 ± 0.06 seconds, a pH value of 6.87 ± 0.08, and a particle size of 31.8 ± 16.3 nm. Thermodynamic stability and robustness to dilution tests show the preparation is stable and resistant to various dilutions and pH. The antioxidant activity of bitter melon seed oil before and after being formulated into SNEDDS resulted in 62.73% and 50.31% reducing power. This result is not differences significantly. This study concluded that bitter melon seeds oil SNEDDS has good physical characteristics, stability, and no antioxidant activity changes.

Evaluation of the condition for storing pollen grains of japanese melon \(\textit{Cucumis melo}\) L. (Cucurbitaceae)

In recent years, studies have been carried on the selection and breeding of melon to reduce its production cost. The F1 seeds of this species are usually created by parental lines. Notably, the parental lines are separated from each other to secure the breeding materials. However, there are no studies on establishing suitable conditions for storing pollen grains of Japanese melon Cucumis melo L. In this study, pollen grains of C. melo were dried at 38 oC temperature, for 1.5 hours, which served as the raw materials. After storage in acetone at 5 oC for 3, 5, 7 days, or in liquid nitrogen for 5 days, pollen grains were stained with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to evaluate their viability and pollination ability. Then, the following parameters including pollen grains’ survival rate, morphology analysis of pollen grains, pollen grains’ fruiting rate, fruit weight, firm seed rate, and germination of melon seeds were analyzed. The study results show that the grains’ survival rates were 86.58%, 88.38%, 87.28% or 88.58% in the group stored in acetone for 3, 5, 7 days or liquid nitrogen for 5 days, respectively. The fertilized fruit rate was 100% in the group stored in liquid nitrogen for 5 days. But the rate of germination from firm seeds was highest, with 94.00% in the group stored in acetone for 3 days. The best method is storing the pollen grains in acetone for 3 days.

Production of biochar from Bitter Melon Seeds Waste by Pyrolysis Method

The rejection rate of seeds at a seed company is approximately 5% of total sorted seeds. Rejected seeds is difficult to treat and caused the problem in the environment. This research aims to produce carbon or biochar from rejected bitter melon seeds by pyrolysis method. The functional groups on the carbon formed was observed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR). The pyrolysis was carried out at temperature variations of 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C for 60 minutes. The yield of carbon using pyrolysis at temperature of 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C were 34,65%, 26,09%, and 24,22%, respectively. The results of FTIR spectrophotometer analysis on pyrolyzed carbon contain several functional groups of O–H, C=C, and C–O. This produced char can be recycled back to agriculture land as biochar for soil improvement.

Characterisation of antioxidant peptides from enzymatic hydrolysate of golden melon seeds protein

SummaryThe purpose of present research was to study novel antioxidant peptides from Golden melon seeds. Alkaline protease was used to hydrolyse the Golden melon seeds protein to obtain the hydrolysed peptides. These antioxidant peptides were purified and identified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography and RP‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Results showed that the peptide fraction (GMSHp3) with molecular weight (MW) <3 kDa obtained by ultrafiltration had the highest antioxidant capacity. This fraction was further purified via gel filtration chromatography into six sub‐fractions, among which GMSHp3‐3 exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging effect. Fraction GMSHp3‐3 was further purified via RP‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS and sequenced as six potential antioxidant peptides with amino acids sequences of RMSFPVMCRN, LMRVLAQLG, ALAPLVALPAA, LVGKPAPD, LPAAHKA and AHAAGYGG, among which LMRVLAQLG, LPAAHKA and AHAAGYGG possessed effective ferric reducing power. These results indicated that novel antioxidant peptides from golden melon seeds protein hydrolysates might be potential antioxidant source of functional foods or nutraceutical supplements.

Optimized Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm-Based Coronal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanning in Tracheal Foreign Bodies of Children.

In order to provide theoretical support for clinical diagnosis, the diagnostic value of the optimized fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm combined with coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was investigated in the diagnosis of tracheal foreign bodies in children. The anisotropic filtering was applied to optimize the traditional FCM algorithm, so as to construct a new MRI image segmentation algorithm, namely, AFFCM algorithm. Then, the traditional FCM algorithm, the FCM algorithm based on the kernel function (KFCM), and the FCM algorithm based on the spatial neighborhood information (RFCM) were introduced for comparison with the AFFCM. 28 children diagnosed with foreign bodies in the trachea were selected for MRI diagnosis, and AFFCM was used for segmentation. The partition coefficient, segmentation entropy, and the correlation degree between classes after fuzzy division of the four algorithms were recorded, and the location and distribution of foreign bodies in the trachea and the types of foreign bodies were also collected. Besides, the MRI scanning and chest X-rays of the children with foreign bodies in the trachea should also be recorded in terms of the positive rate, diagnosis rate, and indirect signs. The class division coefficient and interclass correlation degree after fuzzy division of AFFCM were markedly greater than those of FCM, KFCM, and RFCM (P < 0.05), while the segmentation entropy of AFFCM was less sharp than the entropies of FCM, KFCM, and RFCM (P < 0.05). Among the 28 children, there were 5 cases with foreign bodies in the trachea (17.86%), 10 cases in the left bronchus (35.71%), and 13 cases in the right bronchus (46.43%). Among the foreign body types, there were 10 cases of melon seeds (35.71%), 6 cases of peanuts (21.43%), and 5 cases of beans (17.86%). The positive rate (89.29%) and diagnosis rate (96.43%) of MRI for bronchial foreign bodies increased obviously in contrast to the rates of X-ray chest radiographs (57.14% and 67.86%) (P < 0.05). Therefore, it was indicated that AFFCM showed higher partition coefficient value, lower segmentation entropy, larger similarity among classes, and better image segmentation effect. Furthermore, AFFCM-based coronal MRI scan had a higher positive rate and diagnosis rate for children's tracheal foreign bodies, and the main signs were emphysema and atelectasis.

A test on pollen viability and fruits forming ability of some melon varieties by using storage treatment

Climate change decreases biodiversity through hybridization. The warming climate affects the spread of hybridization. The production of melon fruit in Indonesia fluctuated from time to time from the seeds’ lousy quality. An effort to improve melon seeds’ quality was needed using hybridization. However, the low availability of high viability pollen became one of the problems in the hybridization process. This research aimed to study the pollen’s viability and produce two varieties of melons using some storage treatments. The research used Randomized Complete Block Design with split-plot design by using two treatment factors, the main plot and storage treatment were used as the subplot. The combination of varieties and pollen storage was significant for the viability of the pollen. Golden Melon Variety A and B had different pollen viability. Using a two-day storage treatment at low temperatures, Golden Melon Variety B showed the highest pollen viability. Storage treatment took effect on the percentage of the number and the weight of the fruits produced. The 0-day storage treatment at low temperature showed the optimum yield. Pollen viability was positively correlated with fruit weight.

Performance Evaluation of a Melon Shelling Machine with Different Power Sources

Performance evaluation of an electric motor and a fuel-engine powered machine used for shelling melon seeds was performed in this study to determine the effects of shelling speed and moisture content on machine productivity. The melon seeds used for the evaluation of the existing melon shelling machine were sourced locally from Umungasi market in Aba, Abia state, Nigeria. The unshelled melon seeds as used were weighed (25g each), sprinkled with water and partially dried with natural air for 25 minutes. This enabled the skin coat became slightly softened and the cotyledon easily detached from the shell, thus making the shelling more efficient. To evaluate the parameters (machine productivity, throughput capacity and percentage seed damage), the melon seeds were employed. For the shelling performance, melon seeds of five different moisture contents (7.48, 10.24, 13.92, 18.36, 21.44%) dry basis (d.b.) at different shelling speeds (850, 1000 and 1200 rpm) were utilized in the evaluation. From the evaluation, results revealed that the machine has an optimal productivity of over 83% and percentage seed damage of 14.2% at seed moisture content of 21.44% and drum speed of 1200 rpm for both power sources. Maximum machine throughput capacity of over 940 kg/h was recorded at 1200 rpm and 21.44% moisture content for both power sources. Overall, results obtained indicated that the machine can effectively shell melon seeds and that seed moisture contents and shelling speed affected the machine productivity.Keywords— Performance operation, evaluation, motorized, melon, shelling machine

Prospects of Decortication Efficiency Improvement through Environmental Control in Selected Indigenous Varieties of Melon Seeds

Prospects of Decortication Efficiency Improvement through Environmental Control in Selected Indigenous Varieties of Melon Seeds

Antibacterial activity of ethanol extract, n-hexan, ethyl acetate and butanol fraction of Momordica charantia L. seed against Staphylococcus epidermidis

Acne is a skin disease caused by excessive production of oil, causing clogged pilosebaceous follicular ducts and inflammation. One of the bacteria triggered acne is Staphylococcus epidermidis. Acne treatment usually uses antibiotics that inhibit inflammation and bacterial growth. To reduce the effects of using chemical drugs, research is needed to find natural treatment solutions such as using the bitter melon plant. The part that is often used from bitter melon is flesh of the fruit, while the seeds are only used as waste, so researchers are interested in examining the antibacterial activity of bitter melon seeds. Tests were carried out on ethanol extract, fraction of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol in bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) seeds against Staphylococcus epidermidis by determining the minimum bakterisid concentration (MBC) using the liquid dilution method of a concentration of 80%; 40%; 20%; 10%; 5%; 2.5%; 1.25% and 0.625%. The value of minimum bakterisid concentration (MBC) is indicated by the absence of colony growth on agar media. The minimum bakterisid concentration (MBC) in this study was only obtained in the ethyl acetate fraction, at a concentration of 40%, while in extracts and other fractions the MBC value was not obtained.

Direct treatment of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and melon (Cucumis melo) seeds by amplitude-modulated dielectric barrier discharge in air

This study evaluates low-temperature plasma generated by an amplitude-modulated dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) as a direct surface treatment of pepper and melon plant seeds. An analysis of the discharge and its products revealed the influence of the seeds inserted into the plasma on the total plasma power and concentration of O3 and NOx, which are the dominant reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced by the plasma. The plasma treatment of the seeds led to higher viability and higher imbibition rate during the first hour of exposure to the wet environment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed changes in the O:C ratio for plasma-treated pepper and melon seeds. However, prolonged plasma treatment for 300 s affected pepper and melon seeds differently. While the O:C ratio gradually increased with plasma treatment time for pepper seeds, that for melon seeds decreased considerably for longer treatment times. Furthermore, detailed XPS analysis of pepper seeds revealed a profound increase in magnesium and calcium, which are often present in seed macronutrients, and a minor increase in potassium, silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus, which are present in micronutrients. These observations can be related to the possible redistribution of the elements owing to the plasma treatment, and thus the treatment might have an essential influence on the seed bulk. The findings presented in this study help elucidate the plasma interaction with surfaces of pepper and melon seeds and confirm the feasibility of the direct plasma treatment using power-modulated DBDs for applications in agriculture.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) Fruit and Seed Extract and their Antimicrobial Activity

Momordica charantia is a phenolic rich vegetable. In this study, the fruits and seeds extract of M. charantia were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using biotechnological approach. Structural, morphological, and antimicrobial properties of the synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using UV/Vis Spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), High Resolution Transmission Electronics Microscopy (HRTEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). In DLS, the average particle size of Ag-NPs was found 17.5 ± 2.1 nm and 18.3 ± 1.9 nm using seed and fruit extract, respectively. HRTEM has revealed their spherical structure for both seed and fruit extract of M. charantia. FESEM images found Ag-NPs with the size between ~20 and ~35 nm. The Ag NPs exhibited Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) centered at 405 nm for seed extract and 402 nm for fruit extract using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. FT-IR results showed phenolic and carbohydrate compounds involved in the synthesis of the Ag NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized Ag NPs has found highly rich in antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. Thus, bioconversion of Ag NPs by M. charantia could be employed as a potential antibacterial source to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from agricultural and food preservation industry.

Hypoglycemic Potential of Dietary Supplementation of Protein Isolate from Fermented Cucumeropsis manii in Streptozotocin Induced Hyperglycemic in Male Wistar Albino Rats

The effect of Protein isolate from fermented melon seeds (Ogiri Protei Isolates; OPI) of Cucumeropsis manii on blood glucose, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Thirty Male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. GThe first control group with no exposure. The second group of rats with Streptozotocin-induced non-treated diabetes. The 3rd and 4th groups of rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes supplemented with Ogiri protein isolates (200, 600 mg/kg in diet). And the 5th group of rats with Streptozotocin-induced diabetes administered glibenclamide in a dose 500 ug/kg in diet [17]. The OPI was administered for 6 weeks. The administration of OPI reduced the blood glucose concentration of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Sera and hepatic superoxide dismutase, activities of the STZ-induced diabetic rats were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) increased in comparison with the diabetic control rats. Lipid peroxidation of the supplemented OPI diabetic rats was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) decreased in comparison with the diabetic control rats as the administration of OPI to the STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly increased the enzymes’ activities. The concentration of low-density lipoproteins in the OPI supplemented rats was significantly elevated. These data demonstrate that OPI supplements might be beneficial for correcting hyperglycemia but the consumption of OPI can modulate some tissue lipids in a direction not beneficial for CVD risk in patients with diabetes.

Viruses in cucurbit seeds from on-line mail-order providers

Seeds of three important cucurbit species (cucumber, melon and zucchini) were obtained through on-line mail-order providers and tested for selected viruses of biosecurity and agronomic concern. One or more of the targeted viruses were detected in 23 of the 31 seed lots tested. The quarantine pest melon necrotic spot virus was detected by ELISA in melon seeds. Multiple instances of contamination with the quarantine pest cucumber green mottle mosaic virus were also detected, and its presence in seeds of all three plant species was confirmed by inoculation and re-isolation from indicator plants. Cucumber mosaic virus, squash mosaic virus and potyviruses were repeatedly detected, and instances of insect pest and plant trash contamination were also observed. Seeds imported into Australia from some on-line sources have potential to introduce organisms of biosecurity concern.

FRUIT SEEDS, SEEDS OF GRAPE AND CUCURBITACEOUS – A PROSPECTIVE SOURCE OF OBTAINING BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES. OVERVIEW

Republic of Uzbekistan is a major producer of agricultural products. The production of vegetables, grapes, fruits and berries, melons and gourds are increasing every year. The total volume of their production is approximately up to 16200 thousand tons per year. The seeds of these crops make up from 2 to 10% of the mass of processed raw materials, which are sources of valuable biologically active substances. The main method of obtaining oil (from apricot kernel, grape and melon seeds) is cold pressing, i.e. pressing carried out at a temperature below 60°C. Such oil immediately goes from the category of ordinary to the category of medicinal. At present, in Uzbekistan, the processing of apricot kernels, grape and melons seeds with the aim of to obtain high-quality vegetable oil is carried out on low-tonnage technological lines by the method of cold pressing. However, this method of processing raw materials does not provide the maximum yield of valuable vegetable oil and nutrients. Residual oilcake is not processed to obtain biologically active substances. The use of extraction as a method of obtaining these substances is not practiced. Unlike other solvents such as butane, hexane has the advantage of being virtually harmless to the user in ethanol extraction. Unlike the so-called "CO2-extraction", the extraction with ethanol can be carried out without the use of expensive equipment and subject to the correct technological regulations; the obtained extract can be of a very high-quality spectrum. A scientifically substantiated methodology for the engineering calculation of a plant for the extraction of ingredients from plant materials with a low capacity, operating on an ethanol solvent, has not been developed, which shows the relevance of the development and implementation of such equipment in production.

Fundamentals of line analysis and optimization to obtain seeds of melons

Fundamentals of line analysis and optimization to obtain seeds of melons

A Recent Overview of Producers and Important Dietary Sources of Aflatoxins.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are some of the most agriculturally important and harmful mycotoxins. At least 20 AFs have been identified to this date. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent fungal toxin, can cause toxicity in many species, including humans. AFs are produced by 22 species of Aspergillus section Flavi, 4 species of A. section Nidulantes, and 2 species of A. section Ochraceorosei. The most important and well-known AF-producing species of section Flavi are Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nomius. AFs contaminate a wide range of crops (mainly groundnuts, pistachio nuts, dried figs, hazelnuts, spices, almonds, rice, melon seeds, Brazil nuts, and maize). Foods of animal origin (milk and animal tissues) are less likely contributors to human AF exposure. Despite the efforts to mitigate the AF concentrations in foods, and thus enhance food safety, AFs continue to be present, even at high levels. AFs thus remain a current and continuously pressing problem in the world.

Determinação de alterações morfológicas durante a maturação de sementes de melão com uso de raios X

The search for melon with high physiologic quality is essential to have competitive material compared to the imported. The analysis of images realized through X-ray is a technique that verify internal morphology and relates with the seed performance. In this way, the goal of this study was to evaluate the seed physiological quality from melon of Anton cultivar in function of different phase of maturation of stored and non-stored fruits through the visualization of internal morphology of seeds using X-ray images. The experiment was managed from December of 2016 to February of 2018. The yellow-melon fruits analyzed were cultivated in Embrapa Hortaliças greenhouse. The fruits were picked in five distinct periods: 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after anthesis (DAA). In each period were picked a total of 30 fruits where 15 fruits had their seeds immediately extracted after been picked, and 15 fruits were stored. The 15 fruits stored were packed in plastic box properly identified for a period of fifteen days in airy place with room temperature. The 30 fruits were subjected to the same process of seed extraction, washing and drying. The dried seeds from stored and non-stored fruits were submitted to the following analyses: X-ray test and the germination test. The treatment of 60 DAA over storage shown better performance with 67% in the germination test on the first counting and 87% of normal seedlings. This result is similar to the noted in the X-ray test where the treatment demonstrated 96% of filled seeds showing the viability of this tool to determine physiologic quality in the melon seeds.

Fatty Acids and Flavor Components in the Oil Extracted from Golden Melon Seeds

AbstractFor complete utilization of raw materials and edible oil production, the oil from golden melon seeds (GSs) is extracted via the cold‐pressing, hot‐pressing, and ultrasound‐assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE), and the fatty acid composition, and nutritional value of the extracted GS oils (GSOs) are analyzed. The volatile compounds present in the GSOs are determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The aroma profiles of different GSO samples are further distinguished by using an electronic nose. A total of 16 fatty acids are identified in the GSO samples, with atherogenic, thrombogenic, and nutritive value indices ranging from 0.142–0.151, 0.366–0.403, and 5.019–5.299, respectively. Moreover, 43 volatile compounds, including esters, hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, pyrazines, and aldehydes are identified. The cold‐pressed GSO presents fresh and fruity flavors, while the hot‐pressed GSO presents roasted, nutty, fatty, and fruity flavors, and the GSO obtained via AEE presents fatty and fruity flavors. The acid and peroxide contents of these oil samples are 0.69–079 mg g−1 and 5.17–5.79 mmol kg−1, respectively. The results indicate that the extraction method affects the fatty acid composition, flavor components, and physiochemical properties of the GSO. This study may help promote the development of edible GSO.Practical applications: With high demand for edible oils, it is of great significance to find natural edible oils from different sources. The oil in golden melon seeds is extracted by different methods. Their fatty acid composition and flavor components are analyzed. The GSO extracted via AEE method is rich in fatty acids composition. This work would guide the development of an edible GSO and increase the value of golden melon.

Sensory Acceptability and Proximate Composition of 3-Blend Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives.

Limitations of plant-based dairy alternatives as sustainable foods are their relatively low protein content and low sensory appeal. In this study, we used a consumer-led product development approach to improve the sensory appeal of existing prototypes of 3-blend dairy alternatives produced from melon seeds, peanuts and coconut. We used Relative Preference Mapping (RPM) and consumer acceptance testing using the 9-point hedonic scale to respectively identify innovative flavours and deduce the effect of ingredient components on consumer sensory appeal. Mixture design was used as the formulation tool to obtain optimized prototypes of the 3-blend dairy alternatives. Proximate analysis of the new prototypes, instrumental color assessment and consumer testing provided a basis to select a sustainable 3-blend dairy alternative. This prototype had a relatively high protein content (2.16%), was considered innovative by target consumers and also had a moderate liking score (6.55 ± 1.88) on the 9-point hedonic scale. Prototypes with higher protein content had low sensory appeal and were not considered innovative. Other prototypes with innovative sensory appeal had low protein content. By combining different plant raw materials and utilizing different sensory testing methods, we were able to design sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives which can be further optimized.

Size, imbibition, and viability of seeds of two creole melon (Cucumis melo L.) from the state of Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: To determine the physical and physiological characteristics of Creole melon seeds from the Costa Chica ofGuerrero.Design/Methodology/Approach: It was established under a completely randomized design, and Student’s t-tests (a=0.05) and correlation with Pearson’s test were performed. Viability and imbibition were carried out using the methodologies described by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).Results: Creole seeds of the two varieties presented a significant statistical difference (95% confidence level) in the physical quality variables. The imbibition ended at 18 and 32 h in V2 and V1, respectively, after being submerged in water. The humidity percentage was higher in V1 (7.19); while, V2 presented a higher percentage of germination and viability (96 and 90%, respectively). There is a positive association between the humidity and the physical dimensions of the seed and the germination and viability (r2=0.954) that is highly significant (P=0.003).Study Limitations/Implications: Morphological and taxonomic classification studies of the Creole genotypes of the Costa Chica region of Guerrero are required.Findings/Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between the physical and physiological quality of the Creole melon seeds.