Natural Food Sources Research Articles

The Role of Vitamins, Magnesium, and Trace Elements in COVID-19 Treatment and Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation: An Updated Overview.

This review summarizes the scientific knowledge concerning the impact of vitamins, magnesium, and trace elements on various mechanisms contributing to the possible treatment and prevention of COVID-19, including its delayed consequences. A search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.- gov, and Web of Science. Among the main mechanisms involved in the effects of the studied micronutrients, immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were also highlighted. The analyzed clinical trials confirmed that supplementation with higher daily doses of some micronutrients can reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load and hospitalization time. The potential role of most known vitamins in preventing, treating COVID-19, and rehabilitating patients was considered. The most promising agents for combating COVID-19 and its consequences might be the following vitamins: vitamin D, ascorbic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and some B complex vitamins. Inorganic elements deserving attention include magnesium and trace elements, such as zinc, selenium, copper, and iron. Some associations were found between micronutrient deficiencies and COVID-19 severity in children, adults, and older people. Patients can obtain the aforementioned micronutrients from natural food sources or as supplements/- drugs in various dosage forms. The reviewed micronutrients might be considered adjunctive treatment strategies for COVID-19 patients.

A comparative metabolomic investigation of different sections of Sicilian Citrus x limon (L.) Osbeck, characterization of bioactive metabolites, and evaluation of in vivo toxicity on zebrafish embryo.

Citrus fruits are a diverse and economically important group of fruit crops known for their distinctive flavors and high nutritional value. Their cultivation and consumption contribute significantly to the global agricultural economy and offer a wide range of health benefits. Among the genetic diversity of citrus species, Citrus x limon (L.) Osbeck is particularly relevant due to its chemical composition and potential health benefits. Two cultivars from the Sicily region (southern Italy) were compared for their phenolic content and preliminary antioxidant activity to select the distinctive extract with potential biological activity. A detailed characterization revealed the occurrence of phenolics, coumarins, and flavonoids. The quantification of metabolites contained in the selected extract was performed by an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatographic method coupled with an ultraviolet detector. Different concentrations were tested in vivo through the fish embryo acute toxicity test, and the 50% lethal dose of 107,833µgmL-1 was calculated. Finally, the effect of the extract on hatching was evaluated, and a dose-dependent relationship with the accelerated hatching rate was reported, suggesting a Femminello Zagara Bianca green peel upregulating effect on the hatching enzymes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Citrus fruits and their products continue to be one of the natural food sources with the highest waste output. In this study, we demonstrate how food industry waste, particularly lemon peel, is rich in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be used in the nutraceuticals industry.

Diversity of Sarcocystis parasites in southeastern Baltic Sea catchment ecosystems.

Currently, research on apicomplexan Sarcocystis parasites is mainly carried out by analyzing animal carcasses. However, environmental studies would not only allow faster detection of possible sources of infection but also avoid the use of animals for investigations. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to identify tested Sarcocystis species in sediment collected from water bodies located in the southeastern Baltic countries. A total of 99 sediment samples were collected during the summer from different types of water bodies in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Species-specific nested PCR targeting cox1 gene was used for the detection of selected Sarcocystis species (S. cruzi, S. bovifelis, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. miescheriana, and S. bertrami) infecting livestock. The results showed a statistically lower (p < 0.05) occurrence of Sarcocystis parasites in Estonia (50%) compared to three countries, where the detection rate of Sarcocystis spp. DNA was remarkably higher, ranging from 88 to 100%. Among Sarcocystis species tested, S. cruzi (83.8%) and S. arieticanis (55.6%) using cattle and sheep as their intermediate hosts were most commonly identified. The detection rates of some of the analyzed Sarcocystis species were significantly different in southeastern Baltic countries. It is discussed that the detection rates of certain Sarcocystis species depend not only on the number of animals per 1 km2 but also on various ecological factors and farming practices that differ in the amount of contact domestic animals have with predators and the potential for animals to become infected through natural water or food sources.

The Power of Vitamin D: Is the Future in Precision Nutrition through Personalized Supplementation Plans?

In the last few decades, vitamin D has undeniably been one of the most studied nutrients. Despite our ability to produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure, its presence in several natural food sources and fortified foods, and its widespread availability as a dietary supplement, vitamin D deficiency is a serious public health problem, affecting nearly 50% of the global population. Low serum levels of vitamin D are being associated with increased susceptibility to numerous health conditions, including respiratory infections, mental health, autoimmune diseases, and different cancer types. Although the association between vitamin D status and health is well-established, the exact beneficial effects of vitamin D are still inconclusive and indefinite, especially when considering the prevention and treatment of different health conditions and the determination of an appropriate dosage to exert those beneficial effects in various population groups. Therefore, further research is needed. With constant improvements in our understanding of individual variations in vitamin D metabolism and requirements, in the future, precision nutrition and personalized supplementation plans could prove beneficial.

A pyridyl-benzimidazole based ruthenium(II) complex as optical sensor: Targeted cyanide detection and live cell imaging applications

An extreme toxicity of cyanide (CN−) ion in diverse environmental media has encouraged significant attention for scheming well-organised molecular probes for its selective and sensitive detection. Keeping in mind, we present here a monometallic Ru(II) complex (Ru-1) based on 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole moiety acting as a highly selective luminescent probe for CN− recognition in pure water. Besides, Ru-1 also acted as an efficient sensor for F−, AcO− and H2PO4− ions along with CN− when acetonitrile was chosen as solvent system. The binding constant (Kb) and detection limit (LoD) for CN− have been depicted as 3.05 × 106 M−1 and 12.8 nM, respectively, in water. The close proximity of N-H site with Ru(II) centre along with its remarkable acidity were identified as mainly responsible for the high selectivity of Ru-1 toward CN− in water. Job’s plot and DFT analyses were carried out to support the anion binding mechanism. Furthermore, the time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) spectroscopy was performed to assess the cyanide-induced emission lifetime change of Ru-1 in aqueous medium. In order to investigate applied potential, the probe Ru-1 was notably developed into paper-based strips that could readily detect CN− ion in mM range via naked eye under 365 nm light illumination, and also adequately employed to detect CN− in human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines and natural food sources (such as apple seeds and sprouting potatoes).

Evaluation of Thai Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Hydrolysate Powder for Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertensive Rats.

The angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) plays a pivotal role in hypertension, and while ACE inhibitors are conventional in hypertension management, synthetic medications often carry undesirable side effects. This has spurred interest in alternative ACE inhibitors derived from natural sources, such as edible insects. The silkworm, recognized for its bioactive peptides with potent ACE-inhibitory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate. This study aims to evaluate the acute toxicity and assess the antihypertensive efficacy of crude mature silkworm hydrolysate powder (MSHP) obtained from mature Thai silkworms. Utilizing the commercial protease Alcalase®2.4L, MSHP was administered at various doses, including 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1, to hypertensive rats. The investigation spans a 14-day period to observe any potential acute toxic effects. Results indicate that MSHP exhibits LD50 values equal to or exceeding 2000 mg kg-1, signifying a low level of acute toxicity. Furthermore, the effective dose for blood pressure reduction in hypertensive rats surpasses 100 mg kg-1 of rat body weight. These findings suggest that MSHP derived from Thai mature silkworms holds promise as a natural antihypertensive food source. The implications of this research extend to the development of functional foods, functional ingredients, and dietary supplements aimed at managing hypertension.

Inhibitory potential of recombinant and native peanut Bowman-Birk inhibitor against proteases of human blood coagulation pathway

Plant proteinase/protease inhibitors (PIs) have therapeutic potential besides their role in regulating endogenous protease activity in several physiological processes. They exert their function by inhibiting the catalytic activity of specific proteases. The use of PIs for inhibiting coagulation factors and slowing down the blood coagulation process has emerged as a critical intervention point for developing antithrombotic agents. The present study has demonstrated the characterization of bacterially expressed recombinant peanut Bowman-Birk inhibitor (rPnBBI) and evaluation of its anticoagulant potential compared to native PnBBI (isoinhibitors pool) purified from peanuts. The full-length BBI gene was cloned, and rPnBBI (7.53 kDa) expressed in the soluble fraction of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain was isolated by passing through the trypsin affinity column. The purified rPnBBI with β-sheets as major secondary structural elements exhibited inhibitory activity towards bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin at diverse pH and temperatures. Both, rPnBBI and PnBBI showed anticoagulant effects by prolonging the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and inhibiting the activity of proteases/factors (plasma kallikrein, FXIIa, FXIa, FIXa, and FXa) involved in the blood coagulation pathway. Besides, rPnBBI and PnBBI showed a similar inhibitory tendency towards FXIIa, FXIa, and FIXa, while rPnBBI exhibited a higher inhibition potential than PnBBI towards FXa. Contrarily, PnBBI showed higher inhibitory potential than rPnBBI on plasma kallikrein. Altogether, the bioactive BBI molecules from the natural food source peanuts showed significant anticoagulant potential, which could be exploited in the prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders associated with various human diseases.

Spirulina platensis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds: Health implications and applications in the food industry

AbstractThe exponential growth of the global population, coupled with issues of insufficient and imbalanced nutrition, as well as a surge in health‐related problems, has compelled individuals to seek innovative and alternative food sources while optimizing existing resources. Microalgae have been a staple source of livelihood and essential nourishment for people in various regions worldwide. Their rich content of proteins, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for nutrition, has made them a fundamental source of sustenance. Spirulina platensis (S. platensis), a single‐celled, filamentous, prokaryotic microalgae, has long been recognized as a valuable natural food source, with historical usage dating back to ancient times. On the other hand, Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum), although a freshwater species, belongs to the Pennateae group of single‐celled eukaryotic diatoms and exhibits adaptability to marine environments. S. platensis and P. tricornutum have recently gained attention due to their abundant bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and phenolic acids. These bioactive compounds are known for their potential health benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and hypocholesterolemic properties. This review examines the bioactive compounds produced by S. platensis and P. tricornutum, their impacts on human health, and their promising applications within the food industry.

Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Aquaculture: What Goes Right, What Goes Wrong? A Scientific-Based Snapshot.

Aquaculture is a crucial industry that can help meet the increasing demand for aquatic protein products and provide employment opportunities in coastal areas and beyond. If incorrectly manage, traditional aquaculture methods can have negative impacts on the environment and natural resources, including water pollution and overuse of wild fish stocks as aquafeed ingredients. Biofloc technology (BFT) may offer a promising solution to some of these challenges by promoting a cleaner and sustainable production system. BFT converts waste into bioflocs, which serve as a natural food source for fish and shrimp within the culture system, reducing the need for external inputs, such as feed and chemicals. Moreover, BFT has the potential to improve yields and economic performance while promoting efficient resource utilization, such as water and energy. Despite its numerous advantages, BFT presents several challenges, such as high energy demand, high initial/running costs, waste (effluent, suspended solids, and sludge) management, opportunistic pathogens (vibrio) spread, and a lack of understanding of operational/aquatic/microbial dynamics. However, with further training, research, and innovation, these challenges can be overcome, and BFT can become a more widely understood and adopted technique, acting as an effective method for sustainable aquaculture. In summary, BFT offers a cleaner production option that promotes circularity practices while enhancing performance and economic benefits. This technique has the potential to address several challenges faced by the aquaculture industry while ensuring its continued growth and protecting the environment. A more broad BFT adoption can contribute to meeting the increasing demand for aquaculture products while reducing the industry's negative impact on the environment and natural resources. In this context, this review provides an overview of the advantages and challenges of BFT and highlights key technical, biological, and economic aspects to optimize its application, promote further adoption, and overcome the current challenges.

Synthesis of Green Photoluminescence Carbon Dots Using Edible Seafood Mushroom and Their Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications

AbstractCarbon dots (CDs) have emerged as versatile fluorescent nanomaterials for diverse applications. The synthesis of CDs from natural products offers a sustainable alternative to chemical methods. This study presents the preparation of green fluorescent CDs (G‐CDs) using seafood mushrooms as the carbon source and 5‐amino‐2‐methylphenol as the nitrogen source through a hydrothermal approach. The G‐CDs exhibit maximum excitation/emission peaks at 467/519 nm and a high quantum yield of up to 17.2% in ethanol. Additionally, the G‐CDs demonstrate excellent photostability, salt tolerance, and chemical stability. The excitation‐independent emissions suggest the presence of unique surface‐state luminescent centers. The application of the G‐CDs as an anti‐counterfeiting fluorescent ink is demonstrated. This work highlights the promise of converting natural food sources into high‐performance CDs, expanding their utility across various domains including biomedicine, sensing, and security.

Micronutrients Importance in Cancer Prevention-Minerals.

Cancer, a non-communicable disease with diverse kinds is one of the major global problems with high incidence and no proven method to prevent or treat. Minerals including trace elements are significant micronutrients for preserving the body's typical physiological function. In contrast to extremely processed industrial food, they are rich in natural sources of food and frequently included in nutritional supplements. The daily intake, storage capacities, and homeostasis of micronutrients depend on specific dietary practices in contemporary civilization and can be disturbed by various malignancies. Varied minerals have different effects on the status of cancer depending on how they affect these pathways. The outcomes could differ depending on the mineral such as calcium's supply and the cancer's location. A mineral called zinc helps the immune system function better and aids in wound healing. On the other hand, selenium exhibits anti-oxidant functions and has a dose-response relationship with many cancer types. However, this component can make the patient's condition worse. Although the body produces free radicals when iron is deficient, anaemia affects a patient's quality of life and ability to receive therapy. This chapter compiles the knowledge of minerals connected to unusual accumulation or depletion states in various malignancies.

Lactobacillus as probiotics: opportunities and challenges for potential benefits in female reproductive health.

The growing interest of the scientific community in the study of probiotics has gathered valuable data about its beneficial effects for multiple clinical conditions. This data also provides evidence for the functions and properties of probiotics and how they contribute to health benefits by influencing normal microbiota. Lactobacillus is an important genus which has long been utilized in the food industry and is also found as normal oral, intestinal and vaginal microbiota. Lactobacillus has shown multiple health benefits but its relative importance as a probiotic is majorly explored for gastrointestinal health. Healthy vaginal microbiota typically harbors Lactobacillus spp. providing several health benefits for female reproductive health, but there is more data required in order to compare the relative benefits with probiotic Lactobacillus added through either natural food sources or with standard probiotics supplements. The present article discusses the current status of knowledge about vaginal Lactobacillus as a probiotic and also compares the potential of probiotics from natural sources and through supplements along with recent approaches in this area.

Polyphenols as Therapeutics in Respiratory Diseases: Moving from Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications.

Respiratory diseases are the most common and severe health complication and a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, few safe and effective therapeutics have been reported. Phytochemicals are gaining popularity due to their beneficial effects and low toxicity. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites with high molecular weights found at high levels in natural food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and citrus seeds. Over recent decades, polyphenols and their beneficial effects on human health have been the subject of intense research, with notable successes in preventing major chronic non-communicable diseases. Many respiratory syndromes can be treated effectively with polyphenolic supplements, including acute lung damage, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer. This review summarizes the role of polyphenols in respiratory conditions with sufficient experimental data, highlights polyphenols with beneficial effects for each, and identifies those with therapeutic potential and their underlying mechanisms. Moreover, clinical studies and future research opportunities in this area are discussed.

Investigation of Some Quality Criteria in Chestnut Honey of Düzce Province

Honey is a natural food source that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years and has an important place in various cultures. Chestnut honey is an important type of honey produced in Düzce province. Determining the quality and purity of honey ensures that consumers have access to safe, high-quality honey. The control criteria for the suitability of honey for human health consumption are defined in the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Honey (2020/7). Düzce University Scientific and Technological Research Application and Research Center (DÜBİT) responds to requests for honey analysis for non-commercial, internal quality control purposes. In this study, the results of honey samples produced in the province of Düzce and analyzed in the laboratories of DÜBİT were examined according to the criteria of the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Honey and an evaluation of the results was carried out. According to the test results, 38%, 20% and 16% of the samples were found to be unsuitable for the quality criteria, especially for the sugar profile, conductivity and proline parameters, respectively. Additionally, pollen analysis of 13% of the honey samples revealed pollen densities that did not match the declared plant family. From a public health point of view, it is important to consume high-quality, reliable and natural honey products. Therefore, quality control of bee products should be carried out from the producer to the consumer.

Identification of key yeast species and microbe-microbe interactions impacting larval growth of Drosophila in the wild.

Microbiota consisting of various fungi and bacteria have a significant impact on the physiological functions of the host. However, it is unclear which species are essential to this impact and how they affect the host. This study analyzed and isolated microbes from natural food sources of Drosophila larvae, and investigated their functions. Hanseniaspora uvarum is the predominant yeast responsible for larval growth in the earlier stage of fermentation. As fermentation progresses, Acetobacter orientalis emerges as the key bacterium responsible for larval growth, although yeasts and lactic acid bacteria must coexist along with the bacterium to stabilize this host-bacterial association. By providing nutrients to the larvae in an accessible form, the microbiota contributes to the upregulation of various genes that function in larval cell growth and metabolism. Thus, this study elucidates the key microbial species that support animal growth under microbial transition.

Identification of key yeast species and microbe–microbe interactions impacting larval growth of Drosophila in the wild

Microbiota consisting of various fungi and bacteria have a significant impact on the physiological functions of the host. However, it is unclear which species are essential to this impact and how they affect the host. This study analyzed and isolated microbes from natural food sources of Drosophila larvae, and investigated their functions. Hanseniaspora uvarum is the predominant yeast responsible for larval growth in the earlier stage of fermentation. As fermentation progresses, Acetobacter orientalis emerges as the key bacterium responsible for larval growth, although yeasts and lactic acid bacteria must coexist along with the bacterium to stabilize this host–bacterial association. By providing nutrients to the larvae in an accessible form, the microbiota contributes to the upregulation of various genes that function in larval cell growth and metabolism. Thus, this study elucidates the key microbial species that support animal growth under microbial transition.

PKM KELOMPOK TERNAK LEBAH MADU (APIS CERANA) DALAM PENINGKATAN KESEJAHTERAAN KELOMPOK DI DESA BAHA

Apis cerana is a local Asian bee that is distributed almost throughout this continent. Apis cerana is a type of local honey bee that is prone to migration when natural food sources are insufficient. Based on the results of discussions with members of the honey bee group in Baha village, a priority problem that needs to be addressed by group members with assistance from universities can be formulated, namely increasing the ability of group members to be able to adopt appropriate technology for developing honey bees according to required standards so that productivity increases. Adopting technology to reduce mortality rates by using artificial feed. The queen rearing method is used to produce honey bees with high productivity and can carry out post-harvest technology if enough product is produced. The solution offered is to hold outreach. The counseling material concerns: how to develop appropriate, cheap and easy management techniques and develop Apis cerana honey bees, this problem will be informed to honey bee breeders in Baha village, Mengwi sub-district, Badung Regency. Efforts to increase the reproduction and productivity of bees, the application of alternative technology includes the selection of superior seeds and the use/operation of extractor machines in an effort to increase the productivity of bees with their support poles to avoid pests, and how to formulate honey bee animal feed that is cheap, easy to obtain and available in the village. according to livestock needs. After the counseling was carried out, training was carried out for the two groups using three students, such as making colony boxes with supporting poles to avoid pests and diseases of the Apis cerana honey bee.

Integrated multitrophic aquaculture in ponds using substrate for periphyton as natural source of food

As a productive and sustainable alternative to fish farmers, the present study aims to evaluate the use of substrate for periphyton growth in an Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) with complementary species. The studied species were: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and curimbatá (Prochilodus lineatus). The experiment had four treatments with three replicates that evaluated the IMTAs: [T100] Cb:C – tilapia inside hapas fed on recommended feed, with grass carp and curimbatás outside the hapas making use of natural food; [T50] Cb:C – the same species distribution with tilapia fed 50 % of the daily amount of commercial diet. Cb:C 100 and Cb:C 50 – grass carp and curimbatás fed on recommended feed at two feeding rates (100% and 50%) with substrate for periphyton growth in the feeding restriction treatment. In phase II, tilapias were included in all the treatments as a complementary species. Growth performance of fish and physical-chemical parameters of water were evaluated. In the proposed models, the species were efficient in utilizing the feed and in nutrient cycling, achieving productivity of 6 t/ha in the system without water renewal. Inserting secondary and complementary species reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) to values of 0.95 in systems under feed restriction and 1.28 in the groups that received 100% of commercial feed. Considering the reduction of the FCR and the high productivity, farmers can diversify their products in the same area without increasing inputs.

Antibacterial Effect of Aqueous and Alcoholic Ginger Extracts on Periodontal Pathogen Aggregatibacter Actinomycetem Comitans [An in Vitro Study] (Part 1)

Among natural food sources with antimicrobial activities, ginger rhizome has been used as widely grown food spices and medicinal crops for centuries. Furthermore, it possess antifungal and antioxidant properties due to the phenols – related constituents (gingerols) that constrain the growth of many Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria including some periodontal bacteria. The Actinomycetem comitans is a portion of the normal microbiota in numerous healthy individuals but is also a major etiological agent in some aggressive and chronic types of periodontitis. The present study was conducted to test the effect of aqueous and alcoholic ginger extracts on the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetem comitans in comparision to 0.2% chlorohexidine gluconate mouth wash and distilled water in vitro, determination of ginger extracts minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration and detection of active ingredients of ginger extracts by using the high-performance liquid chromatography as well as chemical elements.

Food availability and population parameters for squirrels differ even in neighbouring urban parks

Some species occur in higher densities in cities than in natural habitats, despite the variety of urban stressors. Urban fragments can be extremely heterogeneous though, and species’ responses might vary between urban patches. However, only few studies examine mammalian populations from different fragments in the core of cities, where stressors are at their maximum. The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is highly abundant in urban green spaces and readily makes use of supplemental food sources. We examined natural and supplemental food sources as well as squirrel populations in three small parks in an urban core. We found pronounced differences in natural and supplemental food availability between the parks. Squirrel population densities were generally higher at all three urban sites when compared to a geographically close located natural forest, but with variation between the parks. The squirrel density in the smallest park in the summer season was 42 times higher (index of minimum number alive: 8.8 individuals/ha) than in the forest, whereas it was only 20 or respectively 16 times higher in the two other parks. Individuals from the park with the highest population density had access to the highest amount of supplemental food sources. However, side effects from non-natural food items, e.g., related to nutrition, also need to be taken into consideration and might counteract the advantages of supplemental food sources. This study shows that urban effects can vary even at the smallest scale between nearby urban habitat patches and this needs to be considered when drawing conclusions about the effects of urbanisation and deciding about conservation actions.